Return Without Achievement

"What's going on?" Old Master Jiang inquired urgently, not immediately heading toward the viewing platform but instead asking Jiang Anbang's servant for an explanation.

The servant had already gathered all the details and quickly responded, "Young Master Cui took an interest in Li Sanlang's horse. When Li Sanlang refused to sell it, a confrontation between them was about to erupt. That's when Governor Cai and General Zhuang arrived."

"Upon seeing them, Li Qilang loudly called out to Governor Cai and General Zhuang. He pointed at Young Master Cui and lodged a complaint against him."

"Young Master Cui, upon realizing that Li Sanlang and Li Qilang were familiar with Governor Cai and General Zhuang, immediately claimed it was a misunderstanding. He even apologized to Li Sanlang and quickly left with his entourage."

Old Master Jiang's gaze flickered with a mix of emotions. The fact that Li Sanlang and Li Qilang were acquainted with Governor Cai and General Zhuang was entirely unexpected.

Observing the scene on the viewing platform, where Governor Cai was engaging in light-hearted conversation with Li Sanlang and Li Qilang, Old Master Jiang adjusted his attire and walked over.

On the platform, Governor Cai noticed Li Qilang eyeing the pastries on his tea table. Chuckling, he motioned for a servant to offer the pastries to him.

Li Qilang appeared somewhat embarrassed but swiftly accepted the pastry, saying, "I'll taste the pastry for Governor Cai and see if it's as good as it looks."

He took a large bite and his eyes immediately lit up. "Mmm, it's delicious! The taste is excellent."

One of Governor Cai's servants chimed in, "Of course it's good. His Majesty worried that our master might not adapt to the food at the border, so he sent an imperial chef to accompany us. These pastries were specially prepared by the imperial chef."

Upon hearing this, Li Qilang widened his eyes in astonishment and exclaimed, "Prepared by an imperial chef? No wonder they're so delicious! Brother, you should try one too. This shop might not be available after leaving this area."

Without waiting for consent, he handed a pastry to Li Sanlang and hesitated for a moment before offering one to Jiang Anbang as well.

Jiang Anbang chuckled, and he graciously accepted the pastry.

Li Sanlang, on the other hand, looked slightly embarrassed, shooting a look at Li Qilang as if to signal him to tone it down.

Unperturbed, Li Qilang turned to Governor Cai and asked, "Governor, these pastries are so delicious, and they're prepared by an imperial chef. Can I take a few pieces back for my parents and my two sisters to try? It would broaden their horizons."

Governor Cai was amused by Li Qilang's demeanor. "There are only a few pieces left. You should enjoy them yourself. Once we're back at the mansion, I'll have some freshly made pastries sent to your family."

Li Qilang shyly replied, "I appreciate your kindness, Governor. Since you're so generous, I won't refuse." He grinned, picked up the pace of eating the pastry, and nodded in satisfaction.

Seeing his reaction, Governor Cai couldn't help but chuckle, and General Zhuang shook his head with a smile.

"This young man really knows no boundaries," General Zhuang thought. "Since arriving in Rong City, the Li family seems to have improved their diet, and their faces and bodies have rounded out. He's laughing like a jovial Buddha, which isn't unpleasant at all."

Li Sanlang, on the other hand, felt a headache coming on. He wanted to cover his face, looking away to avoid witnessing his younger brother's embarrassing behavior.

Meanwhile, Jiang Anbang was quite surprised. He couldn't believe that the two brothers were so familiar with the governor.

Just then, Old Master Jiang arrived.

"Big Brother!"

Hearing Jiang Anbang's voice, everyone looked up and saw Old Master Jiang walking up to the viewing platform.

"Greetings, Governor Cai and General Zhuang."

Governor Cai remained seated and nodded in acknowledgment, while General Zhuang stood up, saluted Old Master Jiang, and then introduced him to Governor Cai, "This is General Jiang Antai. He made significant contributions in repelling the Northern Yan invasion. Back when Rong City was ambushed, the late Emperor personally appointed General Jiang as 'Antai' in recognition of his merits."

However, General Zhuang didn't mention why Jiang Antai was relieved of his post later on.

Governor Cai nodded in understanding. He had done his research on the prominent families in Rong City before coming here. The Jiang family was a well-established lineage in the city.

It was a pity, though, that due to their involvement in the Regent Prince's case, the Jiang family's influence had waned significantly. They now only carried the title of "Antai General" in name.

"Do you have something to discuss with me?" Governor Cai inquired.

Old Master Jiang sensed a hint of distance in Governor Cai's tone, causing a slight furrow in his brows. He looked at Li Sanlang and Li Qilang and said, "I'm here for Sanlang and Qilang. These two troublemakers have caused some inconvenience to Governor Cai."

Li Qilang, upon hearing this, glanced at Old Master Jiang's expression and seemed to interpret a deeper connection. He pursed his lips for a moment but quickly turned his head away after receiving a warning glare from Li Sanlang.

At that moment, Governor Cai suddenly exclaimed, "Huh!" and looked at Jiang Anbang with surprise. He turned to General Zhuang and said, "Yu Tang, have you noticed? Li Zhangsen and Jiang Shoubei resemble each other quite a bit."

