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The Princess and Jiang Zhanwei left, leaving Lu Man, the old Marquis, Jiang Jiu, and Sweet Pea to continue playing in the recovery room.
Sweet Pea was particularly lively, jumping around and sticking out its tongue, delighting the old Marquis, who found it utterly charming. Whenever Sweet Pea became impatient, Lu Man would instruct Jiang Jiu to control it.
Jiang Jiu would then grab its ear and say, “If you don’t behave, Grandfather, Third Sister-in-law, and I won’t want you anymore. We’ll send you to live with your old cat mama in the main kitchen.”
Upon hearing this, Sweet Pea would immediately behave.
The old Marquis noticed how well Sweet Pea listened to Jiang Jiu, so he also treated Jiang Jiu with great respect, offering her and Sweet Pea some sweet water and delicious cakes.
After about half an hour, the Princess and Jiang Zhanwei returned to the recovery room with serious expressions.
Seeing Jiang Jiu and the old Marquis having a great time, Jiang Zhanwei no longer minded as before and dared not cause any trouble. Understanding Lu Man’s past experiences, he realized the importance of Jiang Jiu having a good relationship with the matriarch.
He felt grateful to Lu Man because he acknowledged that he lacked the ability to foster such a harmonious relationship between Jiang Jiu and the matriarch. Despite his skill in dealing with high-ranking military leaders and even cultivating relationships with the Crown Prince in private, he struggled in his own household, especially with close family members.
The Princess took Lu Man’s hand and said, “Granddaughter-in-law should not be bullied by others. That stepmother of yours, along with that concubine, are truly wicked to the core. And that old lady, how could she be so greedy and uncouth… Don’t worry, granddaughter-in-law, you can rely on your grandmother. Tomorrow, you can go back and deal with those matters. In the morning, let little Jiu and Sweet Pea accompany your grandfather.”
Touched, Lu Man’s eyes welled up with tears as she hugged the Princess’s arm, murmuring, “Grandmother, you are truly kind.”
Usually articulate, she now struggled to find the words to express her gratitude.
The Princess patted her hand and said, “Grandmother knows you are a filial and respectful child. Moreover, you and Zhanwei met six years ago, and after six years, you became husband and wife. It’s not easy, it’s fate. In this vast world, such coincidences are rare. Cherish them.” She then turned to Jiang Zhanwei and asked, “Have you heard what grandmother said?”
Jiang Zhanwei blushed and respectfully said, “Grandmother’s teachings are deeply ingrained in my heart.”
Lu Man lowered her head, pretending not to hear.
Upon returning to Orchid Pavilion, the three Jiang siblings entered the main room, while Lu Man called Mama Wang and Lu Ying to the study. She discussed handling the situation with Mrs. Xiao Chen and Bao Qin upon their return to the Lu family and revealed that her disappearance six years ago was not a mere coincidence.
Mama Wang was a mix of tears, smiles, and joy. She cried for the girl’s plight, repeatedly victimized. She smiled because the girl was blessed, repeatedly escaping danger and sharing a unique bond with Third Young Master. Her joy stemmed from the belief that good and evil eventually receive their due, and the days of those two wicked women were finally over.
Lu Man also informed Lu Ying to stop the medicine for Hong Ling tonight, prepare some ginseng soup for her to drink, ensuring she had ample energy to testify as a witness to the scandal the next day.
The next morning, immediately after breakfast, Liu Xin arrived with two maids. They planned to discipline Hong Ling in the outer courtyard before sending her back to the Lu family to tell the truth.
Seeing the setup, Hong Ling realized that Lu Man had discovered their past deeds and screamed to see Third Young Madam. Liu Xin gestured, and a maid swiftly covered Hong Ling’s mouth.
Mama Wang and Lu Ying rushed over, spat at her, and scolded, “You heartless woman, how dare you do such despicable things. Such a good mistress, and you have the heart to harm her…”
Jiang Zhanwei, who was ready, went to the outer courtyard first.
As expected, Lady Min arrived on time, and Lu Man administered acupuncture to her.
After Lady Min left, Lu Man instructed Jiang Jiu to take Sweet Pea and Qichang to the Crane Hall while she led Mama Wang and Lu Ying to the front courtyard to meet with Jiang Zhanwei.
As Lu Man was boarding the carriage with Mama Wang and Lu Ying, she noticed Liu Xin and two maids escorting Hong Ling over. The rash on Hong Ling’s face had not completely disappeared, and she appeared to have been beaten, looking weary and frightened.
Upon seeing Lu Man, Hong Ling knelt down and pleaded, “Third Young Madam, I know I was wrong. Please forgive me.”
Liu Xin muttered under his breath, “Shut up. If you want to live, behave yourself.”
Hong Ling finally complied and boarded the last carriage with the maids.
Manager Li, was also brought over and respectfully nodded towards Lu Man from a distance.
With a sense of relief, Lu Man realized that all the witnesses were present, and Mrs. Xiao Chen and Bao Qin would finally face stern punishment.
As the group of carriages reached the entrance of the Lu family alley under the large banyan tree, Jiang Zhanwei reminisced about the past.
He called out softly from outside Lu Man’s carriage, “Manman…”, feeling somewhat embarrassed using that name. He cleared his throat and continued, “I still remember how you looked back then, chubby, constantly looking back on the way home… Maybe I should have taken the initiative to find you afterwards, and your days wouldn’t have been so difficult.”
Thinking about the poor girl, Lu Man also felt a pang of sadness. If Jiang Zhanwei had extended a helping hand in time, given his status as the grandson of Princess Changting, even as a collateral descendant, the old lady and Lu Fangming wouldn’t have dared to treat the young Lu Man that way. Mrs. Xiao Chen wouldn’t have dared to lure Lu Man using Chen Fei, pushing her to the brink of despair. In that case, the original Lu Man wouldn’t have hanged herself in the bridal chamber, and Lu Man wouldn’t have come over. Perhaps they both would have lived harmoniously together?
Of course, had she not crossed over, Master Xinghai wouldn’t have predicted that Lu Man could help the old Marquis recover, and Lu Man wouldn’t have married into the family, leading to this karmic entanglement.
All is fate.
Upon hearing Jiang Zhanwei’s words, Mama Wang and Lu Ying were overjoyed. They believed that since Third Young Master and Third Young Madam shared such a bond, they should cherish it and would surely reconcile and live happily.
Upon arriving at the Lu residence, Lu Fangming, Lu Xin, along with several Lu brothers, were waiting at the door to welcome them.
Jiang Zhanwei, not only of noble birth but also the immediate superior of Lu Fangrong, was treated with great respect by the Lu family members. The front and back courtyards were adorned with lights and decorations. Even the servants were dressed in new clothes, all exuding a festive atmosphere.
The Lu family was elated; Lu Fangrong, who hadn’t been promoted in over a decade, immediately received a promotion to fifth rank upon the arrival of this noble son-in-law. His new position was deemed crucial and promising for future military achievements, ensuring rapid advancement.
Lu Fangming and his wife were especially pleased. They were surprised by Lu Man’s close relationship with Lady Huang (Lady Min), with hints that they might receive promotions. Lady Huang not only had a father who was a Minister of Works but also a grandfather who was a Ministry of Revenue Vice Minister. Incredible, they were all high-ranking officials. However, the thought of Mrs. Xiao Chen mistreated their niece for a bit of advantage filled them with deep regret…