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While others reminisced, Lu Man stood before the large cabinet, pretending to search through it while discreetly inspecting for any anomalies. After a fruitless search, she thought, “If necessary, I’ll just dismantle the cabinet!”
Lu Man mused to herself. Perhaps it would be best to address this matter after giving birth. If there were any issues, it would be easier to handle at that time.
As dusk approached, they all rose to head back home.
That evening, He Mingzhu went to the sewing room and gathered some fabric to make shoes for Song Mo and Manager Li. She remarked, “Li is getting on in years without a wife. I wonder how he has managed all these years without a woman to look after him. It’s all my fault for not seeing clearly. If I hadn’t kept Bao Qin, Renhe Hall wouldn’t have fallen into Xiao Chen’s hands, Li wouldn’t be so enraged, and he wouldn’t have suffered all these years.”
This mother truly seemed oblivious.
Lu Man had noticed that although Manager Li purposely avoided looking at He Mingzhu too much, every glance he stole at her was filled with unmistakable affection. His intentions were not lost on Lu Man and Mama Wang, and perhaps even others present, except for He Mingzhu, who remained clueless.
Lu Man believed that Manager Li had been faithfully guarding Renhe Hall for over a decade, not just the shop itself but also the woman he loved and her young daughter. He must have never imagined He Mingzhu’s return to the capital and had likely resolved to remain unmarried for life.
He Mingzhu, having been hurt before and being naive, marrying Li, who loved her deeply, was undoubtedly the most suitable choice.
Lu Man asked, “Mother, what do you think of Uncle Li?”
He Mingzhu replied while working, “Of course, he’s good – kind-hearted, attentive, compassionate, and intelligent. I’ve known him since childhood, and your maternal grandfather also likes him…”
Upon noticing the amusement and curiosity in her daughter’s eyes, He Mingzhu finally grasped her daughter’s intent and blushed. She chided, “What are you thinking?”
Lu Man hugged her mother’s arm and said, “Mother, my brother and I are grown now, but you are still young. You should have your own life.”
He Mingzhu shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes, and said, “Men, sigh… Back then, your father made such promises, saying he would always treat me well, that he would forever be my parents’ own son, which persuaded me to defy my father and marry into the Lu family. To please your father, I even used my dowry to support the household expenses. Despite the increasing demands of old lady Lu, I didn’t mind. I thought as long as your father was happy and treated us well, and in the future, if we had a son, he could be adopted into the He family, I would be grateful to him… But what happened later? Your grandfather encountered trouble, and I thought old lady Lu would find a way to divorce me, but I never expected your father to be so heartless. After old lady Lu dismissed me, he returned to the capital without attempting to find me, obediently married Xiao Chen, and even took Bao Qin as a concubine. Tsk, a loving wife and concubine, what a happy life they must lead. I never imagined he would obey Bao Qin in everything, neglecting you, his own legitimate daughter…” She wiped her tears, shook her head in scorn, and continued, “Actually, how many truly devoted men are there in this world? Even someone as beautiful and talented woman was eventually abandoned. And look at Old Master Lu, as soon as he obtained an official position, he eagerly took a concubine…”
The image of Jiang Zhanwei once again flashed before Lu Man’s eyes. If even a man she had been willing to marry turned out this way, then arranged marriages like theirs were even more fragile. Lu Man had wasted so much thought on Jiang Zhanwei, feeling foolish in retrospect.
Nevertheless, she still believed in faithful men and beautiful love stories. It was just her and her mother’s misfortune not to have encountered such love in their lives.
Wait, her mother in this lifetime had encountered it – in the form of Li the manager. A man who silently guarded a woman for over a decade, even when she was miles away. The depth and intensity of such devotion must be profound!
She said, “Mother, I believe Uncle Li is definitely a good man. Growing up together, understanding each other, and waiting for you all these years, he must be sincere…”
He Mingzhu blushed with embarrassment, scolding, “Nonsense, stop talking.” She then patted Lu Man’s hand, held her close, and said, “Ah, daughter, I know you’re thinking of my best interests. But my heart has long turned cold, and I have no desire to remarry. Moreover, Uncle Li is a good man, deserving of a better woman. I am not worthy of him, so I’ll treat him like a brother, hoping he finds a more suitable partner.”
She then lowered her head to resume her work.
Seeing He Mingzhu in this state, Lu Man knew it was best not to say anything further. Let her be, as long as she’s happy. If she ever changes her mind, she would support her in seeking a better life. It was a pity for Li’s unwavering devotion, whether he would wait for that day remained uncertain…
Five days later, in the afternoon, Lu Man stood smiling on the veranda, watching the old Marquis, Jiang Jiu, and Jiang Zhanyan playing with a cat and two dogs in the courtyard.
Early spring was chilly, despite the radiant sunlight.
Feeling a bit cold, Lu Man was about to go inside when she saw He Mingzhu, Mama Wang, and Mrs. Fu approaching from the backyard, with Mrs. Fu carrying a tray.
Almost every afternoon, the old Marquis would visit Donghui Courtyard. To thank the Princess for her kindness, He Mingzhu would personally make a snack or yogurt in the kitchen daily to offer as a gesture of respect. These were recipes taught by Lu Man and Mama Wang, showing her sincerity by preparing and serving these treats to the elderly.
Today, she had made creamy glutinous rice balls using sweet potatoes and glutinous rice, substituting candied osmanthus for coconut due to the absence of the latter.
When the old Marquis saw He Mingzhu approaching, he cheerfully went to greet her, asking, “Dear in-law, what have you made today?”
Sweet Pea and the two dogs raced ahead, catching hold of He Mingzhu’s skirt and Mrs. Fu’s trousers, meowing and barking playfully.
Their eager antics amused everyone present.
He Mingzhu chuckled and replied, “I made creamy glutinous rice balls, they smell delicious.” She added, “Let’s go inside to eat, don’t stay outside and catch a chill.”
Old Marquis Jiang then said, “If they’re tasty, save me half a plate to take back for Changting to enjoy.”
He Mingzhu smiled, “There’s plenty. These don’t taste good when cold. I’ve already sent a plate to the Crane Hall.”
Entering the hall, the tray was placed on the table, containing a large and a small plate. The old Marquis and his companions, along with the pets, enjoyed the treats from the larger plate, while He Mingzhu personally took the smaller plate to the front yard. She intended to give it to Jiang Zhankui, after hearing about the siblings’ recent hardships, she feel even more compassion for them.
Shortly after, Young Madam Han sent a maid to inform Lu Man that the Yuling Courtyard had been tidied up. The maid mentioned that not only had the interior and exterior been cleaned, but the house had also been freshly painted.