General Zhuang smiled and replied, "You're just noticing now?"

Jiang Anbang had noticed as soon as he made his appearance.

Governor Cai's eyes widened in realization. He looked at Jiang Anbang, then at Li Sanlang and Li Qilang, shocked, "Could it be that Li Zhangsen is your son?"

Jiang Anbang quickly denied it, "No, no, no. Zhangsen isn't my son. He's my nephew."

Governor Cai's curiosity was piqued, and he pressed further, "Your nephew? Tell me more. What's the story behind this?"

Seeing Governor Cai's keen interest and receiving a nod from Old Master Jiang, Jiang Anbang explained how Li Zhangsen had been mistaken for his son.

After listening to the whole story, both Governor Cai and General Zhuang were slightly speechless.

"Mixing up children like this... the Shi family is quite something."

Governor Cai shook his head, speechless, then looked at Li Sanlang and Li Qilang with sympathy. "You've been through a lot because of this."

Li Qilang scratched his head and chuckled, "We're fine. It's mainly my father who suffered at the hands of the Li family."

Governor Cai avoided discussing personal family matters, but thinking about how Li Zhangsen had nearly died in Northern Yan, he felt even more sympathetic. "Speaking of your father, I forgot to ask earlier. How is his health now? Has he recovered from his injuries?"

Li Sanlang replied, "Thank you for your concern, Governor. My father has fully recovered."

Governor Cai nodded, relieved. "That's good to hear. I sent that troublesome brat of mine back to the capital. He wrote a letter a couple of days ago, saying he's finally able to move around."

With that, he looked at Jiang Antai and Jiang Anbang.

"Since Li Zhangsen is a member of the Shi family, are you planning to bring him back?"

Old Master Jiang immediately nodded, affirming, "Of course. The Shi family has already sent people over."

Upon hearing this, Li Qilang couldn't help but mutter under his breath, prompting a stern glare from Li Sanlang.

Governor Cai nodded in understanding. "Your own son should naturally return home to reconnect with his roots. Li Zhangsen has faced hardships at the border. After he returns, you should make sure to compensate him well."

As he spoke, he smiled at Li Sanlang. "I was even thinking of convincing you to become one of my personal guards. Now that your family is calling you back, you'll likely return to the capital. Once you're back, don't waste your martial skills. With your abilities, if you practice diligently, you might even achieve the top rank in the martial examinations."

Li Sanlang hurriedly bowed, expressing gratitude, "Thank you for your guidance, Governor."

Jiang Antai and Jiang Anbang were both quite surprised by Governor Cai's high praise for Li Sanlang.

At noon, Governor Cai invited Li Sanlang and Li Qilang to have lunch at his mansion. Considering their relationship with Jiang Antai and Jiang Anbang, he also extended the invitation to them.

After having lunch and conversing for a while, Li Sanlang and his group left the governor's residence.

"Who would have thought that Governor Cai is so down-to-earth?"

Jiang Anbang sighed.

Old Master Jiang didn't respond immediately. It wasn't that Governor Cai lacked arrogance; it was just that Li Sanlang and Li Qilang had saved his precious son. With that debt of gratitude, Governor Cai couldn't maintain an aloof demeanor.

Jiang Anbang looked at Li Sanlang and Li Qilang. "Let's go, Second Uncle will escort you back home."

Li Sanlang politely declined, "I need to return the horse to the escort agency. General Jiang, please feel free to stay. I'll leave with Qilang."

Saying this, they turned to leave.

Observing their distant attitude, Jiang Anbang sighed, "Does Changsen really have no intention of recognizing the Shi family?"

Old Master Jiang, watching Li Qilang holding a food container, replied in a calm voice, "He is a member of the Shi family, so naturally, he should return and acknowledge his roots."

Jiang Anbang wasn't so optimistic. "What about Zhengkun? We still don't know how the Shi family intends to handle that situation."

Old Master Jiang said, "Considering the time, we should have received a letter in the next couple of days. Let's go home."

Upon their return to the Jiang residence, Madam Jiang welcomed them.

Jiang Zixiao had already returned and informed the family about Li Sanlang and Li Qilang meeting Governor Cai and General Zhuang.

Madam Jiang couldn't wait to ask, "How did Sanlang and Qilang come to know Governor Cai? I can understand getting acquainted with General Zhuang, given Li Zhangsen's service at Dieling Pass."

Old Master Jiang's expression turned somber. "Those two kids saved the young master of the Cai family."

Madam Jiang was shocked. "Such a thing happened?"

Old Master Jiang fell silent, reflecting on his own actions.

He realized that he had not paid enough attention to the Zhangsen family. Otherwise, he wouldn't have mixed up their situation or failed to know about Li Sanlang and Li Qilang saving the young master of the Cai family.

Alas, Jiang Sheng hadn't thoroughly investigated the matter. It highlighted how weakened the Jiang family had become. Many affairs now required his personal intervention to uncover the truth.

