Font Size:
Several people gradually gathered around, with a stewardess wrapping Mama Qian in a cloak, and Lu Ying helping her up to head towards the Lotus Courtyard.
Lu Man suddenly remembered the three girls who caused trouble earlier and asked, “Where are the ones who caused the accident? Did they run away?” She had a gut feeling that their actions were intentional.
Xiao Zhong and Xiao Xi replied, “Oh, the servants were all concerned about Mama Qian and didn’t notice where those few individuals went.”
One of the women who helped rescue Mama Qian reassured, “Third Lady Jiang, don’t worry, we’ll definitely find out.”
In the Lotus Courtyard, Xiao Zhong assisted Mama Qian with bathing, while Lu Man rewarded the four women who helped rescue with ten taels of silver each.
After Mama Qian finished bathing and changed clothes, the palace maids provided her with ginger soup, and Second Madam Song hurried over, accompanied by the Chief Historian of the palace. They continuously apologized and expressed gratitude to Lu Man and Mama Qian.
Although Mama Qian was a servant, she served as an official attendant to Princess Changting, holding a certain status.
Lu Man coldly remarked, “They came for me, and Mama Qian was protecting me.”
She felt that the three girls shouldn’t have been sent by the Prince Shuo’s Mansion. If they wanted her dead, they wouldn’t have used such a devious and non-lethal method. The lake was shallow, and there were patrolling maids everywhere.
Their intention was to humiliate her even if they couldn’t succeed in taking her life.
Shortly after, the Princess’s Consort and Princess Changting arrived, followed by Third Madam Jiang bringing Jiang Zhanyan and Jiang Jiu.
The Consort once again apologized to Princess Changting and Lu Man.
At that moment, the three ladies arrived with three twelve or thirteen-year-old girls. These were the three girls who accidentally pushed Mama Qian into the lake. The girls were terrified, their eyes red from crying, and they were brought by their mothers to apologize.
They knelt before Princess Changting, apologizing profusely and expressing their regret for the unintentional incident. Scared and remorseful, they were guided by their mothers to offer their apologies.
Kneeling down, they bowed to Princess Changting, expressing their sincere apologies for their actions, explaining that they didn’t mean any harm and had run away out of fear after the accident.
The three ladies also apologized to Princess Changting, promising to discipline their children more strictly.
One was the granddaughter of the Marquis Yingwu, another the niece of Count Jinchang, and the third the daughter of Cao, the commander of the Right Guard Battalion. Lu Man felt that these three families had no grievances or connections with her. Could it be that they truly caused the accident due to carelessness?
Princess Changting also thought it might have been playful mischief from the girls. She rebuked the three mothers sternly but didn’t scold the young girls much, only reminding them to be more careful and not act impulsively. If a life had been lost, the consequences would be severe.
Prince Shuo’s Consort, displeased, also reprimanded the three ladies sternly.
Before leaving, each family gave Mama Qian a hundred taels of silver as compensation. The Consort also presented another hundred taels of silver to calm Mama Qian.
Though they arrived in high spirits, they left disappointed.
Back at the Crane Hall in Princess Chanting’s Residence, the old Marquis mentioned to Princess Changting and Lu Man, “Ah, at first, I thought it was the granddaughter-in-law, which startled me. Later, I heard it was Mínshū, and I felt relieved.” He quickly turned to Mama Qian and expressed, “I was slightly worried, and I heard it was you, I started worrying again.”
Mama Qian kneeled and paid respects to the old Marquis, saying, “I caused worry for the Master, and I am deeply sorry.”
Lu Man also thanked Mama Qian earnestly, asking Lu Ying to bring two hundred taels of silver as a token of gratitude for saving her.
Princess Changting rewarded her with fifty taels of silver and a jade ruyi, instructing her to rest for two days.
When they were alone, Lu Man quietly informed Princess Changting about Song Ji’s poisoning.
Surprised, Princess Changting praised her, saying, “Well done, my child. Whether the Prince Shuo’s Mansion was testing you or someone else was responsible, it’s not within your control. In the future, be cautious with your knowledge of ‘poison arts’, do not spread it, and refrain from casually detoxifying…”
Lu Man nodded, adding, “I feel so sorry for that child. He’s so young and innocent, hasn’t wronged anyone, yet due to the schemes of some adults, he’s suffering such torment, perhaps even risking his life. If it was the Prince Shuo’s Mansion testing me, it would be understandable if they detoxified him. But if someone else poisoned him, causing his untimely death, it weighs heavily on my conscience…”
Princess Changting sighed, “Silly child, regardless of who poisoned Ji, he won’t survive. If the Prince Shuo’s Mansion was testing you, to make it convincing without raising suspicion, if you don’t help detoxify him, they won’t let the child live. If someone else poisoned him and they were unaware of the poisoning, the child would also die.”
Lu Man exclaimed, “Song Ji is the Prince Shuo’s legitimate great-grandson, the Prince’s legitimate grandson. How could they bear to let him die? If they truly wanted the child dead, they could have used a less important descendant to test me.”
Taking a deep breath, Princess Changting replied, “Poisoning the legitimate grandson would make it easier for you to trust them and alleviate your concerns. Throughout history, the royal family has been ruthless, especially to ascend to that position. Countless bones have been trampled upon…” Perhaps recalling past events, her eyes seemed distant, lost in thought for a moment before continuing, “Once the Crown Prince ascends, no matter how much help you provided before, don’t harbor any feelings. Focus on what benefits him, not emotions… I’m tired now, you may leave. Remember, apart from the County Prince He’s Mansion, keep your distance from the other royal households. Any medical treatments must have my approval.”
Lu Man nodded, rose, and left. She felt uneasy, if the Prince Shuo’s Mansion poisoned Song Ji, it was their cruelty, but if it was someone else, not helping due to suspicion would contradict medical ethics…
Returning to the Donghui Courtyard, Jiang Yue sat on a mat on the veranda, holding a Sweet Pea in her arms. Qichang and Sweetheart played nearby, laughing and playing.
He Mingzhu sat on a silk stool nearby, greeted Lu Man with a smile, “Jiu went back to rest in the courtyard, Cheng and Zhankui went to the Xie household and haven’t returned.”
Seeing her mother return, Jiang Yue put down the Sweet Pea and happily crawled over. Sweet Pea jumped into Lu Man’s arms, while Qichang and Sweetheart nibbled at her skirt.
He Mingzhu quickly lifted Jiang Yue, saying, “Yue, take it easy.”
Seeing her family, Lu Man’s heavy heart lightened. Home was the best, simple, full of love, with filial children and a caring mother. She smiled, rubbed the Sweet Pea’s neck, placed it down, washed her hands in a basin, and lifted Jiang Yue.
She showered her daughter with affection, making her giggle. Looking at her beloved daughter, Lu Man made a vow in her heart to protect her, ensuring she faced no harm. No amount of benefits could outweigh her daughter’s importance. She wouldn’t tolerate anyone endangering her daughter’s life for personal gain.