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“Mother misunderstood, it wasn’t her who told me…” Song Ming briefly explained the events that took place at the Lu residence that day.
Old Princess He listened, her mouth agape in astonishment, exclaiming, “How can that Shu family girl act so shamelessly? Zhanwei is already married, yet she harbors such disgraceful intentions. And that Xia girl, from the West Qin Bo family, right? Some time ago, there were attempts to arrange her as your wife, and I thought it was a good match. These girls may seem obedient on the surface, but behind closed doors, they engage in dishonorable deeds. No matter what, as long as Zhanwei hasn’t divorced his wife, she remains his wife. You mustn’t have designs on her. Moreover, she’s the granddaughter-in-law of Changting, you know how powerful Changting is and how highly she regards Lu Man. Avoid her in the future, if Changting detects your intentions, she won’t let you off…”
Song Ming fell silent for a long time, then raised his head and said, “Mother, I’m grown now and know what is and isn’t appropriate. I will refrain from any improper conduct, and I will be mindful of my words and actions in the future.” Seeing the old Princess relax her expression, he added, “Please, Mother, grant me one request – could you refrain from pressuring me to find a woman for the time being… If Jiang Zhanwei truly divorces Lu, then I might have a chance… Lu Man, she truly is the woman I desire but cannot have…”
With that, Song Ming knelt before the old Princess.
Back at the Princess Changting’s residence, Lu Man sent He Cheng and Jiang Jiu directly home, escorted the old Marquis back to Crane Hall, and found Princess Changting already awake from her nap.
Princess Changting had a good impression of Shu Mingwei, and felt that they owed the Shu family and was sorry for her. Lu Man felt that she had to tell the princess about the Shu family’s alliance with the Wang family and the Hong family.
Upon learning that He Cheng had been manipulated because Shu Mingwei’s brother had spoken to Wang Haobai and Zhu Jinqi, and was also getting along well with the Hong family, the Crown Princess erupted in anger, “The Hong family is playing with fire, getting involved in our family’s affairs alongside the Wang family…”
Lu Man was pleased that the old lady considered her and her brother’s affairs as matters of the Princess Changting’s residence.
Continuing, she expressed, “Let’s hope the Hong family learns their lesson and stops getting involved with the Wang and our family. If they remain stubborn, for the safety of this household, I won’t hesitate.” She added, “How did the Shu family get dragged into this? Oh, I thought Mr. Shu was too old to rise in rank, turns out he’s climbed up the ladder by associating with the Wang family… It’s a pity for that Shu girl, she’s beautiful and kind-hearted, but fate hasn’t been kind to her. First, our family caused hurdles in her marriage, and if her family gets entangled in unnecessary disputes and exploited by others, that would truly be pitiful.”
Lu Man was surprised by Princess Changting’s favorable impression of Shu Mingwei, not considering whether her brother passing on the message was for Shu Mingwei’s benefit or at her behest, viewing her as a victim. When the impression is positive, everything else seems favorable.
Lu Man hesitated but ultimately decided not to disclose the conversation she overheard between Shu Mingwei and Miss Xia in the corner. Involving herself and Song Ming, eavesdropping on others’ conversations from behind a large rock wouldn’t reflect well on her reputation. Though there were still two maids and a child involved, in ancient noble households, servants were usually not considered significant.
She refrained from saying more, as speaking too much might lower her status further. She resolved to wait for another opportunity to gather information.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lu Man took her leave and returned to Donghui Courtyard.
As time flew by, it was already mid-August, and the weather was gradually getting cooler, with Lu Man’s belly noticeably larger.
On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lu Man and two others were to dine at the Princess Changting’s residence, enjoy the moon-viewing, and watch a play.
Originally, they had invited the He Mingzhu and He Cheng, but they declined as they had invited the manager of Tongren Hall, several physicians, and Mama Wang’s family to celebrate at Yuling Courtyard.
It was heard that earlier in the day, Lu Ming, the second young master of the main branch of the Lu family, had come to invite He Cheng for a reunion dinner, but he declined, citing that he wanted to spend the festival with his mother. Lu Xin was taking the township exam, and despite the Lu family sending the illegitimate son from the main branch to invite He Cheng, they did not send the second branch’s Lu Chang and Lu Feng. These two brothers were completely abandoned by the old lady. In order to ensure He Cheng could return home for the festival, they didn’t even let these two brothers go home.
In Crane Hall, lanterns were already hung up around before dusk, creating a festive atmosphere.
Inside the Lotus Hall, laughter and joy filled the air. The Princess was fun-loving, not allowing any silence during the meal, especially on this festive occasion, making the atmosphere livelier than usual.
According to some gentlemen, early that day, the Emperor had received another victory report from the border, with the Xie family’s army achieving another significant victory. This time, the Black Furry Camp had also performed exceptionally well. They had discovered the enemy’s supply route, burned their provisions, cutting off their supplies, causing the enemy to retreat in defeat.
The Dachun Dynasty had engaged in multiple battles with the Dajin Dynasty, and this particular battle seemed to have been the smoothest one yet.
During the court session, the Emperor praised General Xie’s military strategies and the invincibility of the Dachun’s army, also commending Jiang Zhanwei for his strategic prowess, youth, and promising future, recognizing him as a pillar of Dachun.
The Second Master was genuinely happy, his laughter resonating loudly. The Third Master was also pleased, frequently praising Jiang Zhanwei and encouraging his nephews to learn from him. However, Marquis Jiang, though smiling and praising, couldn’t hide the desolation in his eyes. He deeply regretted not recognizing Jiang Zhanwei’s talent sooner and utilizing it for the family’s benefit…
Princess Changting was joyous and proud, but the old Marquis grew displeased, slamming his bowl on the table, cursing, “Those illegitimate sons always delight in underhanded tactics, playing dirty tricks.”
Princess Changting hurriedly interjected, “Ping, you’re mistaken. This is a battle between two nations, it’s a matter of life and death. What does etiquette matter when dealing with the enemy?”
Jiang Zhanyu added, “Exactly, Grandfather. The Dajin Dynasty is plundering our Dachun’s food and slaughtering our people. We can’t afford to discuss decorum with such ruthless aggressors, can we?”
The old Marquis scratched his beard, looking bewildered once again.
Lu Man rolled her eyes discreetly. This old man was truly exasperating, bringing up legitimate and illegitimate matters even during a national conflict. However, no amount of resentment towards the illegitimate sons would change the trend, they couldn’t suppress these sons any longer.
With each of Jiang Zhanwei’s remarkable achievements, even the minor ones were credited to him. If he returned alive, he was sure to achieve great success.
Amidst the lively conversation, a servant arrived to report, “Princess, Marquis, Second Master, and Third Master, the soldier Liu Chun has returned.”
Princess Changting was delighted and quickly instructed, “Bring him in, quickly.”