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Entering the main room, Jiang Zhanwei had already finished bathing, dressed in a dark blue long robe with semi-dry hair cascading down. Seated on the kang, Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu stood on either side, updating him on the household affairs. The most discussed topics were, of course, the recovery of the old Marquis, how Jiang Jiu, entertained the two daughters of the Xie family, and the rewards she received from their father and Second Madam…
Lu Ying placed the tray on the table, while Liu Ya brought another pot of wine. Jiang Zhanwei didn’t drink, only eating the food and noodles.
Jiang Zhanwei stepped down from the kang, telling Lu Man, “Accompany me to visit grandmother and grandfather.” Then, he said to Liu Ya, “I’ll rest here tonight, prepare the kang for me.”
Upon hearing that the Third Young Master would stay, even if it meant sleeping on a side kang, Mama Wang, Liu Ya, and the others were delighted and promptly agreed to tidy up.
Lu Man, having been summoned, reluctantly accompanied him. Despite living in this household for nineteen years, apart from the siblings before him, he never got along well with anyone, especially the old Marquis. Perhaps calling her was an attempt to ease the awkwardness.
Lu Man also had Qingqing carry along Sweet Pea with them.
The two walked out of the main room, with Xing carrying a lantern in front, and Qingqing following with Sweet Pea.
The ancient night sky was enchanting, especially the deep autumn night sky, filled with countless stars, shimmering starlight, swaying tree shadows, and a gentle night breeze.
Walking along the corridor, watching the tall and straight figure ahead, Lu Man felt conflicted. She resented him to the core but had to obey him, even plan for him. If she couldn’t break free from him first, her life would be unbearable if he died.
How long would she have to endure these heart-wrenching days?
After a while, Jiang Zhanwei slowed his pace a bit, and Lu Man followed suit, maintaining a three-meter distance. Suddenly, Jiang Zhanwei’s steps quickened, and Lu Man hurried to catch up, breathing heavily. Xing had to jog to keep the lantern ahead of Jiang Zhanwei.
Lu Man was annoyed, his character was so contradictory, changing rapidly.
Upon their arrival, the old Marquis had just finished bathing and was getting ready to rest. The Princess watched over him, and once he lay down, she prepared to return to her own chambers to bathe and rest.
Having heard that Jiang Zhanwei had returned, Princess Changting looked delighted but complained, “Let him in, that brat, does he even remember this family?”
Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man passed through the recovery room, with Jiang Zhanwei looking surprised. Upon entering the bedroom, he first paid his respects to the Princess and then knelt down to bow to the old Marquis, saying, “Grandfather, you have finally woken up.”
His voice was calm, not displaying the excitement of a dutiful grandson.
The old Marquis, supported by a servant, gazed blankly at Jiang Zhanwei, asking Lu Man, “Granddaughter-in-law, who is he… looks like… a stone in a… pit… not likable.”
Growing more astute, although forgetting this least favorite illegitimate grandson, the old Marquis still managed to express his dislike so vividly from his subconscious.
With each gasping word, it took a long while for “stone” to follow “pit”, infuriating Jiang Zhanwei to the point where his face turned red, almost prompting him to storm out.
Lu Man struggled to contain her laughter, maintaining a poker face. The patriarch despised Jiang Zhanwei so much and left him no dignity, explaining his peculiar character.
Quickly intervening, Princess Changting tried to smooth things over, “Oh, Husband, this is our grandson Zhanwei. How can you say that?” Pointing to Lu Man, she continued, “It was he who married this granddaughter-in-law to bring you fortune, which has helped in your quick recovery. He is a filial and good child, you shouldn’t treat him like that. Otherwise, I will be upset, and the granddaughter-in-law will be hurt.”
Using her wit to involve herself and Lu Man, the Princess made the old Marquis somewhat conflicted. He disliked the boy but didn’t want to upset Princess Changting and his granddaughter-in-law, reluctantly saying, “Fine, get up… you’re ugly… not your… fault.”
Jiang Zhanwei stood up, his face as red as a brilliant begonia, lips pressed tightly, clearly seething. Comparing him to a blooming begonia was no exaggeration.
The old man was infuriating. Lu Man pretended not to hear or see, feeling a bit sorry for this man.
Princess Changting hurriedly added with a smile, “Husband was just kidding. Among all our grandsons, he’s the best-looking, most resembling you, this grandson here.”
“Pah…” The old Marquis was not pleased.
Lu Man was worried that the old Marquis might say something hurtful to Jiang Zhanwei’s pride. After all, she planned to discuss the matter of seeking justice from the Lu family with him when he returned today and wanted him to be in a good mood. So, she smiled and said, “Grandfather, I brought Sweet Pea with me. Would you like to see it?”
“Wish to see it.” The old Marquis brightened up.
Lu Man called Qingqing, who was waiting in the hall, inside. She held up Sweet Pea in front of the old Marquis and said, “Look, this is Sweet Pea. Isn’t it cute?”
Sweet Pea let out a few high-pitched meows, startling the old Marquis and the Princess. But the soft, melodic sound was pleasant, and Sweet Pea looked charming. The old marquis smiled and said, “Kitty, lovely.”
The servant helped the old Marquis sit in a chair and tied him securely. Meanwhile, Lu Man placed the Sweet Pea on his lap.
Worried that Sweet Pea might misbehave, Lu Man scratched it gently and said, “Don’t be naughty, play nicely with grandfather. I’ll make fish balls for you another day.”
Sweet Pea loved fish balls and found the old man quite endearing, meowing and even licking the old Marquis’s hand with its small pink tongue.
The old Marquis was delighted, completely engrossed in playing with Sweet Pea.
Princess Changting sat Jiang Zhanwei next to her, whispering about some military matters, while Lu Man listened attentively.
Although Jiang Zhanwei didn’t elaborate much, Lu Man speculated based on his previous comments and guessed that he was currently leading a special type of military unit. It seemed like this unit didn’t exist in contemporary times, somewhat resembling special forces from her past life, different from the current military ranks.
It was Jiang Zhanwei’s idea to visit a small tribe in the desert with Xie Yu, where they paid a hefty sum to hire five hundred brave Hu warriors and five hundred horses. Additionally, they recruited five hundred strong soldiers from the Dachun Dynasty to train together in the mountains near the capital. Because this was his innovative military unit with specific tasks, Duke Xie strongly supported it and had high hopes, thus appointing him as the commanding officer of this battalion. They would train in the outskirts of the capital for four months and set off for the border at the end of the twelfth lunar month…
Indeed, this man was unconventional, strategizing to achieve success and climb the ranks. Not only did he create this special military unit, but he also employed mercenaries.