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Lady Min added, “Oh, my menstrual cycle just ended two days ago.”
Lu Man suggested, “Then tonight, you two can…” Thinking about Mr. Min’s likely activities during these days, she continued, “Let Mr. Min rest for two days, and then you can resume intimacy.”
She instructed Lu Ying to perform moxibustion for lady Min and discreetly advised her on the distance for the treatment.
Despite some confusion, Lu Ying followed the medical instructions.
Though they hadn’t known each other for long, they found a kindred spirit in each other. By the time they went to the Crane Hall, they were already laughing and chatting, having developed a good friendship. Princess Changting hosted a meal for the Min mother and daughter-in-law before bidding them farewell.
Upon returning to Orchid Pavilion, Lu Man recalled the process of treating lady Min’s illness, documenting the patient’s condition, pulse, treatment plan, and prescribed medications in the medical records. She had Lu Ying store them neatly in a dedicated drawer, making it her fourth patient record.
During her free time, Lu Man resumed practicing calligraphy.
Sweet Pea displayed remarkable vitality, showing signs of recovery after two days, although it had injured its leg and couldn’t move around yet.
The kitten had a voracious appetite, monopolizing the old mama cat’s milk. Fortunately, old mama cat’s other young ones had mostly weaned off and were often brought to Orchid Pavilion to feed this adopted son. Sweet Pea eventually drained old mama cat’s milk bottle dry and meowed hungrily, prompting the maids to feed it some milk and meat porridge.
With the arrival of this cat, Jiang Zhanwei’s younger siblings and Qichang were the most excited, often lingering at Orchid Pavilion and reluctant to leave.
On the ninth day of the first lunar month, Jiang Jiu approached Lu Man, “Sister-in-law, can Jiu send invitations to Ping and Yan to come and see our Sweet Pea?”
“Sure.” Lu Man smiled, adding, “We’ll play in the eastern courtyard, and we’ll place some flower pots there to make it beautiful.”
Jiang Jiu suggested further, “Also, let’s ask Mama Wang and Tao Sister to make some double-layered milk pudding, they’ve probably never had it before…”
The two agreed to send the invitations on the eleventh day of the eighth month and invite them over on the twelfth. Today was already the ninth day of the eighth month, and Jiang Zhanwei might return in the evening, while Xie Ping’s father would also be home.
However, later that day, Princess Changting received a message from Jiang Zhanwei’s personal guard, stating that he was engaging in military training at the camp and still couldn’t return home.
The next morning, Princess Changting finally heard that Duke Xie had returned home. She arranged for a carriage, intending to visit the Xie residence with her eldest son, Marquis Jiang and the elders. She specifically called for Lu Man, who had saved Duke Xie’s daughter-in-law and grandson, as a gesture of gratitude.
This time, Lu Man shared a carriage with Princess Changting. Despite the luxurious carriage, Lu Man was preoccupied, feeling anxious alongside the stern-faced Princess Changting, unsure if Duke Xie would be willing to help.
Upon arriving at the Xie residence, Princess Changting, without sending a word beforehand, was led to the main hall in the outer courtyard with Marquis Jiang. The gatekeeper immediately informed Duke Xie and old Duke Xie of their guests’ arrival.
Lu Man accompanied Princess Changting to the grand reception hall in the Xie residence’s front courtyard. The hall exuded wealth and grandeur, a solemn and dignified atmosphere. If not for being with Princess Changting, Lu Man would never have had the opportunity to visit such a place.
Soon after, Duke Xie and old Duke Xie hurriedly arrived.
Duke Xie, around forty-seven or forty-eight years old, bore a resemblance to Xie Yu, tall and robust with a touch of refinement, unlike the rugged and uncouth old Duke Xie. This transformation was likely due to the genetic influence of women in the family, as each generation of the Xie family appeared more handsome and refined than the last.
Princess Changting once proudly mentioned that the ancestors of the Jiang family were known for their elegance and handsome features, unlike the Xie family’s ancestors who were originally bandits, dark and ugly, coarse and unreasonable.
After exchanging pleasantries, the conversation mainly revolved around old Duke Xie praising Lu Man’s capabilities, while Duke Xie expressed his gratitude towards her.
Lu Man politely responded, attributing the success to old Duke Xie’s strong support and the blessings from above for Kaipei’s recovery, among other factors.
Once the greetings were done, Princess Changting expressed her desire to have Jiang Zhanwei transferred to the central military camp, criticizing him as a weak scholar with no physical strength, suggesting he should utilize his strengths more effectively…
Duke Xie smiled discreetly and assured the Princess Changting that he wouldn’t overlook Jiang Zhanwei’s unique skills and would prioritize his safety. However, he neither accepted nor rejected Princess Changting’s request. He mentioned that Jiang Zhanwei’s current task was crucial and that he needed to consult with other senior military leaders before making a decision…
He also mentioned that the army would set out for the front line later in the month, but due to the special nature of Jiang Zhanwei’s mission, he would remain in the capital for a while and not accompany the main army. He praised Jiang Zhanwei, emphasizing his inherited talent.
Marquis Jiang eagerly asked, “If he’s not with the main army, is he in charge of logistics and supplies?”
Duke Xie chuckled and playfully replied, “That’s Mr. Jiang’s speculation, I didn’t say that.”
Observing Duke Xie’s expression, Princess Changting and Marquis Jiang assumed that this was indeed the case. Handling logistics and supplies was much safer than direct combat with the enemy, bringing a sense of satisfaction to both of them.
However, Marquis Jiang and Lu Man didn’t share the same sentiments, but they refrained from expressing their concerns to avoid worrying Princess Changting.
Upon returning to the Crane Hall, it was already noon. Lu Man had lunch with Princess Changting and then personally escorted her to the Sandalwood Hall to rest before returning to Orchid Pavilion.
Feeling burdened, Lu Man went straight to her room upon arrival, finding Jiang Jiu already asleep in bed. After freshening up with the help of Mama Wang, she stepped out and heard Qingqing’s voice outside the window, “Oh dear, Sweet Pea is crying, it’s shedding tears.”
Lu Man stepped out and saw Sweet Pea in the corridor, tearful and sad, being comforted by the gentle licking of Qichang.
“What happened to it?” Lu Man asked in confusion.
Qingqing explained, “As soon as Sweet Pea heard Third Young Madam’s footsteps, it raised its head high. But when it saw Third Young Madam enter without paying attention to it, it started crying and became increasingly distressed.”
Smiling, Lu Man gently comforted Sweet Pea in her arms, apologizing, “Alright, alright, don’t be upset, it’s my fault.” After a few more kisses on its head, Sweet Pea stopped crying and let out a few meows.
Its tender meows were endearing yet loud, prompting Lu Man to extend her hands while holding it.
Unable to sleep, Lu Man sat with Sweet Pea in her arms on the kang bed in the eastern room, pondering deeply. Qichang followed and sat obediently on the footboard. Qichang was a good companion, never vying for attention since Sweet Pea arrived.
Although Lu Man despised Jiang Zhanwei and didn’t want to see him, she was also deeply fearful of him engaging in dangerous activities. This internal conflict was tormenting her.