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The old Marquis’s attitude greatly upset Jiang Ling. She whispered to Marquis Jiang, “Father, is our family reverting to the way it was during the time of my great-grandfather? My mother is the head of the household, the Lady of the Marquis, yet she was sent back to her maternal home because of a concubine’s daughter-in-law. I am the eldest legitimate daughter in this family, rarely coming home, yet Grandfather only cares about that concubine’s daughter-in-law and concubine’s daughter…”
Marquis Jiang rebuked her, “Don’t let your grandmother hear such words, or she will be even more displeased with you. Your mother’s departure was her own doing, unrelated to legitimacy, and your grandmother’s punishment was justified. Otherwise, it would have caused great trouble for the family. As for your grandfather, he has always looked down on illegitimate children. His current illness is a childish mentality…” He reminded her, “Your mother has already incurred your grandmother’s displeasure. In the future, visit your maternal home more often to get closer to your grandmother. It’s good for you, and for our family. Grandmother is getting older and enjoys the attentiveness of her younger relatives…”
Jiang Ling had always been critical of her elder sister-in-law Han’s fawning and coquettish behavior towards Princess Changting even before her marriage, feeling it lacked the grace expected of a noblewoman. Unable to hold back, she retorted, “So, Father’s point is for me to act like my elder sister-in-law? I can’t do that. I am the only legitimate granddaughter of Princess Changting, the Emperor’s legitimate niece, and the eldest legitimate daughter of Father…”
Cutting her off, Marquis Jiang said, “All your titles were granted by your grandmother. She has given you everything. If she hadn’t, look at your mother…”
In the afternoon, Jiang Ling finally returned home with her husband and daughter.
On the third day, Lady Yang invited Lu Man, the young siblings, and the pets to spend a day at the Xie household.
On the fourth day, Lu Man took the young siblings and the pets to the streets for a day of fun, shopping for various items, dining at a restaurant, and enjoying themselves until dusk before returning home.
Upon entering the main house, Lu Ying quietly informed Lu Man, “Third Young Madam, this afternoon, I saw Marquis Jiang at the entrance of the Foji Silver House.”
Lu Man replied, “Really? Why didn’t you remind me? I would have greeted him too.” She thought to herself that Marquis Jiang was quite considerate, even going to the silver house to buy jewelry to please the old mistress.
Mysteriously, Lu Ying added, “Oh, I pretended not to see him. I didn’t dare to tell you, Third Young Madam.”
Lu Man was taken aback and asked, “How can this be?”
With an air of mystery, Lu Ying continued, “While I was at the silver house, I wanted to buy silver needles from Qiouli Pavilion across the street. As I was leaving, I saw a very beautiful young lady. Oh my, she was truly stunning, just a tad less than you, Third Young Madam, even more beautiful than many noble ladies. As she walked out of the silver house, she headed towards a large carriage. When the maid opened the carriage curtain, I saw that the person inside was indeed Marquis Jiang. The young lady got into the carriage, didn’t sit on the seat, but directly on Marquis Jiang’s lap.”
Lu Man found it unbelievable and said, “Are you sure you didn’t mistake someone else for him?”
Lu Ying stated, “I guarantee I saw correctly, it was indeed Marquis Jiang. Oh, he looked so happy, I’ve never seen him smile like that since I entered the estate.”
Mama Wang shook her head, clicked her tongue, and commented, “Men are all the same. Look at Marquis Jiang, despite not allowing concubines at home, he still maintains a mistress outside.”
Lu Man was thunderstruck. Marquis Jiang was usually very serious and upright, she couldn’t imagine him smiling so happily and allowing a young woman to sit on his lap.
Concerned, she asked, “Did he see you? Often, those who witness wrongdoing are more dangerous than those doing wrong.”
Lu Ying reassured her, “No, I didn’t leave the silver house’s entrance. It was darker inside than out, and Marquis Jiang’s attention was entirely on that beautiful lady. He wouldn’t have noticed anyone else.”
That was a relief.
Lu Man couldn’t help but chuckle mischievously. Since Madam Hong was so unpleasant, it was nice to see someone upsetting her.
After a rest, Lu Man took a forehead ornament set with pine blossom stones to the Crane Hall to pacify the old lady. She also invited the main members of the Princess Changting’s household and respected servants to dine at the Donghui Courtyard the next day. Since Jiang Jiu was tired, she went alone.
After the “training” with the old Marquis, when Princess Changting went back from the palace, old Marquis let slip something to Princess Changting upon his return. Since then, Princess Changting had been cold towards Lu Man, making sarcastic remarks and showing animosity.
Princess Changting was dominant, and even if her man was in the wrong, no one could say a word against him, let alone treat him like a fool during reprimands.
In the Crane Hall, all the main members were present except for Marquis Jiang, who was absent.
As expected, when Lu Man presented the forehead ornament to Princess Changting, she turned her head slightly aside, giving a noncommittal response. Lu Man casually mentioned buying the forehead ornament for Princess Changting at Foji Silver House in the morning. Concerned about Marquis Jiang hearing about her visit, she adjusted the timing to the morning.
Princess Changting responded with just a “Hmm”, and none of the servants dared to approach.
With her thick skin, Lu Man smiled as she placed the brocade box on the kang table, then went to massage Princess Changting’s shoulders. She sweetly coaxed and pleased the old lady while inviting them to dinner the next day.
The old Marquis said, “Zhanwei’s wife, I love the crispy pork from your home, please make more.”
Jiang Zhanyan asked, “Does the golden crispy pork make your teeth ache?”
Everyone burst into laughter.
Princess Changting also joined in the amusement, teasing, “Little monkey, can you chew the golden crispy bird nest?”
The playful banter continued, with no real anger from the old man.
The Donghui Courtyard once again hosted all the main members from Princess Changting’s household and Lady Yang and her son from Xie Residence.
Amidst the lively atmosphere, before they knew it, it was the ninth day of the lunar new year, with news of Song Ming’s return.
In the evening, Princess Changting informed her three sons about Song Mo’s poisoning. While scolding them, she also told them they didn’t need to pay respects the next morning.
On the tenth day, only Lu Man arrived at the Crane Hall with Jiang Jiu, the dog, and the cat. Princess Changting then sent the old Marquis, Jiang Jiu, the dog, and the cat to the Mingfu Courtyard in the Third Household to play with Jiang Zhanyan.
Lu Man stayed with Princess Changting, waiting for the others.
Thoughts of Song Ming led Lu Man to remember the embarrassing incident at the Lu residence. The rejection and humiliation she faced there, along with the gossip and Song Ming’s reaction, still stung.
This memory filled her with a mix of shame and anger. She dreaded seeing two individuals the most: Jiang Zhanwei and Song Ming. Yet, for the sake of the adorable young boy, she had to meet him.
After a wait of over half an hour, Song Ming arrived.
Perhaps due to the festive season, Song Ming was dressed immaculately in a red and gold embroidered robe, adorned with jade belts and a golden crown. He looked tall, elegant, and distinguished.
Princess Changting, mockingly remarked, “With such a grand appearance, you must have thought I summoned you here to arrange a big marriage, right?”