Chapter 848: Exactly Alike
Minister Yu hesitated for a moment; there neither is any banquet where such a small child is brought.
Families like theirs do not resemble those poor ones who wait for a banquet to eat something good, bringing the entire family, young and old, to a feast.
Such a young child can be left at home to be cared for by the servants.
Besides, even if a child is to be brought, it would be the women doing it; when did it become the man’s responsibility?
Minister Yu adjusted his hat and saluted Jiang Youzhi, "Please, Mr. Jiang, do come in."
Jiang Youzhi nodded slightly at him, still letting You Er sit on his arm, and followed Minister Yu inside.
Minister Yu led Jiang Youzhi to the banquet hall.
The hall was already filled with many people, most of them court officials, who rose to salute upon seeing Jiang Youzhi enter.
Jiang Youzhi walked extremely slowly, nodding and smiling at the officials as he proceeded, occasionally stopping to exchange a few words.
Compared to his unyielding demeanor in the court, the Grand Secretary was considerably more amiable, leaving the officials quite flattered.
Among these officials, there was a Mr. Xiang from the Ministry of Personnel, known for his meticulous and contemplative nature.
Seeing Jiang Youzhi bringing a child, he began to ponder.
Why did Mr. Jiang bring a child to the banquet?
Suddenly, he recalled the gossip his wife shared last night about how the Grand Secretary’s wife enchanted the second Crown Prince of Jin Country, and Princess Shoukang insinuated that the Grand Secretary’s child might be the second Crown Prince’s.
Mr. Xiang shivered at the thought.
He immediately understood why Mr. Jiang brought his son to the banquet today.
He glanced at the child on Mr. Jiang’s arm.
The child was exceptionally handsome; his brows and features were unmistakably a miniature version of Mr. Jiang!
Anyone with eyes could see that this was Mr. Jiang’s biological son.
A thought stirred within him, prompting him to step forward and say to Jiang Youzhi, "Oh, Mr. Jiang’s young master is so handsome, and he resembles Mr. Jiang so closely."
Jiang Youzhi had reached halfway through the hall when he finally heard the words he wanted to hear.
He smiled, "Indeed, alas, this child resembles me; had he taken after my wife, he’d surely be even handsomer."
Then he kindly smiled at Mr. Xiang, "Do visit my residence sometime."
Mr. Xiang beamed excitedly, "Certainly, certainly, I’ll definitely pay a visit someday."
No official here is foolish; they’re all smart and socially adept.
Mr. Xiang’s comment prompted everyone to deliberate and react, each saying, "The young master and Mr. Jiang seem to be cast from the same mold."
"Truly handsome young master."
"The young master’s demeanor resembles Mr. Jiang’s as well."
The chorus of compliments nearly engulfed Jiang Youzhi and his son.
Minister Yu, smiling along, finally managed to lead Jiang Youzhi and his son to the distinguished guest seats.
There were also several high-ranking officials seated at the table.
Among them was an elderly man named Xie, the Crown Prince’s Grandmaster, who, despite his age, enjoyed bantering with children.
Sitting beside Jiang Youzhi and his son, he chuckled and asked You Er, "How old are you?"
You Er glanced at him, noting his considerable white hair, respectfully responded, "Grandfather, I am three years old."
Grandmaster Xie nodded, "This child speaks with such decorum, well-taught indeed."
He then held You Er’s hand with a smile, "What do you do at home every day?"