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Second Master Jiang was displeased to see Lu Man challenge the old Marquis. He sternly said, “Zhanwei’s wife, how dare you speak to your Grandfather like that? Apologize now.”
The old Marquis, also upset, shouted, “Zhanwei’s wife is talking to me, it’s none of your business! If you dare to scold her again, you can go back home and not return.”
Second Master Jiang, embarrassed, fell silent, his face flushed as he avoided further speech.
Observing the frustrating yet endearing behavior of the old Marquis, Lu Man found herself at a loss for words to deal with him.
Princess Changting sighed and remarked, “It was the old marquis who provoked little Yue and Zhanwei’s wife. Why do you scold her, a woman, for no reason? Why scold a man for her?” She added, “Zhanwei isn’t a madman, why would he cause trouble in this family for no reason? His tactics are for dealing with enemies, not for family members. Just like other soldiers kill enemies but wouldn’t harm their own. Zhanwei is intelligent, and this is his family…”
Originally intending to say “this is his reliance”, she reconsidered, thinking that if she were to pass away, he might not rely on this family. Perhaps they would even have to seek his help. She modified her statement, “Although Zhanwei has branched out, he is still a member of this family. We rise and fall together. He and this family must achieve together and support each other to succeed. Families that engage in internal conflicts for petty gains won’t prosper for long.”
The old Marquis was conflicted and asked Princess Changting, “What should I do? If I don’t scold Zhanwei, I feel uneasy, but I don’t want little Yue and granddaughter-in-law to be upset.”
Princess Changting sighed, “Then set aside your preconceptions. I’m not asking you to be close to Zhanwei, but refrain from needlessly scolding him, he is our grandson. Whether legitimate or not, when he succeeds, it’s our pride.”
Marquis Jiang, Third Master, Jiang Zhanju, and Jiang Zhanyu timely intervened, praising Zhanwei’s accomplishments and noting his role as a positive example for the Jiang brothers to emulate.
The old Marquis fell silent, stroking his beard, seemingly contemplating how to handle Zhanwei upon his return with his not-so-sharp mind.
Marquis Jiang turned to Lu Man and said, “Zhanwei’s wife, the Emperor has spoken. Bring more Huang Ke Lai to send to the border for the soldiers.”
Over the past couple of months, Lu Man had already used up a hundred and sixty pills of Huang Ke Lai. Hearing that more would be needed, her heart ached. It wasn’t that she lacked compassion, with a hundred thousand soldiers at the border, aside from the few individuals she cared deeply about, she struggled to extend her concern to everyone. Those who perished or were injured were not physically present before her, leaving her only able to produce more Night Yellow Flower and Huang Ke Lai. She preferred to use the medicine on those around her, such as old Madam Lu, who despite receiving numerous treatments, couldn’t be saved, leaving Lu Man deeply saddened.
However, with the Emperor’s request, she dared not withhold or provide less medication. She smiled and said, “I don’t have much left, I can only provide another hundred pills, not more.”
Marquis Jiang nodded approvingly and said, “Very well, once you return, have the medicine sent to me, and I’ll present it to the Emperor first thing in the morning.”
After exchanging pleasantries, everyone bid farewell for the evening.
On an early autumn night, the gentle evening breeze carried a soothing warmth, and the vast sky above was adorned with stars. Under the starlight, the shadows of trees danced and bamboo swayed gracefully.
As Lu Man said her goodbyes to Second Madam, Third Madam, and the others, she continued walking east with her companions.
Unlike usual, Lu Man didn’t hold Jiang Jiu’s hand, instead choosing to walk alone, lost in her thoughts. She pondered over what the future held for them.
He would soon return, and they would have to figure out how to interact. For the sake of Jiang Yue, she wasn’t ready to part ways with him yet. For certain reasons, even if he were to be promoted further, he wouldn’t dare dismiss her immediately. Perhaps he couldn’t bear to part with her anymore, and she might become a significant asset for his future advancement.
They would once again play the roles of a contractual fake couple, or possibly transition into a real couple with conflicting dreams. For the sake of the child, she wasn’t inclined to separate from him temporarily. His sweet words in his letters indicated he desired a genuine marital relationship.
Lu Man’s heart was in turmoil. Even in long-term relationships, problems could arise between loving partners, let alone in their situation…
If only the war could continue indefinitely… No, that was a selfish thought driven by personal desires.
If only he could become a high-ranking general stationed at the border. Living apart, leading separate lives, occasionally meeting. Even without love, mutual goals and support could help them get through the occasional short-lived reunions.
However, another concern arose—if he were indeed stationed elsewhere, he would likely establish a residence and office. In ancient times, men seemed to have insatiable desires for multiple women, making it unlikely for him to remain chaste while stationed away from home…
Even in the darkness, Jiang Zhankui noticed that his sister-in-law was frowning. He asked, “Sister-in-law, are you unhappy about my brother’s return?”
Lu Man glanced at Jiang Zhankui, amused by his perceptive nature. She replied, “Of course not. I’m just calculating when they might arrive in the capital if the war ends.”
Jiang Zhankui breathed a sigh of relief, his face lighting up. He said, “If the war ends by the end of the year, they’ll be back before spring. If it ends in the early new year, they’ll return before early summer. Calculating it, it won’t be more than a year.”
Jiang Jiu, hearing this, beamed with joy and exclaimed, “Brother is coming back, that’s great!”
Jiang Yue didn’t quite understand their conversation but could tell they were all happy, so she joined in with laughter and clapping.
Back at Donghui Courtyard, Liu Ya informed them, “Madam He and Young Master He are here, waiting in the room for Third Young Madam.”
Lu Man asked the younger siblings to rest and carried Jiang Yue into the main room.
Both He Mingzhu and He Cheng wore delighted expressions. He Mingzhu stood up, took Jiang Yue in her arms, and said with a smile, “Cheng said after returning from the Xie residence, news of the family’s achievements is spreading. The war is nearing its end, and son-in-law has made significant contributions.”
He Cheng corrected with a smile, “If all goes well, the war will end soon.” He continued, “Today, I was invited for dinner at the Xie residence. They mentioned that General Xie and the heir won a great battle. Madam Xie and the senior lady were so overjoyed that they cried. They attributed the victory to my brother-in-law’s commendable efforts.”
Lu Man nodded with a smile and shared the news she had heard with the two.
He Mingzhu’s eyes welled up with excitement as she repeated, “Amitabha, may the blessings of the Xie family guide our son-in-law to great success and a safe return.” She then kissed Jiang Yue’s cheek and said, “Granddaughter, your father is coming back soon.”
Upon hearing “father”, Jiang Yue quickly covered her mouth with her chubby little hands, making a sound, “Dada”, and giggling. He Mingzhu chuckled at her playful gesture.
Observing He Mingzhu’s excitement, Lu Man was speechless. Jiang Zhanwei’s difficult personality might make He Mingzhu’s attitude towards him change once they spent more time together after his return.
Furthermore, with Jiang Zhanwei’s return, it meant that Lu Fangrong would be back as well.