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Lady Xie, through Xie Yu, shared some information with Lu Man, quickly hinting, “Lady Min’s father is the Minister of Works, Huang.”
Lu Man recalled that Lu Fangming held the rank of seventh grade in the Ministry of Works, which was overseen by Minister Huang. Minister Huang must have heard that his daughter sought medical help from Lu Man and decided to befriend Lu Fangming, maybe even considering promoting him. Mrs. Ding took Lu Yu to Huang’s house under the guise of playing, trying to establish connections. She even claimed to “like her” speaking such lies without hesitation…
Lu Man was seething with anger, they had no shame!
She couldn’t directly criticize the Lu family, she wasn’t close enough with Lady Min to speak openly. After all, that was her maternal family, and in ancient times, family honor was collective.
Not responding to Lady Min, Lu Man smiled and said to Lady Xie, “The other day, I helped you with the baby’s position, fearing you might lose the courage to carry on living. It’s easy to die, but the child who survives has to bear the suffering.”
Lady Xie understood Lu Man’s implication immediately and replied, “Yes, I was in excruciating pain that day and didn’t want to live. But after sister’s encouraging words, I decided that even if it’s painful and difficult, I must persevere for the sake of my children. Oh, poor sister Lu Man, like a delicate flower, so kind and intelligent, learning so much from medical books alone. It’s a pity your parents aren’t around, and has been mistreated and endured so much suffering…”
The low official ranks of the Lu brothers meant that the upper echelons of society in the capital were unaware of their family situation and Lu Man’s past. Lady Min, sensing an underlying meaning in Lady Xie’s words, understood that the Lu family not only neglected Lu Man but also mistreated the orphaned girl. Seeing that Lu Man didn’t defend the Lu family, it was clear their relationship wasn’t good.
Lady Min quickly interjected, “Oh, Madam Lu also mentioned that Mr. and Mrs. Lu were exceptionally fond of Lady Lu in the past, willing to sacrifice their daughter rather than ‘neglecting Lady Lu…”
A hint of sarcasm flashed across Lu Man’s face, but she chose not to respond.
How shameless! How could she say such things? Lu Man was seething with anger.
Lady Xie sneered, “According to what my husband said, Third Brother Jiang is very displeased with the Lu family’s greed, claiming that they took all the dowry left by Lu Man’s birth mother and failed to show care for Lu Man, causing her much suffering.” Jiang Zhanwei hadn’t hidden much from Xie Yu, so Lady Xie was aware of some details.
With a slight redness in her eyes, Lu Man replied, “Ah, that’s my maternal family. What can I say?”
Lady Min also disdainfully remarked, “How can there be such shameless families that bully an orphaned girl and then speak so highly, all while trying to climb the social ladder for wealth and promotion.”
The group laughed and moved on from the topic. Lady Xie once again praised the set of clothes Lu Man had gifted, remarking on their beauty and practicality.
Lu Man chuckled, “I also sent twenty sets, each with a unique design.”
While Lady Min went to the cleansing room, Lady Xie quietly advised Lu Man, “If you encounter any difficulties in the future, don’t hesitate to inform me. If I can’t act directly, my grandfather and mother-in-law will assist you. Before my husband left, he repeatedly reminded me to interact more with you and ensure you don’t suffer unfairly.”
Lu Man expressed her gratitude. She couldn’t rely solely on the Princess’s mansion forever. If she could establish a strong connection with the Xie family, her path ahead might be smoother.
As the noon approached, the meeting was coming to an end, and the group made their way to the flower hall.
Upon returning to the Princess’s mansion, Madam Hong, Jiang Zhanwei, Lu Man, and Jiang Jiu holding Sweet Pea proceeded to the Crane Hall.
The old Marquis was undergoing rehabilitation exercises in the recovery room. Upon seeing Lu Man, he broke into a smile, creasing his face, and said, “Grand…daughter-in-law, I’ve been waiting for you… for a long time, I miss… Pea.”
Lu Man teased, “Grandfather only misses Sweet Pea, not me. I’m very hurt.”
Quickly correcting himself, the old Marquis added, “I also miss… granddaughter-in-law.”
Lu Man then brought Jiang Jiu, carrying Sweet Pea, before him, saying, “This is Jiu. Sweet Pea gets along best with her. In the future, let her and Sweet Pea come to play with grandfather more often.”
The old Marquis’s gaze shifted between Jiang Jiu and Sweet Pea, chuckling, “You are… Jiu, I am… the grandfather, and it is… Pea.”
Jiang Jiu’s eyes widened, forming two large circles, and her small mouth shaped into an “O”, looking momentarily stunned.
The old Marquis chuckled, “Hehe, you are even sillier than me.”
Jiang Jiu quickly straightened up, bowing respectfully, “Grandfather.”
Lu Man praised with a smile, “Grandfather has become a bit smarter.”
The Princess was also amused, bursting into laughter.
The two maids helped the old Marquis sit in a specialized chair, securing his upper body with a cloth. Lu Man gestured for Jiang Jiu to place Sweet Pea in his arms.
Madam Hong remarked, “Zhanwei’s wife is quite clever. No wonder there are rumors circulating outside that Father-in-law woke up due to her efforts, with her receiving the most credit.”
Jiang Zhanwei quickly responded, “Aunt is too kind. It’s just a joke from old Duke Xie. Don’t spoil her with such praise.”
Initially angered, Lu Man found Madam Hong’s tactics despicable, twisting her words and adding fuel to the fire. Upon hearing Jiang Zhanwei’s tactful response, she interjected with a smile, “Even if the old Duke praises me like that, I am aware of my own abilities and wouldn’t try to claim credit for my grandparents’ blessings.”
Having spent many years in the palace and encountered all sorts of characters, the Princess saw through the motivations of those around her. She was pleased to see her grandson and granddaughter-in-law, who initially clashed, now presenting a united front. She had always hoped they would live harmoniously. Despite her dissatisfaction with the eldest daughter-in-law, who often marginalized Lu Man to appease the Empress and the Empress Dowager, she had to maintain some decorum for the sake of her eldest son and grandson.
Pretending not to notice the subtle dynamics between the individuals, she exchanged a few jokes and listened to Madam Hong, recounting some events from the banquet. She then suggested, “You must be tired. Go rest. These youngsters still have energy, let them show respect and filial piety to the old Marquis. He’s been lonely all day, causing quite a stir.”
After Madam Hong left, Jiang Zhanwei supported the Princess’s arm and said, “Grandmother, there is something I need to discuss with you in private.”
Glancing at Lu Man, the grandmother and grandson went to the west side room.
Lu Man remained behind, knowing that Jiang Zhanwei needed to inform the Princess about the upcoming visit to the Lu family to resolve some matters. It would be more appropriate for him to address the issues involving the old lady Lu and the Lu brothers. As a younger generation, Lu Man refrained from judging their actions.
Ancient beliefs in parental respect dictated that, regardless of their flaws, descendants should not openly criticize their parents. The Princess, as a protective matriarch and upholder of feudal ethics, understood this principle well.