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The fragrance reminded Lu Man of that night when he had forcefully and brutally taken her body in the name of “explanation”, leaving her feeling completely devoid of dignity and overwhelmed with shame. The following day, he had made her drink a contraceptive potion without any room for negotiation. And now, he was so fervently expressing his desire for her to bear his child…
Suddenly, Lu Man was struck by a sharp pain, rising from her abdomen straight to her heart. She gasped, doubled over in pain, and said, “Oh, I suddenly feel unwell, my stomach hurts. Third Young Master, please rest early.”
With those words, she clutched her stomach and hurried into the bedroom, swiftly closing and securing the door behind her. In that moment of closing the door, she caught a glimpse of Jiang Zhanwei standing still, staring at her in surprise.
She leaned against the door for a while until the abdominal pain subsided. It seemed that even if she no longer rejected him emotionally, her body couldn’t accept him.
After taking a deep breath, she made her way to the bedside table, extinguished the candle, plunging the room into darkness.
Once her eyes adjusted to the dim moonlight filtering through the thick window paper, she found her way to the bed, undressed, and lay down.
The faint light seeping through the door crack continued to illuminate the room. Lu Man sighed, pondering the probable reaction of the proud Jiang Zhanwei to her rejection, unaware of how he might react in anger…
Though uncertain of Jiang Zhanwei’s true feelings towards her, she knew he intended to one-sidedly end the contract they had agreed upon.
If he insisted, she had no way out, just as she hadn’t before when he had treated her in a similar manner. Leaving aside the ancient belief of a husband ruling over his wife, as a legally bound couple, she couldn’t refuse her husband’s rights as a wife, especially considering his impending departure to the battlefield, leaving no room for hesitation or resistance…
She had once hated him bitterly, resenting how he had trampled on her dignity, leaving her feeling ashamed and indignant. Yet, throughout their journey, he had been her strongest support, helping her navigate through one challenge after another, overcoming various obstacles. The ease and comfort she now experienced in life were largely due to his and the Princess’s efforts.
In the past, she had relied on him to get through difficult times. Moving forward, she would continue to depend on him to survive. Even if he were to pass away, she would still rely on the resources he left behind to sustain herself. Unless he returned alive and chose to abandon her…
However, she wasn’t willing, truly unwilling. Not just emotionally, but physically as well.
The last time he had been forceful was due to responsibility, but now, there was no need for that. She believed that a man of his character wouldn’t insist further.
Yet, a man of his character being rejected might lead to an outburst of rage. She simply couldn’t bear it…
In another room, Jiang Zhanwei stood in a daze, staring at the closed door.
She had rejected him, using such a feeble excuse!
But in that split second when he saw her pale face and wide eyes filled with fear as she closed the door, she looked terrified, just like that night.
She must have been frightened, as she was always timid…
Half a year ago, he had left with grand ambitions and a resolute decision to enlist, determined to achieve fame and success on the battlefield.
Through a hundred battles, he aimed to pierce through golden armor, vowing not to return until he succeeds.
He hoped to return to the capital many years later, either victorious or as a ghost.
At that time, he struggled at home, torn between dealing with this naive and foolish new bride, worrying about his younger siblings, and enduring the indifference of his elders.
He didn’t want his siblings to suffer the same oppression in this household as he had, living in a stifling environment of exclusion and inferiority. He sought a way to achieve the goal of separating the family, believing that with Zhankui’s sharp mind and the guilt his grandmother felt towards him, with loyal servants in place, even if he were to die, his siblings would grow up safely, Zhankui would prosper, and little Jiu would be protected from bullying. If he were fortunate enough to survive, he would have accomplished great deeds, ensuring a secure future for his naive bride, fulfilling his duties to her…
To his surprise, the disreputable daughter-in-law he had expected to be troublesome and foolish had not only managed to heal their grandfather and delight their grandmother but also cared for Zhankui and little Jiu with tenderness and secured rightful benefits for them. She had also shown exceptional intelligence, kindness, and skills in various aspects, far exceeding his expectations and leaving him feeling ashamed.
He discovered that she wasn’t truly foolish but had been ensnared by her maternal family. Learning about her desperate act in her family’s home, he realized the depths of her suffering. Despite her tragic past, she displayed compassion towards Zhankui and little Jiu, ensuring their happiness and well-being.
She had become his lucky star. Since their marriage, his career had flourished, and life at home had been smooth sailing…
Today, he had successfully separated this household, not due to any foolishness on Lu Man’s part, but because there was indeed someone foolish in the family.
Leaving his siblings in her care, he felt a sense of relief. Even if he were to die, he no longer had to worry about his younger siblings.
Yet, deep down, he harbored a sense of guilt he couldn’t articulate. Compared to Lu Man’s straightforward and honest nature, he knew he was truly petty.
Moreover, if something were to happen to him, what would Lu Man do?
Though she was intelligent, at times she could be naive, her exceptional looks making her vulnerable. Her lack of political acumen posed a concern. With their grandparents aging, without their protection, how would she manage?
Regret began to gnaw at him. He no longer desired death, but with events set in motion, he had to press forward without hesitation.
Jiang Zhanwei approached the closed door, wanting to express his feelings to her. He raised his hand and hesitated, unable to bring himself to knock.
He reflected on his past cruelty and selfishness towards her, directing all his resentment and grievances onto her, even rejecting her as the mother of his child. Now, wanting to give her a child, desiring her affection, he saw her clear refusal, likely due to fear.
He sighed silently, returning to the bed. He decided to wait, allowing her time to think…
The next day, Lu Man was awakened by Mama Wang.
Observing Lu Man, Mama Wang’s expression hinted at disapproval. As Xing prepared the water in the bathing room, Mama Wang softly complained, “What’s wrong with you two? I thought Third Young Madam and Third Young Master would finally make progress, but why did you still sleep separately? Oh, silly girl, if Third Young Master truly doesn’t return, let him leave you with a child so you have someone to rely on for the rest of your life…”