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The Princess was elated to hear Jiang Zhanwei’s words. She felt remorse for not paying attention to her grandson all these years and vowed to make it up to him. Once the old Marquis woke up, she planned to inform him of Jiang Zhanwei’s filial piety and advised him not to suppress this illegitimate grandson any longer. Legitimate or illegitimate, they were all family.
She praised him, saying, “Good child, such a dutiful and respectful child. Your thoughts have been acknowledged by both your grandmother and grandfather.” She continued, “Your elder brother went to the Guangji Temple this morning to consult Master Mingyi. They decided on the auspicious date of the nineteenth of April for your marriage and moving into a new residence. May all be well on that day for you and Miss Lu…”
Jiang Zhanwei readily agreed, “Understood, I know what to do.” He then knelt down, taking hold of the Princess’s garment and said, “Grandmother, I have a request.”
The Princess tugged at Jiang Zhanwei, urging him to speak freely, “Speak up, whatever it is, your grandmother will agree.”
Remaining on his knees, Jiang Zhanwei continued, “Grandmother, I am nineteen years old now and have married Miss Lu Man to fulfill my filial duties. As the saying goes, a man’s ambition lies in all directions, and I wish to join the military, to serve the court. I have already spoken to Duke Xie’s son, Xie Yu, and agreed to serve under him.”
Sir Xie, the son of Duke Xie, was stationed in the Jingjiao Camp in the outskirts, serving as a deputy officer at the rank of seventh-grade. Once Jiang Zhanwei resigned from his current post and transferred to the Ministry of War, he would officially become a military officer.
According to Sir Xie, there were signs of unrest in the north, and a large-scale battle might be imminent. If conflict arose, most of the troops from the Jingjiao Camp, Vanguard Camp, and Infantry Camp would be deployed to the north.
Jiang Zhanwei desired to break free from the constraints of his family that had bound him for over a decade, to leave behind the distractions of the bustling capital and unleash the passion and intellect that had been suppressed for years in the military. Particularly with the possibility of war looming, his ambitions soared.
From a young age, he admired the military prowess of his ancestors from the Jiang family and the well-rounded abilities of Sir Xie, who was a role model for him. At the age of seven, he had met Sir Xie by chance and secretly pestered him at the Duke’s residence to learn martial arts, practicing diligently every day. He borrowed military books from Sir Xie, even sneaking into the family’s library to read more. Soldier, his first dog, were his companions, and he followed it all around, claiming it was to “walk the dogs”, but it was actually to build his endurance. It wasn’t until six years later, when he was thirteen years old, that because his dog inadvertently collided with his grandmother and the pregnant Third Madam, his dog was beaten to death by the second master……
Originally, Jiang Zhanwei thought being a military commander was just a dream and would never become a reality. However, after this setback, he had a clear revelation – he wanted to leave home, escape the suppression of the elder family members, and carve out a future as a military man, embracing the world of swords and horses. With his grandfather currently incapacitated, there was no one who could stop him within the garrison…
The Princess was unaware of her grandson’s intentions and shook her head, saying, “Though the Jiang family’s ancestors had military origins, since your grandfather’s time, we have been inclined towards civil pursuits. You, as weak and feeble scholars, would find military life quite arduous. Good child, if you must join the military, consider serving at the palace, it’s dignified and offers opportunities for advancement.”
Weak and feeble scholars? Not him!
Jiang Zhanwei bowed his head and pleaded, “Before my grandfather fell ill, he often taught us to be loyal to the court and serve the Emperor. While the palace is fine, I truly wish to train in a real military camp. At nineteen, it’s the first time I have my own desire and the first time I’m requesting this from you, Grandmother. Please, in appreciation of my filial piety, grant me this wish.”
The emphasis on “filial piety” was profound. After speaking, he bowed deeply three times.
Tears welled up in the eyes of the Princess. Despite the complexities of having many descendants and her lesser affection for this illegitimate grandson compared to the legitimate ones, she couldn’t bear to see him suffer in the military, especially after learning of his deep filial piety.
She added, “Are you blaming me for your marriage to Miss Lu? Her actions were truly despicable. Rest assured, once your grandfather recovers, I will have her relocated to another residence, and I will find you a suitable wife. With my intervention, this new wife will surely be no less than the previous Miss Shu…”
Jiang Zhanwei shook his head, saying, “Grandmother, please don’t think that way. Marrying Miss Lu for the sake of auspicious blessings was a duty of filial respect. I harbor no resentment or regret, and I have never considered the idea of another wife. My decision to join the military has nothing to do with marrying Miss Lu.”
Touched and saddened by her grandson’s words, the Princess felt a mix of emotions. He was understanding, filial, and comforting her despite his own challenges. It was all Lu Man’s fault for causing him such embarrassment, leading him to seek solace in the unfamiliar military life…
Having clarified matters with the Princess, Jiang Zhanwei took his leave, mentioning his intention to visit the military camp to find Sir Xie and then proceed to the government office to enlist in the army. He would depart for the military camp afterward. He promised to return on the nineteenth of April, ensuring no delays in the auspicious marriage preparations. Fearing complications from Second Master and others upon their return, he aimed for a swift resolution.
Meanwhile, Lu Man had finished the massage but hesitated to leave, fearing an encounter with Jiang Zhanwei. She stood by the window, gazing at the post-rain sky’s clear, green hues, admiring the vibrant flowers and plants in the courtyard.
Maid Xiao Huan brought her a cup of tea.
Lu Man took the tea with a smile, expressing her gratitude. At that moment, she truly needed the tea to calm her inner turmoil and had ample reason to stand there lost in thought.
Suddenly, a light and brisk set of footsteps approached from the west room, passed through the hall, and she caught sight of a man hurrying out, descending the steps, and swiftly leaving. She knew this man was her husband for this lifetime, Jiang Zhanwei.
He was dressed in a dark blue robe embroidered with cloud patterns, tall and imposing, with a straight back and swift gait. Even with just a glimpse of his back and a fleeting, sharp profile, she realized this man was not as weak, restrained, or self-deprecating as she had previously thought – weren’t most illegitimate sons characterized by such traits?
In almost all cases, aside from exceptional circumstances, illegitimate sons lacked confidence, faced exclusion, and were shaped into individuals with flawed characters, a situation exacerbated within this household. The old Marquis despised illegitimate sons, Second Master feared his wife, and under such pressure, illegitimate sons grew up even more timid, fearful, and insecure.
This character, flawed and lacking in prospects, suited her perfectly at the moment. People who were timid and restrained often had a soft heart, making them easier to handle.
Yet, this man… stirred unease within her.
Lu Man took another sip of her tea to calm her mind. Watching the man’s silhouette disappear into one of the side buildings in the courtyard, she set down her teacup. She then went to the old Marquis’s bedside to offer him blessings, bid farewell to the two imperial physicians, and finally left the bedroom.