Chapter 321: Injury

From the moment Princess Changting laid eyes on this illegitimate grandson, she became even more certain that after several generations of mediocrity in the Jiang family, an outstanding offspring was finally emerging. Despite the regrettable fact of his illegitimacy, he was still better than all the other offspring who achieved nothing. For the sake of this family, she had to win over this grandson’s heart and keep a close eye on his young and vigorous…

However, the old Marquis was always so offensive with his words.

Princess Changting’s expression darkened slightly as she hurriedly said, “Oh, old Marquis, what are you saying? Our grandson has returned alive after great efforts, earned great merit, and brought honor to our family. Isn’t that wonderful? If you continue like this, you’ll end up tearing this family apart. Are you happy only when you’ve driven away your grandson, granddaughter-in-law, and great-granddaughter, never to return?”

Seeing her great grandfather scolding her own father, Jiang Yue couldn’t bear it and burst into loud sobs, accusing, “Bad, bad, scolding daddy, wuwuwu…”

Witnessing Jiang Yue cry, Changting grew angry, Lu Man pouted, the old Marquis felt guilty, quickly saying, “Alright, alright, I was wrong, I won’t scold anymore. Changting, don’t be angry, great-granddaughter, stop crying, and daughter-in-law, don’t pout.” With that, he turned away from Jiang Zhanwei. He believed that if he couldn’t see him, he wouldn’t get angry and scold anymore.

Jiang Zhanwei was quite used to the old Marquis’s scolding and his favoritism towards his daughter-in-law. Yet, seeing him apologize like this still surprised him.

He stood up, went over to greet the Second and Third Madams, then lifted the still crying Jiang Yue, saying, “My daughter is truly great, knowing ‘to fight with brothers, to take the field with father and son’ at such a young age.”

His voice calm, his words disrespectful. Praising his daughter as if talking to soldiers.

Princess Changting sighed, “Zhanwei, your grandfather is ill, behaving like a child in his words and actions. Don’t take offense. He genuinely cares for daughter-in-law and granddaughter, especially your daughter, whom he spoils to no end.”

Jiang Zhanwei bowed slightly, replying, “Yes.”

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu ran over to their older brother, each hugging one side.

Jiang Zhankun couldn’t help but ask, “Third Brother, did the Emperor grant you official titles today?”

Jiang Zhanwei shook his head, “No, we had the imperial banquet today, watched performances, and the Emperor praised the generals and soldiers. Oh, we also watched our mansion’s theater troupe perform ‘The Princess Teaches Her Grandson’, it was really, really good…”

Speaking of that play, Jiang Zhanwei felt somewhat embarrassed because he noticed Grand Marshal Xie’s meaningful smiles while watching the performance.

He pursed his thin lips, concealing his emotions, and continued, “The Emperor only kept Grand Marshal Xie and Marquis Jiang behind, allowing us to rest, and he mentioned that in two days, he would reward those who have performed meritorious deeds.”

Princess Changting nodded, and Jiang Zhanwei, along with Lu Man, then led the three children out of the side chamber.

It was cold outside, and the servants draped cloaks over them.

By this time, the sky had turned completely dark. The red silk lanterns along the way not only exuded festivity but also illuminated their path, casting a warm, rosy glow that was incredibly comforting.

If only Lu Man were a bit closer, it would be even warmer.

Jiang Zhanwei was tightly surrounded by the three children, as if they were all one entity, while Lu Man stood alone by his side. He wanted to pull her closer but found himself too entangled by the children to do so.

Jiang Yue showed no shyness at all, with one hand around his neck and the other playfully tapping Jiang Zhanwei’s cheek.

Jiang Jiu chuckled and reminded her, “Silly Yue, you’re already hugging Daddy’s neck, why keep tapping? You can just give him a kiss directly.”

It dawned on Jiang Yue, and with a pat on her own forehead, she then proceeded to kiss Jiang Zhanwei’s face with both hands around his neck.

The affection from his daughter warmed Jiang Zhanwei’s heart. He hadn’t expected his daughter to recognize him at first glance and be so affectionate. He chuckled joyfully and returned her kisses.

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, much like when Jiang Zhanwei returned to the mansion, gave him a rough overview of their life and studies. Jiang Zhankui spoke, Jiang Jiu added details, and Jiang Yue welcomed him.

“My sister-in-law is incredibly kind to us, taking care of every detail. When my brother left, I was this tall, my sister was this tall, and now we’re this high.” Jiang Zhankui gestured on Jiang Zhanwei’s body as he spoke, “The two tutors she arranged for us are also very good. Third Uncle helped me with my studies and said I’m not inferior to the sixth and seventh brothers at the Imperial Academy… My sister’s handwriting is already very good, she plays the flute beautifully, and her embroidery is also excellent… And little Yue, she’s so smart and capable, even my brother has noticed…”

Lu Man blushed slightly. These children were quite clever, and their concerted efforts to praise her seemed like an attempt to win Jiang Zhanwei’s favor.

Before they could finish their praises, they had already arrived at Donghui Courtyard. The servants in Donghui Courtyard had not expected them to return at this hour, and the yard was quietly tranquil.

Upon entering the courtyard, Mama Wang and Liu Ya hurried out to greet them, and Donghui Courtyard began to bustle with activity. Seeing the servants gradually arriving in the main courtyard, Jiang Zhanwei said to Liu Ya, “Let them do what they need to do. We still have to hurry back to Crane Hall.”

After setting Jiang Yue down inside, Jiang Zhanwei affirmed Lu Man’s performance, saying, “Brother, sister, and daughter, you’ve done a great job teaching them. Thank you.”

Lu Man smiled and replied, “They are also my siblings and my daughter. It’s what I should do.”

Leaving the three children to play in the east side room, Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man went into the bedroom. Lu Man went to the wardrobe to fetch clothes for him, and when Jiang Zhanwei saw that the children couldn’t see this spot and no servants had followed, he quickly squeezed her hand and whispered softly in her ear, “Manman, I really miss you.”

The light-hearted words clashed with his cold and calm demeanor.

Blushing, Lu Man handed him a set of red silk cotton robe and pants, saying, “Go wash up quickly.”

Knowing that Jiang Zhanwei would return today, hot water had been kept boiling in a large pot for him to bathe immediately upon his return.

Jiang Zhanwei agreed, then swiftly kissed Lu Man’s cheek before turning around, just as Jiang Yue ran in and witnessed the scene. She gleefully exclaimed, “Daddy’s kissing, Mommy’s kissing, hahaha…”

Her words elicited laughter from Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, who had hesitated to come in.

After freshening up and donning the red silk robe, Jiang Zhanwei, with a few strands of his long hair hanging down, appeared gentler, making Jiang Yue more willing to get close to him. She hung in his arms, complimenting sincerely, “Daddy, handsome.”

Her words made Jiang Zhanwei burst into laughter. It was no wonder even the old Marquis was so fond of her, his daughter was truly endearing, and anyone would find her delightful.

Jiang Zhanwei gathered the younger siblings closer, sat down, and Lu Man personally began to dry his hair.

Close up, Lu Man noticed scars on the man’s neck and hands. Some were old scars, faint and blending with the skin color. Others were new, though healed, appearing thick and red, resembling long, grotesque worms crawling on his flesh. She wondered how many more scars were hidden beneath his clothes.