Chapter 30: Avoiding

Jiang Zhanwei concluded that the woman before him was incredibly contradictory – possessing many virtues but even more flaws. She was beautiful, intelligent, and eloquent, yet impulsive, audacious, reckless, defied elders, shameless, and capable of engaging in unruly behavior like crying, causing a scene, or attempting suicide.

Having such a woman as his wife at home, if his grandfather were to recover due to her “Blessing/Fortune”… He felt a surge of excitement, filled with expectations for certain future events…

Perhaps, the plan should be altered…

The next morning, Lu Man awoke to find Jiang Zhanwei absent. With a sore body, she sat up and called, “Lu Ying, Hong Ling!”

Lu Ying and Hong Ling rushed in to hang the bed canopy. Hong Ling chuckled, “Third Young Master is practicing martial arts in the courtyard, not allowing us to disturb Third Young Madam.”

Wrapped tightly in the blanket, Lu Man leaned against the headboard and weakly requested, “Bring the outer robe, prepare the water, I need to bathe.” She had been contemplating a bath since the previous night but didn’t want him to witness her vulnerability and humiliation again, so she endured it.

Lu Ying nodded, “The hot water is ready, I will go prepare it.” Hurriedly, she left the room.

Her eyes were red and swollen, fearing questions from others. While on night duty in the side room, she had heard Lu Man’s suppressed sobs. The intensity of her cries indicated immense distress. Lu Ying couldn’t speak, she silently cried along, trying to muffle her sobs.

Observing Lu Man’s red and swollen eyes, Hong Ling wondered if the act was truly painful. Furthermore, she noticed some bruises on her mistress’s arms while she changed into the robe. The sight of those marks, combined with the image of the tall man in the courtyard, made her blush.

As Lu Man sat in the hot water, feeling some relief, she noticed the bruises on her arms and seethed with anger. That man was despicable, twisted, and ruthless – truly wicked. Thankfully, he promised not to force her again.

Despite her hatred towards him, Lu Man couldn’t deny that such a self-assured and proud man should be taken seriously.

At the thought of his face, she shuddered involuntarily, feeling a sharp pain rising from below. She resolved that even if she left him in the future, she would never marry again – not in this lifetime, nor the next. Men were truly terrifying creatures.

However, with the thought of those positive aspects, her mood inexplicably lightened. He wouldn’t divorce her or touch her for now, they maintained a contractual marriage with one inside and the other outside, making it difficult for them to meet. If he went to the north, they might not see each other for a year or two. Even if he decided to divorce her, it would have to wait until he had the autonomy to do so. By then, she would be prepared, and leaving wouldn’t be any harder than staying here.

If she ever grew strong enough one day, she would gladly slap that man’s face to avenge yesterday’s humiliation. Even if the chance was slim, she would strive to create it.

For now, she needed to tread carefully in her interactions with him – not pandering to him nor provoking him, simply adhering to the principle of peaceful coexistence and non-interference.

After soaking for over two quarters of an hour, the water had cooled slightly, prompting Lu Man to rise, dress in undergarments, and leave the washroom. Normally, she preferred bathing without maidservants present.

Just as Lu Ying finished helping her dress, Liu Ya entered with a bowl of medicinal soup. She appeared timid, struggling to speak, visibly uncomfortable.

Lu Man immediately understood the contents of the bowl. Jiang Zhanwei didn’t want her to conceive, and she certainly had no desire to bear his child.

She inquired, “Is that the contraceptive soup?”

Liu Ya murmured, “Yes.” then quickly added, “It was ordered by Third Young Master. I didn’t want to bring it.” She was torn, disobeying Third Young Madam would earn her wrath. Yet, she dared not defy Third Young Master’s orders.

Lu Man reached out, “You needn’t worry. Since it’s Third Young Master’s wish, just follow his instructions.” She took the bowl and drank it all in one go.

In reality, she was only two days past her menstrual cycle, not an ideal time for conception. However, in ancient times, this day was considered the most fertile.

Liu Ya was surprised by Lu Man’s willingness to drink the contraceptive soup despite knowing its purpose. She initially fretted over what to do if Third Young Madam refused. It was unconventional for a husband to force his wife to drink such a concoction, especially on the second day after consummation.

“Third Young Madam, you are the rightful wife…” Lu Ying blurted out.

Observing Lu Man drink the contraceptive soup without hesitation, tears welled up in Lu Ying’s eyes. She had hoped that if Lu Man conceived, she would secure her position in the household. Perhaps Third Young Master would genuinely care for her. Even if the old Marquis passed away, Third Young Madam would still have a chance. But Third Young Master didn’t even show a hint of concern. How could he be so heartless?

Seeing Lu Ying’s swollen eyes, Lu Man understood her compassion. She gently squeezed Lu Ying’s hand and reassured her, “In this household, we must follow Third Young Master’s orders. Whatever he says, goes.”

Jiang Zhanwei entered the room just as Lu Man finished speaking. Clad in a dark practice outfit, his face slightly flushed, with a sheen of sweat on his nose and forehead. He headed straight to the washroom, where Tao and Xing tended to him. Hong Ling followed quickly, her giggles piercing the air.

Lu Man remained still, recognizing the nature of their relationship, there was no need to play the dutiful wife in front of him. However, Hong Ling’s overly eager behavior made Lu Man blush. It was no wonder why esteemed families looked down upon those of lower status – judging by the behavior of these maidservants, lacking in manners and decorum, serving the new husband so eagerly without any reservations. How would the young miss of this lower-status family be perceived?

Lu Man gritted her teeth in frustration. If that maid wasn’t useful, she would have made her disappear immediately – utterly disgraceful!

Lu Ying, also infuriated, silently cursed, “Despicable harlot, shameless!”

Lu Man sat at the dressing table as Lu Ying came over to comb her hair.

Jiang Zhanwei finished grooming and sat down on the other side for Xing to attend to him.

Hong Ling attempted to join Jiang Zhanwei to serve him, but Lu Ying called out, “Sister Hong Ling, quickly fetch Third Young Madam’s hairpin for me, my hands are full.”

Unable to refuse, Hong Ling stayed by Lu Man’s side to assist.

Though Lu Man had decided on her approach with Jiang Zhanwei, the sight of him still made her feel embarrassed and resentful, causing her face to flush with a mix of shame and anger.

However, Jiang Zhanwei remained impassive as if nothing had happened.

Once they were ready, Mama Qian arrived holding a black embroidered box, her face beaming with joy. She bowed respectfully, “Greetings to Third Young Master and Third Young Madam.”