Chapter 47: Drinking

Lu Man, in Crane Hall with these esteemed individuals, enjoyed a lively conversation for the first time, followed by a sumptuous dinner.

However, this meal was an eye-opener for Lu Man.

Despite being a family, there was no screen separating the men’s table from the women and children’s table.

The aroma of alcohol from the men’s table wafted over, making Lu Man’s mouth water with desire. Their table only had small wine glasses placed in front of the Princess Changting, eldest Madam, Second Madam, and Third Madam, containing fruit wine. Lu Man and Young Madam Han, the two younger women, weren’t even served fruit wine.

Lu Man had longed for a drink. In her previous life, she enjoyed a little alcohol occasionally, not in excess. If it was white wine, half a glass at a time, beer, a bottle at a time. Surprisingly, she wasn’t fond of red wine. Especially after a tiring day, upon returning home and showering, her mother would have already set out the wine and dishes on the table…

Despite her craving, she didn’t dare ask for a drink and instead savored the dishes amidst the scent of alcohol.

After a short while, the Second Master approached the Princess Changting with a smile, offering her a toast.

Princess Changting politely took a sip but then frowned and said, “You are my son, do you think I don’t know what’s in your heart?” She then instructed, “Go, bring a small pitcher of osmanthus wine for the Second Daughter-in-law.” Turning to the Second Madam, she added, “I’m doing this out of concern for you. Alcohol, brings a little joy, but excess can bring harm.”

Upon Princess Changting’s instructions, the Second Lady rose to comply, without refusing.

It seemed the Second Madam couldn’t do without a drink, she was unwilling to be without alcohol even in front of her mother-in-law. Princess Changting’s control over her drinking habits stemmed from either her previous health issues or a previous incident that embarrassed her publicly.

The Second Master chimed in, “Mother, rest assured, she won’t drink too much, and I wouldn’t allow her to.”

Witnessing this couple’s public display of affection, the others weren’t surprised, except for Jiang He who jokingly remarked, “Grandfather is afraid of his wife, shy, shy…”

Young Madam Han quickly covered her mouth, apologizing, “Sorry, Second Uncle, children talk nonsense.”

The Second Master waved his hand, chuckling, “No worries, being afraid of your wife isn’t something to be embarrassed about.”

Princess Changting glared at him in annoyance but refrained from saying much. She was frustrated with her second son’s lack of backbone, yet he was still her son, deserving some respect.

Seeing the servants refill the Second Madam’s glass, the Second Master happily moved to another table.

The Second Madam poured herself another drink, graceful and content in her actions.

To Lu Man, the Second Madam at that moment wasn’t merely drinking, it was as if she was savoring the finest nectar and ambrosia.

Occasionally, the Second Master would raise a toast to the Second Madam at the other table, saying, “My dear, a toast to you.” in an overly affectionate manner.

The Marquis and the Third Master smiled, raising their glasses to the table, joining in the toast. It was evident that these two masters held great respect for the Second Madam.

The First Madam pursed her lips slightly, the Third Madam furrowed her brow, but seeing Princess Changting’s indifference, they both pretended not to care, laughing awkwardly.

The small pitcher of wine was probably about two taels, and the Second Madam, though still somewhat unsatisfied, didn’t ask for more. Her face was slightly flushed, her eyes misty, her vermilion lips slightly more vibrant than usual.

“If poetry and art are hidden in the heart, time will never tarnish the beauty!”

The fragrance emanating from the Second Madam was no longer that of tea but of wine, yet her poetic and musical temperament was still discernible, serene and pure.

It turned out that ancient women also lived with such ease and freedom.

Lu Man witnessed a different image of an ancient woman. Who said that in ancient times, women were only valued for their virtues if they lacked talent? Who said that apart from princesses, the status of other women was low?

Not at all!

Seeing the Second Madam in such a light filled Lu Man with a sense of grandeur. If this ancient talented woman was so respected, then in the future, as a brilliant female physician, would she not fear being judged by others?

In ancient times, for a woman to achieve something, it wasn’t just about her abilities but also about the pressures from family and society. During this era, it seemed that women weren’t particularly restricted, or perhaps, the head of this household wasn’t particularly strict with talented women.

Dinner was served early that evening, and as Lu Man left Crane Hall, the sky was still bright, painted with vivid and intense streaks of fiery clouds stretching across the western horizon, a spectacular sight.

Seeing Lu Ying smiling widely, Lu Man asked curiously, “What’s making you so happy?”

Lu Ying chuckled, “I’m happy for Third Young Madam. If she gains the favor of Princess Changting and the elders, the Third Young Master won’t mistreat her as much.”

Lu Man’s mood was initially excellent, but upon hearing the word “mistreat,” she was instantly reminded of that night, and her good mood turned sour. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Don’t mention that person, it just annoys me. If I ever get my hands on him, I’ll make sure to give him what he deserves!”

Wanting to say that women are not men’s adversaries and that finding a way to capture his heart would be more effective, Lu Ying hesitated upon seeing Lu Man’s sudden change in demeanor and decided not to say more.

As they approached Orchid Pavilion, they noticed three small figures by the edge of the Mirror Lake – two children and a dog.

Lu Man told Lu Ying, “You go back and have your meal, I’ll go check on them.” With that, she headed towards the three figures.

Qichang also spotted Lu Man and ran excitedly towards her, a rope trailing from its neck and dragging on the ground.

As Qichang approached, it joyfully nudged and hugged Lu Man’s leg, its large tongue continuously licking her skirt. Lu Man happily patted its head, saying, “You heartless little thing, why haven’t you come to see me sooner?”

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu ran over holding hands. Seeing Jiang Zhankui’s displeased expression, Lu Man asked, “Eighth Young Master, have I offended you?”

Jiang Zhankui huffed and turned away without responding.

Jiang Jiu pouted and said, “Sister-in-law, my father invited you for dinner at Crane Hall, but he didn’t invite me and Eighth Brother.” Sniffling, her eyes seemed to glisten with tears.

It turned out that the two children felt abandoned and neglected, and the one neglecting them was their own father. What was more significant was that Lu Man, who usually wasn’t well-received, was invited while they were not.

Lu Man explained with a smile, “Your father didn’t invite me, he isn’t particularly kind to me. It was Grandmother who felt I worked hard treating Grandfather and allowed me to stay.”

Jiang Jiu felt relieved, realizing her misinterpretation. Blushing, she said, “Sister-in-law, Jiu doesn’t mean that. Jiu also hopes Father can treat you better.”

It was perplexing how that foolish master didn’t know how to cherish his delicate and affectionate little daughter, his only daughter.

Lu Man ruffled her hair, saying, “I know, Jiu is a kind and good girl.”

Jiang Zhankui inquired, “Has Grandfather’s condition truly improved? Is he waking up?”