Chapter 36: Advice

Upon returning to Qingfeng Courtyard, the dog tied up in the yard began to bark wildly at them, especially directing a look of distress towards Jiang Zhanwei.

Perplexed, Jiang Zhanwei asked, “Why is the dog tied up?”

Jiang Zhankui explained, “If we don’t tie him up, he always tries to run to Third Sister-in-law’s courtyard.” With that, he untied the dog and led it into the main house.

The nursemaid took Jiang Jiu to the west room to rest, while Jiang Zhanwei and Jiang Zhankui went to the east room. Dismissing the servants, they engaged in a serious and hushed conversation.

“Jiu is sensitive, in the future, limit her interactions with Lu Man, and so should you.” Jiang Zhanwei instructed.

Jiang Zhankui raised an eyebrow, gritting his teeth, “It’s that nursemaid, always causing trouble. She’d prefer if Jiu didn’t interact with anyone else, only with her.”

Jiang Zhanwei remarked, “Despite the maid’s schemes, she takes excellent care of Jiu. Jiu is fragile and kind-hearted, needing someone attentive and genuinely caring for her. I’m rarely home, and next year, you’ll move to the outer courtyard. Father dislikes us, the legitimate mother is indifferent, the eldest aunt and Third Aunt are in separate quarters… Well, let’s tolerate the maid’s quirks for now. At least until Jiu turns ten. Perhaps, by then…” He paused, holding back his words, and continued, “In any case, listen to your brother.”

Perplexed, Jiang Zhankui asked, “Brother, you seem protective of Third Sister-in-law today. Why limit my sister and me from interacting with her?”

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Zhanwei replied, “Lu Man is also a pitiable soul. Regardless of our future relationship, I’ll find ways to take care of her and provide her with a better life. My actions today serve my purpose but are also genuinely aimed at improving her time in the residence. However, she’s unpredictable, willful, and vengeful. Avoid provoking her too much, keep your distance… Our family differs from others. While the legitimate mother may scorn illegitimate children, she won’t go out of her way to harm them. Apart from being ignored or disliked, you won’t face life-threatening situations… Take care of your sister, work hard, and if you encounter difficulties, try to resolve them on your own. If that fails, seek help from Grandmother or Third Uncle. If that’s not enough, go to the outer courtyard and find Liu Xin, who will deliver letters to me in the military camp.” He handed five silver notes, each valued at one hundred taels, “Take these, money clears the way. Tomorrow, I’ll have Liu Qing bring you some loose silver to reward the servants.”

Jiang Zhanwei attempted to hand over the silver notes to Jiang Zhankui, who declined, “Brother, you need the money more outside.”

Jiang Zhanwei insisted, stuffing the silver notes into his hand, “I don’t lack money. Grandmother gave me five thousand taels last time, and…” He stopped himself from saying more, chuckling self-deprecatingly, “Marrying Lu Man does have its benefits, wealth, military service, and perhaps even…” He held back once again. Despite his younger brother’s maturity, he was still too young.

Jiang Zhankui looked puzzled at Jiang Zhanwei’s hesitation, normally straightforward, why was he so hesitant today? Sensing his brother’s reluctance to elaborate, Jiang Zhanwei shifted the conversation to academic matters.

Lu Man hurried back to Orchid Pavilion. Exhausted and mentally drained, she took a relaxing bath, washing away the day’s frustrations and doubts, before collapsing into bed for a deep sleep.

Before drifting off, Lu Ying asked quietly, “Third Young Madam, about the red envelopes and jewelry from the family acknowledgment today…”

With closed eyes, Lu Man replied, “Lock them in the cabinet, I’ll deal with them later.”

Awakening at noon, sunlight streamed through the window, casting dappled patterns on the dark red wooden floor. The warm and lazy spring atmosphere permeated the room, easing her mind and relaxing her body.

Momentarily lost in thought, Lu Man realized it was her day off, yearning for a lazy afternoon nap, a sumptuous dinner prepared by her mother, followed by a movie night with her friends…

However, reality soon pulled her back from those nostalgic thoughts. In this life, she wasn’t a pampered woman with a caring mother and close friends. Instead, she had a rogue of a husband who exploited her for wealth and status, leaving her with no one to rely on. Her path ahead was uncertain, marred by recent indignities…

Letting out a long sigh, she sat up. In the adjacent room, Liu Ya and Hong Ling heard the movement, entering the bedroom. Liu Ya smiled, “Third Madam is awake.”

Seeing Hong Ling holding the clothes she wore in the morning, Lu Man shook her head, “I’ll wear that green shirt.”

Lu Man had brought five sets of spring clothes with her when she married, and the green shirt was the only old one among them.

Hong Ling advised, “Madam, Third Master is coming today. How can you wear that old outfit?” Seeing Lu Man’s stern expression, she quickly set down the clothes and went to the wardrobe to find the green shirt.

It was a knee-length pea-green vest, even when cinched with a willow-green belt, it looked unusually oversized on her, especially with the fabric sagging off the shoulders.

Liu Ya remarked, “Once Third Young Madam stops wearing this outfit, I will alter it.”

Embarrassed, Hong Ling explained, “Previously, only Lu Ying and I served Madam in this courtyard, and we were so busy we didn’t consider these details.”

After they tidied her hair, Lu Man casually pinned up a loose bun on her head, securing it with two long silver hairpins. She applied a touch of fragrance, opting for a natural look.

Even though Jiang Zhanwei would be visiting Orchid Pavilion today, Lu Man didn’t dress up to avoid any misunderstandings about her intentions.

Despite this, she couldn’t help but admire her appearance in the mirror—her skin was flawless, and the loose-fitting clothes exuded a casual and lazy vibe. Without makeup, her skin was as smooth and delicate as a peeled boiled egg.

Taking a seat on the heated brick bed in the east room, Liu Ya poured a cup of tea and placed it on the table, smiling, “Third Young Madam, you look beautiful even without makeup.”

Lu Man smiled without speaking, taking a medical book and placing it on the table, her mind drifting back to the morning’s events. The family acknowledgment had revealed various personalities, helping Lu Man gain a surface-level understanding of the people in the household.

The Princess was a stern but fair matriarch, sometimes unreasonable yet undoubtedly charitable towards the illegitimate children. Though she scolded Lu Man and even splashed tea on her, Lu Man sensed that she was likely the most benevolent woman in the household. For a princess to be normal, not twisted or malevolent, was already quite rare. If the former Lu Man hadn’t angered her, she would have been more forgiving.

Eldest Master (Marquis) was authoritative, rarely smiling, while the Third Master was knowledgeable and diplomatic. The eldest Madam was reserved, Third Madam was talkative, and Eldest Young Madam Han was adept at winning favor.