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Lu Man nodded, “Yes, he’s much better now.” She briefly explained the progress of the Old Marquis’s illness.
Jiang Zhankui’s face lit up, his mouth widening into a big grin, revealing two small tiger teeth. It was the first time Lu Man had seen his genuine smile.
Lu Man understood that this smile from Jiang Zhankui was not for the Old Marquis who discriminated against his illegitimate descendants but for Jiang Zhanwei. She knew that the credit for the improvement in the Old Marquis’s condition didn’t solely belong to her but to Jiang Zhanwei, who had endured hardships to bring her into the family.
As they conversed, Mama Gu hurried over, scolding Jiang Jiu, “Oh my, how did you end up by the lake? What if something happened? One moment I blink, and you all disappear. Those two troublemakers, I’ll report them and have them sent away…”
Jiang Jiu quickly interjected, “Mama Gu, don’t blame Lan Zhi and Ling Zhi, it was Eighth Brother who didn’t want them following us.”
Jiang Zhankui sternly reprimanded, “If you dare spread rumors, you’ll be the first one sent away. Trust my word, Third Brother will dismiss you.”
Blushing, Granny Gu laughed, “I was just joking, Eighth Young Master took it seriously.”
Lu Man was irritated by Mama Gu’s behavior and coldly remarked, “When Eighth Young Master and Second Young Miss go missing, it’s always someone else’s fault, and you’re never at fault. Aren’t you the servant of the Miss?”
Mama Gu quickly explained, “I was just about to…”
Ignoring her, Lu Man whispered to Jiang Jiu, “It’s getting dark, it’s time to go back. Remember, don’t wander around late at night.”
Jiang Jiu nodded and placed her small hand into Jiang Zhankui’s. Holding his sister’s hand and Qichang’s leash, Jiang Zhankui walked towards Qingfeng Courtyard.
In the twilight, the figures grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared into the woods.
As Lu Man withdrew her gaze and looked around, the twilight enveloped the surroundings. The lake shimmered under the fading light, showcasing the grandeur of the pavilions and myriad of colors. The life of luxury, the favored and the unfavored in the mansion… None of it belonged to her, she was merely a passing visitor in this place.
What belonged to her were the few bookshelves on Orchid Pavilion, the thousands of taels of silver, Lu Ying, and the whereabouts of Mama Wang and her mother, Madam He that she had yet to discover. These were enough for her.
Taking a deep breath, she headed towards Orchid Pavilion, determined to find an excuse to explore the outside world.
Approaching the back gate of Orchid Pavilion, Lu Man saw it was open, and Liu Ya was waiting there specifically for her.
Once Lu Man entered, Liu Ya closed the door behind her and guided Lu Man towards the front courtyard.
Feeling Liu Ya’s cold hand, Lu Man extended her right hand to check her pulse and asked, “Are you having your period?”
Surprised, Liu Ya exclaimed, “You can even tell that, Third Young Madam?”
Lu Man smiled, “Don’t forget, I have a deep family background. I not only know you’re menstruating but also that you suffer from dysmenorrhea and sensitivity to cold.” She added, “If you’re uncomfortable, go rest in your room, and have one of the young maids wait for me.”
Liu Ya replied, “I don’t trust those young maids, I prefer to stay with you.” Surprisingly, she widened her eyes and said, “I do have that problem. Third Young Madam, you learned to give acupuncture and check pulses so quickly, you could tell right away?”
Lu Man explained, “I recently learned acupuncture, but I’ve been studying pulse diagnosis since my maternal home. I just didn’t dare to mention it as it might upset the elders. Now, with guidance from the imperial physicians, my progress has been rapid.”
She needed an excuse for her medical knowledge.
Back in the main room, after examining Liu Ya’s complexion and tongue, Lu Man administered acupuncture. To her surprise, Liu Ya felt a reduction in her abdominal pain. Lu Man then prescribed some medication for her to take.
She advised Liu Ya, “You have a cold uterus, which can affect your future fertility. Whenever you have your period, take the medication I prescribed for six months. It will not only alleviate menstrual pain but also benefit your chances of conceiving in the future.”
The He family was well-versed in medicine, particularly in gynecology. Menstrual pain was a common ailment in gynecology, and there were numerous records in books detailing pulse diagnosis, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. While Lu Man excelled in pulse diagnosis precision, she had memorized various treatments for different pulse conditions.
Today, Lu Man truly diagnosed Liu Ya’s dysmenorrhea and cold uterus from her pulse, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
Lu Man’s medical skills were proficient, except for her handwriting, which was a weak point. She had never practiced calligraphy in her past life, and the original owner’s handwriting wasn’t exceptional either.
Blushing, Liu Ya listened attentively and obediently took the prescription to get the medicine and agreed to take it. She was shy upon hearing that her future fertility might be affected but nodded in compliance. She promised to fetch the medicine the next day.
At that moment, a young maid came to report that Young Madam Han’s maid, Fenhe, had arrived.
Fenhe entered with a smile, holding a pine-green silk ribbon. She conveyed that Madam Han had sent it, declaring that Lu Ying was now the Head Maid and would receive the Head Maid’s allowance starting next month.
Furthermore, Lu Man was to receive six sets of clothing, four pairs of shoes, two sets of jewelry, one set of rouge and powder, two sets of toiletries. The tailoring department would come to take her measurements the next day, and the jewelry, rouge and powder, and toiletries would be delivered once purchased.
Lu Man thanked Fenhe and asked her to convey her gratitude to Young Madam Han. Initially, she only received her monthly allowance, but now that all her benefits were provided, it seemed like Princess Changting was affirming her recent work.
After a brief conversation, Fenhe left, and Lu Man retired to her room feeling accomplished.
Today, Hong Ling was resting, and Lu Ying was also taking a break after a long day’s work in the back room. Xing, being more spirited, was excited about Lu Ying’s promotion and insisted on celebrating with her. She eagerly ran to the back room to share the good news. Xing was pleased that Lu Ying had been promoted, as she was worried that if Hong Ling became the Head Maid, she would be overshadowed. Now that Lu Ying had been promoted, she was just as thrilled.
In no time, Lu Ying rushed over, overjoyed and knelt before Lu Man, bowing three times. She then solemnly accepted the new sash and quickly tied it around her waist.
Listening to the banter between Tao and Xing, Lu Ying promised to buy some extra dishes from the kitchen the next day using five strings of coins.
Xing teased, “Lu Ying, with so many people in our courtyard, two strings of coins won’t be enough. You’ll need to spend at least a couple of taels and five strings of coins every month. You should at least invite guests with a couple of taels.”
Lu Man joined in the laughter, saying, “Exactly. Lu Ying, don’t be stingy. Spend a couple of taels and have the kitchen prepare some… dishes.”
She initially wanted to say “good dishes”, but recalling the sumptuous feast they had that evening, filled with a variety of delicacies, she refrained from using the word “good.” Dishes made with a couple of taels were not considered “good” in this household.