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After some thought, the old Marquis said, “You are… the wife of (snort sound), the sister-in-law of Zhanyu, little Jiu, and Sweetheart.”
The more astute the old Marquis, the more he disliked Jiang Zhanwei and Jiang Zhankui. Especially upon learning about Jiang Zhanwei’s enlistment in the military, he grew even more disapproving of these two illegitimate grandsons.
Jiang Zhanyu smiled and said, “Grandfather might not know, but grandson does. Third sister-in-law is the wife of third brother Jiang Zhanwei, and me, Zhankui and little Jiu is the brothers-in-law and sister-in-law of third sister-in-law.”
Lu Man remarked, “Yes, brother-in-law Zhanyu is correct, also respecting my husband and younger brother-in-law. Respecting them is respecting me.” She looked at the old Marquis and continued, “Grandfather, I am the wife of Jiang Zhanwei and the sister-in-law of Jiang Zhankui. By disrespecting them, you disrespect me and our family. In the future, I dare not invite you to dine at our home.”
Rubbing his beard, the old Marquis hesitantly said, “I respect my granddaughter-in-law and like little Jiu. But (snort sound), (hmmm sound), oh, Zhanwei and Zhankui, for some reason, I just don’t like them. Whenever I see them, I feel uncomfortable.”
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu pouted. Jiang Zhanyu chuckled and patted them, signaling them not to engage with the old Marquis in the same manner.
Lu Man added, “Jiang Zhanwei and Jiang Zhankui are family to us. In our eyes, they are the best of people, just as beloved as Grandfather and Grandmother. They are filial, polite, studious, and possess many good virtues. Grandfather, you cannot treat them this way. Your constant attitude makes us very upset.”
Seeing the old Marquis fall silent, Lu Man continued, “Look at how filial they are. Zhanwei married me to show respect to Grandfather, and Zhankui didn’t even eat a single piece of the crispy pork to ensure Grandfather could have more.”
At that moment, a maid brought a small plate of crispy pork. Jiang Zhanyu and Jiang Jiu each took a piece boldly for themselves, leaving the old Marquis unable to compete with their speed. Seeing the old Marquis frustrated, Jiang Zhankui then picked up a piece and placed it in the old Marquis’s bowl, finally stirring some emotion in him.
Jiang Zhanyu interjected, “Look, Zhankui is so filial. He would rather not eat to show respect to Grandfather. And Third Brother, he married such a good sister-in-law to show respect to you. If it weren’t for Third Brother, Third Sister-in-law would not have entered our family…”
The old Marquis gnawed on the bone, glancing between Jiang Zhanyu and Jiang Zhankui.
Lu Man added, “If you treat them better, your granddaughter-in-law will be happy, Grandmother will be happy, they will be happy, and everyone will be pleased. We welcome you to visit our house in the future. Whatever you wish to eat, your granddaughter-in-law will prepare for you.”
The old Marquis nodded, pondered, and then asked Lu Man, “You just praised Zhanwei and Zhankui, what for?”
Lu Man responded, “They are filial, polite, and studious…”
Turning to Jiang Zhankui, the old Marquis said, “I like your filial piety and manners, but there’s no need to be too studious, learning so many things.”
Ultimately, he was reluctant to see his illegitimate children succeed.
This old fool was sharp when it came to issues regarding his illegitimate children. Lu Man and Jiang Zhanyu found it both frustrating and amusing.
Lu Man remarked, “If you don’t let Zhankui study, how will he make a living in the future and support himself and his wife?”
The old Marquis chuckled, saying, “My granddaughter-in-law is silly. Grandfather has plenty of money to support him and his wife for a lifetime. He cleverly added, “This estate is to be shared by you and (snort)… Oh, no, it’s you and Zhanwei’s.”
Having decided he couldn’t control whether Jiang Zhankui pursued education, they maintained a facade of harmony while operating with hidden intentions.
Lu Man agreed, “Fine, Zhankui will listen to Grandfather.”
Reluctantly, Jiang Zhankui nodded and quietly said, “Alright, I’ll listen to Grandfather.”
Next, they gently persuaded the old Marquis by catering to his preferences, appealing to his emotions and reasoning, gradually changing his attitude towards Jiang Zhankui over the course of the meal.
After the meal, the old Marquis was urged to rest at the Crane Hall but insisted on staying at the current location due to Princess Changting’s absence. Unable to persuade him otherwise, he and Jiang Zhanyu were settled in the guest rooms in the front courtyard for a nap.
Upon waking from the nap, they enjoyed some indoor recreation, mainly to emphasize Jiang Zhankui’s presence before finally agreeing not to refer to the two brothers as (snort sound) and (hmm sound). After dinner and learning that Princess Changting and the others had returned, the old Marquis was escorted back to the Crane Hall, and Jiang Zhanyu returned to the front courtyard.
Early on the second day of the lunar new year, Lu Xin and Lu Chang unexpectedly arrived to take Lu Man back to the Lu family reunion. Additionally, they invited her to attend a wedding feast on the sixth day of the lunar new year, where Lu Yu would be getting married.
Without even meeting them, Lu Man had her attendants convey that she was unwell with a cold and couldn’t be exposed to drafts for the next few days. This implied that she wouldn’t return not only on that day but also on the sixth. However, considering Lu Yu’s goodwill towards the original Lu Man, they were sent back with two pieces of brocade to enhance her attire.
Shortly after Lu Xin and Lu Chang left, Wang Dawang brought Manager Li, along with Mama Wang’s family. These individuals had shown kindness to the original Lu Man, so Lu Man decided to entertain them at home for a day.
Upon hearing that Lady He was alive and had given birth to a son, Manager Li was ecstatic and emotional, expressing gratitude for the fortunate turn of events. He wore the elegant blue silk robe given by Lu Man, exuding a youthful and refined aura.
Observing his demeanor, Lu Man began to speculate. Initially, Lady He was to choose a husband from He Huang’s disciples. Since Manager Li was only two years younger than Lady He, he likely harbored similar intentions. Remaining unmarried all this time, he had stayed loyal to Renhe Hall…
If Lady He had followed her father’s advice and chosen one of He Huang’s disciples as her husband, would her life have been happier? However, considering the fate of He Huang, who was executed and his household destroyed, perhaps it was fate that she married Lu Fangrong. Despite not a good marriage, it had spared her from calamity.
Regardless of Lady He’s decision to remarry, Lu Man vowed to respect her wishes and prioritize her happiness.
Later in the afternoon, the old Marquis playfully returned to the Donghui Courtyard. With the Second and Third Household visiting their respective maternal homes, the atmosphere at the Crane Hall was dull. Despite being somewhat confined by Princess Changting, the old Marquis persistently insisted on going to the Donghui Courtyard to “play with his granddaughter-in-law and little Jiu.”