Chapter 32

Mr. Bai, the keeper of You Ran House, heard this voice and was stunned at first, then immediately revealed a look of joy, “Young Master, you’ve come so quickly!”

The crowd at the entrance of You Ran House split open, and a youth of about twelve or thirteen years old walked out from the middle. He wore a black long robe, held a fan in one hand, looking carefree and unrestrained.

He wore a jade crown on his head, a jade pendant around his waist, and even his shoes were decorated with bright pearls. One look was enough to know he was of an eminent status.

The yamen attendant frowned, taking two steps back, not wanting to offend the young master from a powerful family.

But the youth in the black robe stared at him, stepping forward again and again, “Which dog of the county magistrate are you? How dare you boss around my family’s keeper of You Ran House? Has the Jiang family of the capital lost our reputation, or does the Xieyang County magistrate look down on my Jiang family?”

Every word centered around the Jiang family, linking everything back to the Jiangs.

And indeed, the Jiang family was frightening.

The yamen attendant could no longer withstand it, his legs went soft and he knelt on the ground, kowtowing, “This little one knows his mistake, I have eyes but failed to recognize Mount Tai, I did not know You Ran House belonged to the Jiang family. I know my wrongs, I beg the young master to spare me.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t know, just that he hadn’t expected the Jiang family to truly send someone to this remote little county.

The powerful dragon had suppressed the local snakes.

Jiang Sheng hid behind Mr. Bai, peeking out curiously at the youth in the black robe.

She felt that although he did not have her fifth brother's delicate features, he had an alluring air about him that attracted her gaze, especially the richness of his attire down to his shoes, making little Jiang Sheng wish she also had such a wealthy brother.

As Jiang Sheng smacked her lips, she suddenly noticed the youth in black was also looking at her. After they made eye contact, he even raised his eyebrows teasingly.

The young girl’s face turned bright red as she hid behind Mr. Bai again, pretending to be an ostrich.

After some unknown amount of time, the commotion at the entrance of You Ran House calmed down.

The yamen attendant was helped away by Pa Da Shan.

Jiang Sheng poked her head out again and happened to meet eyes with the youth in black once more.

She was startled and took two steps back, nearly falling into the counter. The youth in black straightened his back and pointed at Jiang Sheng, laughing loudly, “Mr. Bai, where did this little beggar girl come from? She looks kind, seems I’ve seen her somewhere before.”

Mr. Bai quickly explained, “She’s a child who delivers goods to the store. Young Master has travelled a thousand miles to get here, it’s unfortunate you had to see such scenes upon your arrival.”

The youth in black waved his hand, “No matter. I also came on my grandmother’s behalf just to take a look around, but instead encountered these blind fools relying on their official status to bully our You Ran House.”

“Mr. Bai, remember this - if anyone else dares to cause trouble at You Ran House again, have someone send a letter to the capital. This young master will personally come to deal with these petty villains.”

With these resonant words, even if the Xieyang County magistrate wanted to touch You Ran House in the future, he would have to think thrice.

Mr. Bai breathed a sigh of relief and quickly invited the young master to rest in a private room, saying he had good things to present.

The youth in black walked upstairs waving his fan, “Mr. Bai has received some good things and can’t wait to show me, even I am very curious.”

Mr. Bai whispered in his ear for a bit.

The youth in black's face even turned red as he frowned and whispered back, “Mr. Bai, I’m only turning thirteen after the new year.”

Mr. Bai: “...”

The two continued talking as they entered the private room.

Jiang Sheng was very curious, blinking her big eyes as she asked Xiao Er Ge, “Is the Jiang family very powerful?”

Xiao Er Ge was also a local, only knowing bits and pieces about the Jiangs, but that didn’t stop him from boasting, “You don’t know about the Jiang family? A prestigious clan in the capital, they’ve produced many generals who were invincible on the battlefield. You Ran Houses across the entire Dayu Dynasty are their properties. The one in our county is the smallest scale. I heard the ones in the capital are dozens of times bigger, able to seat thousands dining at once!”

How magnificent would that scene be!

Jiang Sheng opened her mouth wide, already imagining it in her mind.

Unfortunately her experience was too lacking, the images weren’t of dignitaries but village women like Auntie Zhang and Big Sister Zhao.

Rows and rows sitting and dining still seemed spectacular.

Jiang Sheng chuckled.

Xiao Er Ge thought the little girl was stunned and also laughed along.

But Zheng Ruqian and Fang Heng standing in the corner were unhappy, especially about how Jiang Sheng had looked at the youth in black earlier, leaving them uncomfortable.

“Little Jiang Sheng, come here.” Zheng Ruqian found an opportunity and pulled her by the collar to the corner, “What are you randomly laughing about?”

“Right.” Fang Heng lowered his eyes, “Jiang Sheng, were you very happy just now? Do you really like Young Master Jiang of the Jiang family?”

The two brothers had solemn expressions, their eyes full of sorrow, as if she need only nod for them to start crying. Jiang Sheng shrank her neck, hurriedly shaking her head like a rattle drum, “How is that possible, how can he compare to you two brothers? Although his clothes are nice, his shoes are nice, his purse is nice too, compared to you two, he still falls far short. I just like your gray cotton jackets, perfectly complementing you two, matchlessly unique!”

Fang Heng: “...”

Zheng Ruqian: “...”

Jiang Sheng was still Jiang Sheng, not forgetting to express her worship of money even when flattering.

Zheng Ruqian felt somewhat dejected.

He thought it was because he was too poor, if he also had money like that Jiang family young master, his sister definitely wouldn’t stare at others so intently.

Fang Heng was also very sad, he used to be so wealthy too, but now...he had nothing.

Only Jiang Sheng was still merrily oblivious.

She liked the Jiang young master’s riches, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t get by without money.

As long as her brothers were with her, she wasn’t afraid no matter how poor they were.

After waiting a while longer, Mr. Bai finally remembered them and personally delivered fifty taels.

A whole fifty taels of silver!

Jiang Sheng even breathed lightly, afraid of blowing the ingots away.

Mr. Bai was amused seeing this. He specially instructed, “In the future, feel free to deliver anything you hunt to You Ran House.”

This thoroughly reassured Jiang Sheng.

The few children glanced at each other, including Zhang Qiquan, all breaking out in joy.

With the Jiang family's protection over You Ran House, and You Ran House's protection over them, it was equivalent to having the Jiang family's protection.

Jiang Sheng was filled with gratitude, not forgetting to express thanks.

“Thank you, Mr. Bai, and thank you Young Master Jiang.”

Mr. Bai smiled benevolently.

After they left, Xiao Er Ge started gossiping again, “The keeper helped little Jiang Sheng again, he really treats her well.”

Mr. Bai sighed, “Little Jiang Sheng is kind-hearted, also a clever and smart good child.”

As he turned back towards the private room and saw the dining and drinking Jiang family young master’s profile, Mr. Bai suddenly paused in his steps.

Why did he feel that Jiang Sheng’s kindness was because she resembled the young master a little?