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After the meal, Lu Man, along with Jiang Jiu holding Sweet Pea, went to the Crane Hall. The Princess and the old Marquis were overjoyed to see Sweet Pea back.
The old Marquis, in particular, was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes, holding Sweet Pea tightly and exclaiming, “Pea, Grandpa missed you.”
Jiang Jiu corrected him, “Grandpa, you said it wrong again. It’s my sister’s son, my nephew, your great-grandson, not your grandson.”
The old Marquis found “great-grandfather” a bit cumbersome and cleverly said, “Pea, Grandma missed you.”
Jiang Jiu corrected him again, “Not Grandma, it’s Great-Grandfather.”
The old Marquis then said, “Great-Grandpa missed you.”
“Exactly.” Jiang Jiu nodded in agreement.
The reflexive embrace of Sweet Pea by the old Marquis brought immense joy to Princess Changting and Lu Man, his hands finally regained their strength.
Delighted, Princess Changting immediately instructed to prepare meatballs for Sweet Pea and to get a golden bell for it.
Lu Man quickly intervened, saying, “Let’s skip the golden bell. It often stays up at night, climbing trees and roofs, disturbing the peace. Most importantly, if it tries to ambush again, it might get caught and harmed or attacked by a stronger opponent. Besides, its teeth are strong, so it doesn’t need meatballs. Just give it meat directly.” She added, “Meatballs lack the necessary chewing action.”
Afterward, Sweet Pea still sneaked out at night but returned home before dawn. Lu Man hadn’t heard of any incidents of chickens or dogs being bitten, so she didn’t worry much. However, Sweet Pea often had fur, blood, or meat in its mouth, so Lu Ying hesitated to bathe or clean its mouth, leaving that task to the other maid.
In September 20th, the Princess Changting’s residence hosted a gathering, inviting relatives and friends concerned about the old Marquis’s well-being to come and visit.
Two days ago, Lu Man happened to hear Young Madam Han mentioning that she would post notices for the Princess’s residence’s in-laws, including the Lu family. She quickly intervened, realizing that if this started, the Lu family members would flock in like a remedy for everything, which would be quite distasteful.
Third Madam Huang was also present and whispered, “If your maternal family doesn’t show up, outsiders who are unaware might gossip. They might say you’re not treated well in your in-laws’ house, leading them to look down on your maternal family. Even if you have to pretend, you should…”
Lu Man understood the implications but had no patience for putting on a show for that family. Moreover, this banquet was the most prestigious in the capital, hosting imperial relatives, noble families, and even excluding the second-tier nobles. Old Lady Lu and Mrs. Ding were uncouth, and their presence at such an event could lead to trouble if exploited by cunning individuals.
Lu Man instructed Xing to go to the Foreign Affairs Office and withhold the notices meant for the Lu family.
Upon Xing’s return, she reported that she arrived just in time as the office personnel were about to deliver the letters.
Later, Lu Man discussed the matter with the Princess. Though the Princess didn’t appreciate Lu Man’s lack of respect toward the “elders”, she also harbored disdain for the Lu family members and merely acknowledged Lu Man’s decision without further comment.
Early that day, elegantly dressed Lu Man, holding Sweet Pea, accompanied Qichang to the Crane Hall. Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu went to Third Madam’s residence, where they would be taken to the Minghe Hall by Third Madam. This was a prior arrangement Lu Man made with Madam Huang to help receive their young guests alongside Jiang Zhanyan.
Madam Hong wasn’t fond of the two siblings so she rejected them, but she didn’t want to trouble Young Madam Han. The Second Madam wasn’t keen on dealing with noblewomen and would likely leave the event early if she attended at all. Therefore, she had to rely on the astute and insightful Madam Huang for help.
It was agreed that after lunch, Jiang Jiu would take Young Madam Han and her three children to rest at Orchid Pavilion.
Most of the female guests’ children would be at the Minghe Hall, under the care of the Madam Hong, while a few select dignitaries would be entertained at the Crane Hall.
Princess Changting specifically tasked Lu Man with assisting in hosting guests there and looking after the old Marquis. When the old Marquis was in a bad mood, only Lu Man could calm him down. This special treatment had intrigued Young Madam Han for quite some time.
Originally, Princess Changting planned for Jiang Jiu to accompany the old Marquis, but Lu Man politely declined. The old Marquis had grown attached to her as his granddaughter-in-law, and as the “physician” she was indispensable. Bringing the younger granddaughter along, especially on such a special occasion, would invite resentment from Jiang Jiu.
Upon arriving at the Crane Hall, Lu Man found the old Marquis in a temper, with Princess Changting trying to calm him down.
For good luck and festivity, the old Marquis was dressed in a large red brocade robe with a red and gold-bordered Wing Shan crown on his head.
“I won’t wear… red clothes, I won’t wear… a gold hat.” the old Marquis protested.
Not only had the old Marquis become more articulate, but he had also grown more intelligent. With the support of a cane, he could stand for over a minute, walk with assistance for more than ten steps, sit alone for two quarters of an hour, and had regained mobility in his hands, although his finger joints were still a bit stiff.
During this period, the old Marquis’s progress could be described as leaps and bounds.
Princess Changting urged, “Husband, please cooperate. Many guests are here today, and your festive attire adds to the joy.”
“No, I’m not comfortable.” The old Marquis was quite stubborn, expressing his feelings thoroughly.
Approaching with a smile, Lu Man remarked, “Oh, who is this handsome person in front of me? You look as dashing as a groom.”
Taken aback, the old Marquis asked, “Granddaughter-in-law, am I really… that handsome, and… like a groom?”
Lu Man suddenly realized, “Oh, you are grandfather. Oh, I didn’t recognize you. You look so handsome after tidying up, even the Fourth and Fifth Young Master can’t compare to you.”
This praise made the old Marquis happy, and he grinned at Princess Changting, saying, “Changting, your husband… looks like a groom, so… handsome.”
Princess Changting chuckled, “Husband, you’re saying this as if someone might overhear and tease you.” Then, scolding Lu Man playfully, she added, “You naughty girl, you should be scolded for teasing your grandfather like this.”
The old Marquis’s gaze slowly shifted to the window as he recited, “Changting, Changting, almond eyes shyly meet, coral lips gradually curve…”
Though his gaze was unfocused, his words were clear and articulate, as if recalling a distant time.
This sentiment brought tears to Princess Changting’s eyes. She gently held the old Marquis’s arm, saying, “Husband, it’s impressive how you remember these lines despite your memory loss…”
Turning back, the old Marquis asked in confusion, “Changting, what lines are those? I’ve forgotten.”
Laughing, Princess Changting reassured him, “It’s okay to forget, maybe you’ll remember another day.”
Lu Man comforted and reassured the old man, advising him to be a gracious host for the visitors, behave well, and avoid offending anyone.
Once the old man agreed, Sweet Pea and Qichang stayed with him while Lu Man and Princess Changting headed to the eastern wing.