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Lu Ying chuckled, “While I was serving Third Madam, I overheard the maid telling her that the Marquis slapped eldest Madam, who then ran to the Crane Hall in tears. Later, the Marquis also went there, and they started quarreling again. It seems the Marquis had a woman outside who is now pregnant, and the eldest Madam’s family, the Hong family, found out. They informed eldest Madam, who, enraged, decided to secretly deal with the concubine. This afternoon, eldest Madam dispatched over a dozen people to the courtyard where the concubine lived. Some people started smashing things, while a few maids held down the concubine and beat her belly. The concubine’s servants fought desperately to protect her. Just when chaos was at its peak, the Marquis received word and rushed there, managing to stop the commotion. Upon returning home, the Marquis confronted eldest Madam, wanting to bring the concubine into the residence. Eldest Madam refused, cried and made a scene, which led to the Marquis slapping her a few times… Hehe, it seems like things were still in turmoil at the Crane Hall when I returned.”
Lu Man chuckled, “Song Ming is indeed quite capable.”
Most mothers-in-law tend to favor their sons over their daughters-in-law, especially when eldest Madam has long lost Princess Changting’s favor. Now with the concubine pregnant and the Marquis showing increased fondness, the situation becomes more complicated. While taking a concubine is not scandalous for officials, having a secret concubine is, unless it remains unknown. If exposed, it reflects poorly on one’s character, leading to possible impeachment. Regardless of the circumstances, Princess Changting would agree to bring the concubine into the household.
The next morning, Lu Man diligently went to pay her respects at the Crane Hall.
She walked there. The current weather was just right, neither too cold nor too hot, and her mood was like a leaf twirling in the autumn breeze, cheerful and content.
Lu Man disliked meddling women, but for now, she had to use them to create trouble for the eldest Madam. After all, she had been so wicked, repeatedly scheming against her, even involving He Cheng this time. Once Marquis Jiang had a concubine, her thoughts wouldn’t be preoccupied with them anymore.
Upon arriving at the Crane Hall, she encountered the old Marquis leaving. Seeing Lu Man, he approached, saying, “The old Madam is troublesome. She cried for most of last night and is back here early this morning, causing me a headache. I was about to go to the Donghui Courtyard. Can you prepare some medicine for me?”
Lu Man replied with a smile, “Grandfather’s headache isn’t an illness, there’s no need for medicine. Just go outside for a walk, relax a bit, and you’ll feel better.”
The old Marquis obediently left with his entourage.
Lu Man entered the east wing and found not only the eldest Madam but also the Second Madam, Third Madam, and the eldest Young Madam present.
Madam Hong had swollen, teary eyes.
Seeing Lu Man, who usually didn’t come for morning greetings, rushing over, Madam Hong thought she had come to mock her and gave Lu Man a fierce glare.
Untroubled, Lu Man kneeled to pay her respects to Princess Changting.
Princess Changting also sensed that Lu Man had come for gossip and scolded, “You’re close to giving birth, yet still running around.”
Although she said this, she wasn’t really scolding Lu Man and even had a servant bring a bowl of stewed snow pears for her to eat.
Madam Hong continued to cry, saying, “I spent the whole night thinking and decided to be more tolerant. Since the Marquis likes that… oh, that woman, bring her into the residence. However, father had set rules long ago that his descendants cannot take concubines or have illegitimate children. The woman can come into the household but can only be like Miss Zhou, without status, and her child cannot stay. Miss Zhou had a child because my second sister-in-law didn’t want to. The Marquis already has children, he doesn’t need another woman for heirs.”
Princess Changting added, “Ping forbade his descendants from taking concubines, showing no tolerance for disobedience. The woman can only be referred to as ‘Miss’ in the household.”
Upon hearing this, Madam Hong smiled and wiped away her tears.
Princess Changting continued, “Since you know your father doesn’t like illegitimate children, what else worries you? Zhanju and Zhanxun are already grown, with Zhanju being the heir. Even if that woman has a son, it won’t affect the two brothers. At most, there might be a slight division of property or dowry for him or her. Our family isn’t short of money. As the saying goes, the more, the merrier. Our family’s descendants are a bit thin, having more children isn’t a bad thing. Look at Zhanwei. If it weren’t for the magnanimity of the second daughter-in-law allowing second son to have a child, our family would have missed out. He not only married a capable physician but also became a general who frequently wins battles, even earning praise from the Emperor. He will be a great support for Zhanju and Zhanyu in the future…”
It seemed they were going to let the child in that woman’s womb stay.
Madam Hong was on the verge of exploding in anger, wiping away more tears, and saying, “Mother-in-law, Father-in-law already set this rule. If we keep the child, wouldn’t the Marquis be defying Father-in-law? This is unfilial.”
Lu Man inwardly sighed. The eldest Madam was beside herself to speak so openly. Normally, Princess Changting should be on the eldest Madam’s side, helping her, but since the incident with Deyu taking medicine, though the Princess acted as if nothing happened, there was already a rift in her heart towards the eldest Madam. At this moment, she wouldn’t interfere.
Princess Changting was also unwilling for her eldest son, who already had many legitimate children, to have another illegitimate child. However, yesterday, her eldest son with a full beard knelt before her to plead, and she couldn’t bear to refuse him, feeling somewhat hesitant. Now, hearing that Hong dared to publicly accuse her husband of being unfilial and disobedient, she was seething with anger. This person was not only foolish but also lacking in virtue, truly hopeless!
In a cold tone, she said, “Since the day the old Marquis tacitly allowed the second son to have an illegitimate child, it also meant that the household could have such children. So, don’t try to shift the blame, and refrain from speaking nonsense. My eldest son has not been disobedient towards his father.”
Ignoring Madam Hong, she turned to the Third Madam and asked, “I heard you have been using a certain treatment for your insomnia. Has it improved your sleep?”
Madam Huang smiled, “Oh, much better. Mother-in-law, you should also try this method in the future…”
After a bit more conversation, everyone dispersed.
Madam Hong wanted to continue speaking, but Mama Qian said, “The Princess didn’t rest well yesterday, she should go lie down.”
Feeling helpless, Madam Hong left in frustration.
After dinner, Lu Man and the younger siblings were strolling in the corridor when the Marquis’s senior maid, Chun Xiang, arrived at the Donghui Courtyard with a young woman.
Chun Xiang knelt before Lu Man and greeted her, saying, “This is Miss Rou. The Marquis mentioned that Miss Rou was frightened yesterday, fearing it might affect the child in her belly. He asked me to bring her to see the Third Young Madam and get some medicine.”
Miss Rou also kneeled and greeted Lu Man, smiling, “Thank you, Third Lady.”
Her soft, gentle voice was so captivating that it made one’s legs feel weak.
She was truly beautiful, with a delicate and enchanting charm, captivating and lovely, appearing to be around sixteen or seventeen. No wonder she could captivate Marquis Jiang to this extent, she was truly stunning.
Her belly was slightly rounded, indicating she was around four months pregnant.
Anything that could unsettle Madam Hong was something Lu Man was willing to do.