When Jiang Jianmin finished speaking, Chen Ping strode over, his steps steady and powerful.
Once he halted, he snapped a crisp military salute to Jiang Jianmin and Jiang Cheng, his expression respectful and solemn.
'Uncle Jiang, Young Master Jiang,' Chen Ping said in a low, forceful voice that carried a soldier's steel.
Jiang Jianmin turned; his gaze was mild yet appraising as it settled on Chen Ping.
He gave a slight nod and asked in a steady tone, 'Chen Ping, Uncle Qiu has been delivered home safely?'
Chen Ping answered at once, a trace of caution in his tone: 'Yes, sir, rest assured. Everyone around him is our people; he's very safe. Since arriving, apart from calling on General Qiu the first day, he's stayed inside the compound.'
Jiang Jianmin inclined his head, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes.
'Good. While I'm away, make certain they watch over him every moment. He's not well—someone must be with him twenty-four hours a day.'
Had his father not spoken those words to him just now…
Jiang Cheng might still have believed the care shown Uncle Qiu was simple solicitude.
Now he understood: twenty-four-hour care was, in truth, twenty-four-hour surveillance.
Chen Ping snapped another perfect salute.
'Understood, sir!' he answered, voice firm.
Jiang Jianmin smiled, pleased, and gave Chen Ping's shoulder a light pat.
'Excellent. Uncle Chen has trained you superbly,' he said warmly.
Chen Ping accepted the praise with unusual humility.
He knew Great-Grandfather's days were numbered.
Soon the entire Jiang Family would rest in Jiang Jianmin's hands.
Therefore he weighed every word, replying at once with deference: 'Uncle Jiang, it is thanks to the Old Master and your care that I've come this far.'
Jiang Jianmin smiled. 'In our circles there's no lack of ambitious men, but over the years you and Uncle Chen have shown the character and skill I value. Others I don't trust—only the two of you.'
The words struck Chen Ping like thunder; delight sprang to his face.
'Thank you for your trust, Uncle! Truly, thank you!'
'All right. My father trusts you most. Don't disappoint me. At your age, with effort, you can surpass your own father.'
His father's textbook workplace pep-talk echoed what he himself had told Wang Sheng earlier.
Back then he had said: Work hard—money, house, car, everything will follow.
Jiang Cheng studied Chen Ping and was startled: the man wore the same glow Wang Sheng had.
He stood straighter, chest out.
'Rest assured, sir, I will not fail you,' he declared, voice ringing.
'After New Year I'll head to Tibet. Uncle Chen has been there a while; I'll look after him and bring him back,' Jiang Jianmin added.
A perfect, fragrant pie had been drawn in the air—and it landed squarely on Chen Ping's heart.
Tears already brimming, he quickly wiped his eyes with his sleeve, face flushed, and snapped another salute.
'Thank you for your kindness to my family! I swear lifelong loyalty to the Jiang Family—my life for yours!'
Jiang Jianmin patted his shoulder, smiling kindly yet with unchallengeable authority. 'Good man. I've always had high hopes. Off you go.'
Permitted to leave, Chen Ping bowed deeply and strode away.
When he was gone, Jiang Jianmin glanced at Jiang Cheng; together they continued along the winding garden path.
The garden itself seemed to sense the shift in mood.
Sunlight struggled through layered leaves, scattering mottled fragments across the path like a broken puzzle.
Neatly trimmed shrubs looked stiff under the oppressive hush.
Father and son walked on in silence.
Between the stone slabs, stubborn young grass quivered in the breeze.
They climbed the steps without a word.
Above them, interlaced boughs formed a green vault.
Birds that had been chirping fell mute, perched motionless, round eyes warily watching.
After dozens of steps Jiang Cheng asked, 'Dad, Uncle Qiu's cousin holds high rank, doesn't he? What's his relation to Great-Grandfather?'
Seeing his father breathe hard while he himself felt no strain, Jiang Cheng received a half-proud, half-annoyed glare.
Jiang Jianmin shook his head. 'He's a weather-vane—leans whichever way the wind blows. With the Qiu Family heirless save for Qiu Yihe, he's only trying to protect himself.'
'So they've abandoned Uncle Qiu completely?' Jiang Cheng frowned.