Chapter 2: Like the Yellow Oriole Emerging from the Valley
I am completely exhausted today due to the antics of Brother Zhuang
You do not need to exert any effort; just lie there obediently.
Jiang Xuan had already chewed the candy in his mouth to pieces. He raised his hand to shield his forehead and gazed into the distance, saying, "Another fat sheep is coming, everyone, get ready." After he finished speaking, he took a closer look at the approaching figures and suddenly panicked, turning to shout, "The wind is tight, run!" With that, he took off running. Jiang Qing and Jiang Bai also noticed a few people coming, one of whom was Jiang Hua'an, who hurriedly followed Jiang Xuan in his escape.
... ...
What nonsense are you talking about? If she gets married in the future, that’s one thing, but is she really going to let the embroiderers and maids make all her and her husband’s undergarments? He Yuan saw Jiang Hua'an being so fond of Jiang Bai that he was reluctant to let her learn needlework. He reached out and poked Jiang Hua'an's chest, saying, "Ever since I married in, didn’t you insist that I make my own undergarments to wear?"
The Crown Prince and the Second Prince, along with others, now regretted not seeking out a distinguished martial arts master for their sons to learn from, which resulted in their inferiority compared to Tang Shicheng, leaving them embarrassed. Once Tang Shicheng departed, they all hurriedly sought a martial arts master to return to the residence and teach their sons martial skills
Jiang Bai understood immediately that he was different from Jiang Xuan. After hearing He Yuan's explanation, he nodded and said: "I understand, if I dress in male attire, I won't get sick"
"Elder brother is a boy, so there's no need to learn this." He Yuan, seeing Jiang Bai still somewhat confused, pulled him over and said: "Bai Ge'er, you are a girl. Because you were weak as a child, you were raised as a boy, dressed like your brother." He Yuan carefully explained the reasons for dressing her as a boy.
Jiang Xuan and Jiang Bai, however, have changed their location for the robbery, both chuckling as they say: "Old Madam Li must have gone to tip off the authorities, but we are not foolish; why would we stay in one place waiting for them to catch us red-handed"
Seeing Jiang Xuan's expression, Jiang Bai chuckled and said, "Brother, are you thrilled to hear that I will personally embroider a pouch for you? In two months, it will be our birthday, and I will embroider it well, making sure it is even more beautiful than the one I gave to Father. When the time comes, you can put your small belongings in the pouch and hang it on your waist every day; it will look quite impressive!"
Due to receiving praise from Jiang Hua'an, Jiang Bai happily began to learn how to embroider pouches. On this day, she rose early to do some embroidery again, and only then changed her clothes and led someone to the martial arts hall. Upon arriving at the martial arts hall, she noticed many unfamiliar faces standing outside. Since the people of the general's residence were passionate about martial arts, it was common for martial generals to come and spar with Jiang Hua'an and others. Jiang Bai saw that many people had arrived but did not think much of it. Just then, Jiang Huagai came out, and she could not help but step forward to ask, "Uncle Liu, who has come today? There are so many people!"
Although Jiang Bai's appearance is pleasing, her demeanor is quite similar to Jiang Xuan's. He Yuan is ultimately concerned that she might change her temperament, so every morning she dedicates an hour to teaching her needlework and gradually instructs her on the etiquette that girls should observe. Jiang Bai notices that Jiang Xuan does not need to learn needlework, yet she herself must, and she tilts her head to ask He Yuan: "Mother, why doesn't brother need to learn this?"
The Second Prince was suddenly inspired and sought the Crown Prince to convey the words of Minister Mi. The Crown Prince nodded and said, "This statement is quite reasonable." He then reported it to Emperor Chongzhao. Emperor Chongzhao responded, "In that case, every mid-month, let Zheng Chong, Qiu Bo, and Tiao Fei be sent to the General's residence for martial training! There is no need to mobilize the troops; simply have the people of the General's residence treat them as usual." At that moment, Jiang Hua'an and Tu Shu were summoned to the palace, where a few words were given to them before calling Gu Zhengchong and the others to come and pay their respects to their master. There is no need to mobilize the troops; simply have the people of the General's residence treat them as usual. At that moment, Jiang Hua'an and Tu Shu were summoned to the palace, where a few words were given to them before calling Gu Zhengchong and the others to come and pay their respects to their master.
