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Old Marquis Jiang, seeing Lu Man leave, called out in confusion, “Granddaughter-in-law, don’t leave, these people are no fun…”
Marquis Jiang then apologized to the distinguished guests with a flushed face.
Prince Anjun chuckled, “Illness comes like a mountain and goes like a thread. Old Marquis Jiang’s progress is already a miracle, take it slow, things will get better.”
After bidding farewell to the guests, it was midday. The female guests preferred dining in the Sandalwood Hall rather than the Flower Hall. Lu Man noticed Princess Changting’s slightly worried expression after the male guests left. Thinking of Wang Haobai’s gaze, Lu Man’s heart sank. However, she dared not show it and instead tried to serve Princess Changting and the female guests attentively.
After the meal, those interested in watching a play went to the theater, while others rested in the side rooms. The middle-aged and elderly women all enjoyed watching the performances by the Qing Xi and Qing Fu theater troupes, especially since a new play was being staged.
Just after they finished eating, Lady Xie arrived with her three children and Jiang Jiu.
Princess Changting admired little Kaipei, praised him, and gifted him a precious jade pendant. Since Lady Xie was present, the other noblewomen also gave gifts to the children.
Lu Man asked Jiu to take Lady Xie and the others to Orchid Pavilion first, then accompanied Princess Changting and to watch the play before hurrying back.
At Orchid Pavilion, only Lady Xie and little Kaipei remained, as the three girls had gone to Mirror Lake to row boats.
Lu Man played with little Kaipei, who, at almost two months old, was robust and seemed to recognize her as his godmother, smiling endlessly at her.
Lady Xie smiled and said, “Sister Lu, brother Zhanwei is about to head to the border. For your sake and his, you should consider having a child. With a child by your side, now that old Marquis Jiang has awakened, regardless of brother Zhanwei’s future actions, your status will be secure and there will be hope.”
Lu Man sighed softly and replied, “Honestly, sister Yang, there are some issues between us.”
Lady Xie, through Xie Yu, was aware of some details regarding Lu Man and Jiang Zhanwei. She mentioned, “Actually, brother Zhanwei treats you very well. My husband has told me that he has asked for his and grandfather’s help multiple times, ensuring your safety should anything happen to him or old Marquis Jiang. Initially hesitant about the marriage, he has come to accept you willingly.”
Lu Man smiled but didn’t elaborate further. While Jiang Zhanwei promised to protect her, ensuring her safety, it didn’t mean he wouldn’t divorce her. Likewise, she safeguarded his interests but was not keen on remaining married to him indefinitely.
Inadvertently, Lu Man mentioned that Wang Haobai had visited Crane Hall that morning.
Lady Xie scoffed, remarking, “Wang Haobai is a lawless tyrant, spoiled by Empress Wang and the Empress Dowager. Although you are distant relatives, in the future, sister Lu should keep her distance from him. Whenever he sees a pretty young lady, he can’t help himself. He claims to seek unparalleled beauty, yet remains unmarried to this day. He already has several beautiful mistresses. He pursued the second daughter of Minister Zhou from the Ministry of War six months ago. The Wang family liked her and went to propose, but the Zhou family declined. They even went to the Empress for approval. Three days later, the marriage decree arrived at the Zhou residence, only for them to announce that they had already agreed to a match with the Huo family. This dispute reached the Emperor, who reprimanded Empress Wang for arranging a marriage without clarification. He allowed the Zhou family to proceed with their own arrangements. Empress Wang was embarrassed, and the Wang family was displeased. Later, Wang Haobai intentionally praised the beauty of Miss Zhou in front of the Huo family’s fourth son. This news reached Miss Zhou, who, upon hearing it, cried and threatened suicide, leading Minister Zhou to plead with the Emperor…”
Lu Man felt a weight in her heart. If Wang Haobai’s visit to Crane Hall had been unintentional, it wouldn’t be a major issue to keep her distance in the future. However, if the eldest Madam Hong knew of his character and hinted at his visit to disgust her, it would be ruthless. Even if Madam Hong wanted her out of the residence, she shouldn’t resort to such despicable tactics, especially considering the reputation of Princess Changting’s household. Perhaps, seeing the affection Princess Changting and old Marquis Jiang had for her, Madam Hong became unsettled…
The logic of ancient people was sometimes puzzling, despite men behaving shamelessly, many blamed women for not being cautious enough. Lu Man was anxious about whether Wang Haobai’s gaze would make the nobles look down on her, or if it would provoke Princess Changting and Marquis Jiang to anger, deeming her not dignified enough.
Since arriving in this era, Lu Man had contemplated leaving Princess Changting’s residence. She even considered giving them a reason to expel her, but she never wanted it to be due to such a disgraceful reason…
Despite the turmoil within her, Lu Man maintained a calm demeanor and teased with Lady Xie. Living two lives had honed her ability to mask her emotions skillfully.
As they conversed, Lady Min, arrived.
Lady Min chuckled, “You sisters are close, leaving me out. I’ll call you sister Yang and you, sister Lu, from now on.”
Lady Xie replied with a smile, “Great, such a beautiful sister like you, I treasure that.”
Lu Man also smiled and said, “Having a caring elder sister like you is what I’ve always wanted.”
Lady Min laughed heartily, her dimples deepening. She hinted to Lu Man that her mother mentioned how eldest Lady Lu had taken Lu Yu to their house several times, but her mother always made excuses not to meet them…
Lu Man chuckled, appreciating lady Min’s cleverness.
As the afternoon approached, Jiu returned with Ping and Yan. They all headed to Fuyong Hall. Lu Man noticed Young Madam Han assisting Princess Changting in conversation with the noble guests and decided not to join them, opting instead to stand by Third Madam and see off the remaining guests together.
After bidding farewell to the guests, everyone proceeded to Crane Hall. The men gathered in the front yard, joined by Second Madam, who had only shown up after the guests had left.
They all sat in the east room, with old Marquis Jiang feeling tired and already asleep in bed.
The banquet had been a success, and everyone was in high spirits, except for Princess Changting, whose expression was somewhat off.
Marquis Jiang and Madam Hong reported on the hospitality arrangements.
Upon hearing the reports, Princess Changting said, “I’m feeling tired today. Eldest son, you stay, everyone else can leave, and don’t come back for dinner tonight.”
While Madam Hong managed a faint smile, the others were slightly taken aback by the unexpected change in Princess Changting’s demeanor. Even though they were puzzled, they got up and left as instructed.
Lu Man felt even more anxious. Perhaps, she had truly incurred the Princess’s displeasure.
Once only Princess Changting and Marquis Jiang remained in the room, the tension in the Princess’s face dissipated completely.
Hmmmmm