Font Size:
The Xie family, spanning generations, warmly welcomed everyone. One person held Madam Hong’s hand, another held Lu Man’s hand, and another held Jiang Jiu’s hand, while someone carried Sweet Pea.
Lady Xie, with her exquisite makeup and graceful figure, was petite, a little shorter than Lu Man. She held Lu Man’s hand and smiled, “Sister Lu, I’ve been thinking about you for a while. I wanted to send someone to fetch you, but I was busy with the postpartum period and preparing to honor my husband.”
Her laughter was hearty, clear, resonating like that of old friends. Her laughter made everyone feel right at home.
Lu Man replied with a smile, “During this period, my grandfather was in a critical condition, and I wanted to visit you several times but couldn’t. Now that Sister Yang has completed her postpartum confinement and can go out, we’ll visit your mansion with the children in the future. My little sister already adores Ping and Yan.”
Jiang Jiu chimed in, “Sweet Pea likes them too.”
As soon as she spoke, Sweet Pea’s presence was felt again, emitting a high-pitched, melodious meow that caught everyone’s attention in the courtyard.
Madame Xie chuckled, “This cat, so tiny, yet it can make such a surprisingly loud noise.”
They all entered the house.
Seeing the little Kaipei in the nursemaid’s arms, Lu Man reached out to take him.
The little one had grown, with skin like Lady Xie, fair as porcelain, and features resembling Xie Yu, strong and handsome, incredibly endearing. As Lu Man held him, he grinned, his toothless mouth beaming, his smile radiant.
Lu Man’s heart melted, and she kissed his tender face, fragrant and delicate.
Kaipei giggled even more joyfully, making babbling sounds.
Madam Yang, Lady Xie’s mother, remarked with a smile, “Oh, Lady Lu and little Kaipei seem destined for each other. Even when I hold him, he doesn’t smile as brightly.”
Everyone burst into laughter at the heartwarming scene.
The two ladies sat down, with Jiang Jiu being led to a side room by the two young ladies, and Lu Man being guided around by Lady Xie, who introduced her to several other ladies in the room. Some of the ladies Lu Man had met during the Banquets, while others, such as Madam Sun and Lady Sun, she had not encountered before. There was also Madam He, who wore a solemn expression and paid her no heed.
Lu Man was puzzled by the deep animosity this lady seemed to harbor towards her, especially since they had never met before and she had never done anything to offend her.
Lady Xie squeezed her hand and whispered, “I’ll tell you later.”
Lady Min walked over from the side room and warmly pulled Lu Man aside. In a hushed tone, she said, “Lady Lu, I was actually planning to look for you today, and here you are.”
Lu Man suspected that she might have come for her monthly medical check-up, so she nodded and replied with a smile, “Sure, let’s talk in Sister Yang’s courtyard later.”
At noon, everyone gathered in the flower hall, including old Duke Xie, Second Master Xie, Third Master Xie, and Jiang Zhanwei.
When the old Duke Xie saw Lu Man, he chuckled loudly, “Zhanwei’s wife, you must have brought good fortune to the old man Jiang. By becoming the godmother of my great-grandson, you’ve also brought luck to that boy.”
This statement caused Lu Man to blush, and she caught a mischievous glint in Madam Hong’s eyes for a moment. She quickly responded, “Sir, you flatter me. I dare not take credit. If my grandfather has awakened, it is thanks to his own blessings.”
Before the old Duke Xie could continue, Second Master Xie intervened.
Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man were invited to sit at the head table. The nursemaid holding little Kaipei bowed to Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man, saying, “Little Kaipei has met his godfather and godmother.”
After exchanging a few words of blessings, Jiang Zhanwei gifted the little one a white jade flying horse ornament, while Lu Man presented an amber Buddha hand and a set of light blue tiger-embroidered baby clothes consisting of pants, a hat, and socks all connected together.
Madam Xie remarked with a smile, “Little Kaipei, remember to treat your two mothers well. Your birth mother gave you life, and your godmother gave you a second chance at it.”
Once the ceremonies were complete, everyone prepared to sit down for the meal, while the men headed to the outer courtyard.
After the meal, it was time for a theater performance. Lady Xie led Lu Man, Lady Min, the young ladies, and Sweet Pea to her courtyard.
On their way, Lady Xie mentioned to Lu Man, “At the beginning of this month, the daughter-in-law of that Madam He encountered complications during childbirth. She had once come to Princess Changting’s Mansion to seek your assistance but was turned away by the Princess.”
Lu Man recalled the incident, it was the lady who had been dismissed by the Princess.
Lady Xie continued, “Madam He was quite presumptuous. As the granddaughter-in-law of Princess Changting, she dared to ask you to assist in the childbirth.”
Lu Man replied with a smile, “I am not a midwife. I only learned a few techniques from the books left behind by my ancestors, such as how to assist in childbirth. Some people have spread rumors and mistaken me for a midwife.” In ancient times, midwives held a low status, and she didn’t dare admit to being one, as it would tarnish the reputation of Princess Changting and make her unhappy.
She then inquired, “How is Madam He’s daughter-in-law now? Did she safely deliver the child?” Lu Man was particularly concerned, as childbirth for women in ancient times was indeed a perilous affair, and she hoped for their safety and well-being.
Lady Xie replied, “The child was born, but the adult suffered from postpartum hemorrhage and is said to be unable to conceive in the future.”
Hearing that the child survived, Lu Man felt relieved.
Lady Xie squeezed Lu Man’s hand and said with a smile, “I must thank you. You risked damaging your reputation to help us, mother and son.”
Lu Man chuckled, “My husband receives many favors from your husband. It’s only right to help. If I didn’t assist, how could I gain a favored son?”
Lady Xie burst into a hearty laugh.
In Lady Xie’s courtyard, they went directly to the main hall. After the maid served tea and left, Lu Man checked Lady Min’s pulse, finding nothing amiss. She asked, “Did Mr. Min take my advice seriously last time?”
Lady Min nodded and replied with a smile, “I discussed it with my husband and mother-in-law when I got back. My husband was very cooperative.”
After prescribing some medicine, Lu Man had Xing, who had been sent to fetch silver needles from Princess Changting’s Mansion, return. She administered the treatment and instructed her to go to Orchid Pavilion before the end of the hour of the Chen (7-9:00 AM) the next day, as she had some urgent matters to attend to.
Lady Min agreed and added with a smile, “When I visited my mother’s home that day, I coincidentally met your uncle’s wife and Miss Lu at my mother’s house. Miss Lu is gentle, virtuous, and quite charming. Your uncle’s wife mentioned that you were always well-behaved, lovable, and everyone adored you.” She lowered her voice, “My father said your uncle achieved his Jinshi degree and spent many years in a position of seventh rank, which he considered a wasted talent.”
Lu Man felt a bit embarrassed. She wasn’t aware of Lady Min’s family background or why Mrs. Ding wanted to spread falsehoods at Madam Min’s family. Additionally, she wondered why her uncle was considered to have wasted his talent.