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Lu Man thought to herself that as shady as the Jiang family’s Second Master was, he couldn’t compare to the Lu family’s Second Master. She nodded, “Yes, I will handle it according to Third Young Master’s wishes.” Then she asked, “Madam Hong was sent back to her maternal home to tend to her sister’s illness. Did the Marquis blame you?”
Jiang Zhanwei replied, “Eldest Uncle isn’t foolish. If Madam Hong doesn’t learn her lesson, she poses a greater threat to the family than I do.” He shook his head self-deprecatingly and continued, “Grandmother insisted that she must remember this lesson, otherwise, her arrogance could harm the family. She will spend six months tending to the Hong family’s needs as a punishment. Eldest Brother pleaded with Grandmother for a long time, but she didn’t relent.”
Lowering her voice, Lu Man inquired, “By punishing Madam Hong in this way, aren’t we also embarrassing that individual and the Wang family? Will that person come after our family because of it?”
A smirk played on Jiang Zhanwei’s lips as he responded, “Despite Grandmother’s usual kindness, she’s a force to be reckoned with when provoked. Who dares to challenge her will face severe consequences.” Lowering his voice even further, he added, “I’ve heard stories about how fierce Grandmother was in her youth, even standing up to the Empress. That person is still young and hasn’t witnessed Grandmother’s true power. Tomorrow, Third Aunt will accompany Grandmother to the palace. It’s been years since Grandmother caused a stir…”
He looked expectant, almost mischievously eager.
Concerned about the elderly lady’s well-being at sixty years old, Lu Man expressed, “Tomorrow, I’ll prepare a nourishing tonic for Grandmother to replenish her energy when she returns.”
Jiang Zhanwei nodded in approval, “That’s a good idea. It’s no wonder Grandmother and Grandfather favor you, you are considerate. Also, Eldest Uncle will submit a few petitions to impeach the Marquis of Zhou and the Wang family. I happened to come across some old incidents involving the Wang family, which we can use.” He cautioned, “By bringing up the separation now, Madam Hong will face more severe punishment. She will surely hold a stronger grudge against us. She won’t be able to harm me, but you and the siblings must be cautious when she returns home. Watch out for Wang Haobai and Song Xian too.” His expression darkened, and he added with bitterness, “I currently lack the ability and energy to deal with them. If I have the opportunity in the future, I won’t leave this vendetta unsettled.”
Thinking about those two individuals, Lu Man felt a surge of unresolved anger. Without Prince He’s assistance, she would have been in a precarious situation.
After further discussion, Jiang Zhanwei, realizing the late hour, announced, “I’ll rest here tonight.”
Lu Man, without overthinking it, hospitably said, “Alright, I’ll have the bed prepared.” She then raised her voice, “Mama, Liu Ya, come in and make the bed for Third Young Master.”
Liu Ya and Mama Wang responded and entered the room.
However, Jiang Zhanwei’s expression suddenly turned cold, he didn’t even glance at Lu Man, stood up, and headed to the bathing room. Liu Ya followed to prepare the hot water while setting out his clothes, then left the room.
By now, Lu Man had developed immunity to Jiang Zhanwei’s mood swings and paid no mind to his anger. Together with Mama Wang, she made the bed.
Feeling hesitant to enter the bedroom, she remained outside the room, where she could clearly hear the sounds from the bathing room. The gentle splashing of water sparked her imagination.
Sitting on a chair with a medical book in hand, she found it difficult to concentrate due to her excitement.
Mama Wang felt a sense of urgency. Why wasn’t Madam attending to her husband while he bathed? How could a married couple sleep in separate rooms? Despite her previous reminders for Lu Man to be more proactive, her stunning beauty was irresistible to any man. If she took the initiative, it could lead to a positive outcome and offer security through children, but Lu Man never seemed to listen…
When Jiang Zhanwei emerged, he had changed into a white silk undershirt and pants. His tall and graceful figure, radiant complexion, and subtle smile softened his previously stern demeanor. His eyes, glistening with mist, were a captivating shade of black. With a hint of redness and delicacy on his exposed chest and his waterfall-like black hair cascading over his shoulders, he was truly captivating. They say a beautiful woman is like a blooming flower after a bath, unexpectedly, a handsome man after bathing exuded a similar charm and allure.
This was the second time Lu Man had seen Jiang Zhanwei after his bath, and she felt a bit nervous, quickly averting her gaze.
Jiang Zhanwei didn’t approach the bed but came directly to her, emanating a familiar subtle fragrance, enveloping her in its aura.
Looking at her, he said, “Manman, I can only stay at home for two days. I’ll return to camp the day after tomorrow, missing even Grandmother’s birthday banquet. When I come back before deployment at the end of the year, who knows when we’ll meet again, or if we’ll ever meet again…”
His voice was somber and slightly hoarse.
As the thought of him heading to the battlefield for combat in less than a month crossed her mind, Lu Man’s fleeting musings dissipated. She suddenly felt a pang of sadness, genuinely not wanting anything to happen to him, not for her own sake but solely for his safety.
Raising her head, she met his dark gaze and softly said, “Weapons have no eyes, I earnestly hope for your safety. Zhankui, little Jiu, and I don’t wish for you to achieve military feats. We only pray for your safe return.”
Upon hearing her words, Jiang Zhanwei took a step closer. They stood so close that Lu Man’s chest lightly touched his clothing. Meeting his gaze, she noticed his slightly square chin and Adam’s apple moving as he swallowed, feeling the warmth of his breath on her face.
Feeling a bit flustered, Lu Man took a step back, witnessing his head slightly lowered, eyes filled with intensity and anticipation. His lips pressed together tightly, revealing his tension and expectation. The white silk undershirt accentuated the strength of his toned body, appearing tensed.
He moved closer once again, their bodies pressing tightly against each other.
Even if Lu Man was slow to catch on, she understood Jiang Zhanwei’s intentions – he wanted to one-sidedly break the agreement!
Gazing into his dark eyes, she was unsure of what to do. Initially, she had despised him, considered escaping from him, then developed a slightly better impression, but they were contractually married. He had helped her in many ways, and she had reciprocated, leaving them even in terms of trade and emotions. She never imagined such a seductive scene between them… Yet, today’s events unfolded unexpectedly, and Lu Man found herself unable to resist that allure or perhaps, moved by it, rooted to the spot.
Seemingly emboldened, Jiang Zhanwei’s large hand grasped Lu Man’s small hand, his warm breath now near her head. Haltingly, he said, “Manman, I think, I feel, we should have a child…”
As his fragrance grew closer, Lu Man finally identified the familiar scent. It reminded her of the intoxicating fragrance from the sachet on their wedding night, subtly infused with a light plum aroma.