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Early in the morning, Liu Xin mentioned that he hadn’t seen the Third Young Master, as he had taken the troops for mountain training and handed over the items to the Third Young Master’s personal soldier, Liu Chun.
Inquiring about the army’s departure, Jiang Zhanwei’s return home, Liu Chun shared that the army was about to depart, and this training session was the final one. As for the Third Young Master’s return home, it remained uncertain.
Jiang Zhankui’s eyes reddened as he asked, “Will my brother just leave like that? He hasn’t even lived in the new home yet.”
Jiang Jiu shed tears, saying, “Jiu misses our brother.”
Lu Man also felt distressed. With heavy snow sealing the mountains, enduring the harsh cold, the troops were to undergo training in the mountains. The northern regions were even colder and more challenging, facing threats of injury and death constantly.
Despite being an illegitimate child, Jiang Zhanwei had grown up in luxury, pampered from a young age, surrounded by servants. Driven by ideals or perhaps spurred on by his politically advantageous bride, he willingly embarked on this arduous path of no return.
Then there was Lu Fangrong. Lu Man couldn’t discern if he was clever or foolish. Dubbed as foolish, he schemed with lady He. Labeled as cunning, he endured hardships, sacrificed his ex-wife, neglected his daughter, and now even his two sons, allowing his mother and elder brother’s family to live a luxurious life using his ex-wife’s money.
News arrived from the front lines, indicating a stalemate between the two armies. While the Dachun Dynasty’s army had numbers and strategy on its side, the Jin Dynasty’s soldiers were fierce and adapted to the harsh northern climate.
Seeing Lu Man lost in thought with a heavy expression, Mama Wang understood her sadness and quickly ushered the younger siblings to rest in the eastern wing, planning an early start the next day for their new home.
That night, Lu Man found it difficult to sleep. Amidst the daily activities at Orchid Pavilion, her thoughts were dominated by Jiang Zhanwei.
The next morning, after breakfast, a newly dressed Lu Man led her siblings, with Jiang Zhankui leading Qichang, Jiu carrying Sweet Pea and Sweetheart, accompanied by a few servants carrying parcels, as they left the gates of Orchid Pavilion.
Not all the household staff from Orchid Pavilion accompanied them. Only Mama Wang, Liu Ya, Xing, Tao, Qingqing, Huang, Lingzhi who served Jiang Zhankui, and Mama Guo and Lanzhi who served Jiang Jiu decided to follow.
These individuals volunteered to accompany them. Others were unwilling to go, knowing that life for Jiang Zhanwei as an illegitimate child outside the Princess’s estate wouldn’t be as pleasant.
Lu Man glanced back at Orchid Pavilion, with its beautiful scenery of flying pavilions and flowing streams, but as lovely as it was, it was not her home. After residing there for eight months, most of her time was spent in worry and anguish.
Farewell, Orchid Pavilion!
Farewell, incredibly difficult times!
With a smile tinged with tears in her eyes, Lu Man softly said to her younger siblings and herself, “Let’s go, we’re going home.”
The younger siblings nodded firmly, each holding one of her hands as they walked eastward.
The red side gate was already open, now referred to collectively as the East Side Gate by the household members.
Steward Ming, Deputy Steward Wang, Liu Xin, and Liu Ya were dressed in new clothes, standing at the East Side Gate.
Upon seeing their mistress, they all respectfully bowed and greeted, “Third Young Madam, Eighth Young Master, Second Miss.”
Lu Man smiled at them and led her siblings through the East Side Gate. Passing by the side building, they reached the inner courtyard, freshly renovated, with the eaves and walls sparkling in the sunlight.
Jiang Zhankui joyfully took Lingzhi, and Qichang to his own courtyard, while Jiang Jiu, carrying Sweetheart, headed to the western wing with Mama Guo and Lanzhi.
Liu Ya came to assist Lu Man into the main hall.
Mostly family members were present today, with few guests and no male head of the household. Therefore, men and women alike gathered in the main hall, western side room, and western wing to socialize and enjoy.
Lu Man explored the area, observing the heated kang bed, charcoal pots burning, creating a warm atmosphere throughout the house.
She then proceeded to the eastern side room and eastern wing, her living room and bedroom.
Around midday, the courtyard echoed with lively sounds as Princess Changting, the old Marquis, and their grandchildren arrived.
Lu Man, along with Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, welcomed the guests at the entrance.
Lu Man took a few steps forward to assist Princess Changting into the house, inviting her and the old Marquis to sit on the luxurious carved bed. The bed was adorned with cotton mattresses and bear fur, providing exceptional warmth.
Each maid presented a gift list. The old Marquis handed out one large and two small red envelopes, specifically stating, “The large envelope is for the granddaughter-in-law, and the small envelopes are for Little Jiu and the little one.”
Today being a joyous occasion, Lu Man chose not to dwell on the matter of the “little one” nickname.
Apart from those who had already toured the house, like the Third Madam and Eldest Young Madam, Jiang Zhanyu and others explored the front and back yards, showering praise all along.
Later, everyone gathered in the main hall to converse, laugh, and enjoy tea.
Shortly after, Prince He and his son, along with a few maids carrying treats, went to play in the western side room.
Next, Lady Yang arrived with her two daughters and a son. She whispered to Lu Man, “Grandfather wanted to come along but was persuaded by Second Uncle to stay back. He mentioned that today is a joyous occasion for your family, and it wouldn’t be good if he got into a disagreement with old Marquis Jiang.”
Lu Man smiled and replied, “I will definitely invite Grandfather Xie to our home another day.”
Afterwards, Lu Man carried little Kaipei, unveiling his bundle. The little one was dressed in the clothes Lu Man had provided, looking adorable with a tiger-head appearance. As she kissed him, he giggled, making it hard for Lu Man to let go.
With guests around, the men conversed, laughed, and drank tea in the main hall, while the women and children moved to the western side room. The old Marquis, unable to engage in idle chatter with the men, jokingly referred to them as “pretend serious”, and joined the children and pets in the western room for play.
Shortly after, Lady Min’s mother-in-law and Lady Min’s husband arrived. They mentioned that Lady Min was unwell and unable to attend personally.
Madam Min, Lady Min’s mother-in-law chuckled, “Third Young Lady Jiang, don’t make fun of my thick skin for tagging along without an invitation.”
Lu Man quickly apologized, explaining her junior status and expressing reluctance to invite elders. She felt honored by their presence, and noted the joy in the Min family, with Madam Min and son coming to congratulate.
If indeed Lady Min was pregnant, Lu Man’s reputation for treating infertility within the aristocratic circles would be solidified.
Observing Lady Min’s husband, he appeared young with a boyish face, slim and tall, shyly smiling, appearing no more than seventeen or eighteen. His innocent and likable demeanor contrasted with the image of a scoundrel who enjoyed seducing women.
Lunch was served in the west wing room, with men in the east hall and women and children in the west hall.
After the meal, it was time for a theatrical performance. Since there was no dedicated stage in Donghui Courtyard, the performers sang operas in the hall. Princess Changting selected two acts, while Song Ming and Madam Min each chose one.