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“Also, do not defy Grandmother, maintain good relationships with the family members. For any difficult family matters, seek Grandmother’s or Third Master’s help. If there are external issues, seek assistance from Duke Xie’s residence. Sometimes, Second Master may be confused, don’t argue with him… In handling interpersonal relationships, your sister-in-law is much better than your brother…” He had repeated these instructions to Jiang Zhankui multiple times yesterday and found himself repeating them today.
Jiang Zhankui wiped away tears and murmured, continuously responding to his brother’s instructions.
In the Crane Hall, the lights were bright. The old Marquis was still asleep, while the Princess had already taken her seat in the hall. Marquis Jiang, Second Master, Third Master, Eldest Young Master, Fourth Young Master, Fifth Young Master, and other adult males were present.
Jiang Zhanwei knelt before the Princess and kowtowed three times. Princess Changting then pulled him into a tearful embrace.
The food on the table wasn’t a typical breakfast but a farewell feast, complete with dishes and wine.
Noticing Lu Man’s absence, Princess Changting inquired, “Where is your wife?”
Jiang Zhanwei explained, “Man caught a chill, cried until nearly dawn, and fell asleep. I didn’t have the heart to wake her.”
Princess Changting pounded Jiang Zhanwei with her hands, crying, “She must be distressed, heartbroken, which led to her falling ill… Go well, return safely. Not only should you prevent your wife from becoming a widow, but also spare us old folks from mourning the young.”
Jiang Zhanwei rose and knelt down again, shedding sincere tears in the arms of the tearful Princess. At that moment, he genuinely respected this elderly figure.
Choked with emotion, he said, “I will return to honor your wishes, to serve and care for you, to ensure Man doesn’t become a widow.” He implored, “Grandmother, if Man doesn’t understand and upsets you, please don’t be angry with her because of me. Teach and guide her well. Apart from you and Grandfather, she has no one else to rely on. Please protect her more.”
Tears streamed down Princess Changting’s face as she replied, “If you can’t trust your wife, return and guide her yourself, protect her.”
Several elders also offered words of advice. This time, even Second Master shed tears and reached out to hold his son’s hand.
After the meal, Jiang Zhanwei bid farewell to the Princess, and a group of men escorted him to Donghui Courtyard, then out through the side gate, watching him ride off with his personal guards, disappearing into the distance.
Standing inside, Lu Man cried until her eyes resembled peaches.
She regretted not going to see him off. Despite his despicable and fickle nature, all the comfort she enjoyed now was thanks to him. Even if she didn’t give him her heart, letting him depart peacefully deserved her farewell. Uncertain of his return, she considered even glimpsing his departing figure would suffice.
Upon Jiang Zhankui’s return, he relayed his brother’s instructions to everyone, causing even Mama Wang and Liu Ya to weep.
Lu Man grew uncertain once more. Had she misjudged him? Did he truly change, becoming sincere towards her? Regardless, she resolved to guard her heart, avoiding easy emotional investments to prevent further harm. This self-preserving thought might seem selfish, but in her disadvantaged position against Jiang Zhanwei, she needed to prioritize her own well-being to prevent being consumed entirely.
Upon learning of her brother’s departure, Jiang Jiu also wept uncontrollably.
That day, both Lu Man and the younger siblings felt downcast, skipping the farewell gathering at the Crane Hall and sending word to the Princess about their absence.
In a private moment with Lu Man, Mama Wang whispered, “In my humble opinion, Third Young Master has already done so much better than Second Master Lu. Why is Third Young Madam still so stubborn?”
Considering Mama Wang her confidante, Lu Man felt compelled to share her true thoughts. She replied, “Lu Fangrong is selfish, brainless, transparently so. I look down on such men, wouldn’t give him the time of day. But Jiang Zhanwei, his scheming nature, his strong sense of self-interest, his cunning, I can’t see through him. He’s hurt me twice already, and I can’t risk being vulnerable again. Let’s prepare for any outcome, if he returns to divorce me, we’ll leave and live our own lives.”
Mama Wang advised, “Even if Third Young Master intends to divorce you, seek the Princess and old Marquis to intervene. It’s too risky for Third Young Madam to be alone.”
With self-condemnation, Lu Man shook her head, stating, “Rest assured, despite Jiang Zhanwei’s flaws, he at least has integrity. He owes me a big favor and will consider my future. Look at how considerate he’s been with all his arrangements for me, even detailing his posthumous plans.”
Tears welled up in Mama Wang’s eyes as she added, “Third Young Madam, forgive my dullness, but I believe Third Young Master’s actions show genuine care for you. If you miss him, you might never find such a good man again. Though Third Young Master may be educated, with a complex mind, I can’t decipher his intentions.”
Lu Man said, “What you see, Mama Wang, is just the surface. It’s not your fault. Even the Princess, who grew up in the palace, and the Masters steeped in court intrigue for decades, have all been deceived by him… I can accept couples having different dreams in the same bed, but I cannot accept a man like Jiang Zhanwei. You never know what he’s planning in his mind, when he might discard you because you’re no longer useful to him. It’s a terrifying feeling…
The next morning, Lu Man’s mood remained somber, but she struggled to get out of bed before dawn.
Now the head of the household with so many employees, she needed to take charge of her own destiny, manage her staff, and be a respected and competent boss.
In reality, she would prefer to live a carefree life like Jiang Jiu. Unfortunately, she didn’t have that luxury. Coming to this world was a fate filled with labor and toil.
Today, she had to pay her respects to the Princess. With her grandson going to war, the old lady’s mood was likely not good. In this household, aside from a few individuals in Donghui Courtyard, she was the one most concerned about Jiang Zhanwei.
Lu Man took Jiang Jiu and Sweetheart to the Crane Hall. However, the gatekeeper informed them that the Princess was in a bad mood and advised the younger generation not to pay their respects for the next few days.
The old lady once again blamed the situation of Jiang Zhanwei’s departure on a few family members. She had already figured out that regardless of whether Lu Man committed suicide, or other woman married to him, he would go to war. Lu Man’s potential suicide was merely an additional excuse for him.
In her view, if another grandson married Lu Man, Jiang Zhanwei wouldn’t go to war, wouldn’t cause family disputes, and might even quietly serve in the Office. He would patiently wait for the them to pass away before pursuing his ambitious plans.