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Although the Crown Prince only stayed for a little over a quarter of an hour, it was a tremendous honor, reflecting the Emperor’s and Crown Prince’s high regard for Princess Changting’s residence. Princess Changting immediately instructed to prepare extra dishes for dinner that evening and invited the entire family to dine together as a celebration.
By late August, the old Marquis’s recovery had progressed rapidly and remarkably well. Despite being awake for just over ten days, he could already lift his hand to stroke his beard. With assistance, he could sit for a short while, take a few steps with support, and speak several words in succession. He had also managed to recognize most of his grandchildren, although his cognitive improvement was slower…
On the afternoon of August 21st, a notice arrived from the Xie Mansion, announcing that the next morning, old Duke Xie and Xie Yu would visit Princess Changting’s residence to express gratitude to Lu Man for saving Xie’s mother and son, and to visit the recovering old Marquis.
Since the old Marquis was still not entirely clear-headed, Princess Changting didn’t want him to meet old Duke Xie. Their past encounters had always led to arguments, with the old Marquis often ending up feeling defeated, and she didn’t want any unpleasant incidents.
The following morning, Princess Changting accompanied by Lu Man, welcomed the Xie family in the front hall. Xie Yu presented a gift list and once again expressed gratitude to Princess Changting and Lu Man.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xie Yu talk about Jiang Zhanwei’s situation. He explained, “Brother Jiang is no longer under my command, he now reports directly to my father. Therefore, I am not entirely aware of his current circumstances.” He reassured Princess Changting and Lu Man, “Rest assured, Brother Jiang possesses the wisdom and strategizing skills inherited from the Jiang family and will surely achieve great things in the future.”
Before their visit, old Duke Xie’s grandson had specifically advised him to express gratitude rather than cause any trouble, and to be cautious with his words to avoid any misunderstandings.
Unable to contain his amusement, old Duke Xie couldn’t help but remark, “Brother Jiang never favored the exceptional abilities of a mere illegitimate child, but fate had other plans, and the boy, Zhanwei has far exceeded his expectations. Haha…” He chuckled mischievously.
Frowning, Xie Yu reprimanded, “Grandfather!”
Quickly realizing his blunder, old Duke Xie closed his mouth abruptly.
With military duties calling him back, Xie Yu suggested visiting the old Marquis. However, Princess Changting declined, stating that the old Marquis was still recuperating.
The Xie family grandfather and grandson then bid farewell.
Their gifts mainly consisted of medicinal herbs like ginseng, lingzhi mushrooms, bird’s nests, and two jade figurines.
Princess Changting kept the medicinal herbs and instructed the jade figurines to be sent to Orchid Pavilion.
On August 24th, Duke Xie led the Xie army to the frontlines, and the Crown Prince, representing the Emperor, personally bid farewell to the Xie troops outside the city.
The following day, Marquis Jiang received shocking news—Jiang Zhanwei had been appointed as a fourth-rank Guerrilla General by Duke Xie a few days earlier.
This promotion left everyone astounded. How could he rise so quickly without any military achievements? Going from a seventh-rank military officer to a fourth-rank general was a meteoric ascent. Such rapid promotion was usually reserved for extraordinary circumstances and methods, raising questions about why it was applied to him. Apparently, this appointment was decided upon jointly by Duke Xie, the Emperor, Prime Minister Zhang, Duke Ding, and Minister of War Zhou. The reasons behind this decision were kept confidential, even Princess Changting couldn’t get the Emperor to reveal.
Jiang Zhanwei’s swift promotion stirred unrest among the three elders of the Jiang family and the heir. Princess Changting felt apprehensive but was powerless to intervene. Lu Man overheard their discussions and was relieved that the old Marquis wasn’t fully clear-headed, otherwise, the news would have greatly upset him…
After observing for a significant period, Lu Man had discerned that the family not only disliked strong illegitimate children but also disapproved of their offspring entering the military, let alone achieving military success and becoming generals. This aversion stemmed from deeper reasons beyond safety concerns.
Jiang Zhanwei’s successful rise through the military ranks allowed him to break free from the family’s control, using a fortuitous opportunity to enter the military and solidify his independence. This unpredicted outcome might have surprised even himself.
Fortunately, the old Marquis woke up and relied on her so much, otherwise she would have one more charge that made these people dislike her.
However, Lu Man admired Jiang Zhanwei’s bold and cunning nature. He had shown resilience, determination, and strategic thinking, qualities that hinted at his potential for greater achievements. Achieving this rank—was it a mark of success?
Lu Man hoped that Jiang Zhanwei could fulfill his aspirations before heading to the border, and she was willing to support him. Of course, she preferred to settle matters with the Lu family and reclaim Renhe Hall before anything else.
Excited by the news, Jiang Zhankui generously took out twenty taels of silver from his own pocket and arranged for two tables to be set up by Mama Wang and others—one for the masters and one for the servants—as a celebratory gesture.
On the morning of the 26th, Princess Changting’s residence received a notice from the Xie Mansion. In two days, Xie Yu’s son, Xie Kaipei, would be celebrating his one-month milestone. The messenger explained that due to Duke Xie and the heir being away at the border, only a few relatives and close friends were invited to the mansion to keep the gathering intimate. The messenger specifically requested the attendance of the Second Young Miss and to bring along the Xie sisters favorite Sweet Pea and Qichang.
Furthermore, Xie’s grandmother wrote a letter to Lu Man expressing gratitude for saving Xie Kaipei and expressing a desire for the child to formally recognize her as a godmother.
Showing the letter to Princess Changting, Lu Man sought her opinion, “Grandmother, what do you think?”
After considering it, Princess Changting responded, “You saved the child, and his birth was difficult. Their family may wish to have the child benefit from your blessings for good fortune and upbringing. It’s beneficial for both you and Zhanwei. Go ahead and accept.”
Laughing, Lu Man remarked, “They aren’t seeking my blessings but Grandfather’s. Since he has awakened, everyone praises him for his great fortune and divine favor. I, as his granddaughter-in-law who brought him luck during his recovery, am now considered blessed by association.”
Princess Changting chuckled, pointing at her and saying, “Your sweet words always flow.”
Madam Hong quickly interjected, “Mother-in-law, I find this inappropriate.”
Perplexed, Princess Changting asked, “Why inappropriate?”
Madam Hong explained, “In the past, Xie’s grandfather often spoke ill of Father-in-law, and Father-in-law particularly dislikes him. For Zhanwei’s wife, as a junior, to disregard the feelings of the elders and become the godmother of his grandson doesn’t seem right. What if Father-in-law feels hurt when he regains full clarity in the future?”
Faced with this objection, Lu Man dared not accept. She hurriedly clarified, “Aunt, you misunderstood. I was seeking Grandmother’s approval.”
Princess Changting waved her hand, saying, “The eldest daughter-in-law is overly concerned. While your Father-in-law often argued with that old Duke Xie publicly, privately, he respected their loyalty, patriotism, and integrity. He believed that their steadfastness in protecting the country was a blessing for the Dachun Dynasty. Furthermore, Zhanwei has received guidance and support from them, and will likely need their help in the future…”