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Recently, the old man had almost remembered all his grandsons except for Jiang Zhanwei. Even when he did recall him, he continued to treat him with disdain. Moreover, the old man had become wittier, speaking smoothly and logically.
Upon hearing his words, everyone except Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
Lu Man, however, felt a mix of anger and embarrassment, her face flushed with frustration. She scolded, “Grandfather, what are you saying? When did I dislike that… that what’s-his-name, Zhanwei? When did I say I wanted to… to change anything? You’re so exasperating, I won’t talk to you.”
After her outburst, she went to her seat, feeling upset and didn’t follow her usual routine of first greeting the old man.
Seeing Lu Man’s high spirits, the old Marquis knew she was upset. He felt sorry, saying, “Granddaughter-in-law, don’t be angry. I just can’t bear to see you leave me and Changting, that’s why I suggested that. If you don’t like Zhanyan, I have other grandsons – Zhanju, Zhankun, Zhanyu, Zhanxun, Zhanpeng, Zhankui… Oh, forget about Zhankui, he’s a nuisance too.”
Princess Changting, witnessing the old man targeting the two illegitimate grandsons again, and even in front of everyone, intervened. She saw Jiang Zhankui pursing his lips and Jiang Jiu’s eyes welling up with tears. She quickly advised, “old Marquis, please stop speaking recklessly. Zhanwei’s wife loves him dearly, how could she possibly remarry? Zhanwei is her husband, you must not scold him anymore, or she will be upset. Besides, all our grandsons are good, you shouldn’t play favorites.”
The old Marquis didn’t quite understand the Princess’s words, only gazing at Lu Man with concern, afraid she would ignore him.
Feeling helpless, Lu Man realized the more the old man understood, the more troublesome he became. But she couldn’t stoop to his level, she would explain things to him gradually when they were alone. Seeing his pitiful gaze, she had to relent, saying, “Grandfather, please refrain from saying inappropriate things and showing favoritism. I will always show respect and filial piety to you and Grandmother.”
The old man smiled, stroking his beard, saying, “Alright, I won’t speak inappropriately and play favorites anymore.”
Jiang Zhanyan, sensing that the Third Madam was no longer angry, curiously asked, “Third sister-in-law, why don’t you like me? I really like you.”
This sparked another round of laughter, with the Sixth Young Master Jiang Zhanxun and the Seventh Young Master Jiang Zhanpeng laughing so hard they almost fell off their chairs, clutching their stomachs.
Princess Changting chuckled, “What a silly boy. In the future, I’ll have your mother look for a good wife for you based on the criteria of your Third sister-in-law. Our children are all good, when it’s time for Zhanyu, Zhengxun, Zhengpeng, and Zhengkui to find spouses, we must be vigilant and choose wisely to ensure they get good matches. And for little Jiu, we must find her a good son-in-law.”
The Third Madam and the Eldest Young Madam quickly agreed with her in jest.
When the men returned from their duties and had dinner, Princess Changting gifted Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu each a rosewood Suzhou embroidery screen, saying it was a gift for their new home.
The gesture was a subtle apology on behalf of the old Marquis.
The siblings came over to thank her with bows.
Back at Orchid Pavilion, Jiang Zhankui still had a tight-lipped expression.
Lu Man teased, “Are you still mad at Grandfather?”
Choking back tears, Jiang Zhankui replied, “Yes, before Grandfather fell ill, he never liked me and Third Brother. He couldn’t even be bothered to look at us. Back then, he just ignored us, but he didn’t insult us in front of everyone like he does today.”
With teary eyes, Jiang Jiu added, “When he speaks ill of Third Brother and Eighth Brother like that, I won’t go play with him anymore.”
These two children felt their pride wounded.
Lu Man embraced Jiang Zhankui and reassured, “Grandfather was wrong to do that before he fell ill. By tarring everyone with the same brush, just because his legitimate son wasn’t good, he thought all illegitimate children were bad. Now that we have separated from the legitimate branches and can live our lives separately, no one can suppress us. Together, let’s work hard so that those who look down on us dare not underestimate us anymore…”
Jiang Zhankui vowed, “I will strive to become a successful person like Third Brother, not only to show those who look down on us that we are worthy but also to show respect to Third sister-in-law and support my sister.”
Lu Man smiled as she hugged Jiang Zhankui tightly, saying, “Thank you for always remembering the good in Third sister. Remember, strive for yourself and for those you care about, not for those who doubt you. So, let’s study and live joyfully. Your grandfather is ill now, saying nonsensical things, so there’s no need to stoop to his level. Despite his flawed ways, he is not a bad person. Especially your grandmother, generous and kind, treats our branch well. Also, Second Madam, Fifth Young Master, and the Third Master’s family all have goodwill towards us. Treat them, including the Second Master and the main branch, with respect and normalcy in your interactions. Don’t feel inferior due to your illegitimate status, but also avoid harboring resentment. Hatred only brings sorrow to oneself. Try not to create too many enemies, strive for harmony where possible. This way, life will be happier, and you’ll feel better… What I want most is to see us achieve our goals and live a joyful and laughter-filled life, not one filled with resentment…”
Lu Man hoped the young boy would live happily and grow up joyfully, unlike Jiang Zhanwei, who, despite getting what he wanted, had spent years feeling repressed and inferior, leading to a negative personality.
Jiang Zhankui nodded, saying, “I’ll listen to Third sister-in-law.” He added, “Third Brother also wants me to listen to Third sister.”
Turning to Jiang Jiu, Lu Man said, “If you don’t spend time with Grandfather, he still has legitimate grandsons and great-grandsons to keep him company, maintaining his bias against your brothers. But if you change his perspective while you’re with him, showing respect for your brothers, wouldn’t that be better? Now, Grandfather treats you much better than he used to treat your eldest sister-in-law.” Stressing the importance, she continued, “Your grandmother is the matriarch of this family, treats them well, and we mustn’t upset her. If you don’t show respect to Grandfather, Grandmother won’t be pleased.”
After thinking it over, Jiang Jiu realized that even her Third Brother had advised her not to upset Grandmother. Besides, Grandfather had indeed been kind to her lately. She nodded and smiled, saying, “Yes, Jiu will find a way to make Grandfather treat the brothers better.”
After the siblings retired for the night, Lu Man instructed Mama Wang and Liu Ya to record and store the gifts sent by Prince He’s Mansion. These gifts included decorative items like jade, gold, ivory pieces, and two hundred-year-old ginseng roots, all of considerable value.
She then took the pair of old glasses and examined them closely. Afterwards, she dismantled the frame from the lenses.
Concerned, Mama Wang exclaimed, “Third Young Madam, I heard these reading glasses are priceless, please don’t spoil them.”
Lu Man reassured her with a smile, “I’m not spoiling them, I’ll make them even more useful.”