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Lu Man happily rewarded Jiang Zhanwei with a kiss, saying, “Third Young Master is really capable, Grandmother is quite reasonable after all.”
Jiang Zhanwei chuckled and replied, “Grandmother isn’t that easy to deal with. I passionately explained everything until I was hoarse, and she ended up slapping me a few times, splashing tea all over me, scolding and crying for almost half an hour, claiming I was causing her trouble, making her life difficult… Finally, she agreed.”
Thinking of the old lady’s tantrum, Lu Man couldn’t help but chuckle.
Jiang Zhanwei continued, “Grandmother also mentioned that if Grandfather knew, it would cause chaos at home. She decided not to inform him for now. With many family matters and guests around, she’ll wait until after her birthday in the beginning of the twelfth lunar month to discuss it. These tasks need to be sorted out before the tomb relocation can proceed. However, our hometown of Huzhou is a thousand miles away from the capital, taking over two months for a round trip. With my military commitments, I can’t go back, so we had to ask Zhankun to accompany Zhankui for the journey…”
Lu Man felt puzzled. Not discussing such significant matters with the parties involved, especially Grandfather, and just informing them later seemed a bit off to her.
She expressed, “Third Young Master, shouldn’t we consult with Grandfather before finalizing such major decisions?”
Jiang Zhanwei was surprised, “Consult with him? Family matters have always been decided by Grandmother’s word, no need for consultations. If it’s a major political decision, she consults with Eldest Uncle and Third Uncle. I might be included in the future.”
Suddenly, Lu Man felt some sympathy for the old Marquis, the unfortunate often bear some blame.
The woman who once ignored illegitimate children and had three children for him, Grandfather, who was now being overlooked due to his grandson’s achievements, couldn’t have imagined that his wife and sons would once again sacrifice him against his wishes. Sacrificing his illegitimate children’s interests previously didn’t bother him, but sacrificing his beloved wife’s interests this time, would he agree?
Feudal patriarchal norms, feudal extended families, disregarding and harming individual interests for the sake of the family’s benefit – all these thoughts and actions left Lu Man speechless.
In the darkness, Jiang Zhanwei leaned in to kiss Lu Man on the cheek and softly said, “I have some matters to attend to tomorrow and will be away for a while. Manman, help your husband out.”
Lu Man resisted a few times, unable to escape, eventually resorting to the “Five Finger Mountain” technique…
Early the next morning, Jiang Zhanwei set out with Liu Chun to visit and console the families of his three deceased brothers who had saved his life and made significant contributions to the Black Furry Camp. It would take him eight to ten days to return home, carrying two thousand taels of silver. Since their families were not too far from the capital, Jiang Zhanwei decided to visit them personally. For those whose homes were too distant, he arranged for others to deliver the silver.
In this regard, Jiang Zhanwei could be considered a person who repays kindness.
On that same morning, Princess Changting sent word to all her descendants that she was feeling unwell and advised them not to visit her at the Crane Hall for the next few days. She even refused to see Lu Man when she came to check her pulse and administer acupuncture.
Lu Man knew that it was probably due to Jiang Zhanwei’s “exorbitant demands” that had angered Princess Changting.
The old Marquis still came to the Donghui Courtyard every day to play with Jiang Yue. He discreetly told Lu Man, “Changting isn’t actually sick, she’s just upset. She scolds Zhanwei every day, calling him a little rabbit scoundrel, a sly fox, and even smashed two tea sets and a few vases. I’ve been saying, Zhanwei is troublesome, causing chaos at home, but you all didn’t believe me. Look, I was right, wasn’t I?”
When Jiang Zhanwei caused trouble, Lu Man had to clean up after him because he couldn’t afford to completely offend the old lady. She felt like the old lady’s own granddaughter, with Jiang Zhanwei as the grandson-in-law, acting as the mediator between them.
Every morning, Lu Man stood at the entrance of the Crane Hall, insisting on seeing Princess Changting for her illness, even though she never appeared.
Despite Princess Changting’s refusal, Lu Man persisted. She spent nearly half an hour there, inquiring about the Princess’s daily routines and diet from the maidservants and suggesting some of her own ideas.
Four days later, Princess Changting finally agreed to see her.
The old lady still didn’t show Lu Man any kindness, glaring at her fiercely before ignoring her.
Undeterred, Lu Man smiled and embraced Princess Changting, saying, “Grandmother, your grandson may have offended you, but your granddaughter-in-law hasn’t. Punishing everyone for one person’s mistake seems a bit unfair, don’t you think?”
The old lady snorted but continued to ignore her.
With a cheerful smile, Lu Man took Princess Changting’s pulse and carefully examined her face. Apart from some internal heat, everything else seemed fine. She still had a healthy complexion, except for two small blisters at the corner of her lips.
Jokingly, Lu Man remarked, “Grandmother, I’ve taken good care of your health. Despite all your scolding, besides these two tiny pimples, there’s nothing else to worry about.”
Princess Changting resumed her scolding of Jiang Zhanwei. At her age, there were hardly three people bold enough to threaten or defy her. What frustrated her the most was her lack of options but to compromise. Not just because she used her grandson’s achievements to secure a position for her son but also due to Wang Family’s faction shamelessly attempting to sow discord in their family, along with that secret matter that only the couple could resolve…
As long as it wasn’t directed at her, Lu Man remained agreeable, occasionally chiming in.
“Yes, Grandmother, you’re right, I agree.”
“Oh, really? How annoying. You should give him a scolding.”
“Exactly, he’s just a little rabbit’s son… Oh, wait, I misspoke.”
The banter made the old lady chuckle, playfully scolding, “You cheeky girl, are you helping your man insult my second son as a rabbit? Well, he lacks backbone and his actions have indeed hurt Zhanwei’s feelings. But children shouldn’t bear the burden of their parents’ mistakes. This time, I’m agreeing with Zhanwei’s wishes. You should also advise him, don’t dwell on past grievances…”
Lu Man maintained a calm exterior but thought to herself that the authoritative old lady had still compromised.
Continuing, Princess Changting said, “We owe our second daughter-in-law for this matter, and I will find a way to compensate her. Although she’s proud, her character is commendable, and I appreciate her. As for Jiang Zhanyu, there’s nothing to criticize about him. In the future, advise Zhanwei to make amends and prioritize harmony with them.” Taking Lu Man’s hand, she added, “Fortunately, Zhanwei married you, a well-behaved, gentle, and considerate daughter-in-law. Otherwise, I would have been truly worried. That little rabbit’s son is so disobedient, so reckless, so infuriating. Suppressing him in that matter, I have no regrets, it was the right thing to do…”
Agreeing with Princess Changting, Lu Man defended Jiang Zhanwei once more, “Actually, your third grandson is the one who feels most aggrieved…”
Princess Changting playfully tapped Lu Man’s forehead with her finger, saying, “I know he’s upset, I’ve scolded him in front of the first, second, and third sons plenty of times.”