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Jiang Jiu asked, “Sister-in-law, is that your Sweet Pea?”
Lu Man nodded and, noticing the envious gaze of the young girl, added with a smile, “In the future, we’ll find a Sweet Candy for little Jiu as well.”
“It should be as cute as Sweet Pea.” Jiang Jiu replied.
While the children were engrossed with the cat in the western room, Lu Man returned to the eastern room. She opened the package given by Lu Fangrong and found some thick velvet cloth, dairy products like curd, pine nuts, and hazelnuts from the north, along with a poorly made pearl-inlaid gold hairpin.
Lu Man was particularly intrigued by the dairy products, crucial ingredients for pastries. However, she was certain she wouldn’t keep the items sent by Lu Fangrong and BaonQin. She let Mama Wang and a few maids choose what they liked, if there was nothing, they could give them to others.
Mama Wang picked a piece of soft, thick fabric to make a cushion for Sweet Pea, the other maids didn’t take anything. Mama Wang secretly slipped the gold hairpin into Huang’s hand and gave the rest to the other maids.
The maids were delighted with the fabric and food but didn’t know what to do with the curd, so they discarded it outside.
Lu Ying then took the gifts sent for Hong Ling to Hong Ling’s quarters.
Mama Wang discreetly inquired about Bao Qin’s situation from Lu Ying, learning about her favored status with Lu Fangrong and her affectionate demeanor. Upon hearing about Lu Fangrong’s affection for Bao Qin and his fond memories of the late Second Madam, Mama Wang was both angry and tearful.
Lu Man comforted her, saying, “Don’t be upset, I will take care of them.”
Before dinner, the Eldest Young Madam Han personally arrived at Orchid Pavilion.
Lu Man was surprised and greeted her with a smile, “Oh, what an esteemed visitor gracing our humble abode.”
She promptly invited her to sit on the kang bed.
Once seated, Young Madam Han chuckled, “Oh dear, I couldn’t refuse, it was Min, the assistant minister of the Household Department, who sought my Father-in-law’s help. His fourth daughter-in-law hasn’t had children in two years of marriage and wanted us to take a look. Father-in-law couldn’t decline, so he agreed to have Min’s fourth daughter-in-law visit tomorrow. My husband asked me to inform you…”
Lu Man felt a headache coming on. She still believed that Huang Niu’s pregnancy was partly coincidental and not solely due to her exceptional skills in healing her. If it were a servant, she would gladly assist, more as a practice opportunity, without even charging a consultation fee, sometimes even covering the costs herself. But with noble wives, the pressure was too great.
Smiling awkwardly, Lu Man said, “Sister-in-law, you know, I’m just half a bottle of vinegar, having only read some books. I haven’t formally studied medicine under a master. How can I treat Minister Min’s fourth daughter-in-law?”
Young Madam Han chuckled, “No worries, they came seeking help themselves. If you can help, that’s great; if not, there’s nothing to be done. Minister Min is quite diplomatic, he’s only asking for a favor, a chance for the younger generation to make a friend.” Lowering her voice, she continued, “You don’t know yet, earlier today, not long after you returned to your mother’s home, Mrs. He, came to our house looking for my mother-in-law. She said her daughter-in-law was having difficulty in childbirth and wanted you to assist. My mother-in-law was upset but couldn’t refuse. She didn’t want to say you were back at your mother’s house, fearing she’d go to the Lu household looking for you. They declined by saying you were out visiting. Mrs. He wasn’t pleased, feeling my mother-in-law was unwilling to help, so she sought help from grandmother…”
Mrs. He went to the Crane Hall to request the Princess Changting’s assistance, which greatly angered her. She sternly rebuked, “Do you think my granddaughter-in-law is a midwife? How dare you ask her to assist in a birth! Let me tell you, my granddaughter-in-law’s status is far superior to your daughter-in-law’s!” She then scolded the servants, “Behaving recklessly! The Crane Hall is not a marketplace, you can’t just bring in anyone and everyone.”
Mrs. He left, embarrassed and red-faced.
Lu Man was left speechless. In ancient times, class distinctions were paramount, Princess Changting was the Emperor’s only sister, the most noble princess, with an incredibly prestigious status. Even though Jiang Zhanwei was a descendant, his royal lineage connected him to the imperial family, placing him above ordinary wealthy families. Mrs. He’s audacity to ask her to assist in a birth clearly irked Princess Changting.
There’s an old saying that language is an art, the same sentiment expressed in different ways can lead to varied interpretations.
As for the Min family, if Marquis Jiang agreed, she had no choice. Minister Min had the power to directly approach Marquis Jiang, indicating either his confidence in Marquis Jiang’s acceptance or a close relationship between them, or perhaps Minister Min’s influence and Marquis Jiang’s desire to establish a good rapport. As an assistant minister in the Household Department, Minister Min held considerable authority.
Lu Man chuckled, “Well, I’ll just have to give it a try.”
After exchanging pleasantries, they bid farewell to Young Madam Han.
After dinner, Mrs. Zhu from the Zhu family arrived. Lu Man administered acupuncture to her and then had Lu Ying escort her to the “consultation room” for moxibustion treatment.
Later, Lu Man sat on the kang bed, recalling some infertility treatment methods from medical texts. Finding some details unclear, she went to the study to review medical notes. She then instructed Xing to cut and bind some sheets of Xuan paper together, creating a medical record. She worked late into the night, only resting when urged by Liu Ya and Lu Ying.
Before going to sleep, Lu Man peeked into the western room to check on Sweet Pea. It was already asleep, cuddled not in the small basket but on the belly of Qichang, curled up and incredibly adorable.
Smiling to herself, Lu Man left and returned to her bedroom.
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu had stayed the night at Orchid Pavilion after spending too long with Sweet Pea. They were already fast asleep upon the beds.
Lying in bed, listening to Jiang Jiu’s deep breathing, Lu Man found herself unable to sleep. Her mind wandered between thoughts of medical texts and her own unattractive calligraphy, with large and slow strokes. She struggled even to write simplified characters with a brush, let alone traditional characters. She knew she needed more practice…
The next day, Lu Man visited the Crane Hall, where Princess Changting was still displeased. She reiterated her frustrations with Lu Man, berating the He family for their audacity in asking for assistance with childbirth. She mentioned that Mrs. He had visited the previous evening with her daughter-in-law, but she had refused to entertain them…
Lu Man was curious about the outcome of Mrs. He’s daughter-in-law but didn’t dare ask. She sheepishly expressed, “Grandmother, I’m sorry for causing you distress by being involved in these matters.”
Princess Changting gestured for her to sit beside her and reassured, “Silly child, it’s not like that. You have the skills to treat and massage, even assist in childbirth. That’s your talent. But you’re not a Physician in a clinic. If we willingly offer help due to good relations, it’s our choice. Others shouldn’t come demanding assistance, especially suggesting you attend a birth…”
Touched by Princess Changting’s understanding, Lu Man hugged her arm and playfully said, “Grandmother, you’re truly kind. Having a senior like you to protect and guide the younger generation is a blessing I must have earned in my past life…”