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Seeing the old Marquis’s displeasure, Princess Changting patted his fist on the table to offer comfort. She then signaled to Mama Qian, prompting her to help Lu Man up.
Marquis Jiang angrily pounded his fist on the table, cursing, “Song Xian, that reckless boy!”
Second Master Jiang fumed, “How dare that lad speak so rudely? Why hasn’t Zhanwei’s wife left yet or had the guards discipline him?”
Tao tearfully explained, “Third Young Madam ignored them and quickly boarded the carriage. However, they followed and continued harassing her near the carriage. The coachman, unable to tolerate it, used his whip to fend them off…”
Third Master Jiang gritted his teeth, “Good for him! What about the guards?”
Tao continued, “The guards and maids were afraid of the Prince Zhou’s estate and the Marquis Wang’s residence, not wanting to offend them…”
Jiang Zhanju was unconvinced, “What? Our guards fear the Prince Zhou’s estate and the Marquis Wang’s residence? Impossible!”
Tao bowed and cried, “It’s true, I dare not lie. Only the coachman bravely protected Third Young Madam and was severely beaten by the guards from those estates. It was only when Prince He, Song Ming, arrived to defuse the situation and explained to onlookers that Young Master Wang and the Prince were harassing me, to preserve Third Young Madam’s reputation. Prince He then took them away, allowing us to escape from those people and return.”
Surprise and disbelief filled the room.
Drying her tears, Lu Man kneeled before the Princess and the old Marquis, expressing, “Grandfather’s ailment has improved. In the eyes of some, my mission is deemed complete, and it is time for me to depart. Grandmother, as a woman of humble origins with no outstanding virtues, I am unworthy to be the granddaughter-in-law of the esteemed Princess Changting or the wife of the honorable Third Young Master. I humbly request to leave.”
As her words echoed, astonished gasps filled the room, and Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu broke into tears, protesting, “No, no…”
“What are you saying?” Jiang Zhanwei exclaimed loudly.
Somewhat bewildered, Lu Man wondered when Jiang Zhanwei had returned. Just moments ago, overwhelmed with sorrow and anger, she hadn’t noticed his presence in the room.
Would his interference disrupt her plans?
Although Lu Man sensed a change in Jiang Zhanwei’s attitude and thoughts towards her, she remembered his initial disdain and reluctance to marry her as a calamitous bride. Everything he had done, even risking his life on the frontlines, was to have the authority to divorce the woman who brought him “shame”. Today, after humiliating herself and requesting to leave, would he take the opportunity to divorce her?
As she pondered, a chilling aura enveloped her as Jiang Zhanwei stood beside her. His voice cold and firm, he stated, “I disagree! I welcomed you into this household, you are my wife. Without my permission, no one has the right to send you away, including yourself.” Softening his tone, he added, “In the future, refrain from saying ‘requesting to leave’, it damages relationships!”
Jiang Zhanwei not only refrained from divorcing her but expressed his sentiments so warmly.
Lu Man was surprised and relieved. She had feared he might take advantage of the situation to divorce her and had been willing to uphold the contract until she was completely safe. However, she also understood that his decision not to divorce her didn’t necessarily indicate genuine affection. His intentions remained mysterious. She speculated that he likely recognized her capabilities and wanted her to continue caring for Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu.
At this moment, she didn’t want to leave. Sticking to the contract, ensuring mutual benefit, and striving for a win-win outcome were her priorities.
If he would play his part, she would cooperate accordingly.
Tearfully, Lu Man turned to him, “Third Young Master, you come from a noble background, young and promising. I am truly not a suitable match for you. Otherwise, as the granddaughter-in-law of the Princess and the wife of a Fourth-Rank General, no one would dare publicly humiliate me. Not to mention the guards and maids who did not fulfill their duties in protecting me, as they never truly considered me their mistress…”
Madam Hong couldn’t avoid this conversation, as the blame was now shifting towards her. With Wang Haobai’s relation to her and the guards and maids under the authority of her husband, coupled with previous implications that she wanted Lu Man to leave, all fingers were pointing at her.
She frowned, “Zhanwei’s wife, what are you saying? You initially claimed your virtues were unsuitable for your husband. Why shift the blame onto others? Furthermore, who decided that you should leave once father-in-law’s health improved? Be clear in your words to avoid misunderstandings.” Turning to the maids behind her, she instructed, “Go, summon the maids who accompanied her today. We can’t afford to unjustly accuse anyone without hearing their side of the story.”
“Exactly, if a woman carries herself with dignity, why would other men approach her, even disregarding the support of her own servants? Now you’re starting to sow discord again, who actually wants you to leave?” It was the voice of old Madam Zhu.
This confused and stubborn old lady was once again brought in, indicating that a big show was awaiting her. It seemed that the drama at the restaurant was premeditated to completely tarnish her reputation, with old Madam Zhu stirring the pot further, pushing the Princess to inevitably expel her. Fortunately, the timely appearance of Prince He minimized the negative impact on her.
Both of these elderly women had labeled her as a woman with “poor character” or lacking “dignity”. Today, she needed to confront them face-to-face. Particularly with Madam Hong, her involvement was crucial for this grand drama.
Furiously addressing old Madam Zhu, Lu Man questioned, “Is old Madam Zhu saying I lack dignity?”
Old Madam Zhu coldly responded, “I am talking about those who lack respect. If you insist on taking it personally, that’s your business.”
Disdainfully, Lu Man retorted, “Old Madam Zhu is respected and virtuous. How could she engage in gossip and stir up trouble when returning to her maternal home?”
Enraged, old Madam Zhu snapped, “Impudent!”
Ignoring her, Lu Man turned to Madam Hong, stating, “I mentioned that my virtues, appearance, and deeds are unremarkable, not that my character is poor. The concept of ‘poor character’ is immense and can be fatal. Furthermore, I am not blaming others but stating facts. Wang Haobai and Song Xian dared to publicly humiliate the granddaughter-in-law of Princess Changting. As for the guards and maids who stood by while their mistress was mistreated, who gave them such audacity? As for who wants me to leave, the eldest Madam is astute and should be well aware.”
Madam Hong was taken aback by Lu Man’s direct confrontation, her face flushing with anger. She sternly retorted, “Lu, who gave you the audacity to be so disrespectful to your elders? Instead of reflecting on your own mistakes for being publicly harassed by a man, you point fingers at your elders. Yes, the guards and maids were neglectful, and they will be punished, but only after you’ve acknowledged your part in causing trouble…”