Later, a minister from the Second Prince's residence mentioned that the best place to learn martial arts is undoubtedly the General's residence. He further stated that the young men in the General's residence are particularly passionate about martial arts; they begin practicing as soon as they start walking. The boys there, as young as five or six years old, can easily defeat a frail scholar with a single punch. If one were to train with these young men from the General's residence, everyone would compete with each other, leading to the fastest progress.
Upon hearing this, Nurse Li hurriedly led the maid and rushed towards the moon gate, but did not see Jiang Xuan and the others. For a moment, she truly feared that something might have happened to them, and she became anxious. There was no other option but to send someone to inform Jiang Hua'an.
It was originally the case that the Kingdom of Nanchang and the Kingdom of Beicheng formed a marital alliance, with the princess of Nanchang marrying the third prince of Beicheng, Tang Zhilai, as his primary consort, and they had three sons. Earlier this year, Tang Zhilai's son, Tang Shicheng, came to the Kingdom of Nanchang to pay a visit to Emperor Chongzhao, his maternal grandfather. He showed great respect in his formalities and submitted a memorial expressing his desire to discuss literature and martial arts with several of his cousins. Naturally, Emperor Chongzhao agreed.
Prince Gu Qiubo of Shu West is the eldest legitimate son of the Second Prince, and he is seven years old this year, deeply favored by his father
Jiang Xuan glanced at Jiang Hua'an and saw that he had already put the scattered items into Jiang Baixiu's pouch and hung the pouch on his waist. At this moment, he couldn't help but silently shed tears, I don't want to be like father, hanging such an ugly pouch on my waist!
Woe is me, I do not wish to receive such an ugly purse! Jiang Xuan secretly regretted having praised that purse as beautiful against his better judgment!
It is said that Jiang Hua'an, upon hearing Jiang Bai's voice, hurriedly allowed her to enter and meet Gu Zhengchong and the others
Although Gu Zhengchong was the grandson of the emperor, he had a gentle disposition. Upon seeing Jiang Bai, he hurriedly said: "There is no need for excessive formalities. We are learning martial arts from Major General, and can be considered his disciples. From now on, we shall be like brothers in the same school."
"That is because what you made is comfortable to wear." Jiang Hua'an grasped He Yuan's fingers, pulling her into his embrace, and said softly, "Zhuang Ge'er is already over one year old; let us have another one!"
With a crunch, Jiang Qing bit down on the candy in her mouth, chewed a few times, and before long, the candy had melted away, leaving only a hint of sweetness, with not a trace left. She couldn't help but touch her cheek and chuckled, "This candy is really sweet"
Jiang Hua'an took the purse and, with a clear lack of conscience, praised it enthusiastically: "This embroidered apple is truly beautiful"
Father, what I am embroidering is a celestial peach
He Yuan heard that Jiang Xuan and Jiang Bai went to rob Granny Li just for a piece of candy, and he couldn't help but feel worried. Jiang Xuan was one thing, but if Jiang Bai continued like this, he feared she would truly develop a boyish character. He said to Jiang Hua'an, "From now on, every morning when you practice martial arts, just have someone take Xiao Xuan over, and leave Xiao Bai with me to learn needlework for an hour. She is already over five years old; she should first learn to make nets, and later on, learn to embroider handkerchiefs. After all, she is a girl, and when it comes time to find a husband, if she doesn't know any needlework, she will suffer for it." She is already over five years old; she should first learn to make nets, and later on, learn to embroider handkerchiefs. After all, she is a girl, and when it comes time to find a husband, if she doesn't know any needlework, she will suffer for it.
