Chapter 109: Misconceptions

Princess Changting thoroughly enjoyed Lu Man’s playful and charming demeanor. A pretty young daughter-in-law, soft and delicate, lightly swaying her arm, brought a smile to Princess Changting’s eyes.

As she grew older, she developed a particular fondness for charming young women. Whenever a beautiful maiden or a lovely daughter-in-law visited, she would eagerly observe them for a long while. If she took a liking to them, she not only kept them for meals but also bestowed gifts. However, after the illness of her husband, the old Marquis, she lost interest in such activities.

With no daughters of her own, she only had two granddaughters. The eldest granddaughter, Jiang Ling, though beautiful, carried herself so dignified, resembling her elder daughter-in-law, and rarely indulged in endearing behavior. The younger granddaughter, Jiang Jiu, was as timid as a kitten and never dared to approach her proactively.

Currently, she had two daughters-in-law, both admirable, whom she adored. In terms of intelligence, Lady Han excelled, while in terms of obedience, Lady Lu was strong.

Princess Changting chuckled, “I appreciate clever and talented children, especially young girls who can learn skills surpassing men. It’s not easy. I dislike women in the inner chambers who divert their thoughts away from household matters. If they focused more on learning skills or reading, there wouldn’t be so many intrigues in the inner chambers. I admire your mother-in-law because she not only excels in poetry like a man but also lacks ulterior motives. Although she doesn’t care much for Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings, she has never harbored ill intentions towards them…”

Listening to the old lady’s words, Lu Man was greatly amused. Princess Changting was a feminist at heart and a kind protector of her juniors.

However, the prevalence of intrigues in the inner chambers was mostly caused by men. If they didn’t have multiple wives and concubines, with legitimate and illegitimate children, the women wouldn’t resort to scheming. Despite Princess Changting’s beliefs, Lu Man saw no point in arguing against them.

While chatting with Princess Changting and the old Marquis, Young Madam Han entered with Mrs. Min and Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law.

Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law, at seventeen or eighteen years old, had a fair and petite appearance, a round face with large eyes, and dimples that sparkled when she laughed, endearing her to those around her.

In her past life, she had been a high school student, but now she was troubled by infertility issues.

Mrs. Min and her daughter-in-law paid respects to Princess Changting and presented the old Marquis with a hundred-year-old ginseng root.

Mrs. Min first praised Lu Man extravagantly, “Oh, this delicate appearance, so beautiful and endearing. Intelligent and filial, not at all like Princess Changting’s daughter-in-law, more akin to her own beloved granddaughter.” Then, turning to her daughter-in-law, she said, “In the future, you should get closer and socialize more. You haven’t been blessed with the teachings of Princess Changting, learning from her granddaughter-in-law would be very beneficial. Take note of her mannerisms and expressions. Afterward, she removed a sheep-fat jade bracelet from her wrist and placed it on Lu Man’s wrist.

She was very articulate, never mentioning anything about seeking medical treatment to Lu Man, which delighted Princess Changting.

Princess Changting also showered Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law with praises, admiring her beautiful features, large dimples, broad forehead, and predicting that she would be blessed with many children. Afterward, she rewarded her with a jade ruyi scepter.

Mrs. Min repeatedly expressed her gratitude, saying, “Amitabha, thank you for your kind words.”

While Mrs. Min conversed with the Princess Changting at the Crane Hall, Lu Man escorted Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law to Orchid Pavilion.

Taking her to the eastern room, Lu Man first examined her pulse. Whether it was due to her own skills not being up to par or Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law truly having no issues, her pulse seemed fine, showing no abnormalities.

Playfully, Lu Man asked about the dates she shared intimacy with Mr. Min, stumbling over her words and encouraging her to be more detailed. As a newlywed daughter-in-law, she didn’t dare discuss such matters too casually. Each person was different, and she had to adjust her approach accordingly. While she could speak freely with servants, she needed to be more cautious with Mrs. Min’s daughter-in-law, whom she didn’t know well.

Blushing, Lady Min’s cheeks flushed with a deeper hue, accentuating her dimples as she bashfully whispered, “My husband stays in my room for over ten days a month, especially three days before and after my menstrual cycle. We are intimate almost every day during those times, as he wants me to conceive quickly…”

There was a common misconception in ancient times that the period around menstruation was the best time for conception. Over a span of about ten days, with seven days of menstruation and a few days before and after considered safe, Mr. Min likely had concubines or maidservants, spending time in their rooms during other periods. It seemed that during lady Min’s menstrual cycle, he might engage with his maidservants.

Given lady Min’s young age, Mr. Min was likely not much older. Balancing multiple women while still in high school and engaging in frequent intimacy, especially during certain times, was not conducive to conception.

Lu Man inquired further, “Have any of Mr. Min’s other women become pregnant?”

Lady Min replied, “My husband treats me well. Before I conceived, I made them drink contraceptive soup.”

Infuriated, Lu Man wanted to curse. This was considered treating her well?

With a hesitant smile, Lu Man advised lady Min, “Starting this month, it’s best if Mr. Min restrains himself and refrains from visiting other women frequently. Beginning on the third day after your menstrual cycle, engage in intimacy every two days, up to four times… Maintain this schedule for three to six months. If there are no results, then we can reassess.”

Actually, these were common practices in the past life. It was necessary to try first, and if there were no results, then it was more likely that Mr. Min had an issue.

Lady Min, puzzled, asked, “Isn’t the mid-cycle period during menstruation unfavorable for conception?”

Lu Man chuckled, “In fact, the mid-cycle period is the best time for conception. Trust me on this.”

Lady Min nodded in agreement, reassured by Lu Man’s advice. With instructions from Lady Lu, the mother-in-law would surely tighten the reins on those mischievous young girls, preventing them from flirting with Mr. Min too often.

Lu Man prescribed some tonics to nourish the kidneys, spleen, boost qi, and enrich blood for lady Min. She also advised her to consume more black beans, ginger tea with red sugar, fish soup, and similar foods.

Looking at the two prescriptions, although the number of medicinal names wasn’t extensive, the characters were large, and one prescription couldn’t fit on a single page. Lu Man blushed slightly and chuckled, “My handwriting is ugly, lady Min, please don’t laugh.”

Lady Min giggled, “I’m not afraid of you laughing at me, what can I tease you about?” She then asked, “No acupuncture or moxibustion?” She had heard that Lu Man not only prescribed medicine but also performed acupuncture and moxibustion for the maid she had cured.

Lu Man truly only intended to prescribe tonics for lady Min, and she was hesitant to do even that. However, many patients held the belief that if they weren’t given enough medicine or other treatments, the physician was being negligent.

To reassure the young lady and ensure she felt comfortable conceiving, Lu Man reluctantly said, “Come back to me during your next menstrual cycle. I will prescribe medication and perform acupuncture then. After your cycle, we can do moxibustion. You don’t need to come in person for moxibustion, I’ll send my maidservant to your residence.”

During that time, she would administer beneficial acupuncture for overall health. As for moxibustion, if it was done from a distance, it wouldn’t have much effect.