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Lu Man explained to Lady Liu a set of exercises from her past life to help with fetal repositioning, specifically the “knee-chest position”. After emptying the bladder and loosening the belt, Lady Liu would kneel on a cotton-padded hard bed, arms outstretched, chest pressed against the bed, buttocks raised, thighs forming a right angle with the lower legs. This exercise should be done twice a day, starting with half-hour sessions and gradually increasing to one hour each time.
“… If after seven days the baby’s position hasn’t corrected, we may need to consider external cephalic version”, Lu Man sighed. “This exercise is most effective if started before the sixth and a half months of pregnancy. Since you’re already past that period, it’s worth a try. Additionally, if you usually sleep on your right side, switch to the left side, and vice versa.”
Lady Liu reluctantly agreed to give it a try, hoping this method might work and spare her from the discomfort of external cephalic version.
Considering the less dignified posture of the exercise, Lu Man had Lady Liu’s maid demonstrate first while Lady Liu observed. Once they were alone, Lady Liu could then perform the exercise herself.
Though the maid blushed with embarrassment, she followed her mistress’s orders and continued with the exercise.
As they were practicing, Lady Liu’s mother-in-law, Second Madam Lu, arrived.
Observing the maid’s raised buttocks, Second Madam Lu blushed with embarrassment, inwardly doubting the effectiveness of such unconventional methods. She believed external cephalic version or moxibustion might have better results than this seemingly frivolous exercise.
She suggested, “I still think external cephalic version is more direct. Could Third Lady Jiang assist my daughter-in-law with the procedure? At this stage, with the baby not too big, it might be easier to reposition.”
Lu Man smiled and replied, “External cephalic version can be quite distressing for the mother and risky for the baby. Let’s try this method first.”
Lu Man spoke honestly.
Second Madam Lu grew displeased. She considered Lu Man to be from a humble background, overly confident, and thought highly of herself. It was no wonder Princess Changting had separated her. If she had such an arrogant granddaughter-in-law, she would have sent her away long ago.
Second Madam Lu persistently said, “Third Lady Jiang, I still believe these unconventional methods won’t work. If moxibustion hasn’t been effective, how can this awkward exercise be the solution? It’s better to go with external cephalic version, that’s the best approach.”
The demeanor of Second Madam Lu made Lady Yang and Lady Liu embarrassed. Lady Liu, especially, was so frightened that tears welled up in her eyes, yet she didn’t dare to defy her mother-in-law.
Lady Yang was furious but refrained from offending Second Madam Lu due to their family connection. She smiled and said, “Madam, external cephalic version is quite distressing. I had a near-death experience when I tried it. If there’s another method, it’s worth a try.”
Ignoring Lady Yang, Second Madam Lu looked to Lu Man, waiting for her input.
Second Madam Lu’s behavior stemmed from another reason. She had been against inviting Lu Man, believing that an experienced midwife would be better at external cephalic version. The successful repositioning by Lady Yang indicated the previous midwife’s inadequacy. The current midwife, renowned for her skills, had successfully repositioned many babies but faced resistance from her daughter-in-law due to fears of pain, leading to constant moxibustion attempts.
The midwife would typically receive a maximum reward of one hundred taels of silver for a successful external cephalic version, including a gesture of thanks. Considering Lu Man was the granddaughter-in-law of Princess Changting, a reward of one hundred taels wouldn’t suffice. The Xie family had reportedly offered over one thousand taels of silver, likely with additional gifts, along with a significant personal favor.
For severe illnesses like those of the old Princess He, where only she could provide treatment, any reward seemed justified. However, for tasks within the midwife’s capabilities, why incur unnecessary expenses?
Initially opposed to having Lu Man assist, Second Madam Lu was displeased that her son had directly involved Princess Changting, who then brought Lu Man in.
Observing Lu Man, a delicate young bride of about fifteen or sixteen, Second Madam Lu perceived her actions as merely coincidental in assisting Lady Yang with the fetal repositioning. If Lu Man agreed to perform the procedure, regardless of its effectiveness, she would be entitled to a generous gift, taking advantage of the situation.
Deciding to test Lu Man, if she truly succeeded in repositioning the baby, the substantial gift wouldn’t be unreasonable. If she couldn’t deliver results, there would be no need to fulfill the favor…
Seeing Second Madam Lu’s attitude, Lu Man was frustrated. As their guest, she felt treated as if she were merely a hired physician, with Second Madam Lu dictating the treatment methods. Perhaps Second Madam Lu was intentionally displaying this attitude to avoid accepting her help.
Lu Man, feeling a bit indignant, insisted, “If Second Madam Lu trusts me, we should try my method first before considering external cephalic version. It might work. If not, we can then explore that option.”
She really didn’t want to resort to external cephalic version!
Forced to smile, Second Madam Lu remarked, “Thank you, Third Lady Jiang, for coming to diagnose my daughter-in-law. I’ve heard not only the noble ladies and talented women went to Plum Blossom Garden today but also some talented gentlemen, who composed many excellent poems.”
Was she trying to hurry Lu Man out?
Lu Man had already decided to leave and excused herself.
Feeling apologetic, Lady Yang wanted to accompany Lu Man but noticed Lady Liu crying and stayed behind to comfort her instead, smiling apologetically at Lu Man.
As she left the house, Lu Man began to understand Second Madam Lu’s behavior. Perhaps Second Madam Lu was unaware of the situation when she asked Lu Man to assist Lady Liu. Following Lu Man’s advice, starting with exercises and then considering external cephalic version, wouldn’t have posed any loss to Lady Liu. Second Madam Lu’s actions seemed more like an intentional attempt to prevent her from helping Lady Liu.
Why would she act this way? It boiled down to two reasons: a lack of trust in Lu Man or a sense of her being too “privileged”.
Regarding the lack of trust, Lu Man didn’t blame Second Madam Lu, her youthful appearance might have contributed to the doubt.
As for the notion of being “privileged”, Lu Man found it unjust. Assisting someone medically was an act of goodwill, and she was naturally hesitant to accept fees. If she provided successful treatment, it was customary to receive a gift in appreciation. However, Second Madam Lu’s behavior, if driven by such thoughts, was frustrating, as it seemed as if she was being pressured into receiving a significant gift.
The afternoon sun was perfect, bright and warm, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Wanting to maintain a positive mood and not let unrelated matters affect her, Lu Man decided to visit the Plum Blossom Garden to admire the wax plum blossoms. As they arrived at the garden, instead of heading right towards the Fragrant Snow Tower where the literati were gathered, she chose to walk straight into the Plum Forest.