Font Size:
After hearing the account, He Cheng also shed tears, gritting his teeth as he said, “They are worse and more malicious than their relatives in Shu. How much pain and helplessness must my sister have experienced to resort to hanging herself.” He added, “However, considering how they treated my mother after our maternal family’s misfortune, it’s clear they lacked any real affection.” The Wu family was He MIngzhu’s maternal relatives.
This younger brother had a discerning sense of right and wrong at such a young age.
Lu Man continued, “Since you’ve cut ties with them, don’t let them entangle you further. They are selfish individuals who mistreated me before my marriage, and now that they see me married into a prestigious family, they seek to benefit. If they learn of your return to the capital, they might try to manipulate you and He Cheng for their own gain. Mother must ignore them completely. And as for He Cheng, he must not have any dealings with them, especially avoiding any theatrics of acknowledging the Lu family.”
He Mingzhu wiped away her tears, gritting her teeth as she spoke, “Mother won’t be that foolish. They might not care much about me, but the way they treated my daughter is unacceptable. Previously, I thought they had a liking for money, being from the husband’s family, so I shared some wealth with them, hoping for mutual benefits. Even after being divorced, I had no complaints, feeling I had hindered your father and your uncle’s prospects. I left them a substantial sum, knowing their fondness for money, hoping they would treat my daughter better, ensuring her safety and finding her a good husband. But they only cared about money, neglecting to act with care towards Manman, who is also their flesh and blood. Especially your father, who once adored you but turned a blind eye to your well-being due to a maid’s influence. It’s heartless…” Overcome with emotion, she continued, “There’s no way He Cheng will return to the Lu family. It was agreed from the start that my first son would bear the He surname, continuing the family line. Besides, He Cheng was born after I was divorced by the Lu family, so there is no connection to them.”
Lu Man was relatively satisfied with He Mingzhu’s stance.
He Cheng added, “Mother is too kind, always looking for the good in people. Look at how they treated my sister and you – any person with a shred of conscience would not behave in such a manner. Hmph, I will not associate with them. My surname is He, and I only have you and my sister as family.” He then tugged on Lu Man’s sleeve and said, “Sister, I will be your support in the future, and they won’t bully you anymore.”
The feeling of having a brother was truly wonderful, and Lu Man joyfully squeezed his hand.
Jiang Zhankui, listening to He Cheng’s words, chimed in, “Brother He, Aunt He, my brother and I are also Sister’s pillars of support. We won’t allow anyone to mistreat her. Once I grow up, I will also take care of the old Lu family.”
He Mingzhu dried her tears and said, “Good children, Auntie thanks you.”
Jiang Zhankui added, “It’s only right. My brother instructed me the same before he left, so Auntie’s thanks are unnecessary.”
During the conversation, Mama Wang took He Cheng’s measurements, mentioning that they and the embroiderer would rush the work, aiming to have two sets of clothes ready for He Cheng by tomorrow.
After dinner, Song Mo burst into tears, and despite his protests, Mama Duan forcibly carried him away, taking along the medicines Lu Man prepared for him and some gifts.
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu returned to their respective courtyards, leaving Lu Man and her mother to continue their chat on the kang. The focus shifted to Renhe Hall, where they heard that Li Zhanggui (Manager Li) had been steadfastly holding his ground. He Mingzhu was moved to tears, recalling, “Brother Li was my father’s youngest disciple and received his utmost favor. I remember when he was young, studying diligently to earn a few extra candies, always earning my father’s praise…”
Suddenly, she turned to Lu Man and inquired, “Manman, is the bronze pendant necklace I left for you still intact? Has it been taken away by them? If it has, you must find a way to retrieve it. Your maternal grandfather emphasized its importance, so don’t lose it.”
Lu Man retrieved the bronze pendant necklace, smiling, “It’s been with me all this time. It’s made of copper, which they may not value much. If it were gold, that would be a different story.”
Relieved, He Mingzhu inspected the necklace before tucking it back into Lu Man’s clothing.
Curious, Lu Man asked, “Mother, does this necklace have a story behind it? Why did Grandfather value it so much?”
Shaking her head, He Mingzhu replied, “I’m not sure. Your grandfather repeatedly instructed me to keep it safe. I was afraid of losing it on the way, so I hung it on you.”
Lu Man suggested, “Since it was left by Grandfather, and now that we have a brother, let’s give it to him.”
He Cheng immediately replied, “Give it to Sister, let her wear it. It’s all because I, as a brother, failed to provide a dowry for Sister and left her alone to be mistreated at the Lu family.”
This younger brother, despite his tender age, always spoke with warmth. Although a bit shy, his face would flush whenever he spoke. Observing his flower-like countenance, Lu Man wished he were a little younger so she could shower him with kisses on his delicate face.
Lu Man decided to continue wearing the pendant. She felt that the pendant might be connected to her grandfather’s troubles, making it safest on her until she could unravel the mystery.
When He MIngzhu and He Cheng returned, the discussion shifted to Renhe Hall and the ownership of the medical books. Renhe Hall and the books were originally part of the He family’s inheritance but were given to He Mingzhu as a dowry due to the lack of heirs after He Huang’s incident.
Now that He Mingzhu had returned and He Cheng was the heir of the He family, Lu Man had previously pondered on this matter. She contemplated giving He Cheng the land deed for the courtyard where Renhe Hall, now Tongren Hall stood, rightfully his. As for the Renhe Hall sign, she planned to evaluate He Cheng’s character before determining the division of shares.
Lu Man inquired about He Cheng’s future plans.
He Cheng whispered, “I would like to take the imperial exams, but with my current status, it’s not feasible. I also have a passion for medicine. If all else fails, I could follow in my grandfather’s footsteps and become a skilled physician. It was through his medical practice that grandfather attained the rank of sixth-grade official.”
According to contemporary laws, descendants of traitors within three generations were barred from taking the imperial exams.
Lu Man then tested his knowledge of medicine.
He Cheng demonstrated a profound understanding, having not only memorized the medical texts but also applied the knowledge practically. He seemed to have inherited the medical talents of the He family through ancestral lineage.
Unlike Lu Man, who had honed her medical skills due to her exceptional memory and years of study and practice, He Cheng’s abilities seemed innate.
Lu Man touched the pendant on her chest, wondering if it held any significant secrets that could potentially vindicate her grandfather. However, the timing of such a revelation remained uncertain—would it be in ten years or twenty?
With this uncertainty, He Cheng realized focusing on the imperial exams might not be practical, considering the unpredictable timeline. Hence, he decided to carry on his grandfather’s legacy in medicine alongside inheriting his teachings.