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Song Mo was nearly four years old, yet still nursing?
In ancient times, it was common for children to nurse well beyond a few years.
Lu Man refrained from prying further into this matter, as it was not her place to intervene in others’ domestic affairs. She decided to observe Song Mo closely and, if he was indeed poisoned, she would report to Princess Changting. As Song Mo’s maternal great-aunt, Princess Changting would likely take charge of the situation. Furthermore, as per Jiang Zhanwei’s instructions, giving medical advice for prestigious families required the Princess’s approval.
Upon entering the bedroom, Lu Ying had finished her meal and was waiting there. Lu Man instructed her to administer the medicine to Princess He while she proceeded with the acupuncture treatment.
After Princess He woke up, vomited, and had some porridge, Lu Man fed her medication and ensured she rested.
Feeling exhausted, both Lu Man and Lu Ying needed rest. They arranged for someone to alert them in three hours and fifteen minutes to continue the treatment.
Prince Song Ming expressed his gratitude and escorted Lu Man to the entrance of the hall.
In the East Courtyard, Lu Man found Sweet Pea being cuddled by Qingqing, looking distressed as tears welled up in its eyes. This was the time when it usually ventured outdoors.
Lu Man comforted Sweet Pea, placed it in its basket with a silk lining, and promised it companionship through the night, forbidding it from wandering. She assured it of a three-day break to play once they returned to the residence.
Mama Wang was also keeping watch in the bedroom, sleeping on a footstool near the bed. Although Lu Man offered to share the bed, Mama Wang insisted on sleeping elsewhere.
Exhausted, Lu Man fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
In her deep slumber, she was awakened and had to resume administering medication and acupuncture to the Princess.
As they left the room, Lu Ying was already up. The night was dark, with howling winds. They made their way to the main chamber after dispersing the cold by a charcoal brazier in the hall.
Inside, Prince Song Ming was resting on the couch. Upon seeing Lu Man, he quickly rose to his feet.
After a busy period of over an hour, Lu Man checked the time and realized it was almost the end of the Hour of the Yin (5:00 AM).
When Lu Man woke up again, it was already broad daylight.
It was the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, marking the sixtieth birthday of Princess Changting. Lu Man regretted not being able to personally extend her wishes on this important day. She held deep affection for the elderly lady, in her past life, she loved her mother the most, but in this life, her utmost affection was reserved for Princess Changting.
Lu Man paid her respects towards the direction of the Princess Changting’s residence, offering three bows and wishing the old lady a long and prosperous life filled with happiness and well-being.
After freshening up and having breakfast, Lu Man returned to the main chamber.
Princess He lay in bed, her eyes open, indicating she was awake. Prince Song Ming was present, softly conversing with her at the bedside.
Upon Lu Man’s arrival, Princess He smiled and thanked her, albeit with some breathlessness and weak speech.
Lu Man examined the Princess’s pulse, checked her legs under the covers, and gently pressed them. She then remarked, “The Princess is much better today than she was yesterday.”
Both Prince Song Ming and the Princess were pleased with this progress. The Princess mentioned feeling less breathless compared to the previous days.
After spending some time with the Princess, Prince Song Ming discussed his plans to attend Princess Changting’s birthday celebration and what gifts to bring.
Given his mother’s close relationship with Princess Changting and Lu Man’s recent assistance, the gifts were likely to be generous. The most notable and innovative gift was a pair of reading glasses, a rare possession in the Dachun Dynasty, only held by the Emperor and Prince Shuo.
Previously, Song Ming’s men had purchased three pairs of reading glasses from foreigners smuggled into Dachun, intending to gift one to Princess Chanting, one for his mother, and keep one for himself in old age.
Lu Man was puzzled by the existence of reading glasses in this era. However, she understood that the effectiveness of reading glasses depended on their prescription. If the prescription was too low, they would be ineffective, if too high, they could strain the eyes.
Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she felt a surge of excitement. She realized that if she could fully control Princess He’s condition, she might request the reading glasses from Song Ming.
Unfortunately, Song Ming only mentioned it verbally and didn’t present the glasses to her. Not seeing the actual item left Lu Man feeling somewhat disappointed.
Around the end of the Hour of the Chen (9:00 AM), Song Ming went to the front courtyard to make preparations.
Observing Song Ming’s tall and commanding figure, Lu Man thought he seemed intelligent and undoubtedly the head of the household. If Song Mo was truly poisoned, then his role as a father and head of the family was far from satisfactory.
In the Prince He Mansion, the household was quite simple, with only the Princess, Prince Song Ming, Song Mo, and two side consorts. It was evident that one of the side consorts likely harbored ambitious intentions, seeking to elevate her status and eliminate potential heirs.
The presence of both legitimate and illegitimate heirs in a family was a recipe for chaos.
In the Princess Changting’s residence, apart from the eldest Madam of the House causing trouble and targeting Lu Man under the Empress’s influence, the situation was relatively calm. Even though they had suppressed Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings, it was due to their status as illegitimate children, as there was no intent on harming them.
Reflecting on the situation, Lu Man realized the logic behind the old Marquis’s actions. Especially the prohibition against future generations taking concubines was commendable. Additionally, Princess Changting was more influential than the eldest Madam and strictly prohibited internal conflicts within the family.
As for Second Master Jiang, the exception one, having a concubine and gave birth to a two sons and one daughet, it must be for the sake of having an heir in case……
As Lu Man pondered, she was informed that Young Master Mo, along with Concubine Jiang and Concubine Wei, had come to inquire about Princess He’s well-being.
The Princess, still with her eyes closed, responded with a soft acknowledgment.
The door curtain was lifted, and Song Mo entered first, followed by two young ladies, one of whom was visibly pregnant. Both women were elegantly dressed, adorned with jewels, and remarkably beautiful. They kneeled before the Princess, offered respectful greetings, and exchanged auspicious words.
After paying his respects to the Princess and acknowledging Lu Man, Song Mo rushed to the bedside upon seeing the Princess awake. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, “Grandmother is awake! Sister-in-law didn’t deceive me!”
Realizing he had spoken too loudly, Song Mo quickly covered his mouth with his hand.
The Princess chuckled and reached out her hand from under the covers.
Song Mo held her hand, expressing, “Grandmother, please take care and get well. Your grandson doesn’t want you to die”, tears welling up in his eyes.
Princess He weakly replied, “I will live to see you grow up, marry, and have children.”
“It’s a deal.” Song Mo affirmed.
The Princess smiled faintly, then closed her eyes.
While Concubine Jiang glanced curiously and smile at Lu Man, Concubine Wei remained indifferent throughout. Perhaps she mistook Lu Man for a physician or believed her to be of lower status as a daughter-in-law from a common family. Not comprehending the protocol, Concubine Wei chose to ignore her.