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During the feast, a piece of great news spread rapidly from the court to Princess Changting’s mansion and Donghui Courtyard’s front yard, then further into the rear yard—the border war had come to an end!
At the end of last month, the Jin army, in a final desperate move, deployed almost all of their heavy forces to confront the Dachun army, hoping to reverse their declining situation. Led by Jiang Zhanwei, the Black Furry Camp sneaked through back routes to the Jin army’s central camp, captured the Jin supreme commander, Prince Wanyan Tu, set fire to the enemy’s supplies and central camp, causing chaos within the leaderless Jin army, who surrendered to the Dachun forces.
The Emperor was delighted and had issued a decree for General Xie to keep the troops stationed at the borders temporarily. Once the royal envoys designated to sign the ceasefire agreement with the Jin kingdom arrived, General Xie would lead the army back to the capital.
Originally, it was expected that the conflict would persist until the end of the year, but the unexpected early end was credited to the strategic brilliance of the Black Furry Camp. This war marked the smoothest and quickest conclusion to any conflict since the establishment of the Dachun dynasty.
Lu Man believed that the Black Furry Camp’s success wasn’t just due to General Xie’s tactical prowess and Jiang Zhanwei’s strategic acumen, nor solely because of the soldiers’ courage and skill, but also owed much to the telescope, equivalent to a radar from her previous life, and the camouflage uniforms that deceived enemy sight. If the enemy had possessed telescopes, they might have detected issues earlier, making success less straightforward.
The fearsome Black Furry Camp, which struck fear in the hearts of the enemy, was established by Jiang Zhanwei. He shamelessly claimed credit for designing the camouflage uniforms, obtaining a formula that decimated half of the enemy’s main forces from foreign emissaries, and the credit for the telescope was bestowed upon him by the Crown Prince. Finally, the decisive capture of Prince Wanyan Tu helped secure the victory for their forces. His return would likely result in a substantial promotion in rank.
His long-cherished dream of achieving fame and success had come true, and remarkably quickly. Despite Lu Man’s disdain for his shamelessness, she was glad he returned safely.
Unexpectedly, the old Marquis fainted, Lu Man married Jiang Zhanwei due to fortuitous circumstances, and the original Lu Man’s hanging incident, combined with Lu Man’s crossing over, contributed to the rapid rise of the young war hero Jiang Zhanwei within just two and a half years…
The joyful news spread like wildfire, causing immense excitement among everyone, especially those with family members who were part of the conflict. Congratulations poured in for Madam Xie, the mother-in-law, Princess Changting, Lu Man, and surprisingly even for Mrs. Ding.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Madame Xie and Lady Yang teared up, as did Princess Changting and Jiang Jiu. While Lu Man was also delighted, she didn’t reach the point of tears of joy. Witnessing their emotions, she discreetly wiped her eyes with a handkerchief and sniffled.
Tears welled up in He Mingzhu’s eyes as she hugged Jiang Yue, saying, “Your father will be back soon, and our Yue will finally get to see her daddy.”
Although Jiang Yue didn’t fully understand, upon hearing her grandmother mention “daddy”, she loudly repeated “daddy” multiple times.
The excitement persisted even after bidding farewell to the guests and continued into the evening when the men came directly to Donghui Courtyard for dinner.
Excitedly discussing the border situation, they estimated that Jiang Zhanwei would return to the capital in about two months.
Jiang Zhankun praised, “Just imagine Wanyan Tu being imprisoned in a carriage, while my brother rides a majestic horse to escort him back to the capital. Oh, the grandeur of it all.”
Jiang Zhankun had completed his studies at the Imperial Academy and was awaiting a vacancy. Meanwhile, the sixth brother, Jiang Zhanxun, and the seventh brother, Jiang Zhanpeng, were studying at the Imperial Academy.
Seeing Jiang Zhankun’s envious look, everyone couldn’t help but feel joyous, with several men laughing heartily. Every man has a hero complex, and the fact that this hero hailed from their own family filled them with indescribable joy.
At this moment, these men were filled with admiration and pride, void of any jealousy or resentment.
Jiang Zhanwei’s recent victory differed from his previous clever maneuvering. This time, it showcased his bravery, strategic brilliance, and contributed significantly to the army’s ultimate triumph, earning him admiration and respect. Unlike his past tactics, this victory was noble and grand.
Even the old Marquis didn’t know how to tease Jiang Zhanwei, hesitating before speaking.
Princess Changting first smiled at everyone, then wiping away tears, she said, “One man’s success is built on the bones of many. Zhanwei achieved great deeds and survived. It wasn’t just his talent but also his extraordinary luck and a good wife that contributed to this success. Each factor was indispensable.”
Everyone was aware that Lu Man had sent Huang Ke Lai and other medicines to save the critically injured Jiang Zhanwei and that the Dachun army’s “miracle” telescope was Lu Man’s creation. Hearing Princess Changting’s praises, they all commended Lu Man.
Lu Man modestly smiled and replied, “You flatter me, it’s all thanks to my grandmother’s wise teachings.”
This response irked the Second Master. Shouldn’t they be congratulating him, the father of the son who had achieved great feats? And what was with this “wise teachings for grandchildren” from Lu Man? When did that notion emerge?
Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that his previously incompetent son, who couldn’t even stand straight in public, possessed such talent. Nowadays, whether interacting with superiors or subordinates in the office, they all seemed more eager to engage him in conversation, constantly praising him for having a son with promise and attributing it to his wise parenting…
Especially today, even the Emperor had exchanged a few words with him in the Golden Hall. It had been over twenty years since the Emperor had spoken to him so warmly.
The Second Master was overjoyed. For so many years, whenever he argued with others, he was mocked as a fool. Now, he could finally hold his head high. After all, which “foolish” father could have raised such a son with intelligence and strategic thinking?
Upon returning home, Jiang Zhanwei seemed almost unrecognizable as his son. Everyone congratulated his elderly mother and Lu Man, attributing the son’s success to these two women.
Feeling somewhat vexed, he drank one glass of wine after another. Glancing at his father, he wondered why he hadn’t scolded anyone today.
Observing the old Marquis engaged in a conversation with Jiang Yue, his face filled with adoration and joy, the Second Master seemed oblivious to the conversations around him.
Once the meal concluded, Princess Changting issued a decree that all members of the Princess’s household, including both masters and servants, would receive double their usual monthly stipend. This gesture extended to Donghui Courtyard, funded from her personal savings. At the end of September, the Princess planned to host a celebration for relatives and friends. Originally scheduled for the 20th of September, it was preempted by the Duke of Xie’s invitation, whose son, a Grand Marshal, had contributed significantly to the victory and thus deserved the honor of hosting first.
The masters all bowed in gratitude to Princess Changting, while the attendants knelt down to kowtow to her.
Feeling slightly intoxicated, the Second Master, supported by Jiang Zhanyu and Jiang Zhankun, unsteadily made his way back to the evening quarters.