Chapter 31: Acknowledging Kinship

Mama Qian was led by Liu Ya to fetch the ceremonial handkerchief from the bed, which she carefully placed into a box.

Xing and Hong Ling each presented a purse.

As a court official, the purses didn’t contain the usual silver coins for tipping servants, but rather two silver ingots weighing one tael each.

Accepting the purses with a smile, Mama Qian congratulated Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man, wishing them a harmonious marriage and early offspring. She mentioned reporting back to the Princess to share the good news. Additionally, she mentioned that both the eldest Young Miss and the old Madam would be joining for the family acknowledgment ceremony.

The eldest young miss, Jiang Ling, was married to Yuan Defeng, the fifth son of a Ministry of Justice official. Yuan Defeng was currently a successful candidate preparing to take the imperial examination.

The old madam, Mrs. Zhu, was the younger sister of the old Marquis. Why would a new bride need to acknowledge relatives, shouldn’t they be invited over instead? Someone seemed quite thoughtful about this.

Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man bid farewell to Mama Qian and proceeded to have breakfast in the eastern room. Both felt a bit awkward thinking about the events of the previous night, leading to a meal in silence, focusing on their food.

Despite Jiang Zhanwei’s hearty appetite, enjoying chicken noodle soup, two small rolls, a fried egg, and a bowl of rice porridge, Lu Man had little appetite and barely touched her bowl of rice porridge.

Glancing at Lu Man, Jiang Zhanwei’s gaze drifted to the window as he remarked, “In this household, I am not well-received. My chosen bride made a grand spectacle upon her arrival, not only angering family members but also sparking discussions throughout the city. Today, the elders won’t be pleased, especially grandmother Zhu. She has a strong character due to past hardships, enduring mistreatment from her stepmother and illegitimate siblings in her youth and later as a young widow. You were at fault first and must endure the elders’ teachings with patience. While spirited, acknowledging kinship isn’t a time for a new bride to act recklessly. Otherwise, it would be an unforgivable offense.”

Was he advising her on how to conduct herself and the need for restraint during the kinship acknowledgment ceremony, warning against causing a scene or resorting to dramatic displays like crying, causing a scene, or attempting suicide?

Setting down her bowl, Lu Man nodded in agreement.

Liu Ya, Lu Ying, and Hong Ling, who were serving on the side, kept their heads low, minimizing their presence.

After lunch, Lu Man began to groom herself. Today, she was to face another storm and couldn’t resist. She had to look beautiful and radiant to command respect. Her face was too delicate, she couldn’t afford to appear easily bullied.

The injustices she had endured in the past few days far exceeded those of her entire previous life, bearing the blame of others and being trampled upon repeatedly. Particularly on a day with many people present, if they sensed she was an easy target, she feared she wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Seated before the vanity, Lu Man adorned herself with intricate hair accessories and vibrant attire, fully aware that even in this setting of lavishness, she wouldn’t stand out.

She skillfully applied makeup, opting for a bold red shade over a softer pink, enhancing her features. Makeup was once deemed an art of deception, a well-done application could indeed alter one’s appearance and demeanor.

With meticulous attention to detail, Lu Man carefully layered her makeup, transforming into a striking beauty before the mirror. If she were dressed in a suit and trousers, she would exude professionalism and elegance.

Just as Jiang Zhanwei began to lose patience, Lu Man rose to her feet.

As Lu Man caught Jiang Zhanwei staring at her for a full ten seconds, a look of restrained awe in his eyes, the moment passed. He then averted his gaze, composedly stating, “Let’s go.” before leading the way out of the room.

Truly a man of discipline, unfazed by allure, even if the woman before him was his legal wife. To be cherished by such a man as his wife would signify happiness, to be rejected, however, would entail a difficult existence.

Jiang Zhanwei, dressed modestly in a slightly worn maroon embroidered robe with a matching sash and a jade hairpin, appeared more like a scholar engrossed in study than a groom acknowledging his bride.

Following behind him, Lu Man observed. The two proceeded towards the main hall, with maids Lu Ying and Liu Ya trailing a step behind, the latter carrying a tray bearing gifts for the Princess, the old Marquis, and the Second branch Jiang couple.

Today was the tenth day of the fourth month, and all the young and old masters were present at home, along with several relatives, filling the hall of the Crane Hall.

The Princess sat on a high-backed chair at the front of the hall. Seated beside her on the right were the Second Branch Jiang couple, as they were the parents-in-law of the new bride, positioning themselves just below the Princess.

As Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man entered, a faint surprise rippled through the seated guests.

The two newcomers were truly a striking pair – the man exuded a jade-like aura, while the woman was as fluid as water. However, their auras clashed, the man stoic, unlike a groom, and the woman, beautifully adorned, yet with a mysterious air.

It was unexpected that the unassuming Jiang Zhanwei, who always kept a low profile, could command such presence, and the beautiful, radiant woman was none other than the infamous one who had attempted suicide.

Approaching the Princess, Jiang Zhanwei respectfully bowed and said, “Grandmother, I bring my Wife, Lu Man to pay respects to you, Grandfather, and our elders.”

The Princess beamed and replied, “Good child.”

Lu Man kneeled on a cushion and bowed to Princess Changting, saying, “Granddaughter-in-law pays respects to Grandmother, wishing you longevity, prosperity, and eternal blessings. May you be blessed with health, wealth, and eternal youth.” She then accepted the teacup handed to her by a maid and raised it above her head.

Her voice was gentle yet clear, her demeanor humble but not timid.

Princess Changting’s feelings towards Lu Man were conflicted. She was angry at the disgrace caused by the suicide attempt and at how Lu Man had driven her grandson to the military camp. Yet, with the necessity of Lu Man becoming the true granddaughter-in-law, she now stood before her, exuding grace and talent, making her consider Lu Man suitable for her grandson, even more so than her second daughter-in-law had been in her youth.

The Princess knew that her attitude towards Lu Man would influence how the family treated her. Regardless of her personal feelings towards Lu Man or Jiang Zhanwei’s opinion, she couldn’t allow the new bride to be embarrassed today. To humiliate the bride would be to humiliate the groom.