Chapter 68: Unexpected Joy

At this moment, the Second Madam, unusually, spoke up, “Zhanwei’s wife is right. Listening to these words, I have truly come to an understanding. Sometimes, a near-death experience can indeed bring clarity. Especially for women, self-improvement and self-respect are crucial… Ah, the situation has escalated to this point due to my neglect as the legitimate mother. Engrossed in my own affairs, I rarely paid attention to Zhankui and Jiu. I was preoccupied, aloof in nature, and didn’t consider many things. As the rightful wife and mother, I will now take better care of Jiu.” She then looked at the Second Master and continued, “Sir…”

Her voice, though still aloof, carried a hint of warmth that was previously absent.

Seeing the Madam Lin and his son take a stand, the Second Master quickly said, “Uh, about that dog, right? Since it didn’t harm anyone and Jiu is reluctant to part with it, bring it back to the courtyard.”

The Princess added, “In the future, whenever we gather as a family, they must be included, and the Second Master should not obstruct. Once the old Marquis wakes up, I will also persuade him.”

The Second Master blushed, chuckled nervously, and agreed, “Alright, alright, I’ll listen to Mother.” Afterward, he glanced at the Second Madam, almost wanting to say “I’ll also listen to Qingwen,” but hesitated to say it publicly.

Lu Man was surprised to see the Second Madam, who usually seemed distant, take a stand, and in such a down-to-earth and grand manner. Her earlier words were likely most offensive to the Second Master and Second Madam. It was all caused by the Second Master, and he deserved the blame. However, with traditional gender roles, the Second Madam being Jiu’s legitimate mother made her lose face the most with those words.

Yet, the Second Madam not only remained unperturbed but also expressed the forward-thinking idea of “women must be self-reliant and dignified.” Lu Man found herself somewhat admiring her.

With this matter now resolved so satisfactorily, not only was Qichang saved, but political rights were secured for the siblings. It was truly an unexpected joy. Despite seemingly offending the eldest Madam, Lu Man couldn’t dwell on that now.

The Marquis looked pleased, glanced at Lu Man, and said to the Princess with a smile, “Unexpectedly, bringing a surprise for Father also brought us a good daughter-in-law. When Father wakes up, he will be pleased.”

Lu Man’s heart skipped a beat. Her original intention was not to become their good daughter-in-law.

The Third Master also smiled and remarked, “Very well, Zhanwei’s wife’s insight is no less than that of a man. Having such a virtuous wife is Zhanwei’s good fortune. However, that stepmother’s actions were truly despicable. She tarnished a fine child’s reputation and nearly caused their demise.”

The Princess coldly interjected, “Some people are just so malicious, that’s why in the ‘back…’ – she stopped herself from saying “palace” and substituted it with another word – “backyard, there are so many dark secrets. Fortunately, Zhanwei’s wife didn’t perish. Not only did she survive, but she also gained wisdom from the experience, turning misfortune into a blessing.” She then addressed Lu Man and the others, “Go freshen up, then come back for dinner. Take the dog with you, it looks so pitiful, with eyes like a distressed child.”

Upon hearing this, the servants hastened to untie the rope from Qichang. They noticed a leg seemed broken, and one maid picked up the dog.

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu followed Lu Man as they walked outside. As they left, Jiang Jiu glanced at the Second Master. Seeing his lack of reaction, the Second Madam signaled for Jiang Jiu to come over, tidied her hair, and advised, “Your sister-in-law is right. Tears won’t bring back what you desire. Education brings wisdom. Study more in the future, and if you don’t understand something, you can find me in the study room.”

Lu Man reminded Jiang Jiu, “Jiu, this is your mother guiding you. Quickly thank your mother.”

It felt awkward for Lu Man to call the Second Madam “mother,” but she hoped to mend the relationship between Jiang Jiu and her legitimate mother. The Princess, being the master of the family and advanced in age, couldn’t manage everything. The Second Madam, as the head of the second household, showed her good side today. The Second Master was afraid of her, but if she could care for Jiu, the days ahead for Jiu would be much better.

Jiang Jiu, appreciative, thanked the Second Madam, who nodded and released her hand.

With the weather hot, Lu Man, Jiang Zhankui, and Jiang Jiu were exhausted after the ordeal. They reached the gate, where two sedan chairs were waiting.

Due to Qichang’s injured leg, it was carried to Orchid Pavilion for treatment. It was placed in Lu Man’s sedan chair, by her feet.

Reluctant to part ways, Jiang Jiu hesitated. Lu Man reassured her, “After bathing and dressing up, we’ll meet again at the Crane Hall later.”

As the small sedan arrived at the entrance of the Qingfeng Courtyard, the siblings alighted, and Mama Gu rushed over, tears streaming, “My lady, you’ve suffered. If I had been there, those wretched maids wouldn’t have dared to mistreat you…”

Jiang Jiu’s tears also flowed as she threw herself into Mama Gu’s embrace.

Jiang Zhankui coldly remarked, “I find it odd how you always disappear at critical moments. Once the crisis passes, your legs move faster than anyone else’s.”

Ling Zhi and Lan Zhi stifled their laughter.

Mama Gu blushed, caught between tears and laughter, and explained, “As Eighth Young Master said, I went to the sewing room this afternoon to find some scraps to hem Second Young Miss’s clothes…”

Ignoring her, Jiang Zhankui entered the house to prepare for a bath.

Lu Man returned to the courtyard, first checking on Qichang. Apart from a broken bone in its left hind leg, everything else seemed fine. Lu Man bandaged the injury with golden medicine and secured the leg with a stick. Due to the severity of the injury, Qichang was temporarily housed on Orchid Pavilion, where a servant named Qingqing would care for it.

Orchid Pavilion had a variety of medicinal herbs, some purchased from Renhe Hall and others made by the imperial physicians of the Tongji Hospital.

Once Qichang was taken care of, Lu Man headed to the bathing room.

Exhausted, she longed to soak longer but remembered the gathering at Crane Hall with many awaiting her return, including the two children.

After changing into fresh attire and having her hair styled, she arrived at the gate of Orchid Pavilion, where the sedan chair was waiting. She then proceeded to Crane Hall. The evening had descended, and she was surprised how late it had become after all the commotion.

The siblings had already arrived at Crane Hall. Once Lu Man joined them, they all took their seats.

Perhaps impressed by the Second Madam’s behavior, the Princess ordered a servant to bring a half-pitcher of osmanthus wine for her before serving Lu Man, Jiang Deyu, Jiang Zhankui, and Jiang Jiu each a bowl of Eight Treasures Sour Duck Soup, recommending it to cool them down in the hot weather.

This time, the Second Household’s prestige was fully acknowledged, surpassing even the First and Third Households for the first time.

The Second Master chuckled while stroking his beard, pleased with the turn of events. In contrast, the Second Madam remained composed, seemingly unfazed by the unexpected turn of events.

Lu Man couldn’t help but crave the aroma wafting from the wine pitcher but dared not inquire, content with the honor bestowed by the Princess.