Chapter 143: Should Have Known Better

Lu Man couldn’t bring herself to be close to Lu Chang and Lu Feng, but harming them was out of the question – after all, they were two innocent children.

She said, “Bao Qin has been punished, and I neither want nor will have any dealings with her again. Both of you, study diligently, conduct yourselves well, and make a future for yourselves. It’s never peaceful to take what belongs to others.”

Lu Chang blushed slightly and responded, “I will. I’ve started attending a private school, and the teacher said that if I work hard and don’t slack off, I might be able to take the provincial exam next year.”

Thinking of the coarse and greedy old lady, Lu Man added, “It might be better to go to a college, the opportunities may be greater there.”

Lu Fangrong thought his daughter still cared for her younger brother, about to ask which college she had in mind, but seeing Lu Man walking ahead, he tried to persuade her, “Manman, have lunch before you leave.”

Shaking her head, Lu Man continued on her way.

Watching Lu Man’s departing figure, Lu Chang considered everything that had happened at home, the harsh words from the old lady towards Lu Man and Bao Qin, and the displaced anger towards himself and his brother. He then asked, “Father, can my brother and I go to a school? We would stay and study there, only coming home once every ten days. It’s difficult to get into a college, but some larger private schools offer accommodations, so it would be similar.”

Understanding his son’s request, Lu Fangrong blushed slightly and replied, “The manor where your aunt resides has nearby private schools. How about you and Feng stay there?” This was mentioned in a letter sent by Bao Qin.

Lu Chang held back his tears and softly murmured, “Mother did wrong, and my brother is still young… Once I am successful, I will ensure mothers’s well-being with my own abilities.”

Lu Fangrong’s face reddened even more, feeling extremely proud of his eldest son. He said, “You’ve got it figured out. Feng is still a bit young.”

Lu Chang boldly insisted, “I can take care of my brother.”

Nodding, Lu Fangrong agreed, “Alright, I’ll have someone look into it.”

Just then, a maid arrived to inform them that the old lady wanted Second Master to come over.

At this moment, old lady Lu was in a rage inside the house, with Lu Fangming trying to calm her down.

Seeing Lu Fangrong arrive, the old lady scolded, “Where is that wretched girl? She went back to her maternal home and didn’t even come to greet me before leaving?”

Lu Fangrong sighed, “Mother, I’m asking you, please don’t have too many expectations of Manman. She is not like lady He, she won’t easily be controlled by others.”

Lu Fangming also advised, “Mother, the current Man is not the same as before. Don’t force her, find a way to gradually win her over.”

Old Lady Lu was so furious that she slapped Lu Fangrong and exclaimed, “Blame me for controlling He? Everything I plan is for this family, for you two. How much hardship have I endured for your success, how much disrespect from relatives? After you become top scholars, officials, get married, and even take concubines, you still blame me…” She then slapped Lu Fangrong twice and spat, “It’s all because of you, offending the master and Man for that damned concubine.”

Lu Fangming was also angry at his brother for risking their future for a woman, sighing, “Brother, is it worth jeopardizing our prospects for such a woman?”

Lu Fangrong retorted, “Back then, for our future, Mother broke off Mingzhu’s engagement. And what came of it? You still haven’t been promoted.”

Lu Fangming remarked, “Things are different now. Man has married into Princess Changting’s residence and become close with Minister Huang’s daughter…”

Lu Fangrong coldly interrupted, “Should have known better. Why didn’t Big Brother treat Man better back then? You’re her uncle!” He added sadly, “When I wasn’t home, if Mother and Big Brother had shown a little more care for her, my daughter wouldn’t have suffered so much, wouldn’t have been driven to hang herself…”

……

Upon returning, Lu Man removed the white rope from her waist. She initially thought about visiting Renhe Hall but reconsidered, thinking it might be inauspicious after leaving the mourning hall. She headed straight back to Orchid Pavilion, took a bath, symbolically washing away the “misfortune”.

Lu Man had lunch with Jiang Zhankui, who returned from school. Jiang Jiu had lunch at the Crane Hall and returned for a nap, bringing back Qichang but leaving Sweet Pea there, as the old Marquis was reluctant to part with it. Initially, even Qichang was supposed to stay, but Jiang Jiu mentioned that Jiang Zhankui needed to “walk the dog” in the afternoon, so Qichang was brought back.

Taking the opportunity, Lu Man persuaded them to consider moving to the East Cross Courtyard. Seeing Jiang Zhankui’s widened eyes and Jiang Jiu’s pouting, about to cry, Lu Man quickly explained, “What I mean is, after informing Grandmother and eldest Aunt, for me to better take care of you, you will officially move to the East Cross Courtyard to live. That will be your rightful residence from now on. Otherwise, if someone suggests that Zhankui and Jiu always living in their sister-in-law’s courtyard isn’t suitable, and asks you to return to your own courtyard, you’ll have to obediently go back to the Qingfeng Courtyard.”

If she were to leave Princess Changting’s residence one day, Orchid Pavilion would naturally become their courtyard. When Jiang Zhankui moved to the outer courtyard, Jiang Jiu could continue living there long-term. This was a benefit she had secured for them.

As expected, after Lu Man’s explanation, both siblings chuckled.

Jiang Zhankui thought more long-term and said to Jiang Jiu, “This is great. When I move to the outer courtyard next year, you can continue living with Third Sister-in-law, and I won’t have to worry.”

After the nap, Lu Man wore a sky-blue top and long skirt, embroidered with small light purple flowers at the collar and hem. She only wore two jade hairpins on her head. Avoiding bright colors entirely, she believed that even without mourning attire, it would be socially acceptable. If someone nitpicked, they could find a reason. Those aware of the situation would understand why she chose to dress this way.

Liu Ya was somewhat disapproving and suggested, “Third Young Madam, why not wear a white rope or insert a small white flower in your hair?”

Lu Man shook her head, firm in her decision. She didn’t even want to wear a white jade hairpin, let alone a small white flower.

She then dressed Jiang Jiu in a crimson half-sleeved shirt and a silver-red long skirt.

Taking Jiang Jiu with her, Lu Man headed to the Crane Hall. She didn’t bring Jiang Zhankui along, and he wasn’t interested in going either. Subconsciously, the old Marquis didn’t have strong feelings towards bastards, but he was always wary of a bastard son. Moreover, a favored illegitimate daughter posed no threat to anyone, but an illegitimate son seeking attention in front of the family patriarch might cause displeasure.

Looking back, the old Marquis indeed had foresight. Jiang Zhanwei, this illegitimate son, was truly formidable – like a wild horse, once off the leash, impossible to control. Even Jiang Zhankui, when he grew up, wouldn’t be easily managed. Having Jiang Zhanwei as an older brother made it challenging to restrain him, and now, it seemed impossible to control Jiang Zhanwei as the Marquis had hoped.

The Marquis knew his father’s thoughts well, and now, attempting to control Jiang Zhanwei seemed futile.