Chapter 115: Acting Coquettish

Third Madam Huang’s eyes reddened as she said, “Yesterday, I saw Zhanyan’s body gradually weakening, and I was terrified. If anything had happened to him, I wouldn’t want to live. Thankfully, you have the ability to save him. I mentioned to my father yesterday that you are not just a lucky star for father-in-law but for our entire household.”

Lu Man chuckled softly at the praise, feeling a bit overwhelmed by it.

Jiang Jiu led Qichang into the room on the east side while carrying Sweet Pea.

Sweet Pea’s leg had improved significantly. It could walk with three legs, dragging the fourth cautiously without daring to jump. Unafraid of people, it meowed at them with a sweet and melodious voice that, despite being pleasant, had a surprisingly penetrating quality that made one want to cover their ears.

Amused, Third Madam Huang remarked, “My, this little kitten, barely bigger than a palm, has quite a loud voice.”

Lu Man increasingly believed this cat was a black-footed cat, but she wondered how it had appeared in the capital in this time and space. She regretted keeping the cat but had grown attached to it and couldn’t bear to part with it.

Seeing it incessantly meowing at her, she had no choice but to cuddle it, feeling its coquettish prowess.

Jiang Jiu introduced, “It’s a big eater, needing many meals a day, especially fond of fish balls. It’s also quite good at being coquettish. If you don’t pick it up when you return, it’ll cry and cry…”

Very clever, Sweet Pea had now understood the art of acting coquettish. Upon hearing this, it shook its whiskers and snuggled in Lu Man’s arms while making soft humming sounds.

Jiang Zhanyan was delighted and insisted on holding Sweet Pea.

Lu Man placed Sweet Pea in Jiang Zhanyan’s arms.

He then consulted with Jiang Jiu, “Can I come to play with Sweet Pea often? I really like it.” Concerned that Jiang Jiu might refuse, he added, “It loves treats, so I’ll always bring something tasty for it.”

Being a good sister, Jiang Jiu nodded and said, “You can come and play with it, even if you don’t bring treats.”

As the morning drew to a close, they all went to the Crane Hall together.

Before leaving, Lu Man specifically went to the kitchen to make two bowls of fruit juice yogurt. One full bowl was for Princess Changting, and the other, with just a little, was for the old Marquis.

She also served the three children a small portion, noting that they shouldn’t eat too much on empty stomachs.

Except for the heir, who was receiving gift-bearing guests in the front courtyard, the masters and mistresses were all dressed in festive attire and gathered in the Crane Hall. Even the young masters who usually studied in the upper courtyard had the day off.

To avoid disturbing the old Marquis, everyone sat in the room on the east side, with old Madam Zhu, old Marquis’s sister and the pregnant Lady Jiang Ling also returning.

Princess Changting smiled and said, “Zhanwei’s wife has arrived, go see your grandfather quickly, he has been feeling uncomfortable.”

Lu Man blushed slightly. Princess Changting had instructed her to come for the midday meal, and she arrived at that moment, not pushing herself as she usually did to be a diligent and proactive employee.

Old Madam Zhu snorted, “Zhanwei’s wife, you know your grandfather can’t do without you. Why didn’t you come earlier to show filial respect? Why wait for the elders to invite you?”

Madam Hong’s face softened with a hint of a smile as she spoke, “Zhanwei’s wife has indeed worked hard these days…”

Old Madam Zhu interjected, “When my brother fell ill, wasn’t everyone in this household working hard? Even I copied many Buddhist scriptures to offer at the temple, praying for the Buddha’s blessings for my brother to wake up soon…”

Before the sharp-tongued old lady could finish her words, Lu Man turned and left for the bedroom. Apart from Princess Changting, the old Marquis, Marquis Jiang, and the two elders, everyone else could be disregarded according to Zhanwei’s previous instructions.

Although Lu Man felt the words were inappropriate, old Madam Zhu had no intention of giving her any face.

Seeing Lu Man walk away before she finished speaking, Old Madam Zhu muttered, “This Lu…” pointing at her disappearing figure behind the red soft curtain.

Princess Changting chuckled, “Zhanwei’s wife is worried about her grandfather…”

Entering the bedroom, Lu Man saw the old man lying on the bed, his face flushed with anger, a few strands of beard standing on end, mumbling incomprehensibly. The three elders were visibly distressed, and the two physicians by the bedside appeared unsure of what to do.

Marquis Jiang sighed in relief as Lu Man approached and said, “Zhanwei’s wife, come, come soothe my father. He’s been refusing to take his bath.”

Approaching the bedside, Lu Man smiled and asked, “Grandfather, what’s got you all worked up?”

“Sun… granddaughter-in-law, bath…” the old Marquis stuttered, indicating he wanted Lu Man to help him bathe.

The elders blushed and cleared their throats, pretending not to have heard.

Lu Man couldn’t help but chuckle. Goodness, not only was this old man physically infirm, but his intellectual capacity was akin to that of a young child, not even as sharp as Jiang Zhanyan.

She responded, “How could that be! Grandfather isn’t like Wen at one year old or Ninth Young Master at five, they aren’t shy like you.” Playfully swiping her hand across his face.

“No…” the old Marquis continued to act coquettishly.

Taking the bowl of yogurt from Xing, Lu Man playfully teased the old Marquis by waving it under his nose, watching his eyes follow the movement. Coaxing him, she said, “Grandfather, be good and let Physician Wang give you a bath. Afterward, you can have your yogurt.”

“Okay.” The old Marquis agreed more eagerly this time.

After about two moments, the old man emerged from his bath, ready to have his yogurt.

Amused and exasperated, Lu Man said, “Grandfather, you have to behave from now on. If you misbehave, I won’t give you any yogurt.” feeding him a spoonful.

The old Marquis, tasting yogurt for the first time, found it strange and unappetizing, far from the delicious aroma he had dreamt of. Frowning, he said, “Granddaughter-in-law, deceiving… people…”

Lu Man chuckled and fed him two more spoonfuls before handing the bowl to Xing. She explained, “Grandfather is quite smart. The first taste of yogurt might not be enjoyable, but it gets better. You should eat more of it, it’s good for your stomach.”

The physicians and the two serving women assisted the old man with some rehabilitation exercises. After he fell asleep, everyone left the room.

Accompanied by Princess Changting, the group proceeded to the dining hall. The heir also joined, sharing the esteemed guests who had come to offer congratulations.

Apart from the Emperor and Empress sending medicinal herbs, the Prince’s Mansion, Prince Anjun’s Mansion, and the Duke’s Mansion, as well as several Princess’s Mansions and other noble families, including the Lu family, had sent gifts.

Upon hearing that even the Lu family had sent a gift, Lu Man felt disgusted. Those people truly considered themselves as relatives of Princess Changting’s household.

During the meal, Princess Changting, Marquis Jiang, and the elders praised the family’s unity and resilience during the old Marquis’s illness. They particularly highlighted Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man, commending their filial piety and attributing the old Marquis’s awakening after over five months of unconsciousness to their devotion…

The Second Master’s hearty laughter rang out especially loud, emphasizing that Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man had earned this merit, essentially contributing to the family’s success.