Chapter 207: Returning to Square One

Lu Man’s pride and self-esteem prevented her from being belittled, especially in the presence of an unfamiliar man.

Quickly drying her tears with a handkerchief and sniffing, she gave Song Ming a standard yet elegant smile. She said, “Family matters might amuse the Prince, but while I cannot control others’ thoughts, I can live freely and contentedly, with a clear conscience.”

Afterward, she tenderly lifted Sweet Pea and placed it into Song Mo’s arms, then gave a courteous bow to Song Ming, saying, “Your Highness, I bid you farewell.”

With head held high, she walked away with Xing and Tao.

Song Ming watched her graceful figure disappear into the Plum Forest. As a breeze rustled through the golden hues, intensifying the fragrance, it seemed like a dream. Tears shed like pear blossoms in the rain, smiles radiant and composed, all fading away with the wind.

“Father, why is Sister-in-law crying? She looks so sad. Father, you should comfort her.” Song Mo’s mouth finally left his father’s hand, complaining.

Gathering his thoughts, Song Ming realized it wasn’t a dream. That smile was more heart-wrenching and moving than tears. Such a beautiful woman, married to a man unworthy of her. What a waste!

He sighed softly and told Song Mo, “Don’t mention today’s events to anyone, remember…”

Lu Man didn’t enter Lady Lu’s courtyard. Instead, she sent Xing in to inform the Princess that she felt unwell, had a headache, and needed to leave early to take medication.

Lu Man returned to Donghui Courtyard in a daze, the carriage stopping at the alley outside the side entrance. Without lingering to enjoy the scenery as she usually did, she hurried into the inner courtyard.

Inside, Mama Wang was in the side room sewing clothes for Lady He. Upon hearing that Lady He and Young Master He were coming to the capital, she had gathered some beautiful fabrics from the sewing room to make a few outfits for Lady He. Upon hearing Lu Man’s return, she quickly stepped out.

Following behind Lu Man, she smiled and said, “Third Young Master is discussing matters with several elders in the outer courtyard. They had lunch there too, and Second Miss hasn’t returned to the Crane Hall. Eighth Young Master was taken to the Wannian Pavilion by Fifth YoungMaster for lunch and is still there. He mentioned that tonight, he would like Third Young Master, Third Young Madam, and Second Miss to join them at the Wannian Pavilion for a reunion dinner. Also, the Second Master of the Lu Family sent someone to inform Third Young Master and Third Young Madam back to their maiden home, as he is heading to the border. He wanted to gather you all together, but Third Young Master refused directly.”

Lu Man responded with a sound of acknowledgment, washed her face and hands, then went straight to bed to lie down.

Mama Wang only then noticed Lu Man’s swollen eyes and extremely pale complexion. Alarmed, she set down her needlework and quietly asked Xing and Tao in the hall, “What’s wrong with Third Young Madam?”

Tao remained silent, but Xing, blunt as ever, exclaimed, “That shameless Miss Shu is still thinking about Third Young Master and said some unpleasant things. And as for Third Young Master…” She hesitated, biting her lip, unable to continue.

Mama Wang cursed in a flurry of words, then asked, “Tell me, what about Third Young Master? Did he go to the Duke Anguo’s residence to mistreat Third Young Madam?”

Xing stammered, “No, he didn’t.”

As long as the couple hadn’t argued, Mama Wang was relieved. Reminiscing about how harmonious they were the previous day, she hoped Jiang Zhanwei would leave behind a child for Lu Man before his departure. She fetched her sewing materials from the side room to work in the eastern chamber, dismissing the maidservant.

However, not long after, muffled sobs could be heard coming from the bedroom.

Mama Wang had to get up and enter the room, consoling Lu Man as she looked at the embroidered canopy. “Third Young Madam, don’t be angry. It’s not worth getting upset over those despicable people. Even if Miss Shu is upset, she can’t compare to Third Young Madam’s good fortune. After all, you’re the one married to Third Young Master Jiang. By next spring, when the Mistress and Master Cheng arrive in the capital, not only will Third Young Madam’s family be prosperous and capable, but you’ll also have your mother and brother by your side. Isn’t that wonderful?”

From behind the embroidered canopy, Lu Man’s voice sounded muffled as she replied, “Yes, I understand. I just want to rest for a while. You can go attend to your duties, Mama.”

After hearing Mama Wang leave, Lu Man wiped away her tears. Was she truly so weak for letting herself be deceived emotionally? For willingly sharing her bed with him? After enduring so many hardships, how could she not overcome this?

It all came full circle, another night spent together. They were merely contractual spouses, prepared for his return to divorce her. However, the pain of giving her heart away and trying to take it back was excruciating, feeling like a knife cutting through her.

Her tears continued to fall, despite her efforts to stop them. She forced herself to think of Jiang Zhanwei’s flaws, just as she had once admired his virtues. In reality, he had many shortcomings.

They had started in such a manner, with no emotional foundation, only mutual hatred and exploitation. The fragile bond of emotions was easily broken, yet she had believed his lies, eagerly giving her heart away.

As the sky darkened, she was invited to dinner at the Wannian Pavilion. They mentioned that Third Young Master would be leaving for the battleground the next day, and Second Master wanted a peaceful dinner for himself.

Mama Wang informed the visitor, “Third Young Madam is unwell. She laid down as soon as she returned from the Duke Anguo’s residence. I will inquire.”

Approaching Lu Man quietly, Mama Wang asked for her thoughts and suggested she attend if possible.

Lu Man softly responded, “Please apologize on my behalf. I am feeling unwell and unable to go.”

Reluctantly, Mama Wang sent Liu Ya to apologize and explain the situation to Second Master and Second Madam.

Lu Man sat on the bed, eating half a bowl of wontons before lying down again. She instructed Mama Wang, “If Third Young Master returns, tell him I have my monthly cycle and am unwell, and to stay in the front courtyard study.”

Surprised, Mama Wang said, “Third Young Madam, you can’t be stubborn. It’s not Third Young Master’s fault that Miss Shu is thinking of him…”

Lu Man, not in the mood for explanations, insisted, “Mama, please do as I say.”

Reluctantly, Mama Wang said, “Oh, Third Young Master had asked this old servant about Third Young Madam’s daily life, including her monthly cycle. He knows that your menstrual cycle has passed.”

With closed eyes, Lu Man gritted her teeth and said, “Then tell him I have caught a chill and am afraid of causing him to fall ill.”

Unable to argue, Mama Wang agreed.

As the sky darkened completely, flower petals began to drift down like snow.

Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings had an awkward meal without the understanding and tactful Lu Man. Afterward, concerned for Lu Man’s health, Jiang Zhanwei declined his sister’s company and hastily returned to Donghui Courtyard.

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu wanted to see their sister-in-law and entered the main courtyard. Seeing the dimly lit window of the bedroom, they hurried inside, worried about Lu Man’s well-being.

Mama Wang greeted them and explained, “Third Young Madam has caught a chill and is resting. She asked Third Young Master to rest in the front courtyard study.”