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“That vile woman deserves death! I thought sending her back to her family was punishment enough, but it seems too lenient. She must die! If Lu Fangrong won’t act, I will. How can there be such a malicious stepmother in the world, treating her stepdaughter so cruelly over a mere sum of silver? And as for old Lady Lu, you are her own granddaughter, how can she stand by and let you be mistreated like this?”
Lu Man wiped her tears, her voice choked with emotion as she said, “Third Young Master, born in a privileged environment, you don’t know how some families can turn against each other over money. It’s not just about a few thousand taels, even a few taels could drive them to extremes. My mother, being an only child, grew up in a kind family, but she was naive and gentle, unaware of the deceitfulness of human nature. Because she never cared much for money, it made the money-loving and ambitious old lady Lu feel greedy and uncouth. So, she used my mother’s money but despised her, even hating her daughter.”
After speaking, Lu Man realized Jiang Zhanwei’s reaction was different from what she expected. Wasn’t he supposed to scold her harshly or mock her?
Jiang Zhanwei then remarked, “The world is vast, full of wonders. I’ve heard of families torn apart over money, but to give them your money, support their entire family, and still be wronged…” His tone softened, “I should thank you. Despite all you’ve been through, knowing how pitiful and tragic the children raised by the Young Mistress are, that’s why you treat little Jiu so kindly, right? I thought I knew hardship from not being well-treated since childhood, but it seems my situation was much better than yours. I never imagined a girl without any family would lead such a miserable life… Thank you for being so good to little Jiu, helping her integrate into the family, receiving care from elders, and shielding her from wicked servants.”
Thinking about the potential consequences if he died on the battlefield, leaving the naive Jiu vulnerable to the influence of malevolent servants without proper guidance, Jiang Zhanwei felt suffocated. Fortunately, his younger siblings have her. Thankfully, their relationship with the elders had improved…
Listening to Jiang Zhanwei’s words, Lu Man was bewildered. She glanced at him, noticing the absence of his usual coldness and rebelliousness. His gaze was gentle, filled with tenderness. This expression, previously reserved for Jiu, hadn’t even been given to Jiang Zhankui.
Lu Man hesitated and asked, “Aren’t you mad at me for what I did?”
After speaking, she realized it was a foolish question. This man was too unpredictable, making her feel like everything she faced was unreal, prone to sudden twists.
Seeing the curiosity and disbelief in Lu Man’s eyes, Jiang Zhanwei blushed slightly. His expression darkened, and he coldly remarked, “How can I not blame a woman like you? Haven’t I already said so?” Annoyed, he waved his hand, “Enough, it’s late. Rest now.”
Lu Man rolled her eyes in frustration, muttering “jerk” under her breath. She thought this man was as fickle as the weather, changing his attitude faster than flipping through a book.
Exiting the study, Jiang Zhanwei turned back and asked, “What about that mischievous maid?”
In a hushed tone, Lu Man briefly updated Jiang Zhanwei on Hong Ling’s current situation, emphasizing that the method she suggested was from a medical book at the He family’s residence.
Inside the eastern room, Jiang Zhanwei whispered, “Can I see that medical book of yours?”
Was he planning to use “chemical weapons” through the special forces? This was considered unethical in warfare during her past life.
Remembering the book’s inscription requesting non-disclosure, Lu Man responded, “My maternal ancestors specifically stated that the book should not be shared outside, emphasizing that physicians are meant to heal and help people. The book’s purpose is to cure illnesses. If you use it to harm others, even enemies, it goes against their wishes.”
Disappointed, Jiang Zhanwei regretfully said, “I see. In that case, forget it.”
Seeing his acceptance, Lu Man thought he still had a sense of integrity. She added, “I can transcribe a few prescriptions for you. They won’t be lethal but can weaken enemies or simulate the onset of certain diseases. However, they should only be used in military settings, not on civilians.”
Pleased, Jiang Zhanwei thought highly of her intelligence for deciphering his intentions and replied, “Alright, I understand your point.”
As Lu Man entered the bedroom and Liu Ya closed the door, she glanced back. In the candlelight, his slightly smiling face seemed familiar. Suddenly, an image from her distant memory surfaced—a youthful face that overlapped with the current one. They appeared to be the same person!
Reopening the door impulsively, Lu Man exclaimed, “You are Brother Jiang! Do you remember the young girl you saved in the mountains many years ago? And Qichang was the little yellow dog, right?”
Jiang Zhanwei, now seated on the kang, stood up in astonishment. With a keen gaze, he looked at Lu Man and asked, “Are you Manman?” After scrutinizing her, he chuckled, “Oh, it’s really you! You’ve slimmed down, the little girl has turned into a young lady. What a change! I didn’t recognize you at first. You… we… what a coincidence… haha.”
Yes, the young girl had grown into a young lady, and the former Lu Man had transformed into the current Lu Man, who had crossed over from modern society. Lu Man quickly regained her composure, realizing that it was the young Lu Man whom Jiang Zhanwei had saved, and there was no need for her to be so emotional.
However, a warm sensation surged through her heart, flowing into her veins, gradually warming her entire body to the point where she felt a slight tremble.
Speaking softly, Lu Man said, “I always felt a sense of familiarity with you, Third Young Master, but couldn’t recall where we had met. It suddenly dawned on me just now. Thank you for saving me, otherwise, I would have perished…”
Jiang Zhanwei’s expression softened with compassion and emotion as he remarked, “It seems your disappearance was not a mere coincidence, after all?”
Nodding, Lu Man replied, “Yes, looking back now, it seems deliberate.”
Taking a step closer, Jiang Zhanwei said, “You surviving was truly fortunate.”
But the original Lu Man did not survive.
Heartbroken, tears welled up in Lu Man’s eyes, feeling the weight of unspoken words. She opened her mouth but only managed to whisper, “Good night, Third Young Master.” Before closing the door.
The door creaked again, and from the other side, Jiang Zhanwei spoke, “Manman, I will help you settle this debt as well.”
Hearing him call her “Manman.” Lu Man felt a mix of sadness and discomfort.
Weakly, she replied, “Thank you, Third Young Master.”
Adding after a pause, Jiang Zhanwei’s voice sounded low and apologetic, “And… I owe you an apology, Manman. I’m sorry.”
Unable to forgive, Lu Man bit her lip and entered the bathing chamber.
Sitting in the tub, memories long buried flooded her mind like a tidal wave.
When the original Lu Man was nine years old, she had once been lost by her family, spending two days and one night outside…