Chapter 73: Change

Lu Man was surprised that Jiang Zhanwei actually apologized. Moreover, their father had deeply wounded them, the three siblings, with a level of hurt that Jiang Zhanwei should hold more resentment towards him, carrying much bitterness. Hence, he only mentioned their grandmother, not their father.

This was a child severely lacking in love, facing a large family but unable to obtain the sought-after affection, resolutely resisting any sense of “charity.” Not only harsh on themselves but also on their siblings. The previous Lu Man was the same…

How fortunate she was, having only one mother who bore all the misfortune and pain, showering her with all the love, making her past life filled with sunshine and happiness.

Thinking of her mother from her previous life, Lu Man’s heart softened immensely, her eyes gentle and radiant like a sunlit autumn pool, gazing unfocused ahead. She said, “I adore Eighth Young and little Jiu, they are such lovely children.” Recalling Jiang Zhankui’s three bows, she added with a smile, “They are so young and already know gratitude.”

Jiang Zhanwei couldn’t comprehend how a woman raised in such an environment with a certain character and reputation could have such tender and radiant eyes. His heart raced for a moment, his face flushing…

The conflicting emotions surged again, leaving him perplexed and embarrassed, his mood quickly turning restless and uneasy. In a cold tone, he said, “You know the nature of our relationship. So, it’s best not to overstep your boundaries, Zhankui and Jiu do not need your excessive concern. Also, even without those people, I can still provide Zhankui and Jiu with a good life. We don’t need their charity.”

This person truly didn’t know how to appreciate things, being inconsistent.

Lu Man felt a pang in her chest, withdrew her gaze, halted her steps, and said solemnly, “Rest assured, I have always remembered the nature of our relationship and will always stay within the boundaries. However, when you mention a good life, do you mean that once you achieve success, you will ensure their well-being, help Eighth Young Master with his career, and secure a good match for little Jiu, right?” As Jiang Zhanwei nodded, she continued, “Have you considered that even if you give them these two things you deem best, Eighth Young Master must build his own future, and little Jiu must face her own fate after marrying into a good family. You cannot live their lives for them. Moreover, if their characters turn out like yours, unappreciative and inconsistent, no one will appreciate them.”

Jiang Zhanwei flushed with anger, his voice low and sharp, “You, woman, really… How dare you speak to me like that? If you’re so capable, why don’t you go beg the Lu family for charity?”

Passing before Lu Man’s eyes was a small figure, and she spoke sadly, “In the Lu family, I did beg. When I was young, I would show filial piety to my grandmother, act obedient in front of my stepmother, and even used the money I saved to buy pearl flowers to please my stepsister. But all I received was a look of disgust. I truly sought but never received, so I stopped asking, it was futile. However, the grandmother in this household is different. Despite helping Eighth Young Master and little Jiu at my own expense, she didn’t blame me for my intrusion and genuinely accepted them. Therefore, the treatment of blood relatives in this household isn’t as cold and heartless, at least not the Princess…” Lu Man glanced at Jiang Zhanwei and continued, “Third Young Master, even if you find me meddlesome, I still feel compelled to kindly remind you that rigidity leads to breakage, and kindness is like water. With your stubborn and inflexible nature, even if you achieve great success in the future, the path ahead may not be smooth. The higher you climb, the harder you may fall.”

With that, Lu Man walked ahead briskly. These were her true thoughts—Jiang’s family treated blood relatives with more warmth than the Lu family. Since they were now one unit, Lu Man wanted to remind this insecure and arrogant man that despite his abilities, if he remained too stubborn, his fate might not surpass that of an ordinary person. She had read too many biographies of such individuals in her past life…

Lu Man’s speech was not rushed, her voice still gentle, but it struck Jiang Zhanwei’s ears like a heavy hammer. Especially the last few sentences made him extremely irritated, yet he couldn’t deny the truth in her words.

As they reached the back door of Crane Hall, Jiang Zhanwei, still seething and unwilling to yield, remained silent. They walked ahead in silence, one after the other.

Lu Ying and Xing, trailing behind them, kept their heads low, wishing they could block their ears. Once Jiang Zhanwei moved ahead, they followed from a distance.

Lu Man and Jiang Zhanwei entered the side entrance of Crane Hall, both unconsciously relaxing their facial expressions. Walking side by side, Lu Man slightly behind.

In the bedroom, several masters, Young Master Zhanju, the fourth and fifth young masters, were already waiting beside the sick old Marquis’s bed, with Princess Changting sitting by the bedside.

Lu Man walked directly into the bedroom, while Jiang Zhanwei hesitated at the door, unsure if he should enter.

Old Marquis had rarely paid him any attention before falling ill. Besides the tea ceremony incident with Lu Man, Jiang Zhanwei had never had close contact with him, let alone entered his bedroom. Even with him lying sick in bed, Jiang Zhanwei was uncertain whether he should enter to attend to him.

Princess Changting sensed his dilemma and beckoned, smiling, “Zhanwei, come in. It’s your grandfather lying in bed, do you need your grandmother’s permission to enter?”

Princess Changting’s jest made Jiang Zhanwei feel a bit uncomfortable. He quickly bowed and said, “Grandson dare not.” He entered, greeted the Princess and the three masters respectfully.

Lu Man lowered her head, carefully observing the old Marquis, and softly remarked, “Grandfather, even with the loud thunder yesterday, it didn’t wake you up. Sleeping well, eating well, your complexion looks even rosier. When you wake up one day, Eighth Young Master and Ninth Young Master won’t be able to keep up with you…”

Before she could finish, Zhanju exclaimed in surprise, “Look, look, look at Grandfather’s beard hairs, it curled up again!”

Upon closer inspection, it was true that some hairs of the old Marquis’s beard curled up.

The Princess chuckled, “The old man must be unhappy that the naughty girl teased him about his age, comparing him to the little Eighth and Ninth grandson.”

Lu Man quickly chimed in, “Oh, I misspoke. When Grandfather wakes up, even the Young Master, Third Young Master, Fourth Young Master, and Fifth Young Master won’t be able to keep up with you, Grandfather.”

This elicited another round of laughter from everyone.

Jiang Zhanwei was extremely surprised. When did Lu Man become so casual with grandmother? It seemed like grandfather truly enjoyed her company. The other masters, unfazed by the interactions, even the usually stern Second Master couldn’t help but chuckle.

Over the years, the elders had maintained a distant and indifferent attitude towards the three siblings. However, with Lu Man’s arrival, not only had she improved the situations of Jiang Zhankui and little Jiu, but even her own treatment had become more relaxed and friendly than before…