Chapter 178: Donghui Courtyard

The old Marquis became displeased, his beard trembling as he said, “No, you can’t move. I can’t bear to see you go.”

Such a sentimental old man.

Lu Man chuckled, “We’re still staying in this household, just moving from Orchid Pavilion to Donghui Courtyard.”

The old Marquis suddenly understood and instructed Xiao Huan, “Go, get a red envelope. Let’s go visit.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Lu Man added, “Grandfather is clever and knows the importance of social etiquette. We haven’t moved yet, so you can give gifts when we do.”

She asked Jiang Jiu to keep the old Marquis company while she went to prepare the new house. The old Marquis, eager to visit, didn’t insist on keeping Lu Man.

Lu Man and Xing headed towards Donghui Courtyard.

In the inner courtyard of the Princess Changting’s residence, Crane Hall stood at the center. To the west was the smaller courtyard where the eldest son resided in Yiluo Pavilion. Further west was the grand courtyard housing Minghe Hall for the main family. Towards the east, there was the Mingfu Pavilion for the third family, followed by the Wannian Pavilion for the second family.

Beyond Wannian Pavilion was a bamboo grove and a long wall. A bright red gate marked the entrance to Donghui Courtyard.

Years ago, when the old Marquis’s despicable father was alive, he had banished the old Marquis’s mother, a young Jiang Ping, and young old Madam Zhu to live there, while he and his stepmother’s illegitimate children resided in the main courtyard.

Later, when the old Marquis married Princess Changting, she, out of filial piety, chose not to build a separate residence but expanded the Jiang family’s quarters into the Princess Changting’s residence. This move not only surprised the old Marquis’s despicable father but also resulted in the eviction of the formidable stepmother and her illegitimate children from the Princess Changting’s residence. Only then could the old Marquis, his mother, and his sister move out of Donghui Courtyard, leaving it empty until now.

After a brisk walk, Lu Man arrived at the red gate of Donghui Courtyard. Beyond the gate was the third courtyard of Donghui.

The courtyard was spacious but neglected. Covered in dust and cobwebs, the railing, windows, and doors were worn and peeling, the window paper faded and torn in places.

Lu Man was ushered into the first courtyard by a maid and entered the main room, where Jiang Zhanwei sat at the Eight Immortals table. Liu Xin, Wang Dabo, and a few unfamiliar servants were reporting to him.

Though two braziers were lit in the room, the lack of a heated kang left a chill in the air.

Taking a seat at the opposite end of the table, Lu Man was greeted with bows and courtesy by the servants. Among them was Wu Ming, whom Jiang Zhanwei affectionately called “Uncle Ming”, his childhood caretaker and now the steward of the small Jiang household. Wang Dabo, Mama Wang’s husband, served as the deputy steward, a suggestion made by Lu Man the previous night. Liu Xin managed external affairs and household security, while there were also stewards for accounting, kitchen affairs, and internal affairs, with Liu Ya doubling as the stewardess for the inner courtyard. These individuals were mid to high-ranking staff in the small Jiang household, all personally selected by Jiang Zhanwei except for Wang Dabo.

The household had been assigned twenty servants and five guards, with four carriages. Additionally, the small Jiang household planned to hire ten more servants and five additional guards.

Uncle Ming respectfully informed, “I’ve already sent word to inform the manager and the overseer at the farm. They will come tomorrow to pay their respects to Third Young Madam.”

As Jiang Zhanwei had military duties the next day, Lu Man agreed to the arrangement.

Just then, a servant announced that the Commander Ye of the Yan family, Captain Xia of the Xia family, and the Head Steward were seeking an audience. They were the heads of the Princess Changting’s household staff and guards. Jiang Zhanwei promptly welcomed them in.

The three men entered, bowing apologetically to Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man, expressing regret for their negligence that had caused distress to the Third Young Madam. The Princess was furious, and each of them had their monthly stipend docked and fines imposed for their mishandling of duties.

After the officials left, Jiang’s Head Steward remained. He presented a stack of deeds, including property titles for estates and shops. Then, he gestured for two servants to bring in large account books, placing them on the Eight Immortals table.

Jiang Zhanwei instructed Lu Man, “Take a look at these account books and hand them over to Uncle Ming and Wang Dabo. Hold onto the deeds for me.”

He didn’t keep any secrets from Lu Man. Holding the deeds meant holding the livelihood of the servants. Anyone who dared to betray the master or mistreat the servants would be sold directly.

Lu Man swiftly accepted the documents, more efficiently than she would have with money. She inspected each one before having Liu Ya pack them away.

Jiang’s Head Steward chuckled, “We’ll need to sort out the furniture, decorations, jade jewelry, and fabrics before they can be brought over…”

Jiang Zhanwei nodded, exchanging a few more laughs before seeing the Head Steward off.

Jiang Zhanwei then accompanied Lu Man to tour the courtyard, explaining the general layout and allocation plans.

The first courtyard was spacious, with the main hall serving as the reception area for guests. The east wing housed his study, while the west wing was also used for entertaining guests. The back area included quarters for gatekeepers, guards, as well as offices for the steward and overseers.

Exiting through the main gate led to a rectangular courtyard with a single ancient banyan tree. A locked door towards the front wall connected to the outer courtyard of the Princess Changting’s residence. Another door on the east wall led to the alley outside.

Moving into the second courtyard, there was no main hall, but a hanging flower gate in the pink courtyard wall. Both the east and west wings had three rooms with two side chambers each. The east wing was designated as Jiang Zhankui’s bedroom, living room, and study.

This hanging flower gate served as the second gate of Donghui Courtyard and marked the entrance to the inner courtyard.

The third courtyard was the main residence, where Lu Man would reside. Her bedroom, living room, study, and guest room were in the main hall, with the west wing serving as the dining room. Separated living spaces were occasionally used for entertaining guests, necessitating a larger dining area.

The east wing served as Jiang Zhanwei’s private study room.

Initially, Lu Man wanted her study in the east wing, but seeing Jiang Zhanwei assertively occupy the space, she relented.

The fourth courtyard had no main hall, only east and west wings. The west wing housed Lu Man’s clinic and pharmacy, while the east wing remained vacant.

Beside the west wing was a west cross-courtyard, larger and nestled in the bamboo grove, with three main rooms and three side chambers on each side. This area was designated for Jiang Jiu, where her future dowry would be kept.

Past the Moon Gate was the fifth courtyard housing the kitchen, storeroom, and restroom, where the night attendants resided.

Adjacent to the rear cover room was a back door leading to a smaller courtyard where the stables were located, along with resting quarters for the staff. A small door on the east wall allowed for the exit and entry of horse carriages and staff, as well as for the disposal of waste.

Impressed, Lu Man marveled at this secluded yet bustling small world, finding it already very well-appointed.

Jiang Zhanwei mentioned, “It’s been a while since anyone lived here. It’ll take about half a month to get everything in order. You should move in before the New Year, the sooner, the better.”

Lu Man agreed, eager to make the move sooner rather than later.