Chapter Thirty-Eight: Dinner for Four

Jiang Ye nodded and picked up his chopsticks, eating with great gusto. Jiang Bai sat to the side, watching him enjoy the meal, though her own chopsticks remained idle, unable to bring any noodles to her lips. Her heart felt heavy with complicated emotions. Jiang Ye was already ten years old. Because of the siege by Duan Yue and his forces, the shops and academies in the city had closed early. Although things had settled down now, not a single academy in the city had reopened, let alone the one Jiang Ye attended in town. The teachers had long since fled, leaving not a soul behind. It was uncertain when the city of Pingcheng would be restored and when Jiang Ye would be able to return to his studies.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, Jiang Bai heard a knock at the door. "Doctor Jiang, are you awake?"

"Yes, we are," Jiang Bai said, hurrying to open the door. "General, why have you come?"

Duan Yue stood at the entrance with a gentle smile on his face. He was tall, dressed in dark casual attire, with a long sword tucked into his belt, giving him a commanding and heroic air. Jiang Bai ushered him into the room. Jiang Ye set down his chopsticks, stood up, and called out happily, "Brother Duan!"

Duan Yue nodded, his gaze falling on the bowl of food on the table, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. He stepped closer, examining the dark red, rich-broth noodles. "Is this what it is?"

Jiang Bai smiled and explained, "This is a local specialty of Pingcheng, bean-paste noodles. Would the General like to try some?"

Duan Yue was about to nod but paused. "Doctor Jiang, you haven't eaten yet, have you?"

There were only two bowls on the table. The one in front of Jiang Ye had clearly been eaten from, with broth still clinging to the corners of his mouth, while the other bowl appeared untouched. Yet, it seemed Jiang Ye had not finished his meal.

"Please, eat this bowl first. I will quickly prepare another; the broth is already ready." Jiang Bai turned to the kitchen. Not wanting to take the time to pull fresh noodles, she quickly boiled some flat, ribbon-like noodles and brought them back.

Jiang Ye handed Duan Yue a pair of chopsticks and pushed the bowl toward him. Unable to resist the temptation, Duan Yue took a bite and his eyes lit up immediately. "The taste is excellent!"

"I think it's delicious, too!" Jiang Ye beamed with joy, delighted to hear his favorite "brother" praising his sister's cooking.

By the time Jiang Bai returned, Duan Yue had already finished more than half. "Doctor Jiang is truly ingenious; even simple food can be made so delicious."

Jiang Bai smiled modestly. "You flatter me, General. It’s just a simple meal; I didn't expect it to be to your liking."

Duan Yue slurped another mouthful of noodles. "It’s not just 'to my liking'—it’s far too delicious."

As he praised the food, Duan Yue's gaze shifted to Jiang Ye, and he couldn't resist teasing the boy. "Xingzhi, have you missed your brother lately?"

Jiang Ye, the little simpleton, had been fooled by Duan Yue for so long that he still hadn't realized Duan Yue was no saint. He responded naively, "I have! I missed Brother Duan so much."

"I missed you, too," Duan Yue grinned, his eyes crinkling, and after the meal, he began to play with Jiang Ye.

Noticing the book with the strange cover on the table, Duan Yue picked it up curiously. "What is this?"

"This is a birthday gift from my sister," Jiang Ye said, his eyes shining with pride.

"It's your birthday today, Xingzhi?" Duan Yue was caught off guard. He checked his pockets, but found nothing suitable to give as a gift.

Seeing Duan Yue's movements, Jiang Bai quickly intervened, "Please, don't trouble yourself. It's just a child's birthday; there's no need for a gift."

Duan Yue pulled his hand back, looking slightly embarrassed. "It seems my timing is poor. I haven't prepared a gift, but I will make up for it another day."

Jiang Bai waved her hands with a smile. "General, it really is no trouble. Just having you here to share a bowl of longevity noodles with Xingzhi this morning has already made him very happy."

Duan Yue scratched his head awkwardly. "But it is Jiang Ye's birthday; I cannot come empty-handed."

Jiang Ye, however, didn't mind at all, his eyes curving into crescents. "Brother Duan, I’m already so happy just having you here to celebrate with me! You don't need to give me anything."

Duan Yue shook his head helplessly, his affection for Jiang Ye growing. "Why are you so kind?"

Watching Jiang Ye's radiant smile, a wave of warmth washed over Duan Yue. He sighed softly and feigned seriousness. "That won't do. How could a birthday gift from Brother Duan be missing?"

Jiang Ye blinked, tilting his head mischievously. "Then... Brother Duan, what do you plan to give me?"

"I haven't decided yet. Is there anything you want, Xingzhi?" Duan Yue was stumped by the question.

"Hmm," Jiang Ye thought earnestly. "Alright, I can't think of anything either. Brother Duan, you think of it; you decide."

Jiang Bai watched the two of them, the corners of her mouth curling upward. Since their parents passed away, Jiang Ye hadn't been this lively in a long time.

Seeing this, Duan Yue also laughed. "That's a promise, then. I'll bring you a gift tonight."

Jiang Ye giggled and nodded. "Okay! I'll be waiting for Brother Duan's gift!"

Jiang Bai stood to the side, watching Jiang Ye's joy, and did not stop them again, her gaze resting tenderly on Jiang Ye as he played with Duan Yue.

Duan Yue noticed the focused, gentle look Jiang Bai directed at Jiang Ye and leaned in to whisper, "The bond between you two is truly enviable."

Jiang Ye lifted his chin triumphantly. "Of course! I was raised by my sister."

Duan Yue looked at Jiang Ye's smug expression and, not wanting him to get too carried away, reached out to pinch the boy's cheek. "Yes, yes. Being this mischievous, you must have caused your sister no end of trouble growing up."

Jiang Ye swatted his hand away indignantly, muttering, "I don't cause trouble. I'm the best-behaved."

They laughed and joked for a while, the atmosphere light and pleasant. While Duan Yue went to get a drink, Jiang Ye snuck over to Jiang Bai. "Sister, can I invite Brother Duan to celebrate my birthday with us tonight?"

"Of course you can." Jiang Bai would never refuse such a request. "But we must ask the General."

"Ask me what?" Duan Yue caught the end of the conversation as he finished his water.

"I was wondering if you have time this evening, General. Xingzhi would like to invite you to join us for his birthday celebration," Jiang Bai said, helping Jiang Ye with the invitation.

Duan Yue set down his cup, his gaze shifting between Jiang Bai and Jiang Ye. He suppressed a smile and pretended to ponder. "Tonight, you say?"

Jiang Ye nodded nervously, his small hands unconsciously clutching the edge of his shirt, his eyes filled with anticipation and anxiety. Though young, he knew Duan Yue was a General with a busy schedule and might not have time to spare for him.

Yet, having spent so much time in the military camp, aside from his sister, it was Brother Duan who had taken the best care of him, and he felt closest to him. He desperately hoped to spend this special day with his brother.

Jiang Bai gently patted Jiang Ye’s shoulder to ease his nerves. "Yes, it is Jiang Ye's birthday, and he would like to invite you and the military advisor to join us for a little celebration. I wonder if you both might be free?"

Duan Yue did not answer immediately, pausing for a moment. Jiang Ye's heart rose with the silence, fearing a rejection. However, Duan Yue soon looked up, a warm smile on his face. "Since it is Xingzhi's birthday, I certainly cannot be absent. Zhongxuan and I will be there on time."

Jiang Ye's eyes lit up instantly, and a radiant smile bloomed on his face. "Really? Will Brother Duan really come?"

Duan Yue nodded, reaching out to ruffle Jiang Ye's hair with a touch of indulgence. "Of course, it's the truth."

Duan Yue smiled and, without saying more, turned to Jiang Bai. "Where will you be celebrating? Do you need me to help prepare anything?"

Jiang Bai shook her head. "No need to trouble yourself, General. We have almost everything ready. You just need to arrive on time."

Duan Yue nodded and glanced at the sky. "It's getting late. I still have military matters to attend to. See you tonight."

"See you tonight," Jiang Bai and Jiang Ye said in unison, watching him depart.

Once Duan Yue was out of sight, Jiang Ye excitedly grabbed Jiang Bai's hand. "Sister, Brother Duan really agreed! I'm so happy!"

Jiang Bai smiled and smoothed down the hair Duan Yue had ruffled. "Yes, but don't get too excited. There's still a lot to prepare for tonight, and I need Xingzhi to help me."

Jiang Ye nodded vigorously. "Yes! I'll do my best!"

The siblings shared a smile and headed to the kitchen to prepare for the birthday feast.

At night, the warm glow of candlelight made Jiang Ye's room feel cozy and festive. The table was filled with sumptuous dishes, the aroma drifting through the air. Jiang Ye had changed into new clothes, his face beaming with happiness as he looked toward the door from time to time, anticipating the arrival of Duan Yue and his companion.

"Sister, why isn't Brother Duan here yet?" Jiang Ye asked with a hint of anxiety.

Jiang Bai looked at the sky and comforted him, "Don't worry, they should be here soon."

No sooner had she spoken than the sound of footsteps reached them from outside. Jiang Ye ran to the door, and sure enough, he saw Duan Yue and Duan Jing walking toward them.

"Brother Duan!" Jiang Ye exclaimed, rushing forward.

Duan Yue caught him and handed him a wooden box. "Happy birthday. This is your gift."

Jiang Ye took the box, which was exquisitely carved with intricate patterns, looking both antique and elegant. He opened it carefully to reveal a jade pendant inside, its texture warm and moist, glowing with a faint, mysterious greenish hue.

"This is..." Jiang Bai's eyes were also drawn to the pendant, and she couldn't help but lean in closer.

Noticing her reaction, Duan Yue explained, "It is said that this jade was left behind by a master; it is meant to protect the wearer and grant them peace and prosperity. It is something I have worn for a long time, and now I give it to Xingzhi. I hope he likes it."

Jiang Ye looked up. "Brother Duan, this is too precious. I cannot accept it."

"Indeed, it is far too valuable. It's just a child's birthday; a small token would have sufficed," Jiang Bai agreed, knowing how much Duan Yue cherished the pendant he always wore at his waist.

Duan Yue shook his head and smilingly fastened the pendant to Jiang Ye's waist. "It is just a gift. I hope you grow up safe and sound. It is a blessing, and my little Xingzhi must accept it."

Jiang Ye looked at his sister, and seeing she did not object, he thanked him happily. "Thank you, Brother Duan."

Duan Yue continued to ruffle his hair. "I'm glad you like it. And this one is from your Brother Duan Jing—a Huzhou wolf-hair brush. I hope you like it, little Xingzhi."

A flash of surprise crossed Jiang Ye's eyes. He took the brush carefully, his fingertips gently brushing the delicate handle. He had seen this brush in Duan Jing's study before and had admired it, never dreaming that Duan Jing would gift it to him. He looked up at Duan Jing, his eyes full of gratitude and shyness. "Thank you, Brother Duan Jing."

Duan Jing offered his blessings. "As long as you like it, Xingzhi. When you practiced calligraphy at my place last time, I noticed you were quite fond of this brush, so I thought I would give it to you. Today is the perfect opportunity. I hope it helps you practice better calligraphy and write even better essays."

Jiang Ye lowered his head, his cheeks flushed with warmth. He gripped the brush tightly, as if holding a precious treasure. He knew this was not just a brush, but a symbol of Duan Jing's care and expectations.

"Brother Duan Jing, I will treasure it well," Jiang Ye whispered, his voice soft but filled with firm resolve.

Jiang Ye felt a glow in his heart. He had loved reading since he was young, and his parents had supported his education, but their modest means meant he had never used high-quality brushes or paper, nor had he ever expected to. He hadn't imagined that Duan Jing would give him something so precious.

"Thank you so much, General, Advisor. It was too much trouble for you to bring such valuable gifts. Please, come in. The food is all ready." Seeing how happy Jiang Ye was, Jiang Bai decided not to refuse, though she resolved to gift them some high-quality medicine in return.

Duan Yue and Duan Jing followed the siblings inside, and the four of them sat around the table in a warm and happy atmosphere. Jiang Ye eagerly went to store his brush, touching the box lingeringly before he left, a satisfied smile on his face.

Seeing his little antics, the three adults wanted to laugh, but out of respect for Jiang Ye's dignity, they held it back.

"Brother Duan, try this. My sister made it especially for you!" Once Jiang Ye was seated, the four began to eat, and he immediately placed a piece of braised meat into Duan Yue's bowl.

Duan Yue thanked him with a smile, took a bite, and praised, "Such a unique flavor! Your cooking is truly excellent, Doctor Jiang."

Jiang Bai smiled slightly. "You flatter me, General. It’s just home cooking, nothing compared to the rations in the military camp."

Duan Yue shook his head. "Though the rations in the camp are plentiful, they lack the flavor of this. To eat such delicious food on a night like this is a rare treat."

Jiang Ye eagerly shared the food his sister had prepared. "Of course! My sister's cooking is the best!"