Chapter 117: Desolate

Lu Man said, “Second Madam mentioned that if you have any concerns, you can seek her advice. Since she only invited you and not me, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to go. Be brave, go and build a good relationship with Madam, you will benefit greatly. Also, the Second Master might have returned by now.”

Upon hearing that her father might be there, the little girl gathered her courage and went.

Jiang Zhankui remained silent, understanding that Lu Man’s instructions were for his sister’s benefit. While he could refrain from seeking his father, his sister couldn’t avoid approaching her stepmother.

As the daylight dwindled and dusk settled in, Lu Man escorted the little girl out into the courtyard, watching her disappear into the fading light.

Roughly fifteen minutes later, Jiang Jiu returned, looking delighted. She held a small brocade box containing two ink slabs gifted by the Second Master, encouraging her to practice calligraphy and become a talented woman like her stepmother. Lanzhi had a cat-embroidered silk ball embroidery piece given by the Second Madam, intended for decoration on a high table the next day.

The little girl excitedly recounted her interactions with the Second Master and the Second Madam.

The Second Madam, naturally reserved and uninterested in conversation, provided brief instructions. Before the little girl departed, the Second Master only offered a commendatory remark aimed at pleasing the Second Madam.

Despite the limited conversation, the little girl happily recounted the details repeatedly. Jiang Zhankui listened with a bored expression, while Lu Man politely showed interest, occasionally adding a comment.

Lu Man calculated the time, the little girl’s round trip would take about two and a half hours, including the staff’s announcements. Their meeting would last only half an hour. The couple seemed truly distant or perhaps indifferent. However, the start seemed smooth, they would take it slow.

The next day, Jiang Jiu and Lu Man woke up together.

Lu Man advised, “They won’t arrive so early, you can sleep a bit longer.”

Reluctant but accepting, Jiang Jiu complied with her suggestion.

Before leaving, Lu Man reminded Mama Guo, Lanzhi, Lingzhi, and others to ensure the guests of the masters are well taken care of.

Upon entering Crane Hall, they found that the west side room was undergoing renovations. In the future, this area would temporarily serve as the old Marquis’s rehabilitation room. Once the various wooden bars of different heights, hanging rings, special bed, and chairs were ready, they would be installed here.

The old Marquis, dressed in white undergarments, was slightly swollen in the face and being supported by two maids to stand at the bedside, as part of his standing exercises. When he saw Lu Man enter, he smiled with narrowed eyes.

Lu Man remarked, “Grandfather is making progress again, not only can he stand but his eyes can smile too.”

Princess Changting scrutinized the old Marquis and chuckled, “Oh, indeed.”

Upon hearing this, the old Marquis playfully narrowed his eyes again, amusing Princess Changting greatly.

Lu Man didn’t need to personally assist the old Marquis with exercises, just occasionally lending a hand and saying a few words to keep him entertained.

Princess Changting mentioned, “…I initially planned to host a gathering on the 20th to thank those who have shown concern for the old Marquis. However, with the Northern Expedition troops departing late next month, we cannot host the event and must postpone it to the following month.”

As the conversation continued, Jiang Zhanwei inevitably came up. He still hadn’t returned home, causing concern. On the day the old Marquis regained consciousness, he had sent a message to the military camp through Liu Xin, who didn’t meet him in person but passed on the message.

Princess Changting vented her frustration, “…that boy, he has always been a handful. Your grandfather was strictest with him.”

Seemingly understanding, the confused old Marquis suddenly raised his voice, “Tell that boy… to come back, not… to go to the military camp.”

Although his words were a bit muddled, everyone understood his intentions.

Princess Changting and Lu Man were pleased. Princess Changting pretended not to understand and asked the old Marquis to repeat himself.

The old Marquis, with a perplexed look, struggled to articulate, “Ah, I, I said… said…” before trailing off.

Seeing Princess Changting’s disappointment, Lu Man reassured her, “Grandfather had a moment of clarity, showing improvement. Progress will come gradually, the moments of clarity will surely become longer.”

Princess Changting sighed deeply, knowing that even in his confusion, the old Marquis didn’t want Jiang Zhanwei to go to the military camp. She wondered what might happen once he regained complete clarity and grew angry.

Around mid-afternoon, Xing approached Lu Man quietly and said, “Sister Liu Ya sent word that the Xie family sisters have arrived at Orchid Pavilion.”

Princess Changting chuckled, “You can go back now. Little Jiu has already learned to exchange handkerchiefs.” She instructed, “The sisters need to form a good relationship. Zhanwei will have to rely on their grandfather and father in the future.” She then had a maid bring out three strings of jade beads to be given to the three young girls as a gift from her.

Seeing the sulking old Marquis, Lu Man coaxed, “Granddaughter-in-law will go to make a double-boiled milk dessert that Grandfather hasn’t tried before, it’s even tastier than before.”

Upon hearing this, the old Marquis calmed down.

Upon entering Orchid Pavilion, Lu Man heard the laughter of several girls and the loud meows of Sweet Pea coming from the East Cross Courtyard, interspersed with a few barks.

Inside, Xie Ping and Xie Yan rose to greet her.

Lu Man asked, “How is your mother? Is your brother growing well?”

Xie Ping replied, “Mother is doing well, she asked if Auntie Jiang has any extra Yimu medicine cakes. If she does, please bring her a box. My brother is growing chubby, he’s already eleven pounds.”

In the past few days, Lu Man had made several boxes and sent two to the Xie Mansion. With the initial box she sent, they wouldn’t need more for at least a month.

Seeing Lu Man’s doubt, Xie Ping laughed, “It seems my aunt is have taken two boxes, my mother won’t have any left.”

Lu Man chuckled, “I still have two boxes left.” She asked them to take the boxes when they left.

She gave the jade bead strings from Princess Changting to the girls, exchanged a few jokes, and then returned to her room.

At noon, the kitchen brought a table setting, and Mama Wang brought double-boiled milk and two desserts to the East Cross Courtyard.

Instead of joining the festivity, Lu Man and Jiang Zhankui had their meal in the room on the east side of the main house. The cheerful laughter of the girls from the East Cross Courtyard drifted in, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Later in the afternoon, Lu Man and Xing, carrying the double-boiled milk and yogurt, headed to Crane Hall. As they left the courtyard, a maid from the outer compound arrived with Lu Yu, Lu Yuan, and Lu Chang on a mule cart.

The maid announced, “Third Young Madam, young master and young misses from the Lu Family have come to see you.”

While Lu Man didn’t dislike Lu Yu, but seeing them, them in this context made her feel nauseous. The old Lu family knew the old Marquis had awakened, which made them anxious and eager to improve their relationship with her. Not only did they send gifts yesterday in the name of the daughter-in-law, but today they sent the siblings to reconcile with her.

Lu Man instructed Xing, “Go inform the Princess and the old Marquis that I have some matters to attend to, but I’ll be there shortly.”