The Excellent Physician
The Excellent Physician Chapter 195

Chapter 195: Digging into One’s Pocket

Lu Man chuckled, “The money and property set aside for Zhankui and Little Jiu by the estate, as well as the gifts bestowed by the elders, will be saved for their wedding. As long as they are with us for a day, we will cover all their expenses.”

Princess Changting was extremely satisfied, patting Lu Man’s hand and saying, “Good child, having the little siblings under your care puts my mind at ease.”

Subsequently, they all moved to the side room of the main courtyard. The room had two charcoal pots burning, warming up slowly with the heated brick bed. Lu Man personally placed a thick brown silk embroidered cushion on the bed and helped Princess Changting sit down. Then, she took a delicate porcelain hand warmer shaped like a five-petal plum blossom from Mama Wang and handed it to Princess Changting.

Princess Changting turned to the old Marquis with a smile, saying, “Just praising the granddaughter-in-law isn’t enough, there should be some gestures.”

“What gestures?” the old Marquis asked, puzzled.

Princess Changting advised, “It means giving gifts. When your grandchildren and granddaughter-in-law are moving, you should present valuable gifts.”

The old Marquis replied, “I only want to give gifts to my granddaughter-in-law and granddaughter, not those two illegitimate sons. Can I do that?”

This was the first time the old Marquis had mentioned the term “illegitimate sons” since falling ill.

Thinking about the recent disdain shown by the old Marquis and Jiang Zhanwei’s decision to join the military out of frustration, Princess Changting became upset. She complained, “Even if they are illegitimate sons, they are still our flesh and blood. Because of you, Zhanwei gave up his original fiance for this one, enduring so much. Yet, she turned out to be even better, and your health improved rapidly because of her. Due to the old Marquis’s disapproval and others looking down on them, they had to be separated prematurely.” Her eyes welled up, and she raised her voice, “We haven’t even passed away yet, but we’ve let our grandchildren live separately. Zhankui and Little Jiu are only six years old, yet we handed them over to their sister-in-law. The thought of this makes me sad.”

Thinking about their grandson heading to the border to fight, not knowing if he would return, Princess Changting unexpectedly shed tears.

Eldest Young Madam Han blushed, understanding that the old lady was indirectly mentioning her mother-in-law, possibly even including the patriarch, herself, and her husband.

The Second Madam remained silent, bowing her head. She knew that among those scolded by the old lady, the Second Master was surely included. She thought to herself that, given the situation in the estate, intelligent illegitimate children and their spouses would likely welcome being separated.

Although Lu Man had wished for separation, seeing the old lady upset, she advised, “Grandmother, please don’t be sad. Even though we are separated, we are still under your care and will be around you every day.”

Glaring at the old Marquis, Lu Man pouted and said, “It’s all Grandfather’s fault for making Grandmother upset. I am an illegitimate granddaughter-in-law, and you disdain illegitimate children so much that you even disdain me. From now on, both Little Jiu and I won’t dare to cross Grandfather’s path.”

Realizing he had offended both women he cared about, the old man quickly said, “Changting, granddaughter-in-law, please don’t be angry, I won’t speak carelessly anymore.” Trying to make amends, he added, “When granddaughter-in-law moves, I’ll give a generous red packet and lots of silver.”

Sensing the tension, the Third Madam understood that the early visit arranged by Princess Changting was likely to make them feel pity for the poor illegitimate grandchildren and prompt them to spend a lot of money. She quickly chimed in, “If Grandfather is giving a lot of silver, I’ll join in too. After all, Zhanwei’s wife saved my son’s life.”

Princess Changting interjected, “As Uncles and Aunts, the gifts you present must not be shabby.”

The Third Madam chuckled, “Of course not. If it’s shabby, the daughter-in-law fears that the mother-in-law will vent her anger on Third Master.” After a brief pause, she added, “I’ll gift a pair of Wu kiln five-color pottery vases for academic success, a celebratory display for the house. Oh, those vases were awarded by my mother-in-law to my husband when he passed the imperial examination, and we’ve been reluctant to use them casually. I’m borrowing them as a special gift.”

Seeing her bring out the vases, Princess Changting nodded in approval.

Eldest Young Madam Han quickly added, “I will present a jade statue of two tall deer.”

Her heart bled as she mentioned it, as it was one of her finest dowry pieces.

Lu Man felt bullied, and the separation of Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings worsened the situation, especially for the main branch of the family. If she were to accept these offerings, it would not only please the heir and satisfy the patriarch, but also earn her more respect from Princess Changting. Furthermore, despite the disappointment it might bring to Princess Changting, the decision to support Jiang Zhanwei’s separation was considered wise. The old lady felt guilty towards Jiang Zhanwei and showed boundless affection towards Lu Man. Although this powerful couple did not yet threaten the status of the main branch, living under the same roof was still uncomfortable.

The Second Madam offered, “I’ll gift an agarwood-inlaid jade beast-patterned desk.”

Lu Man was reluctant to accept these “kind gestures”. She was aware that these gifts were mainly due to Princess Changting’s insistence. Additionally, the Second Branch was much poorer than the other two, with the Second Madam’s family lacking wealth. Jiang Zhanyu was ill, the Second Master’s income was modest, and he had a fondness for collecting antiques and calligraphy, often supplemented by Princess Changting’s private contributions.

She hurriedly declined, “I appreciate your kindness, but these items are too precious for me to accept.”

Princess Changting assertively stated, “Accept them, they are wealthy and won’t be impoverished by giving a bit.” She instructed Mama Qian, “Bring the white jade auspicious incense burner and the gold-inlaid jade gourd vase from my private treasury, as well as the small purple sandalwood antique shelf from the old Marquis’s private vault.”

Unable to refuse further, Lu Man went over to express her gratitude. She also invited them to a moving banquet on the 20th of the twelfth month.

As the group enjoyed themselves until nearly noon, they eventually departed.

The old Marquis relished the freedom of walking unaided, often walking ahead, occasionally breaking into a light jog. Although his steps were unsteady, resembling that of a child, causing those watching to worry.

Princess Changting was particularly pleased, as the visit to Donghui Courtyard had brought significant benefits to the old Marquis, both mentally and physically. Although she didn’t express it, she became even more convinced that Lu Man was a lucky star for the old Marquis.

The following afternoon, after her rest, Lu Man went directly to Donghui Courtyard, where the gifts had been brought for her. Instead of storing them away, they were placed in various rooms, instantly elevating the ambiance.

At that moment, Liu Xin arrived with the completed copper tube.

The copper tube, just over three feet long, was intricately carved with a tiger head motif, making it quite attractive.

Despite its rough and peculiar appearance, Lu Man couldn’t help but admire the military telescope. She told Liu Xin with a smile, “This is a treasure for your Third Young Master, you should personally deliver it to him.”

She hurried back to Orchid Pavilion, assembled the lenses, flattened the thin copper sheet with a cone tool, and secured the lenses in place.

Stepping outside with the telescope, she could see the distant scenery vividly, even observing Jiang Zhankui running with Qichang on the opposite lakeside.

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