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Outside Jiang Zhanyu’s bedroom, Lu Man knew that despite being his sister-in-law, she was the same age as him, so it might not be appropriate to enter his room. However, she wanted to check his symptoms and said to the Princess, “Grandmother, I want to see Fifth Young Master. I know of an effective medicine for heart ailments and want to see if it could help him.”
Madam Hong exclaimed, “Oh, such a good medicine! Bring it out quickly, let Zhan Yu suffer less.”
This was akin to moral coercion from her past life, where one exerted no effort but stood on the moral high ground to criticize others.
Lu Man bluntly interjected, “Eldest Aunt is in a hurry, I haven’t finished my explanation yet.” She then explained to Princess Changting, “While that medicine is effective, it’s also highly toxic… and heart ailments have various symptoms, not every type is suitable for that medicine. Taking the wrong one could be life-threatening…”
Madam Lin quickly interjected, “Zhanwei’s wife, go in and take a look.”
The maid opened the door, drew back the cotton curtain, and as everyone entered, they were met with a blast of warm air. Princess Changting reminded Jiang Jiu, who was trailing behind, to come in quickly, not to let the cold air in.
Once Jiang Jiu entered, closed the door, and lowered the cotton curtain, they found that Fifth Young Master was being well taken care of. Surprisingly, the room had glass windows, which helped block the wind and cold.
Burning a brick bed and two charcoal braziers, Zhanyu slept on a heated brick bed instead of a regular bed, which was also warmed up. The glass windows and door were tightly shut, while layers of cotton curtains were hung in the main hall, side rooms, and bedroom, making it even warmer than the Crane Hall. However, the limited space made it stifling, making it difficult to breathe.
Ancient people had a misconception that all patients should avoid drafts. Sometimes, blocking the wind also meant blocking fresh air.
Upon seeing so many visitors, including Princess Changting, Jiang Zhanyu wanted to sit up but was gently restrained by Princess Changting.
“Grandson, have worried grandmother…” Jiang Zhanyu’s voice was hoarse and weak, lacking its usual clarity.
Tears welled up in Princess Changting’s eyes as she sat at his bedside, holding his hand, and said, “Good child, be obedient. We will send for Physician Gu in Dingzhou. Don’t just focus on your studies, think of your mother. She only has you as her son. Not to mention me, your grandmother, who has so many grandsons, I hope you recover and stay healthy. Academics, passing the imperial exams, those are external things, not essential. Our children don’t value them that much.”
Jiang Zhanyu smiled quietly, then glanced at the Second Madam, who was wiping away tears with a handkerchief, and said, “Alright, I’ll listen to grandmother.”
Finally relieved, Second Master Jiang said, “Once the snow stops, we’ll have Zhanyu set out.”
Princess Changting was so infuriated that she felt chest pains and shot him a sharp look. It was inappropriate to discuss setting out for someone who was unwell.
Realizing his mistake, the Second Master blushed, chuckling awkwardly in embarrassment.
Madam Hong and Madam Huang had just begun expressing words of concern and comfort when they suddenly heard cries of alarm from the others. Madam Lin cried out, “Zhanyu, Zhanyu, what’s happening?” Her voice escalated, “Zhanwei’s wife, come quickly and see Zhanyu.”
Jiang Zhanyu was surrounded by several middle-aged and elderly women, making it impossible for Lu Man to get close. Hearing the second madam’s call, the third madam stepped aside, allowing Lu Man to approach the brick bed.
At that moment, Jiang Zhanyu’s complexion was pale and dusky, his lips were purplish, breathing was labored, and he struggled to draw breath, as if his life depended on getting air into his lungs.
Quickly realizing the issue, Lu Man remarked, “The air in the room isn’t circulating well, and with so many people, it’s making it difficult for the patient to breathe. Quickly, everyone shouldn’t crowd around him, let’s open the door for a bit to let fresh air in.” She then helped him sit up, as it would aid his breathing.
As everyone hurriedly escorted Princess Changting to the side room, only Lu Man, Madam Lin, and a maid named Fang stood by.
Lu Man sat down and examined Jiang Zhanyu’s pulse, then had the maid lift the blanket from his legs, revealing swelling that elicited a gasp from her.
“What color is the phlegm Fifth Young Master is coughing up?” Lu Man inquired.
Fang replied, “The phlegm is dark yellow.”
Lu Man asked about other symptoms, and Fang answered each one, occasionally assisted by the second lady.
It was undoubtedly heart failure, likely congenital. Even in her past life, this condition was incurable, even with surgery. Jiang Zhanyu’s ability to survive until now, attend the Academy, and surpass the life expectancy of ten years, was a testament to the skills of Physician Gu.
Looking at the young man before her, handsome, refined, and talented, Lu Man felt a strong desire to help him stabilize his condition, hoping for a longer, healthier life with the simple joys of marriage, children, and a content existence. While becoming a centenarian was impossible, reaching fifty in ancient times was considered a blessed longevity. Unfortunately, she had limited knowledge in treating heart-related illnesses…
From the side room, Princess Changting remarked, “If it’s necessary, we shouldn’t wait any longer. Quickly send Zhanyu to Dingzhou.”
The second master, with a heavy heart, expressed, “Given his condition, how can he endure the harsh weather and long journey? If needed, we must bring Physician Gu to our home.”
Princess Changting added, “Physician Gu is already in his seventies and has mobility issues. Can he travel in this weather? Have my special carriage sent to pick him up, spacious and warm. To show our sincerity, you, my son, should personally go fetch him.”
The second master complied, saying, “Yes, I will make the arrangements.”
Raising her voice, Lu Man added, “Tell Physician Gu about a ‘miracle drug’ I know of.” In ancient times, potent medications were often referred to as miracle drugs.
Dedicated physicians, upon learning of a life-saving “miracle drug”, would spare no effort in acquiring it.
Princess Changting joyfully remarked, “Exactly, even if Physician Gu faces difficulties, he will find a way to come to the capital.”
Madam Lin inquired, “Zhanwei’s wife, can this ‘miracle drug’ you mentioned treat Zhanyu’s condition?”
Lu Man replied, “It should have a good therapeutic effect on this condition. While it may not cure it completely, it can provide immediate relief. However, its toxicity is significant and must be carefully dosed, as an overdose could be fatal.”
Madam Lin asked, “What is this drug?”
Lu Man explained, “It’s Angel’s Trumpet, also known as Foxglove.”
Shocked, Madam Lin exclaimed, “Heavens, that flower is poisonous.”
Jiang Zhanyu interjected, “Mother, I trust my sister-in-law. Let her try that medication.”
Hearing this, the second master hurried to the room and warned Madam Lin and Jiang Zhanyu, “Remember, do not consume Angel’s Trumpet, it’s a poisonous substance.”
With a stern look, he almost accused Lu Man of attempting harm to the only legitimate son.