Chapter 72: Dispute

Jiang Zhanwei set down his chopsticks and turned his gaze towards Lu Man, saying, “You saved Qichang, and I do indeed owe you a favor. The issue with your wet nurse isn’t about money but time. In the capital, there are numerous slave shops, we first need to find out which one sold them. These shops have their rules and typically won’t disclose the whereabouts of the sold individuals to outsiders. We’ll have to find a way to get them to talk. If the Lu family had any hidden agenda in selling them, they would likely have been sent far away. Even if we manage to locate them alive, it will take a considerable amount of time. It could be as short as a few months or as long as one or two years. By then, I might not be in the capital anymore.”

Lu Man, disappointed, asked, “It will take that long? What should we do then?”

Jiang Zhanwei made a sudden turn and said, “Even if I’m gone, I’ll make sure Liu Xin helps get things done.”

Seeing Jiang Zhanwei readily agree, Lu Man finally breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that this person wasn’t always so detestable. Continuing, she said, “There’s something else I feel about Renhe Hall’s Manager Li, he might know something…” She then mentioned how Manager Li had intentionally fallen in front of her, his involvement in Renhe Hall before He Huang’s incident, and the transition from the old Renhe Hall to the current one. “Mama Wang mentioned Renhe Hall to me several times when I was young. Considering she was sold, I suspect there might be a connection. If Third Master can locate Manager Li, there might be unexpected gains. Just be cautious not to alert the Lu family, as Manager Li seems wary of them.”

Jiang Zhanwei raised an eyebrow, a smirk forming, “That does sound interesting… Alright, I’ll start by contacting Manager Li.”

Although Lu Man disliked Jiang Zhanwei, she had to admit that with his promise to help, the chances of success were high. His capabilities exceeded what he typically displayed.

They finished discussing important matters, and the meal was over.

Jiang Jiu, puzzled, asked, “Third Brother, didn’t you say ‘no talking during meals’? Why are you and Third Sister-in-law talking so much?”

Jiang Zhanwei smiled and replied, “Oh, we were discussing important matters.”

The young girl nodded in understanding.

His gaze softened only when facing Jiang Jiu. He was more stern with Jiang Zhankui.

After the meal, they walked hand in hand with Qichang out of Orchid Pavilion. The siblings held hands, Jiang Zhankui held Lu Man’s hand, Jiang Jiu held Jiang Zhanwei’s hand, creating a family of four.

Both Lu Man and Jiang Zhanwei felt uncomfortable. However, seeing the happy siblings, they reluctantly went along with it.

In the fresh, moist morning after the rain, with the thin mist not yet dispersed, the air was crisp, leaves greener, flowers brighter, and occasionally, drops of water would fall from leaves and eaves…

As they walked along the damp gravel path, the laughter of the children and the barking of the dog broke the silence of the surroundings.

At the junction, Jiang Zhanwei asked the siblings to return to Qingfeng Courtyard while he went to Crane Hall to pay respects to the Princess.

Jiang Jiu didn’t want to be separated from her brother and held onto Jiang Zhanwei’s hand, pleading, “Third Brother, Jiu also wants to visit Grandmother and Grandfather. Grandmother really likes Jiu now, and Father and Mother do too, they even gave Jiu gifts.”

Jiang Zhanwei’s expression darkened, frowning as he said, “One’s life, one stick of incense. If they look down on us, why force ourselves upon them? We don’t need their measly gifts. Remember, you are my siblings. We don’t need charity from others.”

It was the first time Jiang Zhanwei had spoken so sternly to Jiang Jiu, who became frightened and tearful.

Lu Man was speechless. This guy had issues, expecting his siblings to be like him. Suppressing her frustration, she said, “They don’t seek charity, they just want love from family and to enjoy happy days. Every child desires this and deserves it.”

Jiang Zhanwei sneered, “You grew up in such a family, you should understand the taste of it. Can you just demand love and care from relatives? Can they give it to you if you ask? Even if you manage to obtain it, it won’t be…”

He felt it inappropriate to mention “hanging oneself in the bridal chamber to retaliate against one’s maternal family” in front of the siblings and continued, “Since you can’t have it, then forget it. Build your own self-esteem, work hard to create a good life.” Glancing at Jiang Jiu without anger, he added, “Whatever you want, Brother will provide for you in the future.”

Lu Man spoke calmly, “Yes, I understand that feeling—loneliness, pain, helplessness, oppression, jealousy—these negative emotions accompanied me as I grew up, suffocating me, driving me almost to madness, leading to those crazy actions. Because I understand, I don’t want them to experience it, I don’t want them to be hurt. They are still so young, subjecting them to such feelings would be cruel.” Seeing a glimpse of emotion on Jiang Zhanwei’s face, she continued, “Strive hard to create a good life, this advice is for you men. You have the means to step out of the inner courtyard, have a wife, friends, and your own world. With intelligence and effort, you can create a fulfilling life without relying on family. But what about women? Their circle is limited to this inner courtyard. Especially innocent and kind-hearted Jiu, far from having the mental strength of you and Eighth Young Master. Without proper guidance from elders, if led astray by the servants…” When faced with unresolved issues, they might end up following the original Lu Man’s path.

Lu Man refrained from saying the last sentence aloud. Arguing outside where servants could witness was unwise, perhaps someone had already gone to report to the Madam of the House or the Young Madam. She trusted Jiang Zhanwei’s intelligence to understand the unspoken words.

She wiped Jiang Jiu’s tears with a handkerchief and said, “Don’t cry. It’s dull and intimidating at Crane Hall this morning, with only a few masters present. It won’t be fun, wait a bit longer, and in the afternoon, all the masters will be there. We can go then, okay?” After receiving a nod from Jiang Jiu, she instructed Jiang Zhankui, “Take your sister back to Qingfeng Courtyard.”

Jiang Zhankui nodded, casting a resentful glance at his brother, and led his sister away. Seeing Qichang hesitating to follow Jiang Zhanwei, he growled softly, “Qichang, come with me.”

Reluctantly, Qichang followed.

Once the siblings left, Lu Man turned towards Crane Hall.

After a moment of hesitation, Jiang Zhanwei caught up. Walking alongside Lu Man, he said, “I was inconsiderate earlier, only thinking of my feelings and not considering Jiang Jiu’s. Thank you for making Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu happier than before, and even for me, I… My grandmother has accepted them.”