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Under the starry sky, He Cheng returned with the siblings, accompanied by a cat and three dogs.
Jiang Jiu excitedly pointed to a large dog resembling Qichang and said, “Sister-in-law, this is Qichang’s brother, named Gouzi.” Regrettably, she added, “Qichang’s mother passed away several years ago, which is a pity.”
The next morning after breakfast, He Cheng and Jiang Zhankui were preparing to return to the capital. Jiang Zhankui, reluctant to leave, clung to Lu Man’s dress, exhibiting a rare moment of childishness. Both Lu Man and He Mingzhu found it difficult to resist his plea. However, He Cheng insisted that as a man, his priority was his studies and responsibilities, compelling them to return to the city.
Upon hearing He Cheng’s irrefutable reasoning, Jiang Zhankui reluctantly agreed to accompany him back. Reluctantly, he expressed, “Sister-in-law, come back soon. I’ll be lonely at home without you.”
Lu Man agreed and arranged for He Cheng to live at Donghui Courtyard to keep Jiang Zhankui company during those days. She didn’t want him to be alone at home and felt concerned.
After bidding them farewell, Lu Man, along with Mama Wang and others, and a few silks and candies, visited Zheng Qiang’s house.
The Jiang family’s estate was located south of Shanping County, less than half a mile from the village. They arrived at the village after a leisurely walk, taking about half an hour.
Zheng Qiang’s home had undergone changes since Lu Man’s previous visit. He had built a courtyard, married a wife, and established himself with five acres of land. The main house was made of blue bricks with large tiles, and the side rooms were also brick, albeit with mud walls.
Zheng Qiang, aware of Lu Man’s visit, had been waiting at home. Besides tending to the lands, he still hunted in the mountains and lived quite well, considered one of the wealthier households in the village.
Welcoming Lu Man warmly, Zheng Qiang listened to her request for assistance in finding the flower. He had leased three acres of land and cultivated two acres with his wife and mother. Understanding the task ahead, they needed to rest during the day and search at night for the flower that bloomed at dusk and closed at dawn. The search area covered a radius of around ten miles, requiring them to stay in the mountains for at least ten days.
Lu Man promised to pay Zheng Qiang five taels of silver as compensation if they didn’t find the flower and fifty taels if they succeeded. Zheng Qiang modestly replied, “That’s fine. But I can’t accept that much of silver.”
Lu Man smiled, “It’s fine, that flower is very important to me.”
Later that afternoon, Zheng Qiang led five guards, the dogs, Qichang, and Sweet Pea into the mountains.
With them gone, Lu Man began organizing the notes from her discussion with Physician Gu. Since her calligraphy skills were lacking, she made a few goose feather pens.
With these pens, her writing speed improved significantly.
Meanwhile, He Mingzhu entertained Jiang Jiu around the village and at Zheng Qiang’s house. Deputy Steward Wang led a team to inspect the fields, focusing on the cultivation of the hanging bellflowers on the hundred-acre plot, noting their excellent growth.
On the 23rd afternoon, Mama Wang rushed back excitedly, exclaiming, “Madam, Third Young Madam, guess who I saw in town?”
Mama Wang had gone to the town outside the village to purchase ingredients.
“Who did you see, aside from the Zheng family members, that we might know?” Lu Man inquired.
“Oh, there was indeed someone.” Mama Wang gritted her teeth, saying, “I ran into Bao Qin, that vile woman. Talk about enemies crossing paths. Oh, she looks so haggard now, walking with a slight limp, no longer the seductive fox she used to be…”
Mama Wang slyly observed Bao Qin and discreetly followed her into a cart, trailing her to Dongwa Village.
After inquiring with the villagers, Mama Wang learned that the Lu family owned two hundred acres of land in Dongwa Village, where Bao Qin had been brought after sustaining severe injuries. Due to a lack of proper medical treatment, she now suffered from a limp. Villagers described her as arrogant and aloof, rarely interacting with them. This information was shared by the head’s wife responsible for the two hundred acres of land.
Lu Man recalled that their five hundred acres of paddy fields were spread across Dongwa and Xiwa Villages, located five miles away from Shanping County.
Witnessing Mrs. Fu angrily shouting, “That wretched woman, so despicable! I’ll teach her a lesson this afternoon.”
He Mingzhu, equally agitated, added, “I want to confront her and ask why she did all this. I trusted her, which is why I entrusted my daughter to her. She stole the deeds, became Lu Fangrong’s concubine, and prevented Manman from reuniting with her biological father, causing so much suffering…”
Upon hearing about the situation, He Mingzhu became infuriated.
Lu Man felt it necessary for He Mingzhu, Mrs. Fu, Mama Wang, and others to meet Bao Qin. It was crucial for Bao Qin to realize that her deceitful actions would not hold up against the loyalty and improved lives of the servants. However, due to her pregnancy, Lu Man decided not to go herself to avoid potential emotional or physical stress.
She instructed, “When you go, take Mr. and Mrs. Li along and bring a few additional guards. With the number of tenants the Lu family has in Dongwa Village, ensure your safety.”
Mrs. Li was surprised to hear about the incident involving their mistress and their employer. She mentioned, “The Lu family only has two hundred acres of land with around a dozen tenant families. In contrast, our estate oversees a thousand acres of land, with nearly a hundred tenant families from neighboring villages. Moreover, the prestigious reputation of the Princess Changting’s household ensures that the Lu family’s tenants dare not offend the Third Young Madam and Madam.”
After a hasty lunch, He Mingzhu and the others boarded a carriage, accompanied by several guards, and set off for Dongwa Village.
Jiang Jiu wanted to tag along but was stopped by Lu Man.
Half an hour later, they arrived at Dongwa Village and headed straight to the house where Bao Qin resided.
Mr. Li knocked on the door, which was answered by Old Chen, the head of the Lu family’s estate. Surprised to see Mr. Li, Old Chen greeted him politely, asking the reason for his visit.
Both heads knew each other, and due to their employer’s relationship, Old Chen wouldn’t dare offend Mr. Li.
Mr. Li explained, “My mistress and your estate’s mistress have a history. We’ve come to see her.”
Old Chen, recognizing the importance of the visit, agreed to inform his mistress and went to announce the guests’ arrival.
Mr. Li retorted coldly, “No need for announcements. Your mistress used to serve as a servant to my mistress. She doesn’t deserve formalities.”
With that, he pushed Old Chen aside, and the guards swung the doors open, allowing the carriage to enter the courtyard.
Similar to the Jiang family estate, the Lu family’s residence had two courtyards, albeit slightly smaller.
After alighting from the carriage, He Mingzhu was escorted by Mama Wang and Mrs. Fu through the gate into the compound.
Bao Qin, who had just taken a break, was tidying her hair when she heard the commotion in the front yard. Frowning, she stepped out of the main house, calling out, “Old Lady Chen, go to the front yard and see what the fuss is about…”