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Upon hearing Princess Changting’s words, Madam Hong’s expression turned extremely awkward, and she quickly replied, “Oh, Mother-in-law is absolutely right. It was my oversight.”
As Princess Changting intended to stay with the old Marquis at home, she instructed Madam Hong to accompany Lu Man and Jiang Jiu as guests. Although Madam Hong disliked the Xie family, she knew that they were primarily interested in having Lu Man attend. Princess Changting’s decision to foster good relations with the Xie family required her presence.
However, Princess Changting advised against bringing Qichang along, fearing it might startle the female guests and considering it unsightly to have such a fierce dog accompany Jiang Jiu, a young lady.
Lu Man was deeply grateful to Princess Changting. While being the godmother to the Xie family grandson didn’t offer significant benefits to Princess Changting’s residence, it brought many advantages to Jiang Zhanwei and herself. Princess Changting genuinely had their best interests at heart.
Moreover, going out for some fresh air was a rare opportunity. That old child was quite a handful, and Lu Man and those attending to him found themselves more exhausted now than when he was unconscious.
Before leaving, Princess Changting inquired if Lu Man had prepared a suitable gift for the Xie family boy. Lu Man replied, “Grandmother has already gifted me so many precious treasures. While predominantly jewelry, there are also a few ornamental items. Any of them would be exceptional.”
She had already decided to gift the young boy an amber Buddha hand ornament, not only valuable but also symbolically meaningful.
Upon returning, Lu Man shared this with Jiang Jiu, who was delighted. Currently, she was getting along very well with Xie Ping and Xie Yan.
As they conversed, a yellow arc suddenly landed in Lu Man’s arms—it was Sweet Pea.
Lu Man gently patted its back, scolding, “You almost scared someone to death.” Then she lifted it to eye level, ensuring it was clean before cradling it again.
Now that the little creature’s leg had healed, it had become particularly lively, climbing trees and getting into mischief. Qingqing now had the additional task of watching over it and maintaining its hygiene.
Sweet Pea let out a few meows and nuzzled against Lu Man’s chest.
Observing its sharp little teeth, which belied its seemingly delicate appearance, Lu Man knew it was quite formidable. She had witnessed it effortlessly snap a branch as thick as a thumb and climb trees at lightning speed.
She playfully tugged on its ear and reiterated, “When we visit others, no mischief, no scaring people, no scratching. Otherwise, I’ll have to chain you up at home.”
Sweet Pea let out a few more meows, twitched its small pink nose, and seemed to agree. This little creature was exceptionally clever and particularly averse to being chained up by its owner.
On the evening of the 27th, the kang was adorned with an array of infant clothing. Ranging from one month to six months old, there were a total of twenty sets. The styles varied, with some sets consisting of separate tops and bottoms, while others had all pieces interconnected. All the designs were drawn by Lu Man, and Mama Wang, along with a few maids, had meticulously crafted them. Lu Man had vivid memories of infant clothing from her past experience in obstetrics and gynecology.
The garments were both beautiful and peculiar, but undeniably more practical than the attire typically worn by infants in that era.
Seated on the kang, Lu Man sorted through the clothing, while Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu sat on the edge, engaged in lively discussions. Jiang Jiu held Sweet Pea in her arms, and Qichang perched on the footstool, resting his head on Jiang Zhankui’s lap.
As soon as Jiang Zhanwei entered, he was greeted by this heartwarming and cheerful scene.
Seeing her elder brother’s sudden arrival, Jiang Jiu couldn’t contain her excitement and exclaimed, “Wow, Brother is back!” She was about to rush towards him.
Jiang Zhanwei chuckled, “Don’t touch me, I’m dirty.” Dressed in military attire, holding a riding crop, he appeared worn out. Without even stopping at the study, he came straight to this room.
Lu Man quickly descended from the kang, paid her respects, and said, “Third Young Master has returned.” She then instructed Tao and Xing to prepare the bathwater, while Liu Ya and others promptly tidied up the infant clothing.
Jiang Zhanwei explained, “Yes, Brother Xie’s elder son is going to recognize me as his godfather tomorrow, so I took leave to come back.”
Recognize him as a godfather? Why him? Lu Man was a bit taken aback by this news.
Lifting Sweet Pea, Jiang Jiu introduced, “Brother, this is Sweet Pea. It’s very well-behaved.” She then turned to Sweet Pea and said, “He’s my brother, go on, be affectionate with him.” She acted like a grown-up showing off her child.
Jiang Jiu’s words caused Jiang Zhanwei to twitch his lips slightly.
Noticing the lack of enthusiasm from its owner towards the newcomer, Sweet Pea blinked its eyes and snuggled into Jiang Jiu’s embrace.
Jiang Zhankui bowed to Jiang Zhanwei and Zhanwei nodded in acknowledgment. Jiang Zhankui congratulated, “Brother, congratulations on becoming a Grand General.”
Jiang Zhanwei waved it off, saying, “I’m just a fourth-rank military officer for now, far from being a Grand General.”
Confidently, Jiang Zhankui reassured, “You’ll get there one day.” He added, “Grandfather has awakened.”
Acknowledging, Jiang Zhanwei responded, “I know.” Then he turned to Lu Man, saying, “It’s thanks to you that Grandfather has recovered.”
Jiang Jiu chimed in, “Sister-in-law has skills, and Brother has skills too. It was Brother who brought Sister-in-law into our family.” Implying that Lu Man was appreciated for it.
In an attempt to please her brother and sister-in-law, Jiang Jiu’s words caused a slight frown on Jiang Zhanwei’s face as he sat on the kang without saying a word.
Knowing his aversion to the topic of marrying a fortuitous wife, Lu Man tactfully diverted the conversation, pointing to Mama Wang and Wang Dou, “Third Young Master, Mama Wang and Wang Dou are back. Thank you!”
Mama Wang led Wang Dou to kneel down and kowtow to Jiang Zhanwei, expressing gratitude on behalf of her family.
Jiang Zhanwei instructed, “Rise and serve your Madam well. I received news from Xianghan the other day, it seems your son and daughter-in-law may have been located. If all goes well, they might return next month.”
Overjoyed, Mama Wang knelt down once more, thanking him profusely.
Liu Ya handed two pouches to Mama Wang and Wang Dou, gifts from Jiang Zhanwei. While the funds on Orchid Pavilion were managed by Mama Wang, Liu Ya still carried a few silver ingots in case of emergencies.
Jiang Zhanwei informed Lu Man, “I’m in a rush and haven’t had dinner. Prepare something quickly, I intend to visit Grandmother and Grandfather later.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Man exited the room with Mama Wang and Lu Ying.
Jiang Zhanwei seemed content with Lu Man’s resourcefulness, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
In the kitchen, the cook had heated water for Jiang Zhanwei’s bath. The kitchen supplies were meager, so they prepared a simple meal of egg noodles and two vegetable dishes.
Beaming with joy, Mama Wang whispered to Lu Man, “I think Third Young Master is quite good-looking, from a respectable family background, and holds a high position. Much better than the Second Master of the Lu family.”
Lu Man remained silent, contemplating the return of Jiang Zhanwei. It might be time to seek answers from the Lu family, she was growing impatient.