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Faced with Jiang Zhanxun’s rudeness, Lu Man flushed with anger and shot him a fierce glare.
Jiang Zhanxun was young, only twelve years old this year, but he was idle, enjoyed fawning over actors, and was flirtatious with both men and women. Despite being scolded by the patriarch several times, he remained unruly.
Seeing his son’s behavior, Marquis Jiang coughed heavily in frustration, causing Jiang Zhanxun to reluctantly lower his head.
Young Madam Han chuckled, “Oh my, look at that. Grandma holds onto others’ children like they’re a rare treasure and won’t let go.”
This elicited laughter from everyone present.
The Princess liked He Cheng very much and, to give face to Lu Man, she pulled He Cheng to sit beside her.
Initially hesitant, He Cheng was urged to sit by Lu Man who jokingly said, “Just take a seat. Everyone in the capital knows my grandmother adores well-behaved children.”
This remark sparked another round of laughter.
The Princess then mentioned that the two orphans, He Mingzhu and He Cheng, with no family support, would stay at Donghui Courtyard for ease of care.
Thankful for the family’s decision, Lu Man relayed He Cheng’s thoughts.
Despite the Princess’s intention to keep them, Third Master Jiang smiled, “This child has ideas, self-reliance is better than reliance on others. A child with such ambition and ideas will surely succeed in whatever he does.”
The Princess, astute as she was, had already noticed the disrespect of her sixth grandson, this mother-son duo possessed exceptional talent. If left to live alone outside, they could encounter trouble. She favored Lu Man and didn’t want her pregnant granddaughter-in-law to worry about her younger brother, especially since she liked He Cheng as well.
Turning to Young Madam Han, she asked, “I recall there’s a small courtyard in the northeast corner of our estate specifically used for training servants?”
Young Madam Han nodded, “Yes, that’s Yuling Courtyard. Whenever there are new servants in the estate or if any misbehave, they undergo training there.”
Princess Changting suggested, “Find another space for training servants, renovate Yuling Courtyard. Seal off the small gate leading to the estate and open a side door on the east wall. Let our in-laws stay there. They will be close to Zhan Wei’s wife for mutual care, putting her at ease.” Taking He Cheng’s hand, she added, “Don’t refuse my goodwill. Living there will save you rent money, and you’ll cover your other expenses.”
Lu Man and He Cheng were both delighted with this arrangement, which was ideal.
He Cheng and He Mingzhu expressed their gratitude to the Princess, while Lu Man also graciously thanked her.
Young Madam Han agreed, adding with a smile, “The courtyard is a bit small, just one entrance, I hope Lady He and young Master He won’t mind.”
He Cheng respectfully bowed to Young Madam Han, saying, “It’s already very good, thank you.”
The gentlemen inquired about He Cheng’s studies and future plans, to which he responded earnestly. They understood that if He Cheng were to become a member of the He family, pursuing official positions would not be feasible. Despite his talents and good character, they felt regretful for him. They admired his integrity, filial piety, and his lack of consideration for joining the Lu family solely due to his prospects.
That evening at Donghui Courtyard, Lu Man quietly explained to He Cheng that the people in the mansion over there were all good, except for the eldest Madam and Jiang Zhanxun, she especially advised He Cheng to be cautious to the both of them. She emphasized that he should avoid any contact with Jiang Zhanxun, as the child was inappropriate…
He Cheng nodded in agreement.
The following morning, He Mingzhu, He Cheng, and Mrs. Fu were eager to visit Tongren Hall. Lu Man rode in a sedan, others in a carriage, accompanied by numerous servants, as they set out.
He Mingzhu and Mama Wang rode in a horse carriage, with Mama Wang not allowing anyone else to join, even giving a stern look to her daughter, Wang Xiaojuan, who wanted to ride with them.
Now having a chance to speak privately with He Mingzhu, Mama Wang whispered, “Madam, Li from the store still hasn’t married.”
He Mingzhu was surprised, “Li is still unmarried? He must be around thirty now. Has no one arranged anything for him? We should help.”
Mama Wang sighed, “I’ve tried to help him. I suggested several girls, but he refused them all.” She added, “Li is handsome and a manager, many girls admire him. Ah, he’s still unmarried, maybe he’s holding onto someone in his heart.”
Unspoken was the fact that among the girls admiring Manager Li, her daughter Wang Xiaojuan was one of them. She genuinely liked Li and thought it would be fortunate if her daughter could marry him. However, during the New Year celebrations, when Li came to Donghui Courtyard at the invitation of the Lu Man, she realized Li might have feelings for Madam, which hindered his marriage.
Recalling how He Huang, had been considering a suitable match for his disciples, perhaps Li had already entertained the idea back then. Despite Madam’s higher status, having children of her own, and Li being unmarried, if both were interested, it might be a suitable match.
After realizing Li’s thoughts, Mama Wang warned Wang Xiaojuan not to harbor any thoughts about Li…
He Mingzhu added, “If Mama Wang tries to find out more in the future, and if he has someone in his heart, help facilitate the connection.”
Seeing how obvious she had made it, Mama Wang decided not to continue as He Mingzhu had not caught on. Throughout the years, He Mingzhu had aged gracefully, not showing many signs of aging or much worldly wisdom. Thankfully, Third Young Madam and Young Master Cheng weren’t difficult, otherwise, life would have been challenging.
Mama Wang could only respond, “Alright, I’ll ask him another day.”
Upon arriving at Tongren Hall, Manager Li, Master Qin, Physician Chen, and Physician He greeted her at the back entrance. They were all long-time associates of the Renhe Hall and were very familiar with He Mingzhu from her childhood.
He Mingzhu alighted from the carriage, with He Cheng assisting her into the courtyard. Seeing familiar sights and faces, He Mingzhu broke down in tears. Master Qin, Physician Chen, and Physician He also teared up, with Manager Li joining in the emotional moment.
After some comforting words, He Mingzhu and He Cheng toured Tongren Hall before resting in Lu Man’s “office”. Manager Li and the others joined them, reminiscing about old times.
During lunch, Manager Li ordered food from a nearby restaurant, and they continued their conversation over two tables. Although He Mingzhu didn’t speak much, she listened attentively to Manager Li and his companions, thanking them multiple times for their unwavering support for Lu Man and Renhe Hall.
When the topic of Bao Qin stealing the property deed and switch it with fake one to become Lu Fangrong’s concubine was brought up, it infuriated Manager Li, and the way Bao Qin leads discord between Lu Fangrong and Lu Man, causing He Mingzhu to break down in tears once again.
Bao Qin and Fu Qin were both former maids of He Mingzhu, but Bao Qin was favored for her looks, good nature, and eloquence. He Mingzhu preferred her, believing she was clever and could better protect her daughter, which is why she left her.
Fu Qin, now married to Mr. Wu, with a fiery temperament from years of farm work in the countryside, was still seething from the previous day’s events. Upon hearing these remarks, she rolled up her sleeves and cursed, “That despicable woman, utterly shameless and indecent! I swear, I will confront her one day. If I don’t give her a good beating, I’m not a human!”