Chapter 154: Those Intending Harm

Marquis Jiang was somewhat skeptical and asked, “Given Zhanwei’s nature, will he comply?”

“If he doesn’t comply, there will always be someone who can make him comply.” Princess Changting remarked. Taking a sip of tea, she continued, “Do you think Lu Man is only good at treating illnesses and comforting people? Physician Fu is good at treating illnesses and has been by your father’s side day and night, does your father appreciate him? Zhanju’s wife is good at comforting people, and she has been here longer than Zhanwei’s wife, does your father appreciate her? Moreover, which young lady has the ability to turn the situation around completely in just a few months, despite facing such adverse circumstances… So, Lu Man not only knows how to heal and comfort but also possesses great wisdom. These past few months, as I watched the events unfold around Zhanwei, I realized that we had misjudged him for over a decade. This child is too clever, too good at disguising himself, and he tends to take risky paths that seem to lead to success but are prone to failure. He also has a bad temper, cold and distant as if everyone owes him something. Having a wise woman like Lu Man, seemingly gentle but intelligent, watching over him for life, advising him, puts my mind at ease and will bring fewer troubles to this household…”

Marquis Jiang glanced at his mother and still expressed his concern, saying, “But I feel Lu Man is too clever. If she has the same intentions as Zhanwei, could she…”

Princess Changting shook her head and said, “Zhanwei may have certain intentions, but Lu Man definitely does not. Lu Man is kind-hearted and simple-minded, she wouldn’t forcibly take something that doesn’t belong to her. Foolish child, the most perceptive at discerning good intentions. Your father, little Jiu, Zhanyan, and Deyu all like her, showing she is a good person. With her guidance for Zhanwei, it’s not only a blessing for Zhanwei but also for this household.”

Marquis Jiang understood and assured, “Mother, rest assured, I will discipline Hong and prevent her from causing trouble.” He added, “What’s the real story behind all this? Initially, there was little concern for Lu Man, otherwise, she would have died long ago. So why now…”

Princess Changting whispered, “I had my suspicions about Physician He’s death, and seeing the behavior of that woman has only strengthened my certainty. That person isn’t afraid of Lu Man but of me and Elder Xie. She never imagined that Lu Man, due to the betrothal gift, would marry into our family and mend relations with the estranged Xie family…”

Marquis Jiang worried, “Isn’t this Lu Man causing trouble? Are you sure you want to protect her?”

Princess Changting glared at her son once more and said, “When Physician He died, Lu Man was just a two-year-old child, what could she possibly know? Not to mention she is innocent, but I want her to keep an eye on Zhanwei. Based on her saving your father and being his lucky star, I won’t allow anyone to mistreat her.” She added with a cold snort, “As for that woman, even the Emperor suspects her of being involved in the other consorts’ affairs with the Empress Dowager. However, with the Empress Dowager and her being the Crown Prince’s mother, and given the Crown Prince’s virtues and wisdom, deeply cherished by the Emperor… Even if Physician He hadn’t died and she held some evidence, out of respect for the Crown Prince, the Emperor wouldn’t take action against her. There’s no need to hold onto a young girl, making her appear inferior…”

Marquis Jiang was aware that Empress Wang and her family had never gained the Emperor’s favor and trust due to these issues but because of the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince, no decisive actions had been taken… He assured, “I understand, Hong will no longer have close dealings with that woman.”

Princess Changting nodded and added, “During this time, don’t allow Hong to come to Crane Hall and have her copy the ‘Rules for Women’ fifty times.”

Blushing, Marquis Jiang left the room.

At Orchid Pavilion, seeing Lu Man’s mood was off, Jiang Zhankui took Jiu, Sweet Pea, and Qichang to the East Cross Courtyard.

Alone, Lu Man opened the drawer under the bed. This drawer now had a small lock, and only she had the key. The small key was attached to a copper pendant, hanging around her neck.

Inside the drawer were her mother’s portrait, a book by Sun Wa, “Records of Revival”, a secretive book from the He family called “He Family Medical Case Notes”, and a small oil paper packet. The records on food and medicinal herbs causing illnesses were written in the “Collection of Cautious Illnesses.”

She first took out her mother’s portrait, examined it carefully, then placed it back, proceeding to take out the small oil paper packet.

The powdered medicine in the packet was something she had secretly prepared. If she wanted to leave or if they no longer wanted her here and struggled to find a good reason, she would provide them with an excuse by claiming she had a hidden illness and needed to leave the residence. This was the best solution she had thought of previously.

Drinking this packet of powdered medicine would cause red rashes all over the body, a mild fever, similar to the symptoms Hong Ling had experienced initially. This illness appears to resemble a heat toxin but not entirely, with a possibility of being contagious.

However, this was a last resort that she had not used. Not only would she suffer, but her movements would also be restricted, possibly alerting Jiang Zhanwei. Due to his selfishness and paranoia, he was quick to end things with others but reluctant to let others end things with him. If he found out she used this method to escape him, he might resort to some devious plan to embarrass her.

Furthermore, there was no news from He Mingzhu, and Uncle Wang and his son’s family had not returned. The Tongren Hall was in the midst of preparations…

Previously, she had hoped that Jiang Zhanwei would take the initiative to separate, or that Madam Hong would find a suitable reason to send her away.

However, it seemed the situation had deviated from her expectations. Due to her previous efforts to excel, Zhanwei seemed less inclined to divorce her, at least not for the time being. The attitudes of Princess Changting and other household members towards her had also shifted significantly, even refusing to let her leave the residence. Only the eldest madam was eager to get rid of her quickly, resorting to such underhanded tactics to achieve her goal.

She had worked hard for so long, genuinely caring for old Marquis Jiang, Jiang Zhankui, and Jiu, trying her best to please Princess Changting, all in the hope that the household would treat her better in the future and that she could leave with dignity…

She could accept being asked to leave the residence due to her alleged hidden illness, or even being divorced on grounds of being unworthy, but she could not accept being driven out for being perceived as lacking maturity or “enticing” men.

Furthermore, based on Madam Hong’s actions, her prospects upon leaving the residence might be even more bleak.

She was indeed the granddaughter of He Huang, but he had passed away over a decade ago. She had no conflicts with Madam Hong and as the Third Young Wife of an illegitimate son, had no conflicting interests with the first young granddaughter. Why was Madam Hong so insistent on sending her away? If this whole incident was orchestrated by Madam Hong, the Wang family must have been involved, with at least old Duke Wang tacitly approving of his grandson Wang Haobai’s actions.

Madam Hong should be aware of Princess Changting’s fondness for her. What significant event could make her disregard the feelings of Princess Changting and the household? Who could involve the Wang family, which had no direct connection to her?

She had not offended anyone except her maternal grandfather, He Huang, who was executed at the behest of Empress Wang, a concubine at that time. Since Empress Wang had ties with Madam Hong and the Wang family, the real person seeking to harm her was Empress Wang.