Can I say no? Jiang Xuan saw Jiang Bai looking at him with great anticipation, and in the end, he couldn't bring himself to tell the truth, so he could only nod vaguely and say: "Mm, very beautiful"
Emperor Chongzhao saw that Tang Shicheng was merely an eight-year-old child, yet he was well-versed in both literature and martial arts, easily surpassing several of his own grandsons, which left him quite displeased
The one in the black attire is King Anton, the one in the red attire is King of Shu West, and the one in the stone blue attire is King of Jin South. Jiang Huagai, upon seeing Jiang Bai arrive, smiled and said: "Xuan and Qing have already met them; you should also go in and meet them soon. They will be learning martial arts with you from now on"
Since you also think it's good, next time we celebrate our birthdays, let's exchange gifts. I will also embroider a pouch to give to you. Jiang Bai is very happy, her smile is bright and cheerful. Haha, girls are naturally skilled with their hands; anyone would want to have a pouch that is casually embroidered. I have made up my mind to learn embroidery well and become a successful person in the future
After a few months, taking advantage of Jiang Hua'an's birthday, Jiang Bai spent several days crafting an embroidered pouch to present as a gift, sweetly smiling as she said: "Wishing you longevity and good health, dear father!"
Nurse Li and the others were looking for Jiang Xuan and Jiang Bai when they turned around and saw Granny Li hurrying over. They couldn't help but laugh and said, "Granny Li, what happened to you? It's broad daylight, yet you look as if you've been robbed."
"Even if I can't sew, I can still find a good husband. I am Jiang Hua'an's daughter; who would dare to look down on me?" Jiang Hua'an raised his eyebrows and said, "If not, I can always choose two skilled maids in needlework to accompany the dowry."
Indeed, you are ultimately a girl, so you naturally need to learn embroidery and women's crafts. Otherwise, when you eventually switch back to women's clothing and only know how to wield a sword, it would be quite inappropriate. He Yuan smiled as he patted Jiang Bai's head and began to teach her embroidery step by step
Gu Qiubo and Gu Tiaofei exchanged glances upon seeing Jiang Bai's appearance: it had long been rumored that the young master of the general's residence resembled a girl, and now that they saw him, it was indeed true! What a misfortune; the young masters of the general's residence are usually imposing, yet somehow one has emerged with such a delicate demeanor? Just listen to that voice, crisp and clear, like a yellow oriole emerging from the valley, sending shivers down one's spine.
Oh, this embroidered peach is round and very beautiful
Where do you think you're going? Jiang Hua'an, with a swift motion, calmly intercepted the three little ones. Meanwhile, he caught Jiang Bai, who had run too fast and collided with him, lifting him from his thigh and placing him on his shoulder. Leaning down, he said to Jiang Xuan and Jiang Qing: "Come over here, you little rascals. How dare you rob Granny Li?"
Prince Gu Tiaofei of Jinnan is the eldest legitimate son of the Third Prince. He is six years old this year and is quite charming in his speech, which has earned him the great favor of the current Empress.
Prince Andong, Gu Zhengchong, is eight years old this year and is the eldest son of the Crown Prince. As he is the emperor's eldest grandson and possesses a rather composed temperament, Emperor Chongzhao places great importance on him
As long as father is pleased, I will embroider another handkerchief for you tomorrow
As they spoke, each peeled open the candy wrappers and placed the candies in their mouths. Fortunately, Granny Li had hidden three pieces of candy in her arms, which averted the tragedy of unequal distribution. The three mountain kings continued to coexist harmoniously, engaging in discussions and negotiations.
Of course, Father likes the things that Xiaobai embroiders
The round, wrinkled object on the purse turns out to be a fairy peach! If fairy peaches were to grow like that, it would certainly be a cause for concern! Jiang Xuan presented the birthday gift he had prepared, and upon catching sight of Jiang Baixiu's purse, he discreetly stuck out his tongue. Just then, Jiang Bai approached and asked, "Brother, you think the fairy peaches I embroidered are beautiful, don't you?"
"Isn't it a robbery?" Upon seeing Li Nainiang and the others, Li Momo couldn't help but slap her thigh and said, "Are you looking for Xuan Ge'er and Bai Ge'er? They are over at the Moon Cave Gate, robbing the women and maids passing by! I was worried something might happen to them, so I hurried over to inform you."
Little did they know that due to the current era of peace and prosperity, Nanchang gradually shifted its focus from military affairs to civil studies. The imperial grandsons were solely devoted to their studies, leading to a noticeable neglect of martial arts. While they could engage in discussions about poetry and literature that could rival those of the Tang dynasty, they were no match in the realm of martial arts
Jiang Bai held the candy in his mouth, pressed it against his cheek with his tongue, waved his delicate little hand, and concluded: "The candy obtained from robbery is sweeter!"