Chapter 153: Means

Seeing her mother’s displeased expression, Marquis Jiang waved his hand, and the servants quietly withdrew.

He asked, “Mother, what’s wrong? Whoever upset you, just tell me, I’ll deal with them.” After a moment of thought, he added, “Is it because of Wang Haobai that you’re upset? Ah, when we came to Crane Hall, I was walking ahead, and didn’t realize when that brat followed us. We only noticed him halfway through, but out of respect for old Duke Wang, it wasn’t appropriate to send him back… Well, although Zhanwei’s wife is good, and she played a significant role in father’s recovery, her demeanor is too bold, lacks maturity, and lacks guidance from elders. Her impetuous nature attracts trouble and unwelcome attention. When choosing a wife, one should seek virtue. If not for the special circumstances, Zhanwei wouldn’t have married her…”

Princess Changting slammed her hand on the table, startling Marquis Jiang, who asked, “Mother, did I say something wrong?”

Princess Changting furiously replied, “Is this what your wife told you? Hmph, if Zhanwei’s wife lacks maturity, is your wife the epitome of stability? Your father is like a child now. Without her ‘stability’, how could he recover so quickly? If we don’t indulge him and cater to his whims, how could he be so content? Or perhaps, she couldn’t bear to see that Zhanwei’s wife receives more affection from your father than she does…”

Though not as astute as his third brother and son, Marquis Jiang was decent, capable, and understood propriety. His flaw was his soft-hearted nature, always trying to please everyone, which often led to neglecting important matters. Thankfully, he had a kind heart, and her eldest grandson was promising. Princess Changting felt she could entrust the family to him with confidence.

However, his wife was becoming increasingly troublesome. Since receiving hints from Empress Wang, she dared to disregard repeated warnings and was determined to drive Lu Man out. Not only did she sow discord between her husband and Lu Man, but she also tacitly allowed others to resort to underhanded tactics.

Princess Changting continued, “What do you mean by ‘attracts trouble’? So far, Lu Man has only proactively helped your father, Zhanyan, and Lady Xie. Two of them are her relatives, and one is Zhanwei’s sworn brother’s wife. Should she stand by and watch them suffer without offering a helping hand?” Through gritted teeth, she added, “Who has she attracted? Who has she enticed? That Wang Haobai, that little scoundrel, is nothing but a womanizer. When has he been so considerate, not seeking an opportunity to ogle at pretty young ladies in the garden but instead visiting a child-like old man?”

Marquis Jiang blushed as his mother’s scolding hit him hard. Trying to decipher her words, he asked, “Are you suggesting that someone informed that brat, and Lu Man, being an unparalleled beauty, is here today, so he came for her?” Stammering, he continued, “Are you suspecting, suspecting Hong? That’s unlikely, she wouldn’t have the audacity. Regardless of Lu Man’s current status in our family, if her reputation is tarnished, our household will suffer too. Besides, if you found out, you wouldn’t let her off easily…”

Princess Changting exclaimed, “She has quite the audacity! Ever since she found out that the woman dislikes Lu Man, she has been trying to undermine her. Not only has she incited you, but she also instigated second son to confront Lu Man. Second son may be naive, but Lin is not. She is clear-minded. Despite my repeated hints that I have high hopes for Lu Man, she disregards them and only acts according to that woman’s wishes. Now, even this shabby drama has unfolded. Do they think I’m a fool? Do they think I would turn against Lu Man and allow them to belittle her, ultimately driving her out of the house?” She sighed, “I was never pleased with this daughter-in-law from the start, nor did I like her closeness to Lady Wang. Only because the marriage was bestowed by the Empress Dowager, who greatly helped the Emperor, did I accept it. I intended to keep a close eye on her, prevent her from getting too close to that Lady Wang, but look at what she’s done? Lady Wang has become the Empress, and Hong is delighted as if her own sister became the Empress. Does she think that once Lady Wang becomes the Empress Dowager, she will shower her with more benefits? Let me tell you, she is no match for the Empress Dowager, not even close, and lacks her capabilities!”

Marquis Jiang quickly interjected, “I understand that everything I have achieved is not just due to my efforts but also thanks to Mother’s planning and Father’s guidance. As for my wife, she’s just a foolish woman. Her petty grievances are beneath Mother’s notice, and daring to defy Mother’s instructions. I will certainly discipline her and ensure she keeps her distance from Empress Wang.”

Princess Changting coldly snorted, “It’s normal for there to be occasional disputes among in-laws; it happens in every family and is unavoidable. However, when it comes to family matters, they should be resolved within the family. It is absolutely forbidden to betray one’s own family for selfish desires or harm the interests of the entire family… If she won’t heed her in-laws’ calls, let her go back to her maternal home. When she sees reason, she can return.” She wanted to suggest divorcing Lady Hong, but out of respect for her eldest son and grandson, she refrained from doing so.

Marquis Jiang was also frustrated with Hong’s disobedience, but sending her back to her maternal home would not only disgrace him and his son but also greatly offend Empress Wang and her family. While he had reservations about Empress Wang and her family, their relationship had been maintained quite well on the surface. He knelt down, pleading, “Mother, considering it’s Hong’s first offense, please give her another chance. I will go back and discipline her, restrict her movements, but please don’t send her back to her maternal home, it would be too embarrassing for us. Also, also…”

Seeing her bearded son kneeling before her, pleading for leniency, Princess Changting relented. Giving Hong another chance was not only for her sake but also to save face for Empress Wang. If there were any further incidents, she couldn’t be blamed.

She said, “Make it clear to her that if she dares to engage in such underhanded tactics again, I won’t forgive her easily. Hmph, back in the palace, I’ve seen all kinds of schemes. Don’t try to play games with me.” Lowering her voice, she continued, “I understand your concerns. It was your father’s worry before, not wanting our illegitimate children to stand out, disapproving of our family members joining the military, and certainly not wanting them to achieve significant military accomplishments. However, circumstances changed, your father fell ill, Zhanwei was mistreated for marrying Lu Man, so I allowed him to join the military. Back then, I thought he was honest and mediocre, unlikely to make a big name for himself in the military, just to gain some experience. Ah, who could have predicted this outcome? Let’s wait a bit longer, when he returns from his campaign, we’ll figure out a way for him to resign from his military position…”

Marquis Jiang was skeptical and asked, “Given Zhanwei’s nature, will he comply?”