Chapter 145: Being Used

At times, Lu Man would mischievously wonder if the old Marquis’s suppression of his illegitimate grandson, Jiang Zhanwei, might provoke certain thoughts in him. Even though Lu Man was currently aligned with him, she sadly admitted that it was highly likely!

In any era, subordinates who possess significant abilities or ideas often instill a sense of crisis in their direct superiors or less competent higher-ups…

After the steward registered the items, they were carried over to Orchid Pavilion and the children’s courtyard.

Returning to the Crane Hall, Princess Changting were briefed on the items they had acquired.

Princess Changting scolded Lu Man, “You, as a sister-in-law, should have picked better items for them.”

Lu Man chuckled, “Grandmother, anything that can enter that door is a good item. If it wasn’t good, would you have let them enter that door?” She then teased Jiang Jiu, “Grandmother pities Jiang Jiu, feeling sorry for you.”

Lu Man’s words brought a big smile to the Princess’s face. She then instructed Mama Qian to silence her, “This little rascal, with her sharp tongue. She even dares to tease me.”

Third Madam Huang chimed in, “If the mother-in-law isn’t caring and loving towards her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law, then who would believe it? And if Zhanwei’s wife isn’t a good sister-in-law, then there are no good sisters-in-law in this world.”

Young Madam Han wanted to join in the praise but noticed an inscrutable expression on her mother-in-law’s face. She hesitated to speak in the end.

Princess Changting sent words for the Second Madam and Jiang Zhanwei, announcing that starting from today, the family would return to the routine from before the old Marquis fell ill, with everyone having dinner together in the Crane Hall every evening.

Everyone was delighted by this decision.

After the Sixth and Seventh Young Master finished school and the three masters and the heir returned from the office, they all gathered in the dining room for dinner. The old Marquis’s special table and chair were also moved there, so he could join them for meals. The old Marquis was both curious and excited, enjoying the meal fed to him by his wife and happily watching everyone.

Aware that she would draw attention, Lu Man only ate vegetarian dishes. Secretly, she thought to herself, “I’m not going vegetarian for that person, I’m doing this to lose weight.”

As everyone was eating, they were suddenly startled by a loud meowing sound coming from the door – “meow, meow.” They all turned to see Sweet Pea stretching its neck, meowing loudly, whiskers trembling, tears streaming down its face, looking utterly heartbroken.

The Sixth and Seventh Young Master exclaimed, “Oh, it’s crying. Goodness, this is unbelievable!”

Lu Man hurried over to pick up Sweet Pea, who continued to cry and meow in her arms, clearly upset.

Concerned by Sweet Pea’s distress, Princess Changting asked, “Poor thing, what’s wrong with it?”

The old Marquis, also saddened, shouted, “Pea… food… food…”

Jiang Jiu pouted and said, “It must have seen us eating and not receiving any food, which made it sad. In Orchid Pavilion, when we eat, we even set up a tray for it on the kang.”

Princess Changting said, “Quickly set up a tray for it.” Seeing no kang or couch nearby, she pointed to a tall table, “Bring that tall table over here and set the tray on top.”

Sweet Pea happily ate from the tray on the tall table, with the food piled higher than its body. Surprisingly, it quickly finished all the food.

Almost everyone watched in amusement, enjoying the spectacle, except for Madam Hong, who felt uneasy.

Not only was the old Marquis acting strangely, but the Princess was also starting to lose her senses. Indulging the unsophisticated Lu Man, spoiling the illegitimate children – now even their pets were being pampered.

Thinking about Empress Wang’s expression, she realized that if the household continued down this path, her husband, sons, and grandsons would eventually be affected.

After dinner, the old Marquis went to the recovery room to rest, accompanied by the younger children and Sweet Pea.

The others went to the east wing to discuss hosting an event. Although Jiang Zhankui was young, he joined in the discussion with the Sixth and Seventh Young Master.

When the old Marquis woke up, now in excellent health, he decided to invite those who had been caring for him to spend a day together, listening to a play. They all agreed that the 20th of September would be a suitable date.

As everyone left the Crane Hall, the night sky was filled with stars.

Lu Man, accompanied by Jiang Zhankui and holding Jiang Jiu with Sweet Pea, bid farewell to the elders. Just as they were about to leave, they were stopped by the Second Master.

He scrutinized Lu Man, his expression darkening, as he sternly said, “Zhanwei’s wife, I thought you were sensible, but it seems I was mistaken. Your stepmother has just passed away, why aren’t you wearing mourning attire? Regardless of her behavior towards you, showing respect to the deceased is a basic filial duty!”

This stubborn master must have been instigated by someone, truly a troublemaker.

Lu Man kneeled slightly and defended herself, “Second Master, there are things you are not fully aware of. My stepmother not only mistreated me but also tried to harm me several times. Six years ago, she had someone drug me and throw me into the mountains. Luckily, I encountered the Third Young Master, who saved me. Otherwise, I would have died. It was only a few days ago when the Third Young Master and I mentioned this incident, that we realized how coincidental it all was…”

If she and Jiang Zhanwei hadn’t become husband and wife, her experiences would have tarnished her reputation. However, as they were married, this episode was now the “fated marriage” in the Princess’s eyes, a beautiful tale.

The Third Master, observing Lu Man as a sensible person, couldn’t believe she would disrespect her elders without reason. Hearing the explanation, he recalled an incident from six years ago when Zhanwei’s dog, ordered by his second brother, was killed, and he had disappeared for two days. Rumor had it he got lost in the mountains and was rescued by a hunter. It seemed likely that he had encountered Lu Man in the mountains and saved her. Her stepmother was truly vicious.

As for his second brother, he lacked any sense, always quick to anger with the slightest provocation.

Third Master Jiang remarked, “Your stepmother truly was a wicked woman, not only mistreating you but even plotting to seize your mother’s dowry and attempting to harm you. Despicable!” He chuckled, “Your union with Zhanwei is predestined, six years ago he saved you, and now you are married. A cause for celebration!”

Second Master Jiang blushed and was about to speak when his wife, Madam Lin interjected, “Oh, such coincidences are usually found in poetry and dramas, yet Zhanwei and his wife encountered one in real life. Quite a delightful tale.”

Third Master’s wife, Madam Huang, always grateful to Lu Man, added with a smile, “Now, Second Sister-in-law has material for an eternal poem. Oh, the hero saving the beauty, the fated marriage, it sounds like a wonderful story.”

Madam Lin smiled at Lu Man and they departed.

The Second Master hurriedly followed, apologetically explaining, “My dear, I only wished to guide Zhanwei’s wife towards understanding and proper conduct, it was for her own good.”