Chapter 19: Fifth Young Master

Lu Man arrived at the main hall and had the maid standing at the doorway of the east room inform the Princess that she had finished the massage.

The Princess had initially intended to have Lu Man come in to inquire about the old Marquis’s condition. However, with the knowledge that her grandson was enduring hardship due to her actions, she felt irritated and coldly instructed, “Let her go back and come back tomorrow.”

It seemed that their conversation had an impact, and the Princess’s attitude suddenly changed.

Filled with thoughts, Lu Man returned to Orchid Pavilion. She waited through dinner, but no notification came. Feeling a sense of relief, it appeared that Jiang Zhanwei wouldn’t be coming, at least for now, ensuring her temporary safety.

On the other hand, Lu Ying, who had been watching the door, felt disappointed. She had assumed that the Princess had approved the Third Young Madam, anticipating that Third Young Master would come to this place for their conjugal visit.

Seeing Lu Man smiling, Lu Ying remarked, “Third Young Madam, how can you still smile? Third Young Master has returned to the residence today, but he didn’t come here.”

Lu Man replied, “Nonsense. Why does he have to come here?”

Disheartened, Lu Ying muttered, “If Third Young Master doesn’t come, Third Young Madam’s status will be risky, and others might look down on her.”

Ignoring Lu Ying, Lu Man couldn’t shake off the fear of Jiang Zhanwei’s intense animosity towards her. Even his mere silhouette sent shivers down her spine. If he did come, he might trample on her more ruthlessly than others. She was in a vulnerable position, surrounded and defenseless, with no means of retaliation. It would be best to wait until the old Marquis recovered before facing that man, then, she would have a stronger stance.

Early the next morning, Hong Ling, who went to the kitchen to fetch food, returned with explosive news – Jiang Zhanwei had left the Ministry of Astronomy to join the military.

This news shook Lu Man to the core, almost causing her to jump from her seat. Was Jiang Zhanwei joining the military because of her? With the weight of her burdens already heavy, this added offense would only make others hate her more. Perhaps that was why the Princess’s attitude had turned hostile again the previous afternoon.

Lu Ying, her eyes reddening with anger, choked out, “How could Third Young Master do this! Third Madam’s situation is already difficult enough.”

Hong Ling also sighed, “Third Young Master joining the military at this time will cause hardship…” She glanced at Lu Man but hesitated to continue.

As the hour of Chen (7-9:00 AM) approached, Lu Man walked nervously towards the Crane Hall. She wore a light purple embroidered robe with a white inner garment and a pale pleated long skirt. She had a simple adornment – just a jade hairpin with two pearl flowers. She had barely applied any makeup, only a touch of blush and lip color. In truth, she had no desire to wear any makeup, but in the noble families of this era, a woman going out without makeup would be ridiculed for being sloppy.

Her brows were lightly furrowed, her steps slow, and her heart filled with sorrow. Just as hope had ignited in the face of adversity, it was abruptly extinguished, leaving her more despondent than ever.

As Lu Man stepped onto a path leading to the Crane Hall, a young man emerged from another path.

This young man, aged around fifteen or sixteen, was more suited to being called a youth. He wore a stone blue embroidered armor, a cream-colored inner garment with flower patterns, and a purple and gold crown adorned with eight treasures. His features were strikingly handsome, with clear eyes and a refined elegance. However, he appeared somewhat frail, his loose clothing billowing in the morning breeze, accentuating his charming demeanor. Although his complexion was unappealing, he coughed a couple of times.

Despite this, Lu Man had to admit that he presented an extremely handsome image of an ancient scholar. At his age, he could only be the Fourth or Fifth Young Master. Weren’t they supposed to be at the Imperial Academy studying today? Why is he at home instead? The sound of coughing indicated that he was likely unwell and had taken a sick leave.

Seeing Lu Man slightly surprised, he likely guessed her identity and paused to bow respectfully to her.

He was the second person in the Princess’s residence to treat her kindly, the first being Jiang Jiu. Lu Man already held a favorable impression of him, and his polite gesture only enhanced it. She quickly knelt down to return his courtesy.

The man then briskly walked ahead.

His demeanor and silhouette were vastly different from Jiang Zhanwei’s, his posture was broad, gentle, and flexible, in contrast to Jiang Zhanwei’s rigid and iron-like stance.

The saying “gentleman of noble character, gentle as jade” seemed fitting for him.

Lu Man and Lu Ying’s steps slowed as they watched his retreating figure grow smaller, disappearing beyond the walls of the Crane Hall.

Jiang Zhanyu walked briskly, occasionally covering his mouth with a clenched fist to stifle a light cough. He hadn’t expected this woman to be so beautiful, especially with those serene eyes and a layer of unshakable melancholy… a woman with such eyes and grace shouldn’t be foolish. Perhaps there was something truly unbearable driving her to contemplate suicide.

Such a woman, even if of humble origin and a bit stubborn, is still beautiful and should not be married to oneself.

Previously, he had complained about his parents favoring him and pushing her towards his third brother, thinking he should marry her himself to free his other brothers. Since women who married him all seemed to face misfortune, he had considered marrying the morally questionable Miss Lu instead. Now, looking back, he realized that a woman as wonderful as her marrying him would be utterly unjust…

However, thoughts of his brother joining the military brought conflicting emotions to him.

As Lu Man turned past the courtyard wall, she saw the young man had already entered the Crane Hall’s hanging flower gate and heard the gatekeeper addressing him as “Fifth Young Master.”

So, he was Fifth Young Master Jiang Zhanyu.

Lu Ying muttered under her breath, “Heavens, Fifth Young Master is truly handsome, the most handsome man this servant has ever seen.” She chuckled, “They say the men in Princess Changting’s residence all resemble the old Marquis, handsome and elegant. I bet Third Young Master must be very handsome too!”

Lu Man sighed, wondering why Lu Ying was daydreaming about Third Young Master’s attractiveness when it had nothing to do with her.

The mistress and servant went directly to the old Marquis’s bedroom.

The Princess sat on an official chair beside the bed, holding Jiang Zhanyu’s hand and saying, “…Go on, you’re still young, don’t dwell on it. Take care of yourself. Physician Qiu is skilled and will surely heal you. When you go there, read less and don’t strain yourself. These titles like Jinshi and Juren aren’t of much use in families like ours. Once you finish studying at the Imperial Academy, Grandmother will speak to your uncle and grandfather to secure a good position for you.”

After each instruction, the Princess smiled, and Jiang Zhanyu responded with a gentle and melodious voice, akin to a slow-flowing stream.

Having finished her instructions, the Princess instructed the maid nearby, “Go, bring out the Kunlun Hundred-Year Blood Ling Zhi from the palace and present it to Physician Qiu as a thank you for assisting Zhanyu.”

Jiang Zhanyu hastily declined, bowing respectfully, “Grandson cannot accept. Keep the Hundred-Year Ling Zhi for Grandfather’s use. My mother has already prepared many gifts for Physician Qiu, including high-quality medicinal herbs.”

The Princess chuckled, “Your grandfather has more.”

Lu Man approached the Princess, bowed respectfully, then gave a nod to Jiang Zhanyu, addressing him as “Fifth Young Master.”

The Princess’s demeanor towards Lu Man was extremely cold, letting out a disapproving “hmph.” Lu Man felt that if she hadn’t been of significant use to the old Marquis, the Princess might have immediately smashed a teacup against her head.