Chapter 53: Letter

Initially, Lu Man had a whimsical idea of improving her relationship with the young girl before leaving the estate, nurturing her health, spending more time with her, and imparting life lessons. However, it seemed challenging now.

Jiang Zhanwei controlled everything concerning the young girl, and Mama Gu was responsible for her daily needs. Both parties held biases against Lu Man and were unlikely to welcome her closer interaction with the young girl.

Lu Man inquired with Liu Ya, “Where is Eighth Young Master’s wet nurse? Why is only the Second Young Miss’s wet nurse at Qingfeng Courtyard?” If Qingfeng Courtyard had another overseer, Mama Gu wouldn’t be so domineering.

Liu Ya whispered, “Eighth Young Master’s wet nurse is called Mama Jiang, she’s not a good person, unclean in her actions. When Eighth Young Master was young, she mistreated him, often sneaking his food to feed her own son, and even stole his monthly allowance. One day, as Granny Jiang was leaving, Third Young Master visited Qingfeng Courtyard to see Eighth Young Master and Second Miss. Eighth Young Master refused to let her go, tugging at her sleeve, causing the hidden snacks and money to fall out. Third Young Master was furious and reported this to Madam, who then expelled Mama Jiang.”

Lu Man was convinced it was intentional mischief. She asked, “How old was Eighth Young Master at that time?”

Liu Ya thought for a moment and replied, “Around four years old, I believe.”

Truly a remarkable child.

Continuing cautiously, Lu Man inquired, “It seems good for Mama Gu to stay with the Second Young Miss?”

Liu Ya nodded, “Third Young Master trust Mama Gu deeply, saying she genuinely cares for the Second Young Miss, evident from the Second Young Miss’s excellent health. When the Second Young Miss was born at only three pounds, two pounds lighter than Eighth Young Master, she was delicate like a little cat. Many thought she couldn’t survive. At the time, Miss Zhou had passed away, and Mama Gu painstakingly raised the Second Young Miss to this age, it wasn’t easy. Unlike Mama Jiang, who mistreated the children, or Mama Li, who was strict and unreasonable.” She added, “Mama Li was Third Young Master’s wet nurse, strict and fond of scolding the maids. She initially served Third Young Master and later became the overseer when he was ten. Due to illness, she had to leave the estate for recuperation. After recovering, she wanted to return, but Third Young Master, being compassionate, aware of her poor health, allowed her to retire at home. He even sent her a couple of silver coins monthly, a practice that continues to this day.”

These two brothers are no ordinary individuals. It’s puzzling how Second Master ended up with such intelligent sons, perhaps they take after Miss Zhou? Having borne three outstanding children, Lu Man felt intrigued by this Miss Zhou, although she seemed like a forbidden topic within the estate, rarely spoken about by ordinary folks.

According to Liu Ya, despite Mama Gu’s unpleasant demeanor, she treated Jiang Jiu exceptionally well. Since Jiang Jiu lacked a biological mother and had a delicate constitution, it was crucial for her to have a caring nursemaid to tend to her daily needs.

While Mama Gu took good care of Jiang Jiu and seemed genuinely fond of her, she appeared narrow-minded. Unlike Jiang Zhanwei, who was intelligent and lacked parental guidance, Jiang Jiu was at risk of adopting a narrow-minded mentality due to the Mama Gu’s influence. Additionally, with Jiang Zhankui moving to the outer courtyard next year, Jiang Jiu was left under the continuous influence of Mama Gu, which could potentially lead to issues.

For girls, the future was less promising within the confines of a wealthy household compared to boys. Even if a boy faced inadequate influences, he could still pursue education outside, benefit from a teacher’s guidance and friends’ influence, and aspire to a different life. Girls within grand estates didn’t have the same opportunities, especially a naive girl like Jiang Jiu. Reflecting on the kind and endearing young girl, Lu Man was reluctant to see her potential stunted. If the chance arose, she intended to caution Jiang Zhanwei.

Suppressing her thoughts, Lu Man thanked Liu Ya with a smile, “Thank you for sharing all this with me.”

Liu Ya, Jiang Zhanwei’s maid, had shared much, indicating a level of trust and openness not easily achieved.

Liu Ya smiled, “Having served Third Young Madam for some time, I can see she has a kind heart, genuinely cares for Eighth Young Master and Second Young Miss, and treats us servants well. Third Young Master doesn’t fully understand Third Young Madam…” Realizing she may have spoken too much, she blushed and hastily added, “I’ve overstepped.”

Lu Man shook her head, saying, “I know you mean well.” Letting out a sigh, she added, “Despite Third Young Master’s disfavor towards me, you still treat me kindly, showing a sense of loyalty…”

“Third Young Madam, I…” Liu Ya was moved.

Lu Man continued with a smile, “Our relationship as mistress and servant is also fate. Even if I leave the residence and Third Young Master in the future, we can still keep in touch privately.”

Liu Ya didn’t know what to say and simply hung her head, tears welling in her eyes.

She recalled how Third Young Master had instructed them to serve Third Young Madam well before his departure, discreetly leaving her a letter. He had mentioned that if anything happened to the old Marquis before his return, she should deliver the letter to Liu Xin, who would then pass it to the Duke Xie’s mansion. The Duke’s people would find a way to temporarily protect the Lu family.

She couldn’t comprehend why Third Young Master and Third Young Madam, both good people, couldn’t live harmoniously despite being married…

Their conversation wasn’t discreet from Lu Ying, who overheard Lu Man mention leaving Third Young Master, which saddened her deeply. Lu Ying had also grown more discerning and refrained from questioning her mistress in Liu Ya’s presence. She tended to Lu Man as she settled for sleep, planning to discuss matters when they were alone, hoping to ease her mistress’s concerns, reconcile with Third Young Master, and secure a permanent place in the estate.

For a woman, whether divorced or separated, life wouldn’t be easy. Especially with the unfavorable attitudes of the Lu family, returning to the Lu household would likely result in a miserable existence.

Later that afternoon, on the way to Crane Hall, Lu Man noticed Lu Ying’s discomfort and asked, “You seem troubled, speak up, what’s on your mind?”

Lu Ying confided, “…Third Young Madam, if the old Marquis recovers, you’ll be a hero. Princess Changting shouldn’t dismiss you. Moreover, I’ve noticed Princess Changting treats you well. With her support, Third Young Master won’t dare to drive you away.”

Considering the disdain in Madam Hong’s eyes, Lu Man responded, “Silly girl, if the old Marquis doesn’t recover, I’m a liability. The best outcome would be to be sent back to the Lu family. Once the old Marquis recovers, my mission in this estate is complete, and I won’t stay for long. The elders don’t consider Third Young Master’s feelings nor the future of other men. I am He Huang’s granddaughter, the one my grandfather offended was that person…”

Madam Hong’s dislike towards Lu Man was different from Second Master’s. Second Master disliked Lu Man because she was a concubine’s daughter-in-law, which brought shame to the family. However, Madam Hong’s dislike stemmed more from Lu Man being He Huang’s granddaughter. Hence, before Jiang Zhanwei succeeded and considered divorcing her, Madam Hong might take the first step to drive her out. The intentions of the other elders remained uncertain…