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“Thank you, sister-in-law, I know you’ve been working hard. My brother, sister, and I all appreciate your kindness.” Jiang Zhankui said, looking up.
Lu Man pinched Jiang Zhankui’s chubby cheeks and smiled, “No need to thank me, the old Marquis waking up is a joy for all of us.”
Mama Wang and Lu Ying were also overwhelmed with excitement. Especially Lu Ying, who pouted and started crying. She knew best about the difficulties and fears Lu Man had faced, and after enduring this for so long, Third Young Madam could finally live well.
After freshening up, Lu Man lay down in bed. Instead of having the bed curtains drawn, she waited for the servants to leave, then took out her mother’s picture frame and held it close. The bright moonlight seeped through the window, revealing her mother smiling at her. Lu Man kissed the frame, returning the smile, and whispered, “Mother, we’ve overcome the toughest times. In this world, we continue to rely on each other…”
In her dreams, Jiang Jiu seemed to be murmuring, unsure if he was calling out for “Third Brother” or “Third Sister-in-law”.
Glancing at the young girl by her side, Lu Man pondered, realizing that although they shared a bed at the moment, they would eventually part ways. Now that the old Marquis had awakened, how long could she stay here?
Marquis Jiang returned to Minghe Hall, where the Lady of the House was still awake. She greeted him with a smile, “Husband, Father-in-law has awakened again, it’s wonderful.”
Marquis Jiang nodded with a smile, “Yes, Father has finally woken up. However, his memory isn’t entirely clear. Besides remembering Mother, Zhanwei’s wife, Zhanyan, he also recalled Zhanju, but he doesn’t recognize anyone else…” He proceeded to explain the old Marquis’s current condition and the planned rehabilitation process.
The Lady of the House reassured him, “Don’t worry. Father-in-law waking up after being in a coma for over five months is a great blessing, he will surely make a full recovery.”
She then helped Marquis Jiang remove his outer robe and assisted him in sitting on the bed.
After the maids left the room, she smiled and said, “Although Father-in-law woke up due to his good fortune, Lu is still the one who brings fortune for his awakening. She has taken care of Father-in-law diligently during this time. We should ensure her future is secure, provide her with a good life, and avoid any appearance of neglect. If Zhanwei hadn’t distanced himself and was still here, I wouldn’t want to send Lu away.”
Marquis Jiang gestured, “Lu will not be sent away.”
Surprised, Madam Hong exclaimed, “What do you mean? Weren’t we planning to send Lu away once Zhanwei returned to take care of Father-in-law? Why the change in plans?”
Marquis Jiang’s expression grew serious as he said, “Have you not understood Mother’s intentions yet? Regardless of Zhanwei’s feelings, this daughter-in-law, Lu, has been chosen by her. Moreover, Father still relies on her. I find Lu quite admirable—intelligent, knowing when to advance and retreat. Master Xinghai specifically chose her for Father’s awakening, and now that Father is awake, it shows that Lu is a fortunate person.” He glanced at Madam Hong and continued, “Her sins are not as grave as those of a married daughter. At a year old, Lu lost her father because of work, and her birth mother was divorced, with no ties to the He family. Mother said that in our family, we cannot reject a daughter-in-law based on some people’s displeasure. Furthermore, you should not get too close to ‘her’. If she incurs Mother’s displeasure, it will not be beneficial for you or the children.”
Madam Hong’s face twitched momentarily, then she quickly smiled and said, “Yes, I misunderstood earlier. I will follow Mother-in-law’s wishes.” She hesitated, “However, I still feel that Lu lacks stability. Husband, consider this: when she volunteered to help Lady Xie with fetal positioning, what if it hadn’t been successful and Lady Xie had died? Would the Xie family not accuse us of intentionally harming their daughter-in-law? And today’s incident with Zhanyan, fortunately he survived, but what if he hadn’t? Would Third Brother and Sister-in-law have let it go? Lu is not a physician, just familiar with unconventional methods. Saving someone brings joy, but if unsuccessful, people may accuse her of intentional harm. I fear she might cause trouble and bring disgrace to our household…”
Marquis Jiang nodded in agreement and said, “You are right to be concerned, my dear. In the future, keep a close eye on her, and I will speak to Mother about it. She is not a physician, so she should refrain from acting rashly in the future…”
Lu Man enjoyed a long sleep. Firstly, Princess Changting had specifically instructed her to rest for a day and only join for the midday reunion meal, taking Jiang Zhankui and Jiu along. Secondly, she was no longer required to provide massages to the old Marquis, as the rehabilitation exercises were now mainly handled by the physicians and servants. However, she would still need to report to the Crane Hall regularly to adjust the rehabilitation plans based on the old Marquis’s progress and gradually reduce her presence by his side due to his excessive reliance on her.
Perhaps due to her relaxed state of mind, Lu Man slept deeply. Mama Wang didn’t disturb her and quietly took the now awake Jiang Jiu to the side room to dress. After the siblings had their meal, Jiang Jiu took Qichang and Sweet Pea to play in the backyard, while Jiang Zhankui studied in the room. With a major celebration in the household, neither he nor the Ninth Young Master had lessons in the front yard that day.
When Lu Man woke up, it was already early morning. This was one of the latest times she had slept, apart from when she was unwell. Waking up naturally felt so blissful.
After stretching, she took a deep breath. Days without pressure were truly relaxing.
Upon rising, Mama Wang helped her dress in a bright red jacket. She joyfully informed Lu Man that the entire household was adorned with decorations, and everyone was dressed in festive attire. Princess Changting had also announced that the household staff would receive double rations this month…
Lu Man only then noticed that Mama Wang was also dressed in a new silk outfit today, adorned with a gold hairpin and two silver hairpins.
After taking a stroll outside, Xing mentioned that news of the old Marquis’s awakening had spread rapidly throughout the capital city. Gifts from the Emperor and Empress had already arrived at the mansion, and many relatives, friends, well-wishers, and influential families who wished to establish good relations with Princess Changting’s household had come to offer their congratulations…
Just as Lu Man finished her porridge, the Third Madam and Jiang Zhanyan, being carried by her nursemaid, arrived.
Lu Man welcomed them in the upper chamber, smiling, “Ninth Young Master is still recovering, so how come…”
Third Madam Huang prompted Jiang Zhanyan, “Quickly, say thank you to your Third sister-in-law.”
Jiang Zhanyan, looking weary, managed to say, “Thank you, Third sister-in-law.” His voice slightly hoarse.
Third Madam Huang expressed gratitude to Lu Man, while the servants placed four pieces of brocade and a jade ornament on the kang.
Lu Man politely responded, “Third Aunt, you are being too formal. Ninth Young Master is my younger brother-in-law, and he is charming and sensible. It’s only natural for me to help. Your kindness makes me feel a bit embarrassed.”