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Originally, Princess Changting had not paid much attention to Jiang Zhanwei, this illegitimate grandson. However, once this illegitimate grandson appeared in public, he shone brilliantly. Now she realized that among all her sons and grandsons, the most outstanding were Zhanwei and Zhanyu, while the second son, who was the least intelligent, had fathered two very clever grandsons. One in martial arts and the other in academics, their future was limitless. It was a pity that Zhanyu’s health was delicate, hindering any significant accomplishments.
Therefore, among her descendants, the one who could bring honor to the family name was this illegitimate grandson, Zhanwei.
The old marquis had always suppressed and distrusted his illegitimate grandson due to the chaos caused by his elder brother. Little did he know that it would be this illegitimate son who would marry a bride of auspicious circumstances and cure his illness.
As for the legitimate line, especially the eldest son’s family, with average abilities and narrow-mindedness, they distanced themselves from Zhanwei.
If only this family had shown more care towards Zhanwei from the beginning, maintained a good relationship with him, utilized his talents, helped each other, and benefited together, how wonderful it would have been.
This most promising illegitimate grandson went to the battlefield in a fit of anger, not knowing if he would return alive…
Lu Man sensed the thoughts of Princess Changting and understood that the old lady favored capable individuals. Her most capable and “filial” grandson had gone to war, undoubtedly causing her distress. She should be upset with the various legitimate branches instead of herself.
She then said, “Please trouble the gatekeeper to inform us. If Princess Changting still does not wish to see us, we will leave.”
Shortly after, the gatekeeper returned, smiling, “Princess Changting invites Third Young Madam and Second Miss to enter.”
Princess Changting remained listless, paying little attention to the old Marquis who tried to converse with her.
The old Marquis now wiser, understood Princess Changting was angry and stayed by her side, constantly trying to appease her.
Seeing Lu Man, Little Jiu, and Sweetheart arriving, the old Marquis was overjoyed. He knew that as soon as his granddaughter-in-law arrived, she had the ability to soothe Princess Changting’s anger.
Grabbing his beard, he said, “Granddaughter-in-law, Changting is upset, not eating or sleeping well. Please comfort her a bit.”
Then, he got up and took Jiang Jiu, Sweetheart, and went to the courtyard to play.
Lu Man went over to massage Princess Changting’s head, speaking to her about some family matters. She also shared the situation of Duke Anguo’s Lu Family’s sixth Lady Liu and the attitude of the Second Madam Lu.
Princess Changting had a good relationship with old Madam Lu. She said, “Lu Family’s second son is an illegitimate child, and the bride he married is quite a troublemaker. Among Old Lady Lu’s daughters-in-law, Second Lady Lu is the least favored. You have said what needs to be said, showing your concern. If she does not believe it or has other intentions, wanting her daughter-in-law to suffer is her own business.”
Lu Man smiled in agreement, sharing the same sentiments.
Princess Changting’s eyes darkened with regret as she said, “Pregnancy should be a joyous occasion for women. But if the child in the womb has various conditions, it can be incredibly distressing. Like your mother-in-law, such a smart and determined woman, yet her children are not healthy. Despite Zhanyu’s poor health, with our wealth, we searched for renowned physicians, spent a fortune, finally sought help from Physician Gu, and with your assistance, he managed to survive through grave illnesses time and time again to reach this point. The first child your mother-in-law born, oh dear, came into the world with a cleft lip and palate, unable to even drink milk, and passed away within a day…”
It turned out to be a cleft lip and palate!
Lu Man had previously suspected that the Second Madam might have some hereditary disease, explaining why her children were not healthy. Now, knowing that the first child had this condition and the second child had a heart condition, which are unrelated hereditary diseases, it was likely not a genetic issue.
Considering the Second Madam’s alcoholism, extreme dislike for the Second Master, and the rumor that Princess Changting had forced her to marry the Second Master, Lu Man wondered if the stress of an unwanted marriage led to excessive drinking and subsequently unhealthy children.
This possibility seemed significant. However, she dared not voice it out loud. Princess Changting would surely reprimand the Second Madam harshly if she knew.
Thinking about that young man as precious as jade, Lu Man couldn’t help but feel compassion. Everything about him was excellent, except his poor health. If the Second Madam understood the importance of good breeding practices, quit drinking, and had healthy children, she wouldn’t lead such a miserable life.
Of course, if the Second Madam’s two children were healthy, the second master wouldn’t seek other women to bear children, and there wouldn’t be Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings.
As Princess Changting vented her frustration about the two children, she began scolding the Second Master and Second Madam. She praised the Second Master’s appearance, noble background, and his fifth-rank official position. If he had married another woman, not only would she treat him with affection, but the children born would surely be healthy…
Although Lady Lin was talented, her arrogance made it seem like a burden to marry her son. On the second day of their marriage, she visited her in-laws, still smelling of alcohol. If it weren’t for the second son’s lack of backbone in choosing her, Princess Changting and the old Marquis would have surely driven her away…
The old lady, recalling how the second daughter-in-law looked down on her son and bore unhealthy children, grew angry and scolded her endlessly. She mentioned that after the second madam had such a child, she was heartbroken and explicitly stated she did not want to have more children, to which the second master surprisingly agreed.
Princess Changting and the old Marquis somehow learned of this and were furious, seeing it as a breach of filial piety for the sake of the daughter-in-law.
They berated the Second Master and Second Madam, even considering sending the Second Madam away. The Second Master cried and refused, even hitting his head until it bled.
The elderly couple, at a loss, gave them two options: either adopt a brother’s son to raise or find another woman for the Second Master to have children with.
Since the Second Madam refused to raise another person’s child, they had no choice but to find another woman for the Second Master.
Knowing that although the Second Master lacked scholarly pursuits, he had a preference for beautiful and talented women, they began searching.
Most talented and well-bred young women were unwilling to become concubines. After much searching, they finally found a girl from the Zhou family.
This Miss Zhou was not only talented and beautiful but also had a father who was a scholar. Although her father had failed the imperial exams for twenty years, leaving the family in financial ruin, upon hearing she would receive two hundred taels of silver and he could become a county official, he was overjoyed and readily offered his daughter’s hand in marriage, regardless of her role as a wife or concubine.
Miss Zhou was brought to Princess Changting’s residence. The Second Master visited her twice, and she indeed became pregnant, giving birth to a son.
Initially, the Second Master thought her task was complete and planned to send her away to marry someone else, entrusting the child to the Second Madam. However, the Second Madam refused to raise another person’s child and insisted on keeping Miss Zhou in the household to raise the child herself.
Miss Zhou and Jiang Zhanwei lived quietly in the Qingfeng Courtyard until Zhanwei moved to the front courtyard at the age of seven.