Chapter 97: Sending Gifts for Others

In her previous life, Lu Man was known for being talkative, never allowing any awkward silence in conversations. However, when faced with this man, she found herself at a loss for words. With a simple “Oh.” she gazed absentmindedly at the lush green bamboo in the corner of the courtyard.

Jiang Zhanwei remained silent as well, and the atmosphere only lightened when the children spoke a few innocent words, preventing the silence from becoming too overwhelming.

A maid approached to pour tea for Lu Man.

It seemed like Jiang Zhanwei was explaining to Lu Man why he hadn’t visited Orchid Pavilion after returning home last time. “When I returned home last time and checked on Grandmother, Zhankui, and Jiu, it was already late. I had to prepare maps overnight, so I went straight to the front courtyard…”

Lu Man responded with another “Oh.”

With a slightly darkened expression, Jiang Zhanwei turned to Jiang Zuankui and said, “Take your sister outside to watch the performance. I need to speak with your sister-in-law.”

Though reluctant, Jiang Zuankui stood up obediently and led his sister along with Lingzhi and Mama Guo to watch the entertainment.

Despite Jiang Jiu’s reluctance to leave her brother, she dared not disobey and pouted as she walked away.

Seeing the two children leave the courtyard, Jiang Zhanwei took out a sachet from his pocket, blushing slightly as he handed it to Lu Man. He explained, “When brother Xie and I returned, we went to the silver shop. He bought a pair of bracelets for his wife, and I also… Oh, brother Xie also asked me to buy you some jewelry as a token of appreciation for saving his wife and son.”

Lu Man didn’t want to accept the gift from Jiang Zhanwei. She felt that asking for help was one thing, but receiving gifts was another. When asking for help, she was willing to reciprocate in kind—taking care of the siblings, trying to awaken the old marquis, ensuring mutual benefits. However, accepting gifts, especially jewelry, posed a dilemma as she couldn’t reciprocate with jewelry in return. She wouldn’t wear the jewelry he gave her, and accepting something useless out of obligation seemed unnecessary. Furthermore, receiving a gift with reluctance and pressure, especially when he mentioned Xie Yu asked him to give it, made her hesitate.

Seeing his displeasure, Lu Man reluctantly took the sachet, saying, “Thank you, Third Young Master.” She added, “Um, it seems you misspoke. You should be giving this jewelry to General Xie’s wife. It’s inappropriate for General Xie to send me gifts, it could lead to misunderstandings.”

After speaking, Lu Man realized that suggesting Jiang Zhanwei should give gifts to Xie Yu’s wife was also inappropriate. After all, he was closely associated with Lady Xie’s husband, so why should he gift her?

Red-faced with anger, Jiang Zhanwei retorted, “You… woman…” His voice unintentionally rose, but he quickly lowered it, adding, “You’re truly disgraceful.”

With a glance at him, Lu Man redirected her gaze elsewhere and coldly remarked, “People from the Third Young Master’s household often say the most disgraceful things to me.”

Taken aback, Jiang Zhanwei softened his tone, apologizing, “I’m sorry for speaking out of turn.” Seeing Lu Man still ignoring him, he inquired, “Has Mama Wang and her grandson returned?”

Lu Man nodded, “Yes, they have.” Suddenly recalling Liu Xin’s mention of Lu Fangrong returning to the capital, she asked, “Liu Xin said that Lu Fangrong… he’s coming back to the capital?”

She couldn’t bring herself to call him “father.”

In a hushed tone, Jiang Zhanwei confirmed, “Yes, General Lu will return to the capital in a few days. He will continue working with me. However, with the camp being busy, once he arranges matters for his family, he must come to the camp promptly. We have to deal with immediate tasks first, and those personal matters can be resolved later.” He added, “During the last mission with brother Xie at the border, it was the route your father took. General Lu is truly talented, not only skilled but also knowledgeable about the northern terrain and the Tartar language. If not for the Imperial Physician He, Lu Fangrong wouldn’t have risen beyond a fifth-rank minor official.”

To avoid upsetting Lu Man, Jiang Zhanwei refrained from further praising Lu Fangrong.

Surprised that Jiang Zhanwei had met Lu Fangrong and praised his abilities, Lu Man resentfully remarked, “If he truly had any ability, he wouldn’t have allowed his ex-wife to be exploited or his daughter to be mistreated for a few thousand silver coins.”

Shaking his head, Jiang Zhanwei replied, “General Lu is entirely focused on his official duties and often far from home. I suspect he may be unaware of many things…”

Thinking about the “Phoenix Man”, Lu Man felt a pang in her chest, empathizing with Lady He’s plight and feeling the injustice faced by the original Lu Man. She believed that Lu Fangrong was far more despicable than Jiang Zhanwei could imagine.

Despite Jiang Zhanwei’s flaws, he genuinely cared for his siblings and, as Lu Man’s contractual wife, had falsely promised to ensure her well-being and given her a thousand taels as pocket money. Though his actions were despicable, he showed a sense of responsibility.

In contrast, Lu Fangrong comfortably spent Lady He’s money after marriage. When the He family faced trouble, he allowed his mother to divorce Lady He, remarried, and took a concubine. He neglected young Lu Man, allowing his mother and new wife to mistreat her.

Seeing Lu Man’s change in expression, Jiang Zhanwei added, “Don’t be upset. Once things settle down, I’ll help you settle all scores. If General Lu doesn’t intervene against that wicked stepmother, I won’t stand for it either.”

The mistreatment towards young Lu Man wasn’t solely from Mrs. Xiao Chen, the old lady and Bao Qin were equally malicious. Even Lu Fangrong and his wife turned a blind eye to Lu Man’s suffering.

Lu Man continued, “The malicious ones, the greedy ones, extend beyond Mrs. Xiao Chen to Lu Fangrong’s mother. She accepted money and items from my mother, promising to treat me well, yet allowed others to mistreat and degrade me. His concubine, to secure her position, stole the real contract and replaced it with a fake one. She even frightened me about going north with Lu Fangrong, claiming the Tartars drank blood and ate raw meat, and that Lu Fangrong had a bad temper and was violent…” She shared the situation as described by Mama Wang, her eyes welling up as she spoke.

As Jiang Zhanwei listened, he felt increasingly shocked by Mrs. Xiao Chen, Bao Qin, and Lu’s mother’s greed and shamelessness. He sensed that Lu Fangrong’s love for money was plausible, and while he might be foolishly obedient, he wouldn’t intentionally condone such despicable behavior from his wife and concubine. Nonetheless, regardless of Lu Fangrong’s knowledge, he seemed neglectful, failing in his oversight responsibilities.

Considering Lu Fangrong’s unique abilities and forthcoming responsibilities, Jiang Zhanwei realized that despite his past mistakes, Lu Fangrong had to stay for now, as certain matters couldn’t be disclosed publicly.

Seeing Lu Man’s teary eyes, Jiang Zhanwei couldn’t help but feel a sense of pity. The Lu household was indeed a den of wolves. His own situation with his siblings was far better, with no fear for their lives and a comfortable lifestyle. Despite living in such an environment, Lu Man still harbored compassion, sympathizing with Jiang Zuankui and Jiu’s challenges. Perhaps he had misjudged her previously…