Jiang Huaiyu rubbed her temples helplessly, wondering if her peculiar luck would serve her better at a gambling hall. Compared to encountering some aristocratic scion, running into He Congjun—a prince, no less—was far more alarming. No wonder he'd carried such an air of entitlement when questioning her. Reflecting on their earlier conversation, she sighed in relief. Thankfully, she hadn't said anything inappropriate.
"What kind of luck is this?" she muttered, exasperated.
Still, life moved on. The day of Tangbao's zhuazhou—his first birthday tradition—finally arrived, and Jiang Huaiyu set aside her previous worries to focus on the joyful occasion. She had planned everything meticulously and invited Qi Jue and Qin Ziqin to join the celebration. Knowing Qin Ziqin's carefree nature, she figured it was better to invite him than to hear him complain later.
A mat was laid out on the floor, and small symbolic objects were arranged neatly: books, coins, tools, and even a miniature sword. Tangbao, who was just starting to toddle, seemed eager to explore. Clinging to Jiang Huaiyu's leg, he wobbled excitedly as he watched Granny Xu set up the items.
Qin Ziqin, ever playful, added a jade-carved gourd to the mix, while Qi Jue contributed a scroll of poetry with auspicious verses. The princess, though absent, had sent a beautiful gemstone-studded longevity lock, delicate and ornate. As for He Congjun, it seemed he had forgotten her existence altogether; not a single word or gift arrived from him.
Jiang Huaiyu smiled at Tangbao, tousling his soft hair. "Alright, darling, go on and pick something you like."
Tangbao, of course, didn't understand her words, but he toddled forward, giggling as he stumbled. When he fell, he didn't cry; instead, he got back up and beamed at everyone, showing off his tiny teeth as he waddled toward the mat.
"What an obedient little one," Qin Ziqin remarked, folding his arms and clicking his tongue in admiration.
"Of course! Who do you think raised him?" Jiang Huaiyu puffed up with pride, her smug expression drawing chuckles from the group.
Tangbao's antics drew even more laughter. He first grabbed a book, prompting Granny Xu to exclaim, "Young Master is destined to be a scholar! A bright future awaits!"
But then, Tangbao turned and tucked a miniature sword into his waistband, his tiny fingers fumbling with the strap of his specially tailored outfit. He looked so serious about it that Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Ultimately, Tangbao didn't seem content to choose just one item. The determined little boy piled everything into his small arms and waddled back to his mother, struggling but triumphant.
"Look at this little hoarder!" Jiang Huaiyu knelt to gather her son into a hug, overcome with affection. She couldn't resist poking his forehead. "Silly Tangbao."
The others shared her amusement, their laughter filling the room. Even Granny Xu couldn't hold back her pride as she carefully packed away the symbolic objects. Not a single item had fallen from Tangbao's grasp—a good omen, she declared.
Jiang Huaiyu held her son close and whispered softly, "Tangbao, you're one year old now. I hope you grow up healthy and happy. I don't wish for wealth or greatness, only that your days are smooth and peaceful."
Her voice was warm and earnest, and the room fell momentarily silent. Qin Ziqin, leaning lazily on his chair, felt an uncharacteristic pang of envy. He had never heard a parent express such simple, heartfelt wishes. For a moment, he envied Tangbao—not for his bright future, but for having a mother like Jiang Huaiyu.
As the celebration continued, a sudden knock interrupted the atmosphere. Zhu Zhu opened the door, and moments later, none other than Jin Chong entered. His sickly appearance belied his sharp presence as he sauntered in uninvited.
"Well, isn't this a fine feast?" Jin Chong drawled. "And you didn't think to invite me? How heartless."
Jiang Huaiyu arched a brow, unfazed. "Last time I shared some mooncakes, you asked if I'd sell you the recipe. If I invited you today, you might try to buy my son instead."
"Please." Jin Chong rolled his eyes dramatically. "I wouldn't stoop so low as to deal in human merchandise."
Despite his words, his actions spoke otherwise. He settled into an empty seat with all the poise of someone who belonged there, prompting Granny Xu to hurriedly fetch an extra set of dishes.
The meal began, the centerpiece being a large, unassuming clay pot. The array of dishes included steamed fish, four-meat balls, and other hearty fare. Jin Chong's delicate features twisted into a faint sneer as he surveyed the spread.
"This is the grand feast for your guests?" he asked, his voice dripping with disdain.
The room tensed. Granny Xu and the others exchanged glances, their displeasure clear. They had worked hard to prepare this meal, and Jin Chong's dismissive comment felt like a slap.
