Chapter 34: Enlightenment

Lu Man had a gut feeling that Jiang Zhanwei’s actions went beyond merely using her to turn the tables. His display of filial piety, determination to protect his foolish wife and young sister hinted at deeper intentions. Why would an illegitimate son, who had quietly endured for years, take such a confrontational stance in public? She believed there was more to his actions than met the eye.

She struggled to grasp his true intentions, standing there in a daze. Though she felt a sense of gratitude towards him for his loyalty and defense, she couldn’t find the words to express it.

Lu Man found Jiang Zhanwei too calculating and terrifying. From yesterday till now, this man, who was much younger than her in reality, had not only failed to offer her any advantage but also used her to his advantage, leaving her unable to fathom his true motives.

Previously, she had entertained a glimmer of hope that if things went well, she could find stability in being the third young madam of the Jiang family, even if not in a loving relationship with Jiang Zhanwei. But now, she realized her optimism had been misplaced.

Not only was Jiang Zhanwei formidable, but the entire family, excluding little Jiang Jiu, and the absent Jiang Zhanyu, were also daunting and unsavory.

If old Marquis didn’t recover, she would be a pitiful time-traveler waiting for her demise, with no way to change her fate.

However, if he did survive, she could too. To secure a longer and better life, she needed to prepare and leave as soon as possible. Jiang Zhanwei was only a seventh-ranking official, and she couldn’t wait indefinitely for his success. She couldn’t passively allow herself to be treated like a sacrificial lamb.

Although that man was despicable, his “defense” of her in front of his family temporarily cleared some obstacles. She could play the role of a “contractual wife”, dutifully caring for old Marquis, hoping for his recovery, which would pave the way for her escape.

With her last hope fading, Lu Man suddenly had a moment of clarity. Treating them as strangers, she realized their emotions were no longer her concern. The challenges she faced over the past few days had become life lessons, shaping her maturity and resilience. Her focus now shifted to saving old Marquis. With the “Records of Revival” and Master Xinghai’s divination, combining material and spiritual efforts, there was a chance old Marquis could be revived.

Amid exaggerated laughter, third madam exclaimed, “Look at that, as soon as Zhanwei got married, he’s grown up and matured.” She turned to the Princess, saying, “Mother-in-law, seeing Zhanwei like this makes me envious. I can’t wait for Zhankun to find a wife soon too.”

Her playful banter sparked laughter among the group.

The Princess chimed in, “If you’re in such a hurry, we’ll invite more matchmakers over tomorrow. We’ll find a good match for Zhankun together.”

Young Madam Han joined in, “Great idea! Once we find the right match, he can marry next year. It’ll bring even more joy to the family. Even if Grandfather is still sleeping, he’ll wake up with a smile.”

The women’s conversation seamlessly transitioned the “oath-taking ceremony” back to a family meeting.

Young Madam Han approached Lu Man, playfully looping her arm around hers, and exclaimed, “Oh, little sister-in-law, you seem touched by brother-in-law’s confession. Come, let me continue introducing you to the family.”

The remaining family members, mainly peers and younger relatives, proceeded with the introductions under the guidance of the elder sister-in-law, which seemed appropriate. The heir (Eldest Young Master), Jiang Ling, the other young masters, and the grandmother Zhu, who was older, received Lu Man’s respectful greetings. While the others responded warmly, old Madam Zhu seemed displeased, possibly due to Jiang Zhanwei’s confrontation with old Madam Zhu. Jiang Ling appeared pregnant, with a slight bump, already having a two-year-old daughter named Jia.

Afterward, Lu Man settled back into her seat, while the younger generation, Jiang Jiu, Jiang Zhanju’s two children, and Jia approached her to pay their respects.

When tearful Jiang Jiu came forward to greet Lu Man, she was deeply moved. Lu Man gently wiped away the tears on her face and thanked her, saying, “Jiu, thank you.”

Sniffling, Jiang Jiu softly replied, “Jiu likes third sister-in-law too.” Her voice lowered almost to a whisper, “Don’t blame my dad, he doesn’t know how good third sister-in-law is, that’s why he scolded you.”

Such a kind-hearted young girl.

Lu Man responded with a smile, “I understand.”

Having endured the family introductions, it was now midday, and everyone gathered at the Peony Hall in the west wing for lunch.

As Lu Man walked from the main house to the west wing, she grappled with inner conflict. Should she voluntarily set rules for herself to be a dutiful daughter and granddaughter-in-law? Ultimately, she decided against it!

Her dignity had already been trampled by this family. Why bother pretending any further?

This was something Lu Ying had repeatedly emphasized, that as a new bride, she should serve the elders during meals. In this household, led by the Princess, it was expected to serve her during meals.

Lu Man simply took a seat.

Observing Lu Man sit without serving like the other new brides, old Madam Zhu frowned and remarked, “Zhanwei’s wife, has no one taught you that a new bride should serve the elders during meals?”

What a nuisance, someone must have brought her back just to cause trouble.

Suppressing her anger, Lu Man innocently replied, “Oh, I wasn’t taught by my mother, so I didn’t know.” With that, she reluctantly stood up.

Princess Changting interjected, “We don’t follow those formalities here. You may go ahead and eat. I detest families that make daughters-in-law starve while so many servants are around to serve them.” Clearly, the Princess had grown impatient with old Madam Zhu.

Enraged, old Madam Zhu stayed silent, her face flushed with anger.

Despite the screen separating the men’s table, their voices carried over, filled with encouragement from the Master and the third master towards Jiang Zhanwei, and well wishes from Jiang Zhanju and others for his future endeavors. The second master even threw in a few unsavory comments.

Jiang Zhanwei remained humble and reserved, lacking the fervor he displayed during the family introductions.

Eldest Madam remarked with a smile, “Zhanwei seems to have matured all of a sudden, he’s hardly recognizable.”

Old Madam Zhu couldn’t hold back, sneering, “One doesn’t just ‘suddenly’ mature, it’s just that their true colors were well hidden before. Once they gain power, their true nature is exposed. Especially those raised by concubines, they are skilled at deception. Back in the day, my mother, my elder brother, and I were often targeted by those concubines and a few illegitimate children…”