Chapter 44: Descendants

Lu Man preferred to avoid too much interaction with the masters, especially the difficult one whose gaze always seemed critical. When the actors Xiao Cai and Xin Yu Tang from the theater troupe arrived, she excused herself and returned to Orchid Pavilion.

Xiao Cai portrayed the young female roles, exuding a charming and lovely appearance, always dressed up and in full makeup when visiting. Xin Yu Tang, who played the elderly male roles, also arrived in makeup with a false beard. It was said that the Old Marquis greatly enjoyed their performances, so they usually took turns to entertain him.

Whenever they visited, Lu Man would linger for an extra fifteen minutes. Their performances resembled the Kunqu opera from her past life but with some differences.

Perhaps due to the lack of entertainment in her life recently, Lu Man found the opera quite enjoyable. Despite not fully understanding the dialogue, she appreciated their gestures and movements, especially Xiao Cai’s graceful sleeve dancing, which was truly mesmerizing.

However, with the presence of the masters today, Lu Man didn’t stay to enjoy the performance.

In the afternoon, Lu Man arrived punctually at Crane Hall to give the Old Marquis his massage. Due to the crowd, she refrained from engaging in conversations with him as she usually did and focused solely on the massage.

By the end of the afternoon, all the younger relatives, except for Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, had gathered at Crane Hall. They paid their respects to the Old Marquis, offering various blessings and well-wishes.

During this visit, Lu Man also encountered the Second Madam, Madam Lin. The Eldest Madam, Third Madam, and eldest Young Madam visited Princess Changting and the Old Marquis every few days, but the Second Madam refrained from coming unless explicitly invited.

As the Old Marquis’s condition improved, joy radiated from everyone’s faces.

Princess Changting sat beside the Old Marquis’s bed, her eyes twinkling with delight at the sight of her numerous descendants.

The household heads praised the two physicians and Lu Man for their outstanding contributions during this period, including Jiang Deyu and the three young siblings.

Particularly praising the one-year-old Dewen, everyone lauded his filial piety towards his great-grandfather. Princess Changting even held him in her arms, showing her favor.

Glancing at the smiling Second Master, Lu Man silently cursed him. Such a clueless Master, with everyone else’s children and grandchildren present, yet he had none of his own, laughing so carefree. Even if they were from a secondary relationship, they were still his biological children. While others might disregard them, as a father, he couldn’t.

Surveying the grandchildren, Princess Changting also thought of the descendants from the second branch. She inquired of the Second Madam, “Second Daughter-in-law, how is Zhanyu doing?”

The Second Madam replied, “Daughter-in-law was just about to discuss it with Mother-in-law. Zhanyu sent a message yesterday, stating that his condition had stabilized, and he could return home by the middle of next month.”

Princess Changting nodded and remarked, “That’s good news. His recovery mainly requires rest. Once stable, he can return. Our household conditions are much better than the Qiu family’s, the food and living arrangements are more refined.” She added, “When he returns, let him recuperate at home for now. Avoid sending him to the Imperial Academy, it’s too tireless.”

The Second Master frowned, saying, “Ah, Zhanyu may seem gentle, but he’s quite stubborn. He has always harbored that idea and greatly admires Mr. Pan from the Imperial Academy…” At that moment, he seemed like a compassionate father.

Princess Changting sighed deeply, “If necessary, we’ll find a great scholar comparable to Mr. Pan to teach him at home. Studying at home is better than at the Imperial Academy.” She glanced at the Second Madam, hesitated, then turned to the Third Master, saying, “Third Son, you know many scholars, see if you can find someone suitable for Zhanyu.”

The Third Master glanced at the Second Madam, thinking she was complicating things unnecessarily. Understanding the reluctance to have the Second Daughter-in-law interact extensively with men outside the family, he hesitated and replied, “I know several scholars, but finding someone on par with Mr. Pan is challenging… I will think of a solution.”

Princess Changting nodded, surveyed the room, and said, “Everyone is here today. Why haven’t Zhankui and little Jiu arrived? Go, fetch them.”

The Second Master hurriedly intervened, “Mother, Father doesn’t like to see them. Let’s respect Father’s wishes.”

Glancing at the bedridden Old Marquis, Princess Changting sighed, “Throughout his life, he never favored illegitimate children, but this time, it’s an illegitimate grandchild bringing him fortune. This granddaughter-in-law of his is quite good, massaging him daily, chatting with him, and even contributing the He family’s medical case notes.” She instructed the servants, “In the evening, prepare dishes that Zhankui and little Jiu like, little Jiu looks quite thin, and Zhanwei is especially concerned about her.”

Lu Man internally criticized the situation. They didn’t lack for material comforts, what was lacking was the affection and respect due to the elders. However, she dared not voice her thoughts and continued with the massage.

Upon completing the massage at the hour of Shen (3-5:00 pm), it was time for the children to interact with the Old Marquis.

Concerned that the children might feel nervous, Princess Changting and other elders prepared to move to the eastern room.

Observing the tired-faced Lu Man, the Third Master chuckled, “Zhanwei’s wife, why don’t you take a break as well? Stay for dinner tonight, you’ve been working hard these days.”

Princess Changting added, “Zhanwei’s wife, you’ve been through a lot lately. Please stay.”

Wasn’t this the biggest praise for her?

Despite wanting to return to her courtyard to prepare a nice meal and invite Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu for dinner, Lu Man primarily felt sorry for Jiang Jiu. The young girl was kind and sensitive, unlike Jiang Zhankui, who had a stronger mindset.

However, with invitations from the Third Master and Princess Changting, she reluctantly accompanied them to the eastern room, leaving young madam Han and the three children behind. Ninth Young Master Jiang Zhanyan also stayed on their side.

Even separated by a hall and a room, the laughter and playfulness of the children on the other side were clearly audible, especially Dewen’s piercing cries that prompted laughter from everyone present.

The Marquis inquired of Lu Man, “Zhanwei’s wife, I heard that during Xin Yu Tang’s performance of ‘Empty City Stratagem’ yesterday, Father lifted his hand again, raising it quite high?”

Lu Man nodded and smiled, “Yes, Grandfather raised his hand high, even raising his index finger.” She gestured to illustrate.

Princess Changting chuckled and said, “Ah, what a pity I missed that scene. Guo, learn from Zhanwei’s wife and bring some liveliness like yesterday.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Man chuckled as well, finding amusement in her own awkward antics, considering it as entertaining the “esteemed” family.

Guo, nearly fifty with half-gray hair, was still considered a youngster by the Princess Changting.

Approaching Princess Changting with a feather duster, he bowed and then straightened up, turning to the men with a laugh, “Thinking about yesterday’s events, we couldn’t help but laugh so much that we didn’t sleep well all night, laughing continuously…” his voice high-pitched and thin.