"You're awfully picky for someone who wasn't even invited," Jiang Huaiyu retorted smoothly.
"Exactly," Qin Ziqin chimed in, his tone light but mocking. "If you're so dissatisfied, Jin Shaodong, why bother showing up?"
"Why, if even the esteemed Champion Marquis can stoop to attend, why shouldn't I?" Jin Chong shot back, snatching up his chopsticks. He sampled a dish with deliberate slowness before finally conceding, "Not bad. Not bad at all."
The tension eased, and the group resumed their meal, laughter and conversation weaving through the room.
Originally, Qin Ziqin and Qi Jue had been sitting at the same table with Xiaocao, Granny Xu, and the others, enjoying the meal together. But the moment Jin Chong arrived, the women insisted on stepping back, tidying the table meticulously as if they hadn't just been sharing it.
After eating just enough to fill her stomach, Jiang Huaiyu sat back and observed the three men. Their movements with the communal chopsticks were swift and precise, even exuding a kind of elegance. Yet, somehow, they managed to clear plate after plate at an impressive pace.
"You're all eating like a storm." Jiang Huaiyu sighed in mock exasperation.
"It's decent enough," Jin Chong sniffed with mild disdain.
"I'd say it's an absolute feast," Qi Jue offered sincerely, his honesty as endearing as ever.
Qin Ziqin, meanwhile, rolled his eyes theatrically. "It's not bad, but the portions are small. When I was stationed on the border, this whole table wouldn't have been enough to fill me up." Despite his rakish air, Qin Ziqin's refined features lacked the roughness one might expect from a general.
"Champion Marquis, always the prodigy," Jin Chong remarked with a sly smile that barely concealed his mockery. "So young, and already leading armies."
"Obviously." Qin Ziqin tilted his chin up slightly, his pride shining through.
Jiang Huaiyu ignored their thinly veiled rivalry and addressed them with calm composure. "Gentlemen, have you all had your fill? No one's interested in trying the Buddha Jumps Over the Wall?"
Jin Chong raised a brow skeptically. "What a peculiar name. That black, charred-looking jar doesn't even give off a scent. How good could it possibly be?"
Jiang Huaiyu, unimpressed by his skepticism, let the remark slide.
"The name's intriguing. Bring me a bowl—I'll try it," Qin Ziqin declared, never one to miss out on novelty. In his opinion, anything Jiang Huaiyu presented would be worth tasting, precisely because it was bound to be something extraordinary.
Qi Jue nodded, his curiosity piqued. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to try it as well."
Jiang Huaiyu smiled, a hint of smugness in her eyes. "Granny Xu, Zhu Zhu, please lift the lid and serve our guests." She had harbored a selfish hope that none of them would want the dish, leaving the entire jar for herself and her servants. Alas, her plan was foiled.
Granny Xu moved to the pot, carefully lifting the lid. The moment it was opened, a billowing cloud of fragrant steam rose into the air, carrying a rich, meaty aroma that filled the room and wafted out into the street. Curious neighbors sniffed the air, craning their necks to figure out where the irresistible scent was coming from.
Even though she had known the dish was made with premium ingredients, Granny Xu hadn't anticipated it smelling this heavenly. Her stomach growled involuntarily as the aroma tickled her senses, making her salivate.
When bowls filled with the golden broth and tender morsels of delicacies were placed in front of the men, Jin Chong's usually composed expression faltered for the first time.
It was delicious.
The word floated through all three men's minds like a revelation.
Jiang Huaiyu, meanwhile, remained composed. She let out a soft breath of relief. The dish had turned out better than she'd dared hope, despite having to substitute some of the original ingredients. The rich, enticing aroma spoke for itself—she hadn't failed.
The contrast between her calm demeanor and the men's awe only made her seem more impressive.
"Well? Don't just sit there. It'll lose its flavor if it cools," she prompted with a teasing smile.
Her words snapped them out of their trance. Each man carefully picked up a bowl and sipped the broth. Qi Jue, ever the honest one, widened his eyes in astonishment, his face an open book of delight. Jin Chong and Qin Ziqin, however, tried to maintain a facade of nonchalance, dabbing at their lips with napkins even as they subtly quickened their pace, finishing both the meat and the soup with relish.
"It's... ahem, quite good," Jin Chong admitted begrudgingly, his pride refusing to let him offer more praise.
Still, the fact that he silently pushed his bowl closer to the pot spoke volumes. Known for his discerning palate, Jin Chong rarely went back for seconds, let alone thirds. But tonight, he found himself refilling his bowl again and again, unable to stop until he'd emptied three servings.