"Tomorrow, find a reason to visit the Changsen family again. It's not wise to keep this impasse going." Old Master Jiang advised Madam Jiang, then shook his head.

"Never mind, I'll personally go when my little sister's letter arrives."

Madam Jiang was surprised and glanced at her husband's expression. It seemed that the dinner with Governor Cai had significantly changed his attitude towards the Changsen family. He was now willing to take the initiative.

Indeed, who could have predicted that the Changsen family would come to know Governor Cai?

Governor Cai was the Emperor's uncle, after all!

That night, a letter from the Shi family arrived.

After reading the letter and realizing that the Shi family wanted to officially acknowledge Li Zhangsen, Old Master Jiang wasn't as opposed as before. He even felt relieved.

The next day, armed with the letter from the Shi family, Old Master Jiang visited the Li family.

Anticipating the Jiang family's visit due to their interaction with the governor and General Zhuang, Li Zhangsen's family was still taken aback by how quickly it happened, especially considering it was Old Master Jiang himself who came.

Li Qilang, Li Er'ya, and Li Wu'ya were at school. Jin Yue'e had gone shopping. Only Li Zhangsen and Li Sanlang were at home.

"General Jiang, please come in."

Observing Li Zhangsen and Li Sanlang's distant behavior, Old Master Jiang furrowed his brows. "Must you keep up this distance?"

Li Sanlang replied calmly, "There are many things our family doesn't understand, but recognizing legitimacy is something we comprehend."

Old Master Jiang didn't immediately reply. He walked into the Li family courtyard with his hands behind his back. Upon entering the main hall, he took a seat in the main position.

"Take a look, this is a letter from the Shi family."

Li Sanlang glanced at Li Zhangsen, then stood up to take the letter and handed it to him.

Li Zhangsen opened the letter and read it. When he saw that the Shi family had publicly acknowledged the child-swapping incident, his heart lifted, and his tense expression eased.

After reading the letter, Li Zhangsen handed it to Li Sanlang.

Once Li Sanlang finished reading, Old Master Jiang spoke, "The Shi family genuinely wants to acknowledge you. Do you see that?"

Li Sanlang didn't retort with a question. Instead, he stated, "And what about the child from the Li family? Will they continue living in the Shi family estate?"

Seeing that Li Sanlang was still focused on Zhengkun, Old Master Jiang became a little irritated. "Sanlang, you're an adult now. I won't beat around the bush."

"Think about it for yourself. The Shi family has invested significant resources in raising Zhengkun for over thirty years. At this point, giving up on him, are you suggesting that the Shi family's efforts be in vain?"

Li Sanlang responded, "I haven't asked the Shi family to give up on Zhengkun. But if the Shi family wishes to bring us back, they cannot have the Li family child living under the same roof."

Old Master Jiang was getting frustrated. "Not living under the same roof means you want to kick Zhengkun's family out of the Shi estate?"

Li Sanlang retorted, "If they are unwilling, we can choose not to move into the Shi estate. We don't have to live under the same roof as the Li family child."

"You..."

Old Master Jiang was growing more irritated and turned to Li Zhangsen. "Changsen, after your parents found out about the mix-up, they were full of guilt. They are doing their best to rectify their mistake."

"If you want to return to the Shi family with legitimacy, they have agreed. By now, everyone in the capital probably knows about the child-swapping incident from years ago."

"I understand that you have grievances against the Li family, but Zhengkun is innocent. Forcing him out of the Shi estate, isn't that going too far? Isn't this causing unnecessary trouble for your parents? Can't you show some consideration for your own parents?"

Li Sanlang, seeing how both Old Master Jiang and Madam Jiang were resorting to filial piety to pressure his father, stood up abruptly. "General Jiang, don't try to manipulate me with such words. Our family's situation is the most disgraceful evidence for the Li family child. Do you really think he can interact harmoniously with us without any resentment?"

Old Master Jiang was taken aback.

This conversation ended in another deadlock.

Irritated, Old Master Jiang returned to the Jiang residence and vented his frustration to Madam Jiang. "This is just taking advantage, and they have no sense of family duty."

After venting his frustration, he reluctantly wrote a letter to Lady Shi.

That evening, when Li Wu'ya, Li Er'ya, and Li Qilang returned home, Li Sanlang informed them about Old Master Jiang's visit.

"Brother, you're absolutely right. Thank goodness you're here; otherwise

, Mom and Dad might have really returned to the Shi family just like that."

"We four can endure any comparison with the Li family child, and Dad can find work outside. But Mom..."

"In the grand households, it's a battlefield without gunpowder. The wife that the Li family child married must have a distinguished background. Mom won't be able to compete. If we live together with them, it might really break Mom's heart."

Li Sanlang chuckled at how well Li Wu'ya understood him. "That's exactly how I see it. We might not mind being compared, but it's different for Mom. We shouldn't make her suffer."

Li Er'ya and Li Qilang nodded vigorously.

Li Qilang voiced his concern, "Will the Shi family agree to this?"

Li Wu'ya smiled, "Now the initiative is in our hands. With the connection we've established with Governor Cai, they won't easily let go of this relationship."