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In reality, combining Huang Ke Lai and salicin would have a beneficial effect on the Princess’s illness. However, Lu Man was hesitant to administer both medicines simultaneously. She was confident that the pills were ninety-nine percent Huang Ke Lai, but that remaining one percent uncertainty required a test subject before giving it to the elderly lady.
As dusk settled in, Lu Man, despite feeling exhausted, couldn’t retire to her room. The elderly lady had always treated her well, so she felt obliged to deliver the medicine promptly. Salicin could irritate the stomach significantly, so she had Xiao Zhong prepare a stomach-soothing and cold remedy in the pharmacy, which she would add to the salicin-infused concoction.
The stomach irritation from salicin wasn’t Lu Man’s primary concern, some individuals were allergic to it, while others couldn’t tolerate it at all. Although the Princess seemed healthy, there could be underlying conditions yet to manifest.
Hence, even if the Princess took the medicine, careful observation was necessary. At any sign of adverse effects, the medication would need to be stopped immediately, followed by essential measures.
Lu Man discussed these concerns with He Cheng during the medicine-making process.
He Cheng sipped a spoonful of the medicinal broth and remarked, “I’ll test the medicine before giving it to the Princess.”
Feeling no adverse effects, the siblings left the kitchen.
Upon reaching the main courtyard, Liu Ya reported, “This morning, Fifth Young Master Jiang sent people to take the Eighth Young Master and the Second Miss to the Crane Hall for care. The old Marquis also returned there. As for Young Master Mo, he didn’t want to go back to the Prince He’s residence, so he was sent to the Yuling Courtyard. Originally, Third Young Madam was meant to go too, but a maid informed me that you’re busy preparing urgent medicine.”
At the East Small Gate, a sedan chair awaited Lu Man, who rode in it while He Cheng and the others walked.
In the Crane Hall, all the main members of the Princess Changting’s household were present, except for Lu Man and Jiang Zhankun. The adults stood vigil in the sickroom, while the elderly, Jiang Zhanyu, and the younger members sat composedly in the main hall, refraining from idle chatter. Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu were also in attendance.
The scientist’s mind was solely focused on academic pursuits, oblivious to interpersonal relationships. Lu Man was engrossed in pharmaceutical preparation. If Jiang Zhanyu hadn’t called for Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu to be present, Lu Man would have been remiss in her duties, and their household’s status would have suffered.
Lu Man and He Cheng entered the side room and greeted the Princess at the doorway of the sickroom.
Jiang Ling approached, her expression stern. “Third younger sister, Grandmother has been ill for so long. Why have you only just arrived? While it’s fine not to enter the bedroom due to your pregnancy, you should at least be present in the hall. You’re a physician and a healer, you could offer advice to the imperial physicians. Look at Ninth brother, and then look at your sisters and Dewen, who even at such a young age stand ready in the hall…”
Lu Man, not having much interaction with Jiang Ling, found her words irritating. With a serious expression, she responded, “Elder sister, even though I’m not standing here, I am still fulfilling my filial duties…”
Before Lu Man could finish, the Second Master approached and harshly scolded, “Zhanwei’s wife, your grandmother has been kind to you. How can you be so disrespectful!”
Lu Man explained, “Second Master, I am preparing medicine…”
“What urgent medicine can’t wait until tomorrow?” the Second Master interjected.
Marquis Jiang also expressed his displeasure, stating, “When handling tasks, one must prioritize and differentiate between urgency and importance.”
Lu Man continued, “Respected Marquis and Second Master, the medicine I am preparing is specifically effective against wind-chill, so I had to make it quickly.”
Jiang Zhanyu sincerely remarked, “Sister-in-law is in a special situation right now. She has worked hard all day for Grandmother. I am ashamed as a younger brother.”
Lu Man gratefully glanced at him, noting that this father-son pair—one astute, the other not so much—had their own dynamics. She added diplomatically, “For Grandmother, any hardship is worthwhile.”
Satisfied, the Marquis nodded, stroking his beard.
Unable to enter the room, Lu Man handed the porcelain cup to He Cheng, who carried it into the sickroom with both hands.
The Princess lay in bed softly humming. He Cheng approached and bowed, “Your Highness, my sister specially prepared a new medicine today called Salicylic Powder, which is remarkably effective against wind-chill.”
The Princess weakly responded with an “Oh.”
Jiang Zhanju, the heir by the bedside quickly interjected, “Is this a new medicine concocted today?”
He Cheng honestly replied, “I had already tasted it earlier.” Seeing the heir still watching intently, he quickly handed over the porcelain cup.
The Marquis nodded in satisfaction, prompting for a spoon. The heir took a sip, smacked his lips, and then nodded approvingly.
The Marquis, along with the Second and Third Masters, helped the Princess up, administering the medicine to her. A short while later, the Princess softly remarked, “The headache is indeed subsiding, and I feel much lighter.” Soon after, she drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The imperial physician checked her pulse and confirmed, “This medicine is truly effective, the Princess is no longer as feverish as before.”
Once the Princess fell asleep, everyone quietly exited the sickroom.
The three Masters looked at Lu Man with satisfaction, praising her, “Well done, excellent…”
Third Master Jiang added, “Your grandmother didn’t treat you in vain.”
The imperial physician also thanked Lu Man, asking, “Third Young Madam, may I inquire about the medicine you administered to the Princess? Could you provide some details?”
Due to the incident with the Angel’s Trumpet flowers, Lu Man had become more cautious.
She explained, “The medicine is called Salicylic Powder, extracted from willow bark. I believe the prescription you provided for the Princess also includes willow bark. By extracting the most effective components, the effect is enhanced. However, this medicine isn’t suitable for everyone. Some individuals may experience poisoning, gastrointestinal discomfort, or even bleeding if the dosage isn’t controlled properly or if taken long-term. Therefore, I cannot reveal the details at this time. Once I fully understand its properties, I will share more.”
Understanding the sensitivity of the situation, the imperial physician nodded in agreement.
Second Master Jiang, seeing his daughter-in-law achieve such a remarkable feat, chuckled and advised Lu Man to rest after a long day’s work.
Lu Man mentally rolled her eyes at his statement, thinking how oblivious he was to reality. She was about to respond when she suddenly felt a sharp, piercing pain in her abdomen and sensed something flowing from her body. With a cry of pain, she collapsed onto a chair, her face drained of color, drenched in cold sweat.
Witnessing her distress, Second Master Jiang panicked, shouting, “My grandson, please don’t let anything happen!”
The Marquis and the Third Master urgently called out, “Quick, fetch the imperial physicians specializing in women’s health.”
Although there were two imperial physicians present, neither specialized in women’s health.