freenovelworld Chapter 2021: The Jiang Family, Imperial Tutors of Three Dynasties and Hanlin Scholars
Chapter 2021: The Jiang Family, Imperial Tutors of Three Dynasties and Hanlin Scholars
The sudden arrival of strangers not only caught Cui Xingjian off guard, but also stirred up an invisible ripple at the gate of the courtyard.
At that moment, almost everyone's eyes were drawn to that direction.
The old man was wearing a dark gray long robe, made of the finest Suzhou silk, which shimmered with a warm luster in the morning light.
The sandalwood cane in his hand didn't seem to be something he used for support due to illness; it was more likely a symbol of status and demeanor.
Those eyes calmly scanned the crowd, yet they could make those being looked at involuntarily become solemn.
It is a profound understanding that comes from having experienced the vicissitudes of life and having seen through the human heart; it is the composed demeanor accumulated over hundreds of years by a family of scholars.
"My goodness, this old man is no ordinary person!" Grandpa Yuan, standing next to Wang Defa, lowered his voice and clicked his tongue in amazement. He was also an educated man and a primary school teacher, so he was very familiar with this kind of demeanor. "Young Wang, look at that style, that look in his eyes, he's definitely not an ordinary person!"
"..." Wang Defa scratched his head. Even though he was knowledgeable and knew many of Xiao Li's connections, he couldn't recall the name of the imposing old man in front of him. He knew that Grandpa Yuan was asking him to introduce him, but he was really helpless at the moment because he didn't recognize him.
“That’s right!” Fortunately, a neighbor who worked in the cultural department chimed in, “Look at their demeanor. I’ve seen similar people at meetings in the ministry. They’re all retired senior leaders and scholars, each one a gem among men…”
He hadn't finished speaking, but everyone understood what he meant.
At that moment, Qin Zongheng strode forward to greet him, his laughter hearty, "Huaiyuan, what brings you here?"
This cry of "Huaiyuan" sent another jolt through the hearts of those in the know at the courtyard gate.
Old Master Qin, Qin Zongheng, comes to the courtyard quite often, and everyone is very familiar with him.
There are probably only a handful of people in the entire city of Yanjing who would be addressed so warmly by their first name and personally greeted by Old Master Qin.
Li Xiangnan followed closely behind. Although he did not know the identity of the person, seeing his grandfather-in-law's attitude, he immediately understood that this was definitely a distinguished guest of great importance.
When the man saw Qin Zongheng approaching, a gentle smile immediately bloomed on his elegant face, and his clear voice carried an undeniable weight: "Zongheng, I watched Ruobai grow up. Her child is a month old, how could I, as her maternal uncle, not come?"
Uncle?!
boom!
These two words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Li Xiangnan's ears!
He suddenly realized!
This man was actually the elder brother of Jiang Guiying's maternal family, a member of the Jiang family!
Is it Jiang Huaiyuan?
Just as Li Xiangnan was shaken, Song Ziming had somehow gotten close to him and quickly explained in a low voice, "Brother Nan, this is Mr. Jiang Huaiyuan, the current head of the Jiang family. As you know, they are one of the top five families, a true scholarly family and a family of scholars!"
"hiss!"
I never expected the Jiang family to actually come!
Li Xiangnan had only heard about it once or twice from his wife before, but when the moment actually arrived, he was still deeply moved.
Seeing that Li Xiangnan still seemed somewhat puzzled after hearing his words, Song Ziming continued, "The Jiang family, one of the top five families, has always been a family of scholars, producing tutors to three emperors, with students and former officials all over the country. Now..."
Sensing the deeper meaning in his tone, Li Xiangnan leaned closer and asked in a low voice, "What do you mean?"
Song Ziming lowered his voice and said, "Although many members of the Jiang family are in the fields of education and academia, they are important think tank members for national policy consultation! Many major policies are discussed with the Jiang family before they are introduced! Although their family does not hold power, their influence... is absolutely unfathomable!"
Li Xiangnan felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this!
He had long known that the Qin family was a military and political family. His grandfather-in-law, Qin Zongheng, was a founding father of the country, and his father-in-law, Qin Kunlun, was the Minister of Public Security. This was their power on the surface!
