Chapter 158: True Likeness

Princess Changting and Madam Hong both hoped that Jiang Ling’s delivery would bring a son. Though slightly disappointed, the safety of the mother and child brought them joy, and they generously rewarded the messenger of good news.

Madam Hong and the eldest young madam Han planned to visit Jiang Ling. Princess Changting instructed Lu Man, “Zhanwei’s wife should go too, to check on her well-being. Ling is your eldest sister-in-law, you should get along well.”

Lu Man readily agreed and presented two porcelain boxes, saying, “This motherwort ointment is specifically for Eldest Sister-in-law, it’s beneficial for postpartum women.”

Jiang Ling was the daughter of Madam Hong and the granddaughter of Princess Changting. In front of Princess Changting, she needed to exhibit her magnanimity.

Princess Changting expressed her satisfaction and then pointed at Young Madam Han and Lu Man, telling Madam Hong. “These two young ladies in our household are beautiful. You must keep an eye on them and not let any riffraff bother them or make them uncomfortable.”

Blushing, Madam Hong nodded in agreement.

The three of them hurried to the Yuan residence. Throughout the carriage ride, Madam Hong maintained a cold demeanor towards Lu Man, who pretended not to notice, keeping her head down and fiddling with her handkerchief.

Seeing that her daughter-in-law wasn’t receptive, Madam Hong remarked, “I can’t stand those who are beneath us, they are full of eagerness to help. Meanwhile, our genuine relatives act as if they are unaware, sitting there as serene as Buddhas. They can’t differentiate between kin and strangers, it’s absurd!”

Choosing to ignore her criticism, Lu Man continued to focus on her handkerchief.

Although Young Madam Han didn’t want to antagonize Lu Man, Madam Hong’s remarks left her with no choice but to agree, “There are indeed many foolish people in this world. Mother-in-law, don’t be upset, it’s not worth getting worked up over such insignificant individuals.”

While she couldn’t argue with Madam Hong, she couldn’t ignore Young Madam Han’s words. Smiling, Lu Man responded, “Sister-in-law is right, there are indeed many foolish people in this world. But I trust Grandmother, she is the wisest and most discerning. Whatever Grandmother instructs us to do will be the right course of action. Isn’t that right, sister-in-law?”

Lu Man’s words caught Young Madam Han off guard, and she could only awkwardly nod in agreement, as it truly reflected her inner thoughts.

Upon reaching the Yuan residence, they went straight to Jiang Ling’s room. Jiang Ling lay in bed with a cloth covering her head, looking unwell. Mr. Yuan sat by her side, speaking softly.

Upon seeing Madam Hong, Jiang Ling teared up and choked out, “Mother, I’ve given birth to another daughter.”

Madam Hong held Jiang Ling’s hand, wiping away her tears, and said, “This time you have a daughter, next time, it might be a son.”

Mr. Yuan chuckled, “See, even the mother-in-law says the same, right? Whether it’s a son or a daughter, they are all my children, and I love them all.”

The nursemaid brought in the second daughter, cradled in a small red quilt, fast asleep. The child appeared healthy, with a rosy complexion, resembling Mr. Yuan more.

Taking the child, Young Madam Han praised and cooed at the infant. Madam Hong glanced at the baby, offered a few compliments, and whispered to Jiang Ling.

After observing the child for a while, Lu Man handed the ointment to Jiang Ling, saying, “This is a motherwort ointment that I made myself, it relieves pain and reduces swelling. It’s beneficial regardless of whether the cervix is dilated.”

Jiang Ling thanked Lu Man but didn’t reach out to take it, instead, a maid beside her accepted it