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Looking around, Lu Man noticed red silk lanterns hanging everywhere, along with red curtains, red sheets, and embroidered red silk pillows depicting mandarin ducks playing in water, reminiscent of the enchanting scene from the previous night.
Jiang Yue’s cries occasionally drifted in from outside, one after another, filled with extreme grievances.
Glancing at the window, Lu Man realized it was already broad daylight.
At that moment, Mama Wang entered with a beaming smile, saying, “Third Young Madam is awake, and the little miss has just woken up too. Seeing she wasn’t in her original room, she started crying.”
“What time is it now?” Lu Man inquired.
Mama Wang helped Lu Man dress and chuckled, “It’s already the hour of Si (around 9-11 AM). Third Young Master left with Eighth Young Master and Second Miss to pay respects to the Princess at the hour of Chen and three-quarters (8:45 AM), instructing me not to wake you.”
Lu Man felt embarrassed and annoyed. That man was shrewd in some aspects and rough in others. He went to pay respects alone while she stayed back, unaware of the potential mockery she might face.
Quickly dressing up and freshening herself, she headed to the east wing.
Jiang Yue was sobbing in the arms of the old Marquis. The old Marquis looked helpless, unsure of how to comfort her. Upon seeing Lu Man’s arrival, he complained loudly, “Virtuous granddaughter-in-law, look how you’ve upset Yue. Why let Zhanwei sleep with you and not let little Yue sleep with you? This isn’t right.”
His words made the servants struggle to hold back their laughter.
This old fool, sometimes clear-minded, sometimes confused, truly frustrating.
Feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance, Lu Man scolded, “Grandfather, what nonsense are you talking? I’ll ignore your nonsense.” With that, she took Jiang Yue into her arms. Jiang Yue, still upset with her mother, turned her face away and refused to look at Lu Man.
Lu Man coaxed, “Darling, please don’t cry. Let Mother hold you, kiss you…” After showering the little one with sweet words, she finally managed to calm her down.
Lu Man personally washed the little one’s face, while Mama Li fed her milk, a small bowl of congee, and some egg soup. Lu Man hurriedly ate something herself, then went back to her room to put on light makeup before carrying Jiang Yue, and along with the old Marquis, a cat, and two dogs they go to Crane Hall.
In anticipation of welcoming the Xie family’s army back to the capital, the men who usually attended court and school were granted a day off, so the whole family arrived early at Crane Hall.
In the main hall, aside from the Princess Changting and Marquis Jiang, Third Master, and Jiang Zhanwei engaged in a private conversation in the east wing, Lu Man, the old Marquis, Jiang Yue, along with others, including Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, and Third Miss Jiang Zhen, had all gathered here.
Since Princess Changting wasn’t present, the old Marquis took Jiang Jiu, Dewen, Jiang Yue, the cat, and the dogs to the west wing to play.
At this moment, Second Master Jiang’s laughter echoed loudly as he conversed with Jiang Zhanju and others about court affairs, finding topics out of thin air. Previously, if the Princess only summoned the eldest and third sons for private discussions, Second Master Jiang would have been displeased.
However, he wasn’t upset now. If the father can’t do it, the son will. Among those individuals, one was his son. Regardless of the abilities of the eldest and third sons, their sons were just like him—without the qualifications to discuss confidential matters with their mother.
Lu Man speculated that Princess Changting was likely briefing Jiang Zhanwei on recent family matters, the true condition of the Crown Prince, and perhaps even giving him some instructions. These were things she wouldn’t want the talkative Second Master to know.
Jiang Zhanwei not only achieved fame in court but also experienced a remarkable transformation within the family, rising from an unappreciated illegitimate son to a core member of the family leadership.
Observing the meaningful gaze from the eldest sister-in-law, Lu Man pretended not to notice and smiled at Second Madam and Third Madam, saying, “Third Young Master asked me to wait until Yue wakes up before coming over.”
Second Madam nodded with a smile, while Third Madam, with a knowing look, remarked, “Zhanwei’s words make sense.”
About twenty minutes later, the group emerged from their private meeting.
Lu Man noticed that they all seemed more relaxed, especially Jiang Zhanwei, a rare sight with a slight upward curve at the corner of his lips.
She sensed that they had likely reached some agreement. Only one person could make Jiang Zhanwei willingly accept the Princess’s instructions, and that person was undoubtedly influential.
Glancing at Second Master and Second Madam, Lu Man understood that sometimes, both in the family and at court, power played a crucial role. With Jiang Zhanwei’s newfound strength, he now had the capital to negotiate with the family.
The old Marquis, hearing the commotion, hurriedly ran out from the west wing to the Princess, complaining, “Changting, I’ve always said that illegitimate sons are troublesome and the root of family chaos. You didn’t believe me, and now it’s proven true.” Pointing at Jiang Zhanwei, he continued, “As soon as Zhanwei returned, he sent little Yue to the east wing, monopolized his wife to sleep alone, causing chaos in the household, and making poor Yue cry…”
Before he could finish, laughter erupted in the room, impossible to contain even for the most stoic individuals.
Lu Man blushed with embarrassment, feeling mortified at the old fool’s words.
Jiang Zhanwei’s expression turned cold again, lips pursed, as he stared blankly at the wall opposite the Pavilion.
Princess Changting, a mix of anger and amusement, quickly tried to placate the old Marquis, saying, “Oh, old Marquis, look at what you’re saying. Our Zhanwei is capable, driving away the invaders and becoming a hero. He not only doesn’t cause chaos but sets an example for his brothers, nephews, and nieces. You mustn’t speak ill of him like this, it can hurt his feelings.”
Marquis Jiang and Third Master Jiang also chimed in, “Father, Zhanwei has brought honor to our family, enhancing our reputation and making us prosper. He is a hero.”
Princess Changting pointed at the laughing Jiang Zhanju and Jiang Zhankun, saying, “What’s so funny? I refuse to believe that you all don’t monopolize your wives for sleeping.”
Her words sparked even more laughter among the group.
Jiang Zhankun, trying to please, continued the jest, defending Jiang Zhanwei by saying, “Grandmother is right. Anyone who doesn’t monopolize their wife for sleeping is a fool.”
Unintentional as it was, the words hit a nerve. In a moment of clarity, the old Marquis erupted in anger, shouting, “You brat, are you insulting me, calling me a fool who doesn’t monopolize his wife for sleeping? I’ll teach you, you ungrateful brat.”
With that, he charged forward, slapping Jiang Zhankun’s head with force.
The unexpected turn of events silenced the room, halting the laughter abruptly.
The old Marquis hadn’t struck anyone in years. In his younger days, he often disciplined Second Master and later frequently reprimanded Jiang Zhanwei from his youth.
Third Master Jiang hurried over to support the old Marquis, trying to calm him down, “Father, don’t be angry. Zhankun didn’t mean to insult you. Be careful, your hand might hurt.” He then scolded Jiang Zhankun, “Think before you speak, and apologize to your grandfather.”
Jiang Zhankun, bewildered by the old Marquis’s actions, rose and knelt down, bowing his head to the old Marquis and apologizing, “Grandfather, I’m sorry for my disrespectful words. I won’t speak out of turn again.”