Wei Kaiyun was actually more nervous at heart. The doctor looked at the man and thought he was okay, smiling as he repeated, "No need, both the mother and child are in good health."
The couple left the hospital and leisurely went to a building. Although the child's items had been prepared for a long time, Wei Kaiyun always felt they weren't enough.
Jiang Xinyu just went along with him. He was willing to prepare for the child, which showed he valued the children.
Back home, Jiang Xinyu smiled again. Little Jiang Shijing was angry, refusing to be held by Wei Kaiyun. She would not get involved with them.
It took Wei Kaiyun less than ten minutes to soothe his son, and father and son went out again.
Jiang Xinyu was a bit worried. With Shijing , what would happen once Wei Kaiyun left? She was going to school, and only Bai Hongying would be left to take care of the two children.
She tossed aside her book, unable to focus. Feeling a bit restless.
"Xiao Jiang, come out for a moment."
Jiang Xinyu came out puzzled and saw a man in his fifties standing in the courtyard.
"Hello, may I ask who you are?"
"Hello, is this Wei Kaiyun's home?" he asked in standard dialect.
Jiang Xinyu suddenly remembered Wei Kaiyun had found a mentor for Shijing.
"Yes, please have a seat. Wei Kaiyun went out and should be back soon."
Jiang Xinyu invited him to sit on the stone bench in the courtyard and noticed he walked with a limp.
Bai Hongying brought out a cup of water.
"Please have some water."
"Thank you. Are you Wei Kaiyun's wife?"
Jiang Xinyu paused for a moment, "Yes."
"Wei Kaiyun called me and asked me to come over."
Jiang Xinyu nodded, "Did you just get off the train and haven't eaten yet?"
"Yes, I've already eaten."
The two chatted intermittently, sometimes falling into brief silences. Jiang Xinyu hoped Wei Kaiyun would return soon.
Shijing's laughter came from the street, relieving Jiang Xinyu's heart as they finally returned.
Wei Kaiyun came in and saw Shang Zhenkun sitting there.
"Master Shang, you're here?"
Shang Zhenkun stood up as well, smiling and nodding. "I just arrived."
"Please have a seat. This is my wife, Jiang Xinyu, and my son, Jiang Shijing."
"Hmm, this little kid is nice and sturdy."
Jiang Shijing was not shy, curiously looking at Shang Zhenkun.
"Master Shang, I would like to ask you to teach my children martial arts, and I'm leaving after New Year. Leaving them, Niang San here, I'm not at ease."
"No problem. Wherever I am, being busy is fine."
Wei Kaiyun smiled at Jiang Shijing, pointed at Shang Zhenkun, and showed him, "Son, this is your mentor, Master."
The little one didn't understand much, but when they went out, whenever his parents introduced him to people, they would smile and pat him.
So the little guy grinned and smiled at Shang Zhenkun.
This child took after every good aspect of his parents, especially his eyes, which resembled Wei Kaiyun's—bright and dark, usually carrying a smile, adorably so when he smiled with a hint of flattery.
Jiang Xinyu couldn't bear to look at his obsequious appearance.
Shang Zhenkun picked him up and placed him on his leg, playfully touching him.
The little guy was a bit dazed, allowing him to be touched, looking overwhelmingly cute.
"Yes, this child has been raised well. I'll take care of him in the future."
"Great, with Master Shang by their side, I'll feel more at ease leaving them."
Shang Zhenkun shook his head, "I am just a cripple."
Wei Kaiyun just smiled. He knew Shang Zhenkun well enough?
They had known each other for a long time. After much investigation, they found out this man's background was quite unusual; once the young master, skilled, involved in the revolution, in high status yet unrestrained, detesting political intrigues, probably seeing something, he left freely.
Drifting outside, Wei Kaiyun helped him in his most difficult times, so Shang Zhenkun came for this reason.
Shang Zhenkun manipulated Shijing's little arms and legs. The little guy thought he was playing, grinning with drool. Jiang Xinyu found it amusing; such a young child couldn't discern much, but having an additional reliable presence at home gave her peace of mind when attending school.
The lunch was very sumptuous, featuring local specialties and Northern dishes.
There was fish and meat. Wei Kaiyun also prepared wine.
After lunch, "I'm staying here. This boy is left to me. Wherever I am, having a little guy around is nice."
"That's wonderful," Wei Kaiyun smiled, mainly since the meal satisfied Master Shang.
He knew this person had a hearty appetite. Making him happy was just as wonderful.
Bai Hongying tidied up a room. Jiang Xinyu prepared new bedding, further satisfying Shang Zhenkun. With a good life, who would want to live in hardship?
"Let this little guy stay with me. Rest assured, I'll take good care of him."
Though Jiang Xinyu was worried, Wei Kaiyun had already agreed.
The couple lay on the heated bed, "Dear, don't worry. This person is good in character, knowledge, and martial arts. Having Shijing follow him is the best option."
"Isn't he too young?"
"They need to get familiar; I'm afraid Shijing won't adjust after I leave."
Jiang Xinyu was convinced. Anyway, she could still see him daily, noticing any changes herself.
The baby was restless in the belly. Jiang Xinyu was accustomed, sleeping by herself, while Wei Kaiyun interacted with the baby, placing his hand on the belly.
A few months were left before he left Niang San again. Once the leader's seer said he was destined for solitude in this life, but now he had a wife and son.
He chose not to believe those words yet feared them at heart. So he didn't force many things; going with the flow was best.
By three in the afternoon, Jiang Xinyu got up and went to the courtyard, seeing the little guy with star eyes watching Master Shang practicing martial arts there.
Jiang Xinyu pursed her lips and smiled; starting Shijing's admiration young would make him not reject martial arts, not giving up even when tired. It was a good way; the knowledge of martial arts began then.
Jiang Xinyu didn't understand martial arts, but watching Master Shang fight, it indeed looked impressive. Although his limp affected somewhat, it didn't impact the aesthetics.
Jiang Xinyu glanced at Wei Kaiyun, "I don't know, but it seems quite formidable. Do you know it?"
Wei Kaiyun nodded, "I do, but compared to Master Shang, I'm far behind."