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However, Lu Man had Jiang Jiu present a handkerchief she had embroidered to the Second Master and Second Madam, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a good relationship with them. Despite the separation, they were still her father and stepmother. If Jiang Zhanwei returned in the future, things would be easier to handle. If not, she would be a widow, with less influence in Jiang Jiu’s marriage compared to the second couple.
It was the day for the men to pay respects to the ancestors of the Jiang family. Due to certain circumstances, Lu Man had yet to enter the ancestral hall, and her name hadn’t been inscribed in the records until that day.
The old Marquis’s health had significantly improved, and he was supported by Marquis Jiang as he led his children and grandchildren to the ancestral hall for the ceremony. Following Princess Changting and her son’s instructions, he did well, albeit struggling with writing. Marquis Jiang penned Lu Man’s name into the family records on his behalf.
After lunch at the Crane Hall, while others stayed back to enjoy, Lu Man took the young siblings back to the Donghui Courtyard. It was their home, where they would have their New Year’s Eve dinner and stay up to welcome the new year.
The Donghui Courtyard was adorned with decorations, echoing with the sounds of firecrackers in the front and back yards.
To create a lively atmosphere and boost morale, Lu Man arranged several tables in the kitchen for the servants and their families to join the dinner celebration. With fewer masters in the household, gathering the servants helped foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Tables were set up in different areas—the front hall accommodated the stewards and overseers, the small courtyard behind the kitchen hosted the majority of the servants and their families, and a separate table was arranged for the trusted aides in the upper room.
The upper room was elegantly decorated, displaying the best silverware, including the two glass palace lamps gifted by Princess Changting. Lu Man sat with the young siblings, adding an extra set of utensils for Jiang Zhanwei. Mama Wang, Lu Ying, Liu Ya, and others dined together, with Lu Man and the senior maids enjoying a drink.
The young siblings were thrilled to celebrate the New Year in their own home for the first time, radiating joy and excitement throughout the house. Observing their happiness, Lu Man couldn’t help but think about Song Mo, the tiny child in the vast mansion still under the influence of poison.
Regrettably, with Song Ming’s absence, she couldn’t detoxify the child immediately.
The evening progressed with a mix of dining and play, with the New Year’s Eve dinner stretching until close to the midnight hour.
After dinner, Lu Man and the young siblings gathered on the kang, sharing jokes and riddles from past lives. Jiang Zhankui was particularly intrigued by her brain teasers.
Once everyone had left, Lu Man lay on the bed and took out her mother’s picture frame.
That night, the presence of her mother still accompanied her.
Outside, the firecrackers grew more intense, especially from the Princess Changting’s residence to the west and the Duke Ping Guoliu’s residence to the east, punctuated by the laughter of men.
On the first day of the lunar new year, a freshly dressed Lu Man led her bright-eyed young siblings to pay respects and receive red envelopes from Princess Changting and the old Marquis.
Later, excluding the unwell old Marquis, Jiang Zhanyu, and Lu Man in their separate residence, Princess Changting took all her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the palace.
Typically, on this day, officials and their wives of a certain rank visited the Emperor and Empress to pay their respects. However, as Princess Changting’s household belonged to the royal family, and she was the Emperor’s elder sister, the entire family was required to pay respects, followed by a feast with the royal family. This was a display of imperial favor and a necessary gesture.
Lu Man then took the old Marquis and Jiang Zhanyu back to the Donghui Courtyard.
She personally prepared a lavish feast with Mama Wang and the kitchen staff. Among the dishes was a signature golden crispy pork—a favorite from Lu Man’s past life. It was crispy on the outside, tender inside, infused with a rich garlic aroma, visually appealing, and delectable. In a time without breadcrumbs, she substituted with homemade “breadcrumbs” made from mantou.
She discreetly instructed Jiang Zhanyu and the young siblings on certain etiquette. Today, she intended to ask the old Marquis for a promise. Unable to address certain matters in front of Princess Changting, Lu Man seized the opportunity to coach the old Marquis in her absence and secure some well-deserved respect for Jiang Zhankui.
While she couldn’t completely change the old Marquis’s bias against his illegitimate children, she aimed to ensure he at least showed them surface respect, not causing them undue harm, for the sake of better relations. The old Marquis was currently akin to a big child, necessitating a childlike approach to handle him effectively, as reasoning with him proved futile.
Jiang Zhanyu smiled, indicating his willingness to cooperate. Jiang Jiu, always a good child, also agreed. Only Jiang Zhankui pursed his lips, not expressing agreement or disagreement.
At the dining table, while other dishes filled the plates, the golden crispy pork consisted of just five pieces, gleaming on one side of the delicate white porcelain plate. At the empty end lay a radish-carved flower.
Lu Man personally served the old Marquis his food. The old Marquis, appreciating each dish, savored the meal joyfully.
She then served the old Marquis a piece of crispy pork. After tasting it, his eyes widened in delight, exclaiming, “What kind of meat is this? It’s tender and delicious!”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu quickly helped themselves to a piece each. Lu Man also took one for herself, leaving only one piece on the plate.
As the old Marquis eyed the remaining piece, he playfully scolded, “You naughty ones, fighting over food with me, showing disrespect!”
His playful scolding elicited laughter from those present.
Jiang Zhankui took the last piece, but before he could eat it, the old Marquis jokingly claimed it as his own. Lu Man playfully asked, pointing at Jiang Zhankui, “Grandfather, who is he?”
Reluctant to use Jiang Zhankui’s name unless necessary, the old Marquis responded vaguely, “He is… hmm…”
Upon Lu Man’s quizzical look, the old Marquis quickly corrected himself, “He is… Kui Zhankui.”
Although said softly, everyone heard clearly.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhankui offered the pork rib to the old Marquis, saying, “Grandson offers this to Grandfather.”
Pleased with Jiang Zhankui’s gesture, the old Marquis praised him, saying, “Good…” Then, turning to Lu Man, he continued, “Good child, good child.”
Amused yet annoyed by the situation, Lu Man found herself receiving praise for someone else’s actions, with the old Marquis’s excessive enthusiasm. She then asked, “Since I am so good, does Grandfather know who I am married to? Whose sister-in-law am I?”