Unexpectedly, the Jiang family, from which my grandmother-in-law Jiang Guiying came, was such a family!
They remain unassuming and inconspicuous, yet they can influence national policy at the highest level!
Such a family likely possesses a deeper foundation and greater influence than many powerful government departments.
Amidst the commotion, Qin Zongheng had already taken Jiang Huaiyuan's hand, turned to his grandson-in-law, and smiled, "Xiangnan, come and greet your great-uncle! Huaiyuan rarely attends such occasions; his presence today is a great honor for you!"
Li Xiangnan was startled and quickly stepped forward, bowing deeply. His tone was respectful and sincere. "Grand Uncle, I am ashamed to trouble you with your presence! It is Xitang's blessing that you can come, and it is also an honor for Ruobai and me!"
Jiang Huaiyuan nodded and carefully examined the young man in front of him.
He had already heard a lot about Li Xiangnan's deeds from his younger sister, Jiang Guiying.
Born in a rural area, he worked hard and was admitted to Yenching University with the highest score in the country. He has superb medical skills, is loyal and righteous, and has now built a successful career from scratch.
But seeing is believing. Now that I have seen it with my own eyes, I find that this young man has clear and open eyes, and his manners are proper and not humble. He is respectful but not obsequious in the face of someone of my status, which is truly rare.
"No need for formalities!" Jiang Huaiyuan smiled and offered a helping hand, his voice gentle. "Guiying often praises you to me, saying that Ruobai has found a good match! Meeting you today, you are indeed a handsome and distinguished man!"
"Grand Uncle, you flatter me!" Li Xiangnan nodded modestly, then stepped aside to lead the way. "Please come inside and have a seat. Ruobai and Xitang are both in the main room!"
The scene of Li Xiangnan meeting Jiang Huaiyuan was witnessed by those around them, and there was much discussion. Although they dared not speak loudly, whispers spread like a tide.
"My God, the Jiang family! Is this the Jiang family I imagined?"
"Which Jiang family could it be? The Jiang family, one of the top five families in Yanjing!"
"Doctor Li's connections... are too strong, aren't they? The Qin family is a military and political family, and the Jiang family is a family of scholars. Both of these families are actually related to him by marriage?"
"No wonder Dr. Li has achieved so much; his background..."
"Don't talk nonsense, Doctor Li rose to his position through his own abilities! But with a family like that in-laws, it's true..."
"It's not just the Yue family. Didn't you hear what that old man just said? He's Miss Ruobai's maternal uncle, which means he's Old Madam Qin's brother from her maternal family! That's a double relationship!"
"This is incredible!"
Although the whispers were low, they still managed to reach everyone's ears.
Li Xiangnan heard it clearly and smiled bitterly to himself.
He knew that from today onwards, his image in the eyes of his neighbors would be further enhanced by the aura of "powerful connections".
But he knew even better that these external accolades were all superficial. What truly mattered was the achievement he had made through hard work, the recognition he received from the Qin and Jiang families, and the profound friendship he had received.
Jiang Huaiyuan naturally heard the surrounding discussions, but he only smiled slightly and remained noncommittal.
At his level, he no longer cared about external opinions; what he cared about was whether Li Xiangnan was worthy of the Jiang family's recognition and support.
Just as everyone was about to walk into the courtyard, a person hurriedly walked out from inside, accompanied by Cui Xingjian.
The man was around forty years old, dressed in a dark blue Zhongshan suit. He had a refined appearance and a steady gait. He was Song Cijiu, the second son of the Song family.
He was originally coordinating various affairs in the courtyard when he heard Cui Xingjian announce that someone from the Jiang family had come, and that Jiang Huaiyuan himself had come. He hurriedly came out to greet them.
"Elder Jiang!" Song Cijiu quickly took a few steps forward and respectfully bowed with his hands clasped in the traditional old-fashioned manner. "I was unaware of your presence and have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive me!"
When Jiang Huaiyuan saw Song Cijiu, a glint flashed in his eyes, and an extremely obvious look of surprise appeared between his brows. He exclaimed in astonishment, "Cijiu? What are you doing here?"
The usually composed and dignified Jiang Huaiyuan suddenly lost his composure, causing everyone in the courtyard to be shocked and turn to look.