However, she was worried that this person might have ulterior motives.
So,
Jiang Yan had someone secretly keep an eye on Jiang Wan.
It didn’t take long for Jiang Yan to find out who sent the pancake to Jiang Wan. After considering, she had Jun Shen investigate this person.
After the investigation confirmed there were no issues,
Jiang Yan felt relieved.
“Dear, I’m off tomorrow.”
Jun Shen’s implication was clear; he wanted Jiang Yan to spend time with him instead of always being at the workshop.
Jiang Yan said: “Then let’s take Da Bao and the others camping tomorrow.”
“Camping?”
Jun Shen focused on the key word.
Jiang Yan briefly explained: “It’s when you go out into the wilderness to set up tents, cook outdoors, or bring some food to eat outside.”
“Okay.”
Jun Shen was fine with whatever, letting Jiang Yan decide.
Jiang Yan thought about preparing some pastries, some chicken in a pot, and bringing a barbecue grill with some ingredients for a barbecue.
Jiang Ling, upon hearing this, decided not to go to work at the shop the next day and join the camping trip.
Since she was going,
Jiang Wan naturally wanted to go too, as it was a rare chance to have fun outside.
Jun Xian happened to be over for dinner that night and, upon learning of this, asked where they were going and decided to join them.
…
The next day,
Jun Xian bought a lot of things early in the morning and then took a carriage to the riverside thirty miles south of the city, as Jiang Yan had mentioned. He was stunned to find no one there when he arrived. Could he have come to the wrong place?
Jun Xian started talking to his shadow guard. “Did we take the wrong path?” The shadow guard replied, “Master, could it be that we arrived too early?” Jun Xian: “…” He had indeed forgotten the time. They waited for about half an hour. Finally, Jun Xian saw Jiang Yan and his group. Jiang Ling jumped off the carriage, looking surprised, “Why are you here so early!” “I got up early.” Jun Xian certainly wouldn’t tell Jiang Ling that he forgot the time and came too early. Seeing him by the fire. Jiang Ling laid out the mats she brought and arranged their belongings with Jiang Wan. She then joined Jun Xian by the fire. Noticing the food being roasted around the fire. Jiang Ling paused, “You came here without eating breakfast?” “I did eat, but I can eat more.” Jun Xian picked up a grilled fish and started gnawing on it, then waved it in front of Jiang Ling, “Mmm, it’s so fragrant, how can it be so delicious?” Even though Jiang Ling was full, the aroma tempted her. She chose a medium-sized one. Just as Jiang Ling was about to eat, she remembered her siblings hadn’t eaten yet, so she took it to them. Jiang Yan and the others didn’t take it, letting her eat it herself. However, Jiang Dabao and his siblings wanted some. Jiang Ling didn’t dare give it to them. “Isn’t it fragrant?” Jun Xian saw Jiang Ling’s eyes squint in delight as she ate, and asked with a smile. “It’s alright.” Jiang Ling responded. Seizing the moment, Jun Xian said, “I bought this from a shop; their fish is a specialty. If you like it, I’ll take you there next time. They have not only grilled fish but also steamed fish, braised fish, and fried fish…” This was undoubtedly tempting for Jiang Ling, who loved fish. “Sounds good!” Jiang Ling agreed without thinking. After agreeing, she suddenly wondered if she had agreed too quickly. Jun Xian handed her a roasted sweet potato, “Try this, it’s delicious too.” Jiang Yan, observing from the side, whispered to Jun Shen, “Jun Shen, could your brother have taken a fancy to our third sister?” If not, why would he be so nice to her, continuously offering her delicious treats? Jun Shen also thought so and said, “If you don’t want it, I’ll warn him to stay away from your third sister.” Jiang Yan was unsure how to respond. She gave each of her three children some food, then spoke, “To be fair, your brother isn’t a bad person, but his mother is quite the headache. Even if we agree, she probably wouldn’t.” Mi Shu had always wanted to find a suitable match for Jun Xian. Naturally, she would disapprove. Jun Shen knew this, so in the afternoon, he used the excuse of fishing to take Jun Xian to a distant place to fish. While fishing, Jun Shen told Jun Xian, “You and Jiang Ling aren’t a good match, stay away from her.” “Brother, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.” Jun Xian’s hand holding the fishing rod trembled. Jun Shen knew he understood but was unwilling to oppose, so he continued, “If you don’t understand, let me explain more clearly: don’t pursue Jiang Ling. Not only would we not agree, but your mother would never allow it.” They all saw it. Why couldn’t that girl see it? Thinking of his mother, Jun Xian felt a bit stifled, but he was unwilling to give up, “Brother, if you can, so can I. Besides, I’m not the heir anymore, you are.” “You’ll see when you try.” Jun Shen pulled up a carp with his fishing rod. Upon returning home, Jun Xian wanted to speak with his mother about this immediately. But thinking she might not agree and would do something, he waited a few days before bringing it up, “Mother, if I wanted to marry a commoner, would you agree?” “Since you’re asking, you already know what I think! Even if you’re not the heir now, you’re still the king’s son. Marrying a commoner, how could that be? I would never agree!” After her outburst, Mi Shu’s gaze shifted to Jun Xian. She scrutinized him for a while and asked, “Who have you taken a fancy to?” Jun Xian didn’t dare to say, “I was just asking casually. I haven’t taken a fancy to anyone in my daily life. Ordinary girls don’t catch my eye.” “That’s for the best. Rest assured, your mother has already arranged for you to meet some prospects. It won’t be long before you can look at them. Choose one you like with a good family background.” Mi Shu didn’t think much of it, as her son had always been quite selective. What! She was arranging for him to meet women! Jun Xian felt terrible, “Mother, I don’t want to get married now; I want to wait until I’m older.” Hearing this, Mi Shu’s anger flared up. “Older, how old do you want to be? Your brother already has three children and is far ahead of you. No, you must get married this year!”
Chapter 139: Has He Taken a Fancy to Her?
Seeing his mother was determined to make him marry, Jun Xian looked at her and said, “Mother, don’t force me. If you force me, I’ll become a monk!” “You dare, you unfilial son! Are you trying to kill me with anger? I planned the position of heir for you, which you didn’t want, and now you won’t even listen to me about marrying a wife. I’ve raised you for nothing!” The more Mi Shu thought about it, the more upset she became, and she burst into tears. This was the first time Jun Xian had seen his mother like this. He felt a bit uncomfortable, but he didn’t change his mind. “All this time, you’ve never asked what I want, just giving me what you think is good. Mother, if you truly want what’s best for me, if you want me to be happy, don’t control me so much.” Mi Shu was furious, throwing things at Jun Xian. Jun Xian didn’t dodge this time. The teapot Mi Shu threw hit Jun Xian’s head, drawing blood. “Why didn’t you dodge?” Mi Shu was both angry and distressed. Jun Xian replied, “If hitting me makes you feel better, then hit me.” “Get out!” Mi Shu didn’t want to deal with him anymore. Fearing his mother might send someone to follow him, Jun Xian didn’t go to Jiang Ling but took a carriage to his previous job at the city gate. Upon arriving here and looking around, Yuan Xu was nowhere to be seen.
Jun Xian asked, “Has anyone seen where Yuan Xu went?”
One by one, they all shook their heads.
They all didn’t know?
Remembering past events, Jun Xian immediately headed towards Jiang Ling’s shop in a carriage.
Yuan Xu had indeed come to Jiang Ling’s place.
