Chapter 110: What

Grandfather, when I and my older brother are away, it's a hassle for you to occasionally come home to keep Manman company.

Don't worry, I'm your granddaughter—how could I not dote on you?

Yeah, Section Commander Duan may have bad luck, but don't despise him too much—his drinking is still fine.

That's true—most people wouldn't want to fish with him, his luck is terrible~

Suddenly, Old Master Lu caught sight of a familiar back in his view, and his words cut off.

Lu Manman, how could she come to Sea Island?

She's even kneeling at the grandson‑in‑law's doorstep, looking like she's putting on a courtesan's act!

Grandfather, do you know that person?

Jiang Ye keenly noticed the displeasure flashing in grandfather's eyes, annoyed.

I've figured it out—this visitor means no good.

Yeah, you ought to be grateful to them—for snatching Manman's childhood engagement; otherwise you wouldn't have a chance to marry her.

Old Master Lu gave a half‑smile, then strode forward with his hands behind his back.

Grateful?

Yeah, saying that, we really ought to be grateful.

It's good they snatched her—otherwise his wife wouldn't have come to Sea Island, and he might still be destined to be a bachelor.

Grandfather.

Lu Manman heard the movement, promptly feigned weakness by leaning back, and the first thing that came into view was Old Master Lu.

Behind them followed a tall man in military uniform, his features stern, his aura imposing.

The man's looks were striking, his bearing extraordinary—clearly no ordinary officer!

She had a bad feeling—could this be Shen Man's military husband?

Huh? How did you come to Sea Island? Why are you kneeling? Are you offering rites for your mother to the first wife?

No need—Manman will personally bring her husband to pay respects; your kneeling is improper in name and word.

Old Master Lu fired off three questions at once, with no intention of letting the other catch their breath.

In the Military Region's Grand Courtyard, he still had some reservations, not yet breaking completely.

But this is Sea Island; facing the grandson‑in‑law, he had no mind to give Lu Manman any pleasant expression.

Lu Manman's face turned pale, then flushed, then red—she realized, today happens to be Tomb‑Sweeping Day!

Her kneeling looked like repentance—but whose repentance?

Back in the Republic era, she'd be the daughter of a concubine‑turned‑legitimate wife, not a trueborn Lu!

Grandfather, I—I came to find Manman's younger sister, wanting to personally say sorry……

Oh, you should have seen her by now—say your sorry and you can leave.

Old Master Lu speaks bluntly, in the manner of protecting his calf, and issues Lu Manman an expulsion order.

Jiang Ye stood beside grandfather, silently sizing up this so‑called benefactor.

He felt a silent mourning for his wife's former childhood fiancé, picking up sesame seeds while dropping watermelons.

Thanks for the blessing of marrying the wrong person!

At the same time, thanks to this 'benefactor' for the blessing of snatching the bride!

Creak.

Shen Man pushed open the gate, first calling grandfather, then motioning for her husband to help him inside.

As for the sister‑in‑law still kneeling, she felt pity and said, 'Get up too—those who don't know might think I'm bullying you.'

But inside she muttered, 'This is just an appetizer.'

She timed it—after half an hour on the stone slabs, the other's knees were surely bruised, enough to warrant a pot of tea.

If she let grandfather drive off this fat sheep, how would she shear its wool?

Manman's younger sister, thank you for forgiving me—I brought many apology gifts from the Capital; please accept them.

Lu Manman muttered thanks while leaning on the doorstep stone, slowly rising to her feet.

It hurts—my knees don't even feel like mine anymore, so painful!

Han Xin could endure the crotch humiliation, Gou Jian could lie on firewood and taste gall—Lu Manman, if she can retrieve the jade tablet's space, she too can bear insult!

How could I be so embarrassed?

A flicker of smile appeared on Shen Man's cold face—just like a money‑grubbing miser revealing her true nature.

Those unfamiliar with her, or judging by her past‑life behavior, find this side of her reassuring to Lu Manman.

Sure enough, she's still as foolish as before—a few words and some favors, and the opponent loses hostility.

If she just tries a little harder, she'll win their sympathy, let go of grudges, become good sisters, and then naturally obtain the jade tablet.

It's all my fault—I came this time just to seek your forgiveness and understanding.

Lu Manman carried things in, big and small bundles, into the courtyard.

Aside from her own change of clothes and a small pack.

Everything else were carefully selected precious gifts.

Whatever she took out was eye‑catching and impossible to refuse.

Old Master Lu and Jiang Ye exchanged a glance—though they didn't understand why Manman/wife pretended to be a miser, it seemed they approved of Lu Manman's conduct.

But they believed Manman/wife had a reason, so they refrained from interfering and just watched developments.

To prevent the grandson from acting rashly, Old Master Lu went next door, instructed the grandson's wife, and told her to stop the grandson's mouth when he returns......

Pei Yan Ting naturally agreed, though she also found her sister's actions a bit puzzling.

Today is Saturday, Tomb‑Sweeping Day.

Both families had agreed; at noon they would eat together, burning paper money in their own yard for the late grandmother, and this new daughter-in-law would kowtow and acknowledge the person.

So she took the day off today and stayed home especially.

Unexpectedly, the stepmother's daughter, who had taken her stepsister's childhood fiancé, actually showed up at the door.

She really knows how to pick a time.

"Sigh, I originally couldn't stand you and your mother, but who made you so sincere? On this Qingming Festival, you even came especially to pay respects to my mother.

"Then I'll reluctantly forgive you for stealing the fiancé."

Shen Man acted all high and mighty, utterly unreasonable, her eyes glued to the gifts, looking greedy for money.

Everyone present, except Lu Manman, didn't believe it, but they all cooperated by staying silent, letting Shen Man perform.

"Mm, that's good, that's good."

Lu Manman felt so angry she wanted to spit blood—what kind of reluctant forgiveness is that for stealing a fiancé? Is that even honorable?

What gives Shen Man the nerve to say that straight to her husband's face? Isn't she afraid he'll be petty and feel uncomfortable that she once had a childhood fiancé?

Old Master Lu stroked his beard, thinking his granddaughter was very clever, like a sly little fox, having Lu Manman running around in circles; so he decided to just watch and see what happened, not bothering.

Jiang Ye glanced at his wristwatch; it was getting late, so he went to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients for the memorial.

Three bowls of vegetables, three bowls of rice, three wine cups.

As long as it doesn't affect the daughter-in-law's mood, finish the memorial arrangements.

As for Lu Manman, she'd better fend for herself.

"Sister Lu Manman, today we're busy at home, it's not convenient to receive you; first go to the Guesthouse to check in, and tomorrow I'll take you around the island properly."

Today is the big day of the memorial; she doesn't want Lu Manman present, lest everyone's mood be like having a bone stuck in the throat.

So after a brief exchange of pleasantries, she just sent her packing, giving off a strong feeling of "getting rid of the millstone after grinding."

"Huh? Okay."

Lu Manman felt dazed, always thinking she'd been tricked, that the other party was playing her, but she had no evidence.

She kept being pushed out the gate by the other party, and after waving goodbye—

"Bang."

When the courtyard door was shut by the other party and her knees faintly ached, she suddenly realized: had she been rejected?