The atmosphere in the house remained somber for several days after Erlang's departure.
Zhang Qiaoxiu was so heartbroken that she nearly miscarried. Jiang Wan used her abilities to stabilize her pregnancy, but Zhang Qiaoxiu still couldn't muster much spirit.
Chen Yueshi felt she had let Zhang Qiaoxiu down and asked Zhang Qiaoxiu's mother to visit and keep her company daily.
Zhang Qiaoxiu's mother was quite understanding. Seeing Zhang Qiaoxiu so dispirited, she sternly admonished her.
"That's enough! Stop acting like you're dying every day and causing the whole family to be restless!"
Zhang Qiaoxiu couldn't help but cry, "But I'm heartbroken, Mother. Erlang left me while I'm pregnant... And my mother-in-law, she clearly said she wouldn't let Erlang join the army, but she changed her mind..."
Zhang's mother was so angry she slapped her twice. "So you're holding a grudge against your mother-in-law? Qiaoxiu, you can't be heartless!"
"Touch your conscience and tell me, is your life any worse now? Besides Erlang not being by your side, what else is bad? Since you married into this family, has the Jiang family ever treated you unfairly? Would you have such a good life if you married into another family?"
"Erlang is going to earn military merits, not doing anything else disgraceful! If you tie him down, and he ends up harboring resentment, will you feel better?"
"The Jiang family is a kind family; they always prioritize you. Try marrying into another family, and Erlang might not just join the army, he might even bring another woman into the house while you're pregnant, and you'd have to accept it with a smile!"
"I think you've had too good a life and forgotten who you are! If you want Erlang to revolve around you now, when your elder brother and younger brothers become capable, you'll probably complain that your husband is useless! Qiaoxiu, things can't always be perfect. Erlang was born with that ability, so let him go out and forge his path. When he becomes successful, won't you be the one basking in his glory?"
Zhang Qiaoxiu still felt a bit upset.
Zhang's mother said softly, "Xiu, that's enough. Don't let your mother-in-law's guilt towards you disappear, it won't do you any good. Erlang is gone, that's a done deal, and it's useless if you don't accept it. If you're smart, you'll take good care of yourself and raise yourself and the child well. The better you take care of yourself, the more your in-laws will feel indebted to you, and the more they'll favor you in the future."
"After the child is born, learn how to manage the household. That way, if Erlang truly succeeds in the future, you won't be looked down upon for having accomplished nothing, understand?"
Ultimately, her own mother's words were more effective.
Zhang's mother stayed with Zhang Qiaoxiu for a few days, and Zhang Qiaoxiu gradually came to her senses, a smile returning to her face.
Chen Yueshi finally breathed a sigh of relief and even brought gifts to the Zhang family to express her gratitude, which made Zhang's mother feel a bit embarrassed.
"My dear relative, Qiaoxiu is a bit stubborn and set in her ways. She didn't mean anything by it; she just couldn't come to terms with it for a while. If she said or did anything impolite, please don't hold it against her."
Chen Yueshi patted her hand. "What are you saying, dear relative? Qiaoxiu is the most sensible girl. This matter is our Jiang family's fault. She's pregnant, and Erlang insisted on joining the army. It's one thing that her husband isn't here to accompany her, but to make her worry constantly... Alas, poor Qiaoxiu."
Zhang's mother felt very grateful to Chen Yueshi. It was truly a blessing from several lifetimes that her daughter had found such an understanding mother-in-law.
So, whenever Zhang's mother had free time, she would have Zhang Qiaoxiu visit her family. Every few days, she would remind her, and over time, Zhang Qiaoxiu truly let go of the matter, focusing on her pregnancy and awaiting her husband's return.
After Zhang Qiaoxiu recovered, the atmosphere in the Jiang family also returned to normal.
In the second month after Erlang's departure, the first letter arrived.
The Jiang family learned from the letter that the outside world was still chaotic, but the Jiangnan region had stabilized. General Han's army marched north from Yaoxian, suppressing the rebels along the way and expanding their ranks. General Han's army now had fifty thousand soldiers, and Erlang had been promoted to a Qianhu, commanding over a thousand soldiers.
In fact, Jiang Wan already knew all these things.
When Erlang left, Jiang Wan had asked a friend of a little minion's eagle to follow Erlang, and it reported Erlang's situation daily.
It could be said that every move Erlang made was under Jiang Wan's control.
But this didn't stop Jiang Wan from sharing the family's joy.
Erlang was growing rapidly in the army, and General Han intended to cultivate him. Jiang Wan had a general idea of Erlang's future prospects.
With Erlang's affairs no longer a concern, Jiang Wan turned her attention to Gu Chenzhou.
She hadn't forgotten the idea Doctor Jin had given her.
She would be celebrating her seventh birthday in a few days. After her seventh birthday, she wouldn't be able to pester Gu Chenzhou every day, so she had to hurry up and plan the engagement.
Gu Chenzhou was unaware that Jiang Wan was plotting to get engaged to him. He was busy thinking about what gift to give her for her birthday.
Time flew by, and it was the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Jiang Wan's birthday also arrived.
Last year's Mid-Autumn Festival was very lively, and this year would be no less so.
Just like last year, Wangxiang Tower closed early, and all the staff came to the small mountain village.
Despite Yaoxian experiencing two major upheavals in less than a year, not a single employee of Wangxiang Tower was lost. Each time, the Jiang family had not abandoned anyone from the shop.
Therefore, the employees were even more loyal to the Jiang family. With everyone united, Wangxiang Tower's business was now the most prosperous in all of Yaoxian.
For the Mid-Autumn banquet and Jiang Wan's birthday celebration, Magistrate Cheng and his family of four also came to join the festivities.
Madam Cheng's youngest son was three months old, chubby and adorable. Although only three months old, he was very clever and smiled at everyone, making Cheng Sinian call out "brother" all day long.
Jiang Wan also liked the little chubby boy. Every time they met, she would secretly infuse him with some of her abilities to make him stronger.
The little chubby boy was born a bit prematurely, and Madam Cheng had been very worried that he would be sickly. However, to her surprise, the little chubby boy was as sturdy as a little calf. He had been healthy for three months, even sturdier than children born full-term.
Madam Cheng was unaware that these were all Jiang Wan's doing; she attributed it to her own and the wet nurse's abilities.
Jiang Wan chatted with Madam Cheng while playing with the little chubby boy. Then she heard Dalang call from outside the door, "Mother, Grand-teacher has arrived."
Everyone in the courtyard quickly got up and went to the main entrance to welcome Doctor Jin.
As Doctor Jin alighted from the carriage, he handed a box to Jiang Wan. "Little girl, this is your birthday gift."
Jiang Wan took the box and looked up at Doctor Jin. She saw the old man winking at her.
The two of them smiled knowingly.