The Eldest Daughter-in-Law [Reborn] - Chapter 128

Five days later, Mamma Lin received a batch of silk and satin fabrics sent back by Qi Wei. As Xie Yunchu was busy handling the licensing matters for the exclusive store in the city office, upon hearing Chun Qi’s report, she recalled how, on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, all the households had shown concern for Wang Shuhuai’s safety. Thus, she made a decision.

“Distribute the fabrics to each household and say that they were sent by the Second Master.”

In a large household like this, maintaining social harmony was essential. Xie Yunchu had received favors from others before, and it was only proper to handle things on Wang Shuhuai’s behalf so that everyone could maintain appearances.

A few more days passed. In Nanjing, Liu Chang’s case had stirred up great turmoil, prompting many prominent families to seek protection through various channels. Fear and uncertainty spread throughout the city, eventually alarming Jiangnan’s Governor-General, Jiang Cheng.

That evening, Wang Shuhuai attended a banquet at Bajue Tower at the invitation of Jiang Cheng.

Despite nearing fifty, Jiang Cheng had a refined and scholarly appearance. Having recently returned from inspecting the southeastern coastal defenses, he found his residence swarmed with officials on his first day back in Nanjing. Every one of them sought his guidance on the current population and land investigation.

Jiang Cheng had never met Wang Shuhuai before. Eschewing his official robes, he invited him for a private dinner.

Dressed in flowing white robes, Wang Shuhuai moved with effortless grace as he arrived at the banquet.

At first sight, Jiang Cheng was impressed by his elegance and sophistication. His eyes flashed with admiration. “I have been away from the capital for many years, and only now do I realize how each new generation brings forth brilliant talents. Come, let me toast you, Lord Wang.”

Jiang Cheng was known for his disdain for sycophants and opportunists, and Wang Shuhuai was well aware of this. He therefore tempered his usual official pleasantries, responding with measured sincerity. “This toast should be mine, to honor Governor-General Jiang.”

“Back in my early military days in Liangzhou, I once served under the Duke’s command,” Jiang Cheng reminisced. “I have always respected him greatly. Never did I expect that today, I would meet his grandson. The Wang family truly breeds outstanding talent. It makes me envious.”

Wang Shuhuai lifted his cup with a graceful smile. “The Jiang family has commanded the navy for generations, a pillar of our great Jin dynasty. Governor-General Jiang is likewise a cornerstone of the court, upon whom the people of Jiangnan rely. Now that I have come south, I hope that you will not hesitate to guide me.”

“I wouldn’t dare claim such a role,” Jiang Cheng replied politely.

After some casual exchanges, Jiang Cheng began to probe Wang Shuhuai’s intentions.

“The Censorate in Jiangnan has recently uncovered a major case involving a man named Liu Chang. Does Lord Wang know who this is?”

Of course, Wang Shuhuai knew what he was implying. His expression remained as gentle as ever, yet his words carried a sharp and deadly resolve. “I do not care who he is. If he has violated the law, I will have his life.”

Jiang Cheng raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with Wang Shuhuai’s sharp and unwavering gaze.

Liu Chang was one of the Eldest Princess’s pawns, yet Wang Shuhuai showed no hesitation in moving against him. This could mean only two things—

Either the two had become rivals, each plotting against the other in secret.

Or they had reached a tacit understanding and were now advancing together.

Regardless of which, one thing was certain—Wang Shuhuai was playing for high stakes.

Jiang Cheng’s expression turned serious, but as a seasoned politician, he chose to wait and observe, to see what this young man was truly capable of.

“You are right, Lord Wang. No matter who they are, those who break the law must be punished. Come, try these dishes. They are all famous delicacies of Jiangnan.”

At Jiang Cheng’s signal, the attendants brought forward several dishes and set them before Wang Shuhuai.

His gaze landed on a particular dish to the left—Water Crystal Aspic.

Noticing his interest, Jiang Cheng gestured to the dish and explained, “This dish, Water Crystal Aspic, is a signature delicacy of Zhenjiang, also known as Water Crystal Meat. The pig’s trotters are chopped finely and marinated in saltpeter, resulting in a dish where the skin is white, the meat red, and the texture as translucent as a shimmering jelly. The flavor is exquisite. Every colleague who visits must try it. Just look at how each piece glistens—it is truly a delight.”

“I have lived in Jiangnan for many years, and of all its delicacies, this is the one I cannot do without.”

As Wang Shuhuai looked at the dish, his thoughts seemed to momentarily drift.

This was also one of Xie Yunchu’s signature dishes. The way Jiang Cheng described it—Wang Shuhuai had heard those very words from her lips countless times before, though he had never paid them much attention.

He picked up his silver chopsticks, lightly grasped a piece, and placed it into his mouth.

The cool, gelatinous texture slid across his tongue. As he bit down, the meat was rich yet not greasy, carrying just the right amount of chewiness. And yet, compared to this Water Crystal Aspic, the one from his memories had a silkier, more delicate consistency. He much preferred her cooking.

Or perhaps—he had simply grown used to it.

After tasting a single piece, he set his chopsticks down.

Jiang Cheng was visibly surprised. He had never seen anyone try this dish for the first time and willingly stop at one bite.

“What’s wrong? Does it not suit your taste?”

Something caught in Wang Shuhuai’s throat. The familiar texture, the smooth chill of the dish—it flooded his senses. His long eyes narrowed slightly, and the corners of his lips lifted in a wry smile.

“A bit too sticky on the teeth.”

It wasn’t about the texture.

It was the fear that this one piece might replace his memories.

That if he let it slip away, he would never get it back.

After all, it had been a long time since he last tasted her cooking. And he wasn’t sure if he ever would again.

Wang Shuhuai casually wiped his hands with a damp cloth and focused solely on drinking with Jiang Cheng, not touching another bite.

Upon leaving the restaurant, the bustling energy of the Qinhuai River surged around him. Lanterns illuminated the entirety of the Confucius Temple district as if it were broad daylight, and the rippling river reflected the bright colors of the passing boats. Songs and laughter drifted over the water, mingling with the lively currents.

Standing at the river’s edge, his white robes fluttering in the night breeze, Wang Shuhuai’s handsome face was tinged red from the heat of the wine. Yet his expression remained cold and unreadable.

On both banks, the streets stretched in intricate patterns, adorned with countless lanterns.