Now that Jiang Sen has his own offspring, it is a good thing. She knew she could not leave behind any children in this world, so it was best that Jiang Sen and Lin Shi had their own direct descendants.
Although she could take care of Jiang Sen and Lin Shi in their old age, an adopted daughter cannot compare to one’s own children. Jiang Can understood this well.
Jiang Sen leaned on the edge of the bed, smiling foolishly at his red-faced little son. He gently touched his son’s chubby little hand and after a long time said disdainfully, “Red as a little hairless monkey, you don’t look like me at all.”
He and Lin Shi had a deep love and didn’t have the notion of avoiding the delivery room. Lin Shi giving birth was already very tormenting for him, and now that she had just given birth, Jiang Sen leaned over the bed, staring foolishly.
Lin Shi had fainted from the exertion of childbirth. The old doctor came over to check her pulse, confirming she was fine before leaving. Only Jiang Sen, Lin Shi, Jiang Can, Wang Ma, and the newborn were left in the room.
Jiang Can looked at the red little baby, and her mouth twitched. Your dad said you look like a hairless little monkey; this will be part of the little bun’s black history in the future.
Looking at this red little baby, a hint of memory flashed in Jiang Chan’s eyes. She had seen newborn babies before. The cleft-lipped child, An An, who was abandoned at birth, was one she had found and brought back.
Shaking off these thoughts, Jiang Can touched the baby’s soft cheek and said, “Dad shouldn’t say that. Newborns with red skin are a good sign. Once the redness fades, the baby’s skin will be very white and tender.”
Wang Ma, folding baby clothes nearby, chimed in, “Yes, Master shouldn’t say that in front of Madam. The young master looks very handsome and will grow up well.”
With the baby’s safe arrival, the Jiang family’s hearts were at ease. After confirming that Lin Shi and her child were safe, the old doctor prepared to return to the main city.
Jiang Chan knew the old doctor was reluctant to leave his favorite dishes behind and promised to send a cook to him later. She had already chosen someone from the charity hospital. There were many children under Jiang Chan’s teaching, and it was easy to pick someone to cook for the old doctor. Winning his favor would be beneficial as he might teach them some medical skills.
Jiang Sen racked his brains to name the baby and finally decided on Jiang Dan. The generation names in the Jiang family had the water radical, and Jiang Sen couldn’t be an exception. He hoped Jiang Dan would be content with a simple life, not seeking fame and fortune, but living peacefully and happily.
Upon hearing the name Jiang Dan, Jiang Chan quickly nicknamed the baby Dandan. Jiang Sen, being quite a mischievous father, kept calling him Dandan all the time.
Jiang Chan was truly good to Jiang Dan, as she had watched him grow up, and they were very close. When the child started to speak, the first word he said was “sister,” which made Jiang Sen so upset that he couldn’t eat his dinner.
He insisted on holding Jiang Dan until he called him “father,” before he would consider letting him off. Lin Shi smiled as she watched the father and son frolic around. She was happy to see Jiang Dan close to Jiang Chan.
Despite having their own son, Jiang Sen and Lin Shi treated Jiang Chan as before, even more concerned about her, fearing she might feel unbalanced.
Time flew by, and Jiang Dan was soon three years old. This was the age for beginning education. Jiang Sen had formulated one plan after another, considering how best to lay a foundation for Jiang Dan.
Unfortunately, the one who Jiang Dan clung to the most was Jiang Chan. Jiang Chan was now eighteen years old. In modern times, this age was just considered adulthood, but in this era, she was already considered an old maid.
In the beginning, after Jiang Chan proposed those three conditions, there was a continuous stream of suitors for a year or two. However, after Jiang Chan’s rejection, everyone gradually reconsidered. Later, the matchmakers became fewer and fewer, until now there are none at all.
As early as two years ago, when Jiang Sen and Lin Shi learned that Jiang Chan had no intention of marrying, they did not press her. Marriage for a woman is only an enhancement; not marrying is also fine, as long as she confidently lives well.
The couple had instructed Jiang Dan to stay close to Jiang Chan, as they hoped he would take care of her in her old age.
Originally serving by Jiang Chan’s side, Zhou Xing was also released by Jiang Chan after she reached adulthood. Over these years, Jiang He had been waiting for Zhou Xing to reach adulthood. When Zhou Xing was freed from slavery, Jiang He took her back home.
It was difficult for Jiang He had waited for four years straight. His elder brother Jiang Hai’s children were all grown up, but there was still no news of him settling down. It wasn’t until later, when the Second Aunt learned about Jiang He’s feelings, that she finally felt at ease.
As soon as Zhou Xing left the Jiang residence, Zhang Shi sent a matchmaker to propose marriage. Zhang Shi was very pleased with Zhou Xing. Her bold and sharp character perfectly matched the taciturn Jiang He. Moreover, Zhou Xing had been subtly influenced by Jiang Chan, making her different from other girls.
The business at Jiang’s Dim Sum shop was very good. Zhou Shan, Wu Shi, and others had saved enough money to buy their freedom and had done so a year ago. Jiang Chan re-signed contracts with them, making them employees instead of slaves.
As for Zhou Yue, after she was freed from slavery, she married a virtuous scholar. This match was arranged by Lin Shi. The scholar was considered a distant nephew of Lin Shi, with modest means. His parents had passed away early, and due to observing mourning for them, he delayed marriage until he reached twenty years of age.
The conditions were actually quite aligned with Jiang Chan’s requirements. Unfortunately, the requirements she put forward were purely to deceive Lin Shi; she truly had no interest in romantic affairs.
Seeing Zhou Yue’s steady character and excellent skills, Lin Shi thought it best to marry her to her nephew. At the very least, if he mistreated Zhou Yue, Lin Shi could still back her up.
Zhou Yue’s gentle nature and the scholar’s upright character made them a good match. Zhou Shan and Wu Shi often expressed their gratitude to Lin Shi and Jiang Sen’s family, knowing their lives would be very different without them.
Jiang Dan’s temperament was very much like Jiang Sen’s. Even at a young age, he often had a stern little face, especially when sitting with Jiang Chan and Jiang Sen, much to Lin Shi’s amusement.
Discover more from Lilly Translations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.