Chapter 13: Familiarity Strikes

Lu Man was overjoyed, looking forward to digesting the knowledge from the medical books when she had the time. Since the books were written in classical Chinese, her first task was to accurately understand their meanings. Although she had studied Western medicine in her past life, there were commonalities between Western and Chinese medicine. While she had no experience with acupuncture, she knew about acupoints and planned to practice with a set of silver needles. Learning the names of various herbs was also on her agenda for the future, along with mastering pulse diagnosis, a skill that required practice and ideally finding a mentor. These thoughts lifted her spirits, replacing the recent despondency with hope and anticipation for the future.

She also thought about retrieving the medical books and items left by the He family as soon as possible, as losing or selling them would pose a problem.

Lunch consisted of six dishes and a soup, including four meat dishes and braised tendon, a meal meant to provide sustenance. The kitchen staff treated Hong Ling better when she came to collect the food, a change from their previous attitude.

Observing the transformed Lu Man, Hong Ling felt a mix of emotions. The current Third Young Madam was no longer the chubby girl she used to pamper. Her actions seemed to have consequences now, which left Hong Ling wondering why things had taken a different turn. When she asked Lu Ying about it, the girl remained silent. The scrutinizing gaze from Lu Man always made her uneasy.

Hong Ling praised Lu Man, saying, “Third Young Madam is truly remarkable. After meeting Princess Changting, not only has the food improved, but even the kitchen staff’s attitude has changed towards us.”

Lu Man paid no attention, focusing on her meal.

After lunch, she rested in bed, conserving her energy for the afternoon session of massaging the old Marquis at Crane Hall.

Princess Changting had arranged for Lu Man to massage the old Marquis twice daily, while the maid would handle the evening session.

Refreshed after her rest, Lu Man, accompanied by Lu Ying, energetically headed back to Crane Hall.

The afternoon sun of early spring was strong, prompting Lu Man and Lu Ying to seek shade as they walked, taking a leisurely stroll along the veranda, enjoying the scents of flowers, herbs, and bamboo carried by the gentle spring breeze.

Passing by the rose garden, they encountered Eighth Young Master Jiang Zhankui running wild with a large yellow dog. Jiang Zhankui was flushed and drenched in sweat, his clothes soaked through. It was unclear why he was running around in such a state.

Upon seeing Lu Man, the large dog dashed towards her like the wind.

Jiang Zhankui shouted, “Qichang, come back!”

Qichang, usually obedient, ignored his owner’s call and leaped over the railing of the veranda, extending his long tongue and lifting his front hooves to pounce towards Lu Man with great excitement.

As a dog lover in her past life, having owned a Golden Retriever and a Teddy before her passing, Lu Man was well-versed in dogs. She could tell that although the large yellow dog appeared robust, it was very friendly towards her, showing surprise and panting heavily. Strangely, she felt a sense of familiarity with it, especially in its gentle gaze and the way it stuck out its tongue in a seemingly smiling manner. She couldn’t pinpoint where she had encountered such a dog before. Considering that the original Lu Man had never kept or encountered such a large dog, she attributed these feelings to nostalgia for her previous pets.

Smiling, she squatted down and allowed the big dog to approach her.

Lu Ying screamed in fear, thinking the dog was about to bite her mistress, ready to intervene. However, upon seeing Lu Man joyfully petting the dog while it playfully interacted with her, Lu Ying calmed down, puzzled by the situation.

Jiang Zhankui was equally puzzled. Qichang was usually only friendly with him, his brother, sister, and their servants. How could this dog be so welcoming to a person whom it had just met? Did it know that she was his brother’s new wife?

Even if she was his brother’s new wife, she was not a favored one!

Approaching, Jiang Zhankui hugged the dog’s neck, saying, “Qichang, why are you misbehaving today? Playing with everyone you meet—you’ll skip dinner as punishment.”

Qichang whined softly, wanting to continue interacting with Lu Man instead.

Lu Man, understanding the situation, gently petted the dog’s head, “Alright, I have other things to attend to now. We’ll play later when I have time.”

Qichang, intelligent, understood her words and obediently settled down.

Lu Man proceeded to Crane Hall, where a servant led her directly to the bedroom. She saw the old Marquis lying on a couch under the window, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dancing circles of light on him through the glass.

Princess Changting, wearing reading glasses, sat beside the old Marquis, reading to him. Her demeanor was serene, with a smile on her face, her voice gentle as if the old Marquis could hear her words.

Even in her past life, this scene would have been touching.

Lu Man thought to herself that this was not the typical interaction between a princess and her husband. This princess was indeed an outlier among princesses.

After paying her respects to Princess Changting, Lu Man began massaging the old Marquis.

Seeing Princess Changting sitting quietly on the side, Lu Man sincerely remarked, “With a wife like you, Grandfather is truly blessed.”

In the residence of Princess Changting, apart from the occasional banter between the old Marquis and the princess before his incident, everyone treated her with utmost respect. Even in jest, they maintained a proper decorum and refrained from commenting on the intimacy between husband and wife. Lu Man, unfamiliar with the customs of the time, was moved and spoke those words impulsively. After realizing her mistake and seeing the servants lower their heads, she quickly apologized, “Your Highness, I apologize for my rudeness.”

Princess Changting was initially taken aback by Lu Man’s statement. Although not accustomed to such remarks from a junior, she didn’t take offense. She shook her head, saying, “It’s alright,” and sighed, “Ah, people often think that princesses lead a luxurious life, but in reality…” Many princesses in the palace did not have an easy time, facing various challenges despite their comfort and security.

Though she didn’t finish her sentence, Lu Man understood Princess Changting’s implication. Having read numerous historical records and unofficial accounts in her past life, she knew that not all princesses led happy lives or found it easy to marry, despite the saying that “an emperor’s daughter need not worry about marriage.”

Choosing not to speak further, Lu Man focused on massaging the old Marquis diligently.

After more than half an hour, Lu Man completed her task and took her leave. Princess Changting was highly satisfied with her excellent performance and rewarded her with a plate of golden silk gourd as a gift.

Once Lu Man departed, Princess Changting asked the maid beside her, “Zhanwei still hasn’t returned home?”

The maid bowed and replied, “That’s correct.”

Princess Changting then remarked, “Although Lu Man made a mistake, it’s possible she might cure the old Marquis’s illness. When she arrived at Crane Hall, the Marquis’s eyebrows and fingers moved. She also seems knowledgeable about comatose patients, and even the imperial physician acknowledged the effectiveness of her methods. While Lu Man hasn’t consummated her marriage with Zhanwei and hasn’t fully played the role of the old Marquis’s granddaughter-in-law, perhaps once she does, the old Marquis may truly awaken…”