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Upon hearing about the need for medical books and records of soul separation ilness, the Princess immediately agreed, stating, “Oh, we must quickly retrieve them.” She then instructed the maid behind her, “Take a few servants and boys to the Lu Family to collect the items.”
Lu Man expressed gratitude, and Lu Ying led the maid to the outer courtyard.
Ever since the Lu Family learned about Lu Man’s attempted suicide in the bridal chamber, they were terrified, living in constant fear, dreading the arrival of misfortune. They didn’t dare seek forgiveness from the Princess, instead, Mr. Lu Fangming went to Marquis Jiang’s yamen to apologize, hoping Marquis Jiang wouldn’t harm him. However, Marquis Jiang refused to see him.
Mr. Lu then went to the Ministry of Rites to apologize to Marquis Jiang’s second son. Upon meeting him, without a word, Second Master Jiang directly attacked him. After being pulled away, Mr. Lu left bruised and swollen, never daring to seek forgiveness again.
The old madam Lu also fell ill upon hearing the news, having just recovered enough to get out of bed a few days ago. Mrs. Xiao Chen was also filled with fear, worried about the consequences. If that girl died, she knew she would be the first to face the consequences.
Lu Fangming’s wife couldn’t stop crying, both afraid and heartbroken. She feared retaliation from the Princess’s residence and lamented the money spent on the marriage and the dowry taken by that troublemaker.
The Lu family still had no idea about Lu Man’s current condition.
The old madam Lu sent Hong Ling’s mother with money to the Princess Changting’s residence to inquire about Lu Man’s well-being. Upon mentioning the third young madam, the gatekeeper chased her away. After days of searching, they finally found a maid who revealed that Lu Man was alive but being ignored in the courtyard.
At that moment, the Lu family, led by Mr. Lu, gathered in the old madam Lu’s room, where she cursed the “disobedient and unfilial girl,” with the First Madam and Mrs. Xiao Chen joining in.
As they cursed fervently, a servant entered to report that Lu Ying had arrived with a group of strong servants and maids. Everyone was taken aback by the news.
Mrs. Xiao Chen screamed, “Mother-in-law, what if that girl has died, and the Princess sent people to our residence to cause trouble?”
The Fangming’s wife felt weak at the knees, murmuring, “That troublemaker wants to harm our entire family, wants to harm our entire family…”
The other women in the family also started calling out, and a few young girls even began to cry.
The old madam’s face turned pale. She made eye contact with Lu Fangming and said, “For every crime, there is a criminal. It was this old woman who decided to marry off Man, so I shall bear the blame.”
Lu Fangming quickly reassured the old lady, “Mother, don’t worry yourself. If anything happens, it will be my responsibility, how can I let my mother take the blame? Besides, it might not even be related to this incident.”
Fangming’s wife, fearing for Mr. Lu’s safety, rushed forward, holding onto his clothes, preventing him from leaving, “Husband, don’t go. Let the servants handle it.”
Mr. Lu, his face flushed with anger, shook off her hand and scolded, “Useless woman, what are you saying!”
Lu Ming, came over to support him and said to First Madam, “Mother, don’t be afraid. Son will accompany father.”
The father and son quickly walked towards the outer courtyard.
The old lady, a bold and stubborn widow, followed her children and grandchildren towards the front courtyard. She thought that if indeed the Princess’s residence had come knocking, she would shield her family. If the Princess’s residence dared to harm an old woman, the censor would surely impeach the Princess, possibly saving the entire family.
Once the old lady left, the First Madam, and Mrs. Xiao Chen, were left with no choice but to follow. They instructed the younger generation to stay behind and guard the house, joining the old lady in the front courtyard.
Upon reaching the front courtyard, they indeed saw Lu Ying and several maids and servants standing there.
Mr. Lu courteously greeted the maids and servants and then turned to Lu Ying, asking, “You’re back. Is everything all right with Man?”
Lu Ying sensed his underlying question about whether the second miss Lu had died. Uncomfortable with their indifference towards the third young madam, she kept calm on the outside but felt cold inside. If the third young mada had favor in Princess Changting’s residence, these family members would undoubtedly grovel at her feet for power and wealth.
With a smile on her face but coldness in her eyes, Lu Ying curtsied to Mr. Lu and said, “Sir, our third young madam is still alive. I’ve returned to collect the items and medical books left by the second madam.”
Lu Man instructed her not to reveal specific details, only mentioning that she was still alive.
Upon hearing this, the Lu family members breathed a sigh of relief. Since Lu Man was still alive, it meant that the Princess’s residence wouldn’t seek revenge on the Lu family.
Mr. Lu wiped the sweat off his forehead and said, “That’s good, that’s good. Why have you come to collect the items left by second sister-in-law? Those things belong to Man’s birth mother.”
Mrs. Xiao Chen frowned upon hearing this. That woman had already been divorced, and he still referred to her as the “second madam”? She scoffed, “Oh, now you remember to come back for those things? It’s too late, they’ve all been thrown away.”
As an outsider maid, Lu Ying had no family in the Lu household, so she wasn’t afraid of the Lu family. Moreover, she harbored resentment towards Mrs. Xiao Chen for mistreating the second miss and for instigating her to do wrong. She stated, “Is that so? Among those items are several important medical books crucial for the recovery of the old marquis. The Princess is waiting for them. I will return and report truthfully.”
The other maids and servants accompanying her all wore grim expressions.
Mr. Lu frowned, displeased with Mrs. Xiao Chen’s lack of tact, but he couldn’t scold her in public and instead glanced at the old lady.
The old lady was also dissatisfied with Mrs. Xiao Chen. She had hoped that Man hadn’t died and that the Princess Changting’s residence wouldn’t cause trouble for the Lu family. She shot Mrs. Xiao Chen a stern look, refraining from scolding her in front of the servants.
Suppressing her anger, the old lady said, “Has the second daughter-in-law been so preoccupied with Man these days that she’s lost her mind? Think carefully, where were those things placed?”
Seeing the old lady’s stern expression and tone, Mrs. Xiao Chen reluctantly replied, “Oh, I remember now. Those things were meant to be thrown away, but before we could, the second miss had someone come to retrieve them.”
Li Ma’s expression soured. It was evident that coming from a humble background, they mistreated their stepdaughter so openly. She coldly remarked, “This stepmother of yours, disposing of items left by the birth mother without a second thought. At least have the courtesy to inquire first.”
The old lady chuckled, “The younger ones lack discretion, making this old lady laugh.”
Mr. Lu then suggested, “Please come inside, rest, have some tea, and we can move the items after lunch.”
Li Ma waved her hand, “Thank you for your hospitality, Mr. Lu, but we must quickly return the items and report back.”
Mrs. Xiao Chen, red-faced, remained silent and led Lu Ying and the maids to the inner courtyard.
Mr. Lu then instructed her wife to prepare a reward of silver, giving Li Ma a tael of silver and the others two silver ingots. Being a maid in the Princess Changting’s residence, silver ingots were more suitable than coins.