Font Size:
After the Princess’s birthday celebration, it was time to address Miss Zhou’s situation. This was an unavoidable topic, and even if the Second Master and Second Madam had their own thoughts, they had to act.
On the evening of the eighth day of the twelfth month, the Princess instructed to bring several masters from Donghui Courtyard to Crane Hall for dinner.
Perhaps the Second Madam had already heard some rumors, as her face was dark and stormy. The Second Master, who had just returned from the yamen, was unaware of what had happened. Seeing his wife’s troubled expression, he felt deeply concerned, frequently asking her what was wrong.
The more the Second Master asked, the more the Second Madam became infuriated, tightly pressing her lips and ignoring him.
Observing this, the Princess was seething inside, inwardly cursing her son for lacking backbone. If it weren’t for something in the evening, she wouldn’t have shown any favor to Madam Lin.
Meanwhile, Jiang Zhanyu, upon seeing his mother’s demeanor, felt a mix of tenderness and guilt. He had heard the rumors a few days earlier but refrained from telling his mother for fear of how she might react. He felt useless, if he had been healthier and passed the imperial examination, it could have given his ambitious mother hope. But now, his brother’s return with intentions to establish a status for their birth mother left her in distress.
In his view, that woman was already gone, causing no direct harm to his mother. She had indeed raised a good son, and Jiang Zhanwei wanted to give her a status, so be it. Moreover, Lu Man had been very kind to him, a rare and good woman. Building a relationship with them would ensure his mother’s well-being even after his own demise. However, his mother, being dignified and proud, already harbored grievances against his father. If his father added another favored concubine with a decree to the ancestral grave, even if the person was deceased, his mother would find it hard to accept…
With everyone assembled, the Princess gave the order to proceed to the Lotus Hall for dinner.
The men’s table drank blue flower wine, while the women’s table enjoyed fruit wine.
Upon noticing the Second Madam’s gaze towards their table, the Second Master ingratiatingly smiled at the Princess and said, “Mother, hehe, let my wife have a little drink. It’s cold outside, a bit of alcohol will warm her up.”
Initially, the Princess disapproved of her son helping his wife to alcohol. However, considering that his wife had always been good, and this time she was indeed being put in a difficult situation, she reluctantly agreed.
A maid responsible for pouring the wine brought a small jug and filled it for the Second Madam.
The Second Madam didn’t look at anyone, quickly finishing her drink. The maid poured her another glass, which she also drank swiftly. The maid hesitated to pour more.
With her face already flushed, and a hint of mist in her eyes, the Second Madam demanded, “Refill my glass.” Her voice cold and stubborn.
“Mother, please stop.” Jiang Zhanyu from the other table had been watching her and offered his advice.
The Second Master also chimed in, “Wife, drink more tomorrow, too much isn’t good for your stomach.”
The maid hesitated, looking at the Second Master and then at the Princess, reluctant to pour more wine.
Unexpectedly, the Princess said, “If the Second Daughter-in-Law wants to drink, let her.” She kindly advised the Second Madam, “Don’t just drink, have some food too.” She had the maid serve her a few dishes.
The Second Madam gracefully stood up, bowed to the Princess, and thanked her.
The maid refilled the Second Madam’s glass.
She took a few sips, appearing somewhat intoxicated now. Unlike before, she was no longer aloof, her laughter carrying a hint of charm, and she seemed more relaxed. Thankfully, she kept her speech and actions in check, maintaining her aura of elegance.
Jiang Zhanyu, with a flushed face, stood up and quietly tried to persuade her.
Ignoring him, the Second Madam chuckled and said, “Son, mother’s heart aches, let me have a bit more.”
Only then did the Second Master realize something was amiss. He asked, “Wife, what’s wrong? Tell me, who has upset you? I’ll intervene on your behalf.”
The Second Madam let out a soft snort, not even glancing at him.
Princess Changting, on the verge of anger, managed to suppress it. With a cold tone, she said, “Second Daughter-in-Law, you’ve gained by marrying into our family. Yes, you are talented, having written a few good poems that students admire. But look at history, how many so-called talented women from past dynasties ended up abandoned by men, leading a turbulent life? You are fortunate, my son chose you, and you married into the royal family. As your mother-in-law, I’ve treated you well for half a lifetime. What more could you ask for?”
The Second Madam rose, bowed to the Princess, and said, “Mother-in-law is right, I dare not feel shortchanged.” She then sat back down and continued drinking.
The others all pretended not to notice.
Only the old Marquis seemed a bit bewildered, asking the Princess, “Changting, why is the Second Daughter-in-law acting differently? Well, it’s good she’s not acting like a fairy anymore…” He seemed more astute now, noticing the Princess’s furrowed brow and quickly fell silent.
Jiang Zhanwei, the instigator, remained indifferent, coldly sipping his wine without acknowledging anyone.
As the meal progressed, the atmosphere grew tense. The Second Madam had consumed a significant amount of wine, her steps growing unsteady.
Jiang Zhanyu personally assisted his mother, and although the Second Master tried to help, the Princess stopped him, saying, “Second Son, stay. Eldest, Third, Zhanju, Zhanwei, Zhankun, all of you stay. There are important matters to discuss.”
It was time for a high-level meeting.
Watching the Second Madam being helped into the carriage by Jiang Zhanyu, and seeing Lu Man and the others follow suit, they all departed for Donghui Courtyard.
Back at Donghui Courtyard, Jiang Zhankui’s face lit up slightly as he said, “Sister-in-law, brother told me that after the New Year, I will assist in escorting Aunt back to our hometown for burial in the family tomb.”
Excited by being entrusted with such a significant task by his brother, Jiang Zhankui’s chest puffed up with pride. He had even started referring to her as “Aunt”.
Jiang Jiu, wide-eyed with surprise, exclaimed, “We can call her ‘Aunt’ now?”
Jiang Zhankui, feeling a bit embarrassed, replied, “It’s a bit early for that title, but she will definitely become our ‘Aunt’. Brother is happy, so I started using it early.”
After sending the children away, Lu Man, unable to focus on anything else, sat quietly on the kang, waiting for Jiang Zhanwei. The howling wind outside added to the unease in the room.
Jiang Zhanwei finally returned near the end of the hour of the Xu (9 PM). His face was stern, with a palm print on the left side, and his cotton robe bore several footprints. The imprint on his face was purplish-red and slightly swollen, indicating the force used.
Lu Man asked in shock, “Did the Second Master hit you?”
Jiang Zhanwei coldly responded, “If he had the ability, he would have killed me. As long as he can’t kill me, the task must be completed, he can’t stop me.”
Lu Man helped him remove his robe and had a warm cloth brought to apply to his face.
Jiang Zhanwei tried to dodge, saying, “I’m not that delicate.”
Lu Man advised, “You’re not on the battlefield, going out with a swollen face will invite ridicule.”
Relenting, Jiang Zhanwei leaned back against the bedhead, allowing Lu Man to apply the cloth to his face.
After dismissing the servants, Lu Man inquired, “Did the Second Master cause a scene?”