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Song Ming said, “I was biased. Indeed, as Third Young Lady said, regardless of gender, once someone harbors ill intentions, it’s frightening.” After a moment of hesitation, he added, “If Third Young Lady encounters any difficulties in the future, please don’t hesitate to tell me directly. I will do my best to help you.”
Lu Man turned to look at Song Ming. The confusion and helplessness in her eyes had disappeared, and she smiled, “Thank you, Prince. If there are difficulties in the future, I might actually come to seek your help.”
Song Ming smiled, “Of course.” He then made another request, “Third Young Lady, may I ask for one more favor? Could you allow Mo to continue staying at the mansion until the poison in his body is completely eradicated? That way, I can be at ease.”
Lu Man readily agreed. She didn’t want Mo to run back home every day, as she couldn’t bear it. Having him travel daily was not good for his health, and she didn’t want to see Song Ming every day, as it reminded her of their past unpleasant encounter, fueling her resentment towards the child’s father.
She continued, “Mo is young, and I dare not give him strong medication, so the detoxification process will take some time. It may take about a month to completely rid his body of the remaining poison.”
Upon hearing this, the Prince stood up and thanked her with clasped hands.
After exchanging a few more words, Song Ming took his leave. He was going to Crane Hall to report on clearing up the enemy’s situation to Princess Changting and to express his gratitude once again for her assistance.
Lu Man couldn’t accompany him, so she asked Jiang Zhankui, who was studying in the front yard, to accompany Song Ming.
Second Madam had already arranged for a teacher for Jiang Zhankui. Mr. Feng was highly talented, especially in painting. He passed the imperial examinations in his youth but failed the exams twice. Disheartened, he turned to teaching. Over the years, many of his students achieved success in the exams.
Originally from Dingzhou, Mr. Feng greatly admired Mu Qing, the Second Madam (Second Madam’s alias), for her knowledge. Upon hearing that she wanted him to teach her son, he immediately came with his wife.
Mr. Feng had arrived a few days earlier. In his forties, slight of build with a goatee, he left a very good impression on Lu Man. She felt he wasn’t a stern scholar but rather gentle, understanding, and empathetic, which would benefit Jiang Zhankui’s growth. Although Jiang Zhankui couldn’t be molded into a Confucian scholar by any teacher, teaching him how to conduct himself, grow up healthily in a positive manner, and become a well-rounded student in morals, intelligence, physical health, and aesthetics, was Lu Man’s enduring wish.
Mr. Feng was treated quite generously, receiving forty taels of silver annually, along with four sets of clothing. Additionally, a small courtyard was rented for him and his wife outside, a servant was assigned to attend to them, and a special carriage was provided for commuting.
From then on, Lu Man began to train Jiang Zhankui in handling interpersonal matters. He was tasked with handling certain situations where a male presence was required in the household.
Glancing at the list of gifts, which included a pile of precious items and high-quality medicinal herbs, Lu Man realized she was indeed a wealthy woman. She had the items moved into her private treasury as she had decided to separate her public and private finances in anticipation of a future separation.
Later that afternoon, a joyous event took place at Donghui Courtyard as an imperial decree was delivered, appointing Lu Man as a noblewoman.
A ceremonial table was set up in the front yard, where Lu Man, accompanied by her younger siblings, received the decree. Afterwards, Steward Ming presented a hundred taels of silver notes and escorted the messenger away.
In the evening, Donghui Courtyard hosted a banquet, inviting all the families from Princess Changting’s residence to celebrate the occasion.
During the banquet, the second master willingly drank three cups of wine as a self-punishment, acknowledging that his rank was the lowest, attributing it to his lack of merit.
Marquis Jiang held a third-rank official position, being a Marquis himself, which was exceptional. Although the eldest son only held a sixth-rank official position, he was the heir to the Marquis. The third master and Jiang Zhanwei held fourth-rank positions, with only the second master holding a fifth-rank position, resulting in the second madam having the lowest noble rank.
Princess Changting became displeased and gave her second son a stern look, feeling embarrassed by his behavior.
However, Second Madam took it lightly and raised her glass, saying, “There’s no need for self-blame. Each person knows their own warmth and coldness.”
Later that night, while Lu Man was sound asleep, she was awakened by Mama Wang.
Lu Man opened her eyes and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Mama Wang whispered, “Just now, someone from the Crane Hall came and said that Madam Lu personally went there by carriage to seek help from Princess Changting. Her granddaughter-in-law has been in labor for a day and night without progress, and she’s in critical condition. Madam Lu wishes for you to go and see her… Maybe I should inform Princess Changting that you’re pregnant and it’s not appropriate for you to travel at this late hour to attend to someone else’s illness.”
Madam Lu, being seventy years old, had personally made the journey to Crane Hall on this cold winter night, indicating that Madam Lu’s granddaughter-in-law’s situation was indeed dire.
Lu Man was reluctant to get involved in this troublesome situation. While she sympathized with Lady Liu, she couldn’t guarantee a successful delivery every time, especially considering her own pregnancy and lack of energy to assist with childbirth. Lady Liu must have doubted her abilities, only seeking her help as a last resort when others failed. Unlike her sister Yang from the Xie Household, who was resilient and had good health, Lady Liu appeared delicate both physically and temperamentally, even from their brief encounter.
However, with Madam Lu personally requesting her assistance in the middle of the night, Princess Changting couldn’t refuse.
Lu Man reassured Mama Wang, “Don’t worry, given my current condition, I won’t assist with the delivery but will go to assess the situation.”
Although the weather had slightly warmed up, the late night air was still bone-chilling. Lu Man dressed in warm layers and a cloak before heading to the medical room to gather necessary herbs and tools.
A few months earlier, Lu Man had sketched designs for basic surgical scissors, hemostatic forceps, and obstetrical forceps, which were then crafted outside using copper due to the era’s rust-prone iron. While not as refined as modern tools, these instruments were sharp enough for cutting meat and intestines. She had privately taught Lu Ying how to use these tools, with Xiao Zhong and Xiao Xi learning alongside her. Since Lu Man couldn’t perform deliveries herself, Lu Ying would assist with many tasks, while Xiao Zhong and Xiao Xi would act as helpers. However, she didn’t expect to use these tools today.
Lu Ying, Xiao Zhong, and Xiao Xi were already awake and ready.
With everyone prepared, Lu Man, accompanied by Lu Ying and Xiao Xi, along with several attendants, headed towards the East Gate, where the sedan chair awaited.
Mama Wang handed Lu Man a small charcoal stove and placed two quilts in the sedan—one for Lu Man to sit on and the other to cover her. She repeatedly instructed Lu Ying and Xiao Xi to take good care of Lu Man.