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Listening to Jiang Zhanwei’s words, Lu Man’s tears fell like pearls off a broken strand. She said, “Perhaps you did truly change your mind later, but it was because of the camouflage suit, the telescope. If someone else offers you something better in the future, to help you go higher and farther, like that smart and beautiful Miss Shu Mingwei, will you change your mind again? Your thoughts are too many, too complex. I can’t trust you. Please, stop talking. I don’t want to hear anymore. I truly don’t know which of your words to believe and which not to.”
Lu Man’s words left Jiang Zhanwei feeling ashamed and embarrassed.
Was he merely seen as someone who was only after material gain in her eyes? Yes, he admired her unmatched intelligence, including the camouflage suit and the telescope. But that was just a small part. He cherished her beauty, kindness, resilience, understanding, and the ease of being with her, without needing to be on guard… Even her occasional confusion, silliness, and stubbornness, sometimes leaving him speechless, he liked and was willing to accept. How could he possibly change his mind just because someone offered him something better? Bringing up Shu Mingwei was uncalled for.
How could she think of him like this?
His hand knocking on the door became heavier, and he yelled, “Manman, open the door. I need to explain. I may not be a gentleman, but I’m not a villain.”
Expressing her grievances and unwillingness, Lu Man seemed to feel a bit better. She wiped her tears, softly saying, “Third Young Master, go rest. You have a journey tomorrow. Even if you come back to divorce me, I still hope you return alive. I genuinely like Zhankui and Little Jiu, I will treat them well without your scheming. Our contract remains in place, and I will do my best to plan for you and your family, waiting for your success. Due to my poor health, I won’t see you off tomorrow. Take care, as the world is unpredictable!”
No sound came from the other side of the door.
Jiang Zhanwei stood there dumbfounded.
Feeling a mix of anger and guilt, he wanted to burst in, shake her awake, make her see clearly. He truly loved her, even more than himself, more than anything in this world…
But this small door separated him from her, leaving him helpless and powerless.
In truth, this small door couldn’t withstand his force, but he feared startling her and didn’t dare to be abrupt with her anymore.
He stood straight in front of the door, staring blankly at the now closed entrance. The candles on the candelabra slowly burned down, tears of wax accumulating.
As the distant bell tolling echoed, Liu Ya entered and softly advised, “Third Young Master, go rest in the study. It’s already late, and you have an early journey tomorrow.”
Jiang Zhanwei remained standing there, not even turning his head, so Liu Ya had to retreat.
When the distant bell tolling sounded again, Mama Wang entered.
His words were heard by everyone in the hall. She felt that even if Third Young Master had made mistakes, he should genuinely care for Lu Man now. She hoped Lu Man could forgive him and live well with him. In her many years of life, she hadn’t seen many men in positions of power who were wholeheartedly devoted to their wives without hidden intentions! There were plenty of men like Lu Fangrong. In every aspect, Jiang Zhanwei outshone Lu Fangrong by miles…
She approached Jiang Zhanwei and whispered, “Third Young Master, go rest. There’s still plenty of time, Third Young Madam will come around.”
Jiang Zhanwei remained motionless, like a statue, standing there.
Even Mama Wang dared not persuade him further and withdrew.
As the rooster in the backyard began to crow, dim light seeped through the window paper. Jiang Zhanwei knew he had no more time to wait. Before departing for battle, he couldn’t see her one last time, couldn’t embrace her once more, leaving her in such distress… A tremendous regret. If he couldn’t return, he wouldn’t be able to close his eyes in death.
Who could he blame but himself? Wasn’t it his initial blindness and foolishness that led to such harmful thoughts, hurting her heart? Now, no matter how many kind words he spoke, how many promises he made, she no longer believed him.
In a soft voice, he said, “Manman, I’m leaving. If I come back alive, I will make things right with you, time will prove everything. If I don’t return, please don’t be too sad. You are a resilient and intelligent woman, you must continue to live well and happily.” With that, he turned and exited the eastern chamber.
Lu Man lay on the bed, nearly sleepless all night. Initially, she thought he had left, but upon hearing the voices of Liu Ya and Mama Wang trying to persuade him, she realized he was still there.
She steeled herself and didn’t go to open the door. Having been hurt by him severely twice before, she couldn’t trust him again without seeming foolish. However, his final words touched her deeply, leaving her heartbroken once more.
Mama Wang and Liu Ya were sitting on the embroidered stool in the hall, dozing against their chairs. Upon hearing the commotion, they both stood up.
While Mama Wang remained still, Liu Ya followed Jiang Zhanwei to the front courtyard.
After a sleepless night, Jiang Zhanwei felt a bit dizzy. After splashing cold water on his face, he regained his composure. Just as he finished getting ready, Jiang Zhankui came over, and they walked hand in hand to the Crane Hall. Breakfast would be served there today, and the family would bid him farewell.
At this early hour, the faint dawn enveloped Donghui Courtyard, serene, beautiful, and peaceful. This was the home he left for her!
He cast one more glance at the lace-carved window paper, knowing she was inside, grieving.
Jiang Zhanwei hardened his heart and walked westward along the corridor.
Steward Ming, Deputy Steward Wang, Liu Xin, Liu Ya, and others escorted the brothers to the eastern gate.
Jiang Zhanwei instructed them, “I’m leaving. Take good care of your Third Young Madam, you must obey her every command.”
They all nodded in agreement.
As they walked, Jiang Zhanwei advised Jiang Zhankui, “In the future, you will be the only man left in this household. Respect your sister-in-law, cherish your sisters. If I don’t return, and she wishes to remarry, don’t stand in her way. I trust she will take care of you all before moving on. If she chooses to stay, you must obey her like you would your mother, and your wife must respect her.”
Jiang Zhankui broke down in tears, halting in his steps, looking at him, “Brother, don’t die. We can’t live without you, me, sister, and sister-in-law.”
Jiang Zhanwei wiped his tears, smiling, “I won’t die easily, just speaking hypothetically. In case I do, you must take care of this family, protect those two women. You’re smart, remember my words.”
Tears welled up in Jiang Zhankui’s eyes uncontrollably. He wiped them with his sleeve, crying, “I will remember your words, protect them, and ensure my wife doesn’t mistreat my sister-in-law. I’ll support my sister… sniff…”