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Observing Lu Man’s inquisitive gaze, Jiang Zhanwei’s face grew slightly warm. He cleared his throat and remarked, “That painting seems to have been purchased at this shop, it’s an authentic piece. Since the Ming Dynasty is only a little over a hundred years ago, there are quite a few works left by Yu Chunshan. Even if that painting is genuine, it wouldn’t fetch a high price.” Adding, “In my shop, the majority of items are genuine, with only a few counterfeits, deceiving those who lack expertise and fancy themselves as experts.”
Glad it was authentic.
Jiang Zhanwei continued, “The Second Master has a fondness for elegance, particularly for collecting antique paintings, which is why I also developed an interest in them from a young age. Besides studying military strategy and martial arts, this is my second passion. At thirteen, I was introduced to a master, and by seventeen, I acquired this shop…”
Lu Man thought to herself that he must have pursued these interests due to the Second Master, possibly leading to deceitful practices.
In no time, two attendants entered with food boxes containing six meat dishes, two vegetarian dishes, and two jugs of blue-and-white wine.
Jiang Zhanwei poured himself a cup and then poured one for Lu Man.
Feeling delighted and a bit surprised, Lu Man glanced at him. Why was he pouring her a drink?
A faint smile played on Jiang Zhanwei’s lips as he said, “I finished the wine last time, but noticed afterward that you seemed eager to drink.”
Indeed, Lu Man was craving a drink, especially after the exhausting time at the Lu residence, she wanted to relax or even celebrate a bit. Ignoring the underlying meaning in his words, she lifted the cup, took a whiff, squinted in enjoyment, and then opened her eyes with a smile. “Hmm, it smells great, somewhat like…” She intended to say it smelled like Wuliangye liquor but stopped herself mid-sentence.
Unaware of her words, Jiang Zhanwei was captivated as he watched her delicately sniff the cup with closed eyes.
Thinking of how harshly the old Marquis had treated himself, Jiang Zhanwei believed he didn’t deserve it. How did he end up pushing such a wife so far away?
With these thoughts, he raised his head and finished the wine in his cup.
After finishing his drink, Jiang Zhanwei advised Lu Man, “Take your time with the wine, have some food first. Drinking on an empty stomach isn’t good for you.”
Of course, Lu Man understood this reasoning. She picked up her chopsticks, took a bite of the food, and then sipped the wine, rich in aroma and smooth in taste, which made her smile with joy.
Seeing her radiant smile, Jiang Zhanwei’s mood also brightened. They began by enjoying the food and wine, and as the alcohol flowed, their conversation gradually opened up.
Lu Man chuckled, “Third Young Master, you’re quite skilled. Calling Bao Qin a thieving mistress, you did it so well, it was spot on. She’s a thief and a mistress, so she’s indeed a thieving mistress.”
A wry smile played on Jiang Zhanwei’s lips as he replied, “I never used to insult women in the past, but the two women in the Lu family are truly despicable.”
“No, add that old woman too. There are three despicable women in the Lu family.” Lu Man corrected, then added with resentment, “I must find my mother. Today, Lu Fangrong’s foolish affection will lead to immense regret in the future.”
Jiang Zhanwei’s lips twitched as he remarked, “Let’s keep these words between us. Don’t say them in front of others, or you might face criticism.”
Lu Man continued, “Lu Fangrong is so hypocritical. He claims to prioritize my mother and treat me well, yet he disregards both of our well-being, protecting that woman. Are all men like this, saying one thing but meaning another? I truly can’t understand.”
Jiang Zhanwei retorted firmly, “Those men are the minority. At least, I am not like that. Gentlemen, noble and virtuous, these are the qualities attributed to men like us.”
Lu Man sarcastically smiled and said, “Third Young Master, praising yourself quite boldly. You are like a thousand-year-old ice… ‘gentlemen, noble and virtuous,’ that description should fit someone like Fifth Young Master.”
She hadn’t drunk enough to reveal the latter part of her statement.
Jiang Zhanwei’s lips were practically touching his ears as he retorted, “You shouldn’t drink any more.” He added, “You women are sometimes foolish, sometimes sharp-witted. Call you intelligent, and you can’t handle a compliment.”
Despite having good alcohol tolerance, Lu Man knew she had reached her limit for the day and shouldn’t drink more. She nodded happily and said, “Yes, I won’t drink anymore.”
As they left, Mama Wang and Lu Ying, who had finished their meal, came over to assist. Seeing Lu Man’s flushed face, Mama Wang whispered, “Oh my, Madam, you’ve had a bit too much to drink.” Then, she scolded softly, “How could Third Young Madam drink so much in front of Third Young Master?”
Lu Man replied, “It’s not much, I’m aware of my limits.”
Worried about Lu Man’s decorum, Mama Wang helped her into the carriage and then joined her inside. Lu Ying followed suit.
Jiang Zhanwei had intended to join the carriage to peek at the beauty once she fell asleep, but seeing Mama Wang following, he refrained from calling her back, considering Lu Man was a bit tipsy to avoid any misunderstandings, and decided to ride his horse instead.
Upon returning to the Princess’s residence, Jiang Zhanwei went directly to report to the Princess at the Crane Hall, while Lu Man, due to being “emotionally exhausted”, went straight to her room on Orchid Pavilion.
When Lu Man woke up, the room was already lit.
Seeing Lu Man awake, Mama Wang smiled and said, “Third Young Madam, it’s time for you to eat. You’ve missed the mealtime.”
Lu Man shook her head, “I’ll eat later, I’m not hungry.”
Mama Wang suggested, “Then have some porridge.” Lowering her voice further, so only Lu Man could hear, she added, “Third Young Master is in the side room. He had dinner at the Crane Hall. I heard from Qingqing that he and the Marquis seemed to have had a very unpleasant conversation. The Marquis didn’t want him to continue his current duties, and Third Young Master was unwilling to comply… Madam, be cautious. Your relationship has just improved, don’t provoke his annoyance again.”
“Oh, alright.” Lu Man replied in a low voice.
Hearing the commotion, Jiang Jiu led in Qichang and Sweet Pea, holding a red-gold pearl hairpin.
“Sister-in-law, this is a gift from Grandmother for Jiu, it’s very beautiful. Please wear it, Sister-in-law.” Jiang Jiu exclaimed excitedly, her face flushed. Today, she had pleased the old Marquis, and in return, the Princess had rewarded her with a pearl hairpin.
Sweet Pea jumped into Lu Man’s arms, while Qichang stretched his head over the bed, sticking out his tongue with a grin.
Lu Man patted Qichang’s head, looked at the pearl hairpin in Jiang Jiu’s hand, and smiled, “It’s indeed very beautiful. Keep it for yourself and wear it when you’re older.”
Jiang Jiu then complained, “Sister-in-law didn’t go to the Crane Hall today, and Grandfather was very displeased. He scolded Sister-in-law, saying ‘This grand daughter-in-law is no good, I don’t fancy her anymore.'”
Lu Man chuckled, it had been just a day without seeing the old man, and he was already recovering. Let him scold, one day scolding would be followed by another.
In the side room, Jiang Zhanwei wore a half-worn lake blue robe, sitting on the heated brick bed, checking Jiang Zhankui’s schoolwork. His lips were pursed, his brows furrowed, clearly in a bad mood.
Seeing his demeanor, Lu Man didn’t want to cause any discomfort. She greeted him, “Third Young Master.” Then she sat on the other side of the table.