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Upon hearing Jiang Zhanwei’s words, Lu Man looked up and smiled. The light cast into her moist eyes, resembling sparkling stars. The reading glasses were too expensive and hard to come by, Princess Changting only had one pair, so she felt awkward asking for another. Otherwise, she could have made another pair for him.
She hesitantly said, “These are made from my reading glasses, not easy to get. If the higher-ups insist on taking it, have someone send me a message, and I’ll figure something out…”
Jiang Zhanwei’s gaze was gentle, quietly fixed on her, his affection as thick as unmeltable honey.
Lu Man’s mouth fell silent as she stared at him blankly.
His face drew closer, growing larger, blocking the candlelight, his breath hot enough to melt a person. Her head instinctively tilted back, and his moist lips landed on her forehead. She pushed him unconsciously with her hands, but he held her tighter.
His warm, moist lips slowly roamed over her eyebrows, nose, and cheeks, soft, gentle, and moist, carrying a pure scent of alcohol, like a gentle spring breeze after rain, stirring her heart to beat faster and itch with anticipation.
She couldn’t help but wrap her arms around his neck. Encouraged, he moved to kiss her passionately, his tongue slipping into her mouth, parting her teeth, their tongues entwining. His warm body pressed against her lower abdomen, both bodies trembling intensely in unison.
In that moment, nothing else existed except for the two of them.
He lifted her, carrying her into the bedroom, laying her on the bed, bending down towards her. He hurriedly helped her undress, his large hands exploring her silky body. Afraid of scaring or hurting her again, he restrained his impulses and fervor, cautiously exploring and moving forward step by step.
He whispered softly, “Manman, you’re so wonderful… we should do this more… it’s my fault…”
Lu Man felt intoxicated, lost in the gentleness of his touch. She responded to him, giving and taking, soaring with him time and time again…
When Lu Man woke up again, she found herself alone in bed, the canopy hung back on the jade hook. However, the faint scent of plum blossoms still lingered on the pillow… It wasn’t a dream that night.
Mama Wang approached with a smile, “Third Young Madam is awake, and Third Young Master is practicing martial arts in the courtyard.”
She smiled so much that her face seemed creased, resembling a steamed bun.
Blushing, Lu Man playfully scolded, “Mama, why are you laughing?”
Mama Wang quickly responded, “Alright, Mama won’t laugh anymore. Mama wants to congratulate Third Young Madam.” Seeing Lu Man’s face turn crimson, she stopped talking.
Lu Man continued, “I received news about mother, and I have a blood brother. They sent me a letter through someone…”
Initially surprised, Mama Wang then burst into tears of joy, clasping her hands together and reciting prayers.
The maids had thoughtfully prepared hot water, and Lu Man indeed felt like soaking in a bath. She had been exhausted yesterday, and while she slept, Jiang Zhanwei had been busy.
Thinking back to the previous night, Lu Man felt a mix of sweetness, reluctance, and sorrow. This man turned out to be so good, but their time together was too brief, he was leaving the next day…
As Jiang Zhanwei returned from his martial arts practice, Lu Man was sitting at the vanity while Liu Ya helped with her hair. He approached her from behind, gently squeezing her shoulder with a large hand, and they shared a smile through the mirror. Seeing her blush and lower her head shyly, he then went to the washroom.
Jiang Zhanwei, Jiang Jiu, and Jiang Zhankui entered the main room, with Jiang Jiu looking as if she had discovered a new continent. She glanced at Jiang Zhanwei, then at Lu Man, back to Jiang Zhanwei, and once more at Lu Man.
Feeling uneasy under her scrutiny, Lu Man asked, “What’s with that look, do you not recognize me anymore?”
Perplexed, Jiang Jiu said, “Have my eyes really gone bad? Why do I feel like Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law have changed?” After pondering her words, she added, “Hmm, Third Brother seems to have a better temper, and Third Sister-in-law has become even more, more, more beautiful.”
Upon hearing her sister’s words, Jiang Zhankui quickly glanced at Lu Man and responded, “I can’t tell if Third Brother has a better temper, but Third Sister-in-law has always been this beautiful.”
Seeing Lu Man becoming increasingly embarrassed, Jiang Zhanwei furrowed his brow and said, “Stop the chatter and eat.”
During the meal, Jiang Zhankui noticed another issue and remarked, “Third Brother, why do you keep staring at Third Sister-in-law? You’ve looked at her over twenty times.” Seeing his expression darken, he quickly fell silent and focused on eating.
Lu Man silently chuckled at the playful banter between the brothers and then mentioned her visit to the Duke Anguo’s residence that day.
Reluctant, Jiang Zhanwei asked, “Can’t you skip it?”
Lu Man replied, “They specifically sent an invitation to grandmother and me. It seems the Duke’s wife’s daughter-in-law is pregnant…”
Understanding the importance of maintaining good relations with the Duke’s household, Jiang Zhanwei reluctantly agreed.
Having overheard Zhankui’s words earlier, Jiu commented, “Oh, I noticed too. After finishing a chicken roll, Third Brother glanced at Sister-in-law six times.”
Blushing, Jiang Zhanwei felt a mix of embarrassment and irritation.
Seeing her usually amiable brother’s expression darken, Jiang Jiu pouted as if about to cry.
Lu Man suppressed a laugh and comforted her for a few moments before playfully scolding Jiang Zhanwei with a glare.
Upon receiving Lu Man’s playful reprimand, Jiang Zhanwei felt as if he had tasted honey. He consoled Jiang Jiu, “I brought back some game for you all. The feathers of the wild chickens are especially beautiful, I’ll pluck a few for you to make shuttlecocks.”
After the meal, Lu Man freshened up. Princess Changting cherished appearances and enjoyed seeing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law dressed beautifully. This time, Lu Man focused on a more elegant and refined look, reflecting her natural grace without overshadowing the dignified presence of the matriarch.
Accompanied by Lu Ying and Xing, Lu Man joined Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings on their way to Crane Hall.
Jiang Zhanwei needed to meet with the elders, and Jiang Jiu had to accompany the old Marquis.
The snow had ceased, leaving everything cloaked in white, glimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. Servants had cleared a narrow path early in the morning, and Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man walked side by side. He wore a dark cloak with gold accents, while she wore a sky blue cloak with floral patterns, resembling two celestial beings emerging from a world of ice and snow. Wherever they went, the servants would pause their tasks to watch from a distance.
Wanting to hold Lu Man’s hand, Jiang Jiu was stopped by Mama Guo, who shook her head with a smile. Feeling a bit unnecessary, Jiang Jiu pouted and stayed back.
Upon arriving at Crane Hall, all the masters were present.
Knowing that Jiang Zhanwei had returned with game, including deer, roe deer, and wild chickens, to be shared with the Princess Changting’s household and the Xie residence, everyone was aware of his return. Several elders wanted to have a conversation with him before his departure, so they arrived early at Crane Hall.
Approaching Princess Changting and the old Marquis, Jiang Zhanwei bowed his head, and Princess Changting held his hand and spoke earnestly to him. Upon learning of his early departure the next day, she shed tears, causing even the usually rebellious Jiang Zhanwei to tear up.