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In the evening, Lu Man worked diligently. She spent nights studying medical books, seeking guidance from imperial physicians, and goes to Physician Wang the next day if she didn’t understand. If needed, she would write to consult the two Physicians from Tongren Hall, Physician Chen, and He.
Two days later in the evening, everyone gathered in the main hall of Crane Hall, chatting and waiting for the masters and young masters to return from school and court.
Second Master walked in carrying a small basket containing a puppy. The puppy was adorable, with a coat of snow-white fur, soft and fluffy like a cluster of cotton. It looked around with big, shiny black eyes, seemingly a bit fearful, its tiny nose twitching now and then.
Approaching Jiang Jiu, Second Master said, “I heard Jiang Jiu has always wanted a dog, so I found one for you. Its mother came from Persia, it won’t grow big, very cute and gentle. Play with it, Jiang Jiu.”
Jiang Jiu had longed to have a dog but refrained due to a previous incident involving Sweet Pea. During this era, most dogs were either local or wolfhounds, often large and fierce-looking. Some wealthy families had small Pekingese, but they were rare, and once born, they were usually claimed. Lu Man had yet to acquire one.
This particular puppy was even more beautiful than a Pekingese, resembling a Bichon from her past life. Seeing this type of dog sparked a moment of nostalgia in Lu Man.
Overjoyed, Jiang Jiu was moved to tears. She never expected the thing she desired most would be gifted by the person she longed to be close to the most. Wiping her tears, she choked up, “I love it so much, thank you, Father.”
Second Master smiled, saying, “Why cry? Here, take it.” He then glanced at Lu Man. His gesture was a token of gratitude for saving Jiang Zhanyu. Witnessing Jiang Jiu’s emotional reaction softened his heart. He added, “In the future, whatever you like, tell me or your Fifth Brother, and we’ll get it for you.”
Taking the basket, Jiang Jiu expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, Father. The puppy is so beautiful, I’m thrilled.”
Her joyous demeanor brought smiles to everyone’s faces.
Princess Changting remarked, “Look at how happy she is. See how she lit up? Second Son, you should spend more time with Jiu, pamper your precious daughter, she should be cherished dearly.”
Second Master agreed, “Yes, yes, I’ll listen to Mother.” He then glanced at Second Madam.
Second Madam chimed in, “Yes, whether it’s Jiu or Zhankui, if there’s anything, let Second Master know.”
Jiang Jiu approached Lu Man with the puppy in her arms, saying, “Third Sister-in-law, this is Jiu’s little sweetheart.”
Upon hearing the peculiar name, everyone burst into laughter. Seventh Master Jiang Zhanpeng quipped, “This dog doesn’t look like a sweetheart, it looks more like a marshmallow.”
Jiang Jiu shook her head, “I had this name in mind for a while.”
On the twenty-seventh day of the winter month, after several months of intense study, Lu Man had gone through almost all medical books and most of the notes, except for a few with illegible handwriting. She had read and nearly memorized everything. Her mind was exceptional, mastering what others would take years to learn in just a few months. Little did she know that in this second chance at life, she possessed an extraordinary memory, becoming somewhat of a medical genius.
Despite absorbing most of the content, even with knowledge from her past life, Lu Man hadn’t completely merged theory with practice. Some concepts remained unclear or ambiguous, needing further clarification through practical experience. Especially regarding acupuncture techniques and ambiguous medical conditions, experience was crucial, and there were no shortcuts.
Nevertheless, Lu Man’s medical skills had taken a significant leap, now rivaling some of the imperial physicians.
The majority of the medical books and notes focused on gynecological treatments, touching on other ailments as well. The He family had a renowned medical background, particularly excelling in gynecology, providing unique insights and effective treatments for various complex conditions.
However, the book “Collection of Cautious Illnesses” was somewhat questionable. It contained knowledge that even in the technologically advanced modern era had not been discovered—mixing several herbs or insects to create a medication with potent effects. This book was not to be shared, as it could be harmful if used improperly.
Sun Wa was truly a remarkable and unparalleled medical genius. In the “Records of Revival” not only were there treatment plans for vegetative states, but also remedies for several incurable diseases in modern society. Unfortunately, many of the medicines mentioned were hard to find, with Lu Man and others unfamiliar with their names even after consulting imperial physicians and Master Qin.
It’s often said that one should specialize in their craft. Sun Wa excelled not only in internal medicine but also in surgery and even dabbled in cosmetic procedures from Lu Man’s past life. Regrettably, he left behind only one book. Lu Man strongly suspected he might have been a time traveler, not from her specific past life but from another parallel world where traditional Chinese medicine was highly advanced.
Once again, Lu Man marveled at the profound depth of traditional Chinese medicine. If the medical skills of figures like Hua Tuo and Sun Wa could have been passed down through generations, it would have been a tremendous boon for humanity. However, history not only nurtures geniuses but also nurtures scoundrels, often leading to talented individuals meeting unfortunate ends at the hands of those in power.
At noon on the twenty-eighth day, while Lu Man and others were having lunch, they suddenly heard a commotion in the courtyard. The gatekeeper’s wife loudly reported, “Third Young Madam, Liu Xin says Mama Wang’s man has returned.”
Lu Man’s face lit up, raising her voice, “Quick, let him in.”
Meanwhile, Mama Wang, who was serving nearby, had already rushed out, tears streaming down her face.
Wang Dabo arrived, dusty but in good health. He bowed to Lu Man, and express his gratitude.
Lu Man instructed Mama Wang to accompany him back to rest. After he had rested, he would go to the property shop to inquire and buy a house.
With everyone back except for Lady He, Lu Man felt a mix of joy and bitterness.
Jiang Zhankui reassured her, “Don’t worry, Third Sister-in-law. Aunt He is a kind person, she’ll be fine. Perhaps the journey back from Shu Region was difficult, causing the delay. If needed, my Third Brother can send out more search parties.”
This child was becoming more comforting by the day.
Lu Man smiled, pinching his chubby cheeks, and said, “I appreciate your kind words. I also believe my mother will be fine. Let’s wait a bit longer, and if there’s still no news after the New Year, we’ll send out more search parties.”
After lunch, Lu Man sent the two children to rest, then instructed Liu Ya and Xing to visit Xie Mansion and Min Mansion respectively, delivering two boxes of her newly concocted frostbite and cracked skin ointment to each. She had already given two boxes to the Princess, First Madam, Second Madam, Third Madam, and Eldest Young Madam in the morning at Crane Hall.
When giving the ointment to Madam Hong, although it pained her, she couldn’t bear not to offer it. However, given Madam Hong’s condescending demeanor, she doubted if she would even consider using this homemade ointment—hoping she wouldn’t.
Lu Man found it puzzling that lady Min hadn’t come for her usual check-up. Could she be pregnant? It was a possibility, considering that lady Min had no serious ailments before, only timing issues with intimacy and the youthfulness of Fourth Master leading to an active marital life.