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Old Marquis Jiang’s nonsensical words startled everyone.
Princess Changting quickly interjected, “Oh my, old Marquis, what are you saying? Our granddaughter-in-law is here to treat Princess He’s illness. How many times do I have to say it? You’re just talking nonsense.”
Lu Man was also infuriated. What a stubborn old man, his mind filled with all sorts of nonsense.
Despite her anger, she had to step forward to support the bewildered old Marquis Jiang as he stumbled towards her. Angrily, she warned, “If you continue speaking nonsense, I really will ignore you.”
Old Marquis Jiang, feeling wronged, explained, “Zhanwei is particularly annoying. I don’t like him. The moment I see him, I want to hit him. I was afraid that my granddaughter-in-law would dislike him as much as I do, not want him, and run off to remarry… That’s why I said such things.”
Lu Man’s face flushed with anger. This stubborn old man was becoming more nonsensical the smarter he supposedly was, and he chose to blurt it out at someone else’s home. Moreover, he had brought up Jiang Zhanwei’s name.
She shot him a fierce glare and raised her voice, exclaiming, “Grandfather, I won’t talk to you anymore. I really won’t.”
Seeing his granddaughter-in-law genuinely upset, old Marquis Jiang hurriedly added, “Alright, alright, I won’t say anything to upset you again.”
His words lightened the tense atmosphere, bringing laughter to the group.
Princess Changting scolded, “Truly a big child, not afraid of being laughed at.” Turning to Song Ming, she said, “Nephew, don’t tease him. He’s just a child now. In terms of intelligence, he’s still no match for your Mo.”
Quickly, Song Ming responded with a chuckle, “Uncle-in-law is much better now. Although still a bit naive, he speaks more clearly, can walk by himself, and his condition has greatly improved.”
Old Marquis Jiang, displeased with Song Ming, glared at him and remarked, “Don’t think that by pleasing Changting, you can marry my granddaughter-in-law. Hmph, wishful thinking!” Addressing Princess Changting, he added, “Changting, this man with a pretty boy face is a hypocrite, not good. We have plenty of grandsons in our family. Zhanwei isn’t good, and there are others too. The good water should stay in our own field.”
These words left Lu Man and Song Ming red-faced. Lu Man was angry, Song Ming was embarrassed, and Jiang Jiu was a mix of anger and fear, tears welling up in her eyes.
Princess Changting was both amused and exasperated, deliberately adopting a stern expression as she said, “If you continue speaking nonsense, we’ll leave now.”
Old Marquis Jiang shook his head and replied, “No, we’ve brought quite a few gifts for them. We should at least have lunch before returning.”
Old Marquis Jiang’s statement left everyone at the Princess Changting’s residence blushing with embarrassment.
Song Ming assisted Princess Chanting inside and signaled the servants to prepare the dining table.
Once inside, Song Ming accompanied Princess Changting, eldest Young Madam Jiang, and Jiang Jiu to Princess He’s chambers. Jiang Jiu wanted to follow Lu Man, but upon seeing her subtle shake of the head, she obediently followed Princess Changting.
Old Marquis Jiang also tried to follow but was intercepted by Lu Man, who guided him to the West Wing. Unhappy, he remarked, “We brought so many gifts, I should at least go see the patient.”
Lu Man explained, “Since the patient is a woman, it’s inappropriate for a grown man like you to go see her.”
Sitting him down in a chair, Lu Man gently replied, “As the patient is a woman, how can a grown man like you go in to see her?”
Marquis Jiang tugged at Lu Man’s sleeve, saying, “Grandaughter-in-law, I haven’t seen you in a while. I miss you.”
Touched by his words, Lu Man softened her stance and replied, “It hasn’t been that long, just yesterday. I’ll be able to go back home tomorrow afternoon.”
Relieved, old Marquis Jiang lifted his foot, admiring his new shoes, and remarked, “New shoes, stylish and warm. Changting’s shoes are even nicer, she likes them too.”
These were the shoes that Lu Man had crafted for him.
She smiled and said, “Yes, Grandfather, these shoes make you look even more handsome.”
After showing off his new shoes, old Marquis Jiang looked around and asked, “Where is Pea?”
Lu Man responded, “Sweet Pea is playing with Mo.” She explained further, “Mo is the son of Prince Song Ming, your great-grandson.”
Earlier that morning, after Song Mo had visited to check on the Princess, he had taken Sweet Pea to his courtyard to play. Lu Man had agreed to let Sweet Pea stay with him, as Qingqing went along to gain a better understanding of the child’s living situation.
After comforting Princess He for a while, Princess Changting, realizing her fatigue, bid her farewell. Song Ming insisted on hosting Princess Changting and her entourage for a meal, but Princess Changting, feeling embarrassed, tried to postpone it as much as possible.
Lu Man went to call old Marquis Jiang in the West Wing, but he remained seated, his eyes wide with surprise. Despite Song Ming’s sincere insistence, they all ended up staying for lunch.
Just before the meal, Song Mo arrived with Sweet Pea in his arms.
Upon seeing old Marquis Jiang, Sweet Pea wriggled free from Song Mo’s grasp and leaped into old Marquis Jiang’s arms, showering him with affectionate nuzzles and licks.
Envious of the display, Song Mo proposed to old Marquis Jiang, “Grandfather, could you give… or rather, sell Sweet Pea to me? I’ll pay you a lot of silver.”
Unhappily, old Marquis Jiang replied, “Pea belongs to our family. Granddaughter-in-law also belongs to our family. I won’t sell them, no matter the price.”
Lu Man furrowed her brow, finding his words discomforting despite being kind.
Song Mo had to compromise, saying, “Alright, it’s yours. I won’t buy him. Can I at least come to your home to play with Sweet Pea?”
This request was reasonable. Old Marquis Jiang nodded, stroking his beard, and cheerfully quipped, “A friend from afar brings happiness.”
Surprisingly, he quoted a famous saying.
The group proceeded to the dining hall for the meal. Seating arrangements became an issue, as initially Song Ming and Song Mo were to sit with old Marquis Jiang, while the women sat at another table. Old Marquis Jiang, however, wanted to sit with Princess Changting and Lu Man. With no other solution, the hosts occupied one table, the guests another, and Sweet Pea had a table to itself.
After the meal, old Marquis Jiang finally agreed to accompany Princess Changting. As they reached the courtyard, he repeatedly instructed Lu Man, “Granddaughter-in-law, you must keep your word and come back tomorrow with Sweet Pea. If you don’t return, I won’t eat lunch.”
Seeing Lu Man nod in agreement, he finally left.
With the departure of the amusing yet cunning “duo of fools”, Lu Man breathed a sigh of relief.
Later that night, after administering acupuncture to the Princess and ensuring she was asleep, Lu Man quietly left the chamber. One more round of acupuncture would be done in the morning, after which she could return home. The Princess had a slight allergy to digitalis, so frequent use was not advised. After the morning session, the medication would be stopped, eliminating the need for further acupuncture detoxification.
Accompanied by Song Ming, Lu Man was seated in the hall, where several small boxes had been placed on the floor and the table.
With a courteous gesture, Song Ming said, “Thank you, Third Young Lady, for looking after my mother these past few days. Please accept these tokens of gratitude.”
Lu Man replied, “You are too polite, Prince. The Princess is kind, and she has a great relationship with my grandmother. Helping out was a small favor, I cannot accept these gifts. However…” She blushed slightly, paused, and continued, “I would like to ask the Prince for something, please don’t laugh.”