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Lu Man carefully said, “Grandmother’s concerns are valid. I also believe that in the court, the higher one climbs, the more stable one should be.”
The old lady looked at Lu Man several times, surprised that this young family member had such foresight. Patting her hand, she said, “Good child, smart. Everyone thinks that the higher the official position, the better, not knowing that the higher it is, the more dangerous it becomes. One careless decision can harm the entire family.”
Lu Man nodded in agreement and then made a sharp turn in the conversation, “However, I feel that Grandmother’s approach in this matter is somewhat inappropriate…”
The Princess was taken aback, almost no one in the family would openly defy her.
Ignoring the Princess’s expression, Lu Man continued, “Those achievements were earned by Third Young Master with his life, making him even more admirable than Grand Marshal Xie, who commanded from the central military tent… I think before making this decision, it would have been better for Grandmother to write a letter expressing your concerns to Third Young Master. Also, remind him that the Emperor mentioning Old Duke Xie declining the position on behalf of Grand Marshal Xie might be a hint. Whether you help him decline or he does it himself, it should be based on his wishes. Third Young Master is intelligent and understands the situation. Once he understands the implications, he will surely appreciate Grandmother’s considerations for him and the family. But if you decline on his behalf without his knowledge, given the setbacks he has faced and his sensitivity, I fear he might be hurt…”
The Princess could tell that this granddaughter-in-law was speaking up for her grandson, and her words were reasonable, leaving her with no grounds for opposition.
The “setbacks” she mentioned referred to the “suppression”, right?
Indeed, although that grandson from a concubine was already twenty-one years old, the times she had spent with him could be counted on one hand, and they had never exchanged many intimate words. In the past, he had always been a suppressed and marginalized concubine’s son. Especially when he was forced to break off an engagement to marry a wife for auspicious omens, it completely worsened the conflict between him and the family, leading him to join the military. Although this wife for auspicious omens now appeared to be the most satisfactory daughter-in-law the Jiang family has had, and Zhanwei also liked her very much, the act itself was still a wrongdoing by the family.
With so much resentment towards the family, would he be able to understand her painstaking efforts? Moreover, would he willingly allow the legitimate sons, who had taken advantage of his achievements, to be promoted?
She might not have wanted to believe it, but she had to admit that among her many descendants, none of the legitimate sons and grandsons she had worked so hard to secure official positions for could match Jiang Zhanwei in terms of ability. Thinking of his stubborn face, so similar to the old Marquis’s, and the decades of restraint he had shown in the household, barely ever raising his head, she also felt a twinge of heartache. He was her grandson, after all…
Princess Changting made a decision instantly. Although she could not take back the act of declining on Zhanwei’s behalf, her actions were indeed for his and the family’s long-term consideration. However, she could no longer use the benefits of suppressing him to favor the legitimate sons, making him feel too biased and pushing him further away.
Beads of sweat appeared on her forehead as she said, “Your reminder is reasonable. I did act without much consideration. When he returns, I will give him an explanation.” She then took Lu Man’s hand and said, “Thank you. You are a wise and good child. Zhanwei’s marriage to you is his fortune and also a blessing for our family. That Old Lady Lu is truly foolish. For some money, she pushed away such a sensible granddaughter. If you were my biological granddaughter, I wouldn’t know how to spoil you.”
Lu Man was somewhat puzzled. This was her first time going against the family matriarch, and she didn’t expect not only to be forgiven but also to hear these words. She smiled and said, “Then Grandmother should treat me like a biological granddaughter and spoil me well.”
The Princess was amused and patted her hand, saying, “Haven’t you realized? Grandmother has long treated you like a biological granddaughter. Oh, and that Zhanwei grandson, I must love him even more in the future. He really suffered in his earlier years.”
The old lady’s words made Lu Man feel a little uncomfortable. The old lady loved to joke, but rarely said such emotional things.
As soon as Lu Man returned to Donghui Courtyard, the Princess sent over many gifts. Several of the decorative items were among the most exquisite even in that mansion, along with several sets of luxurious and beautiful jewelry, and a dazzling golden jacket.
This golden jacket was the old Marquis’s finest garment, said to have been bestowed upon him by the Emperor in his early years.
Lu Man was somewhat suspicious. Was this the Princess’s way of compensating Jiang Zhanwei?
What Lu Man didn’t know was that after she left, the Princess hurriedly went to the palace to see the Emperor again.
In the evening, the Princess discussed the matter with Marquis Jiang and the Third Master. She also mentioned that the Emperor had listened to her words without giving a definitive response, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, simply saying that his old sister was good at managing the household and had considered things thoroughly, and that he had his own plans in mind.
Although the two masters were distressed that the official positions they had secured might slip away, they still felt that their mother had done the right thing. Their own careers could still be pursued, but if Jiang Zhanwei became estranged from the family, it would be the greatest loss to the family. Moreover, he had a wife who was equally intelligent and capable. The contributions they had made to the family were already numerous, and it would not be right to add the benefits of suppressing them to the legitimate line…
The weather grew colder, and on the eighth day of the winter month, the capital welcomed its first snowfall, a heavy snowstorm.
Seeing the howling wind and flying snow, and thinking of the Night Yellow Flowers in the greenhouse, Lu Man felt nothing but relief.
The Night Yellow Flowers from the rear courtyard had long been moved to the Princess’s greenhouse. Due to the large number of flowers, several rows of flower racks were specially constructed to hold them. In the future, when the cultivation of Night Yellow Flowers increases, they should be planted more extensively in the south. Maintaining these flowers green all year round in the north is too costly.
Little Yue was seeing snow falling from the sky for the first time, large flakes, and she was so happy that she couldn’t stop laughing.
Lu Man couldn’t help but laugh when she heard her daughter call it “salt”. She took her to the courtyard, had her open her little hands, and caught a few snowflakes. The snowflakes were crystal clear and icy, melting instantly in her small hands. After catching a few more, she let her taste them, and only then did the little girl realize that it was beautiful snow, not salty salt.
In the flying snow, in the courtyard, two people, one big and one small, were laughing heartily.
However, Mama Li was quite alarmed and shouted, “Third Young Madam, you can’t let the young miss catch a chill, she might get a stomachache.”
Of course, Lu Man didn’t dare to stay outside for long. After about a quarter of an hour, she carried the child back inside.
Due to the heavy wind and snow, neither He Mingzhu nor the old Marquis came to Donghui Courtyard, and no patients came to see Lu Man. Lu Man was happy to have some leisure time, but Jiang Yue was not used to it and kept calling out for “outside” and “grandfather”.
Lu Man coaxed her, “We’ll go see ‘grandfather’ in the afternoon.”
As for going “outside”, that was out of the question. The weather was too bad to leave the house.
Also, because Lu Man and He Cheng had frequently invited Manager Li to their home during this period and often spoke highly of him, He Mingzhu became upset. She felt that her children might think she was a burden and were intent on marrying off their widowed mother. She had a crying fit the day before, and Lu Man and He Cheng had to spend a long time consoling her. Therefore, Lu Man didn’t dare to disturb her and wanted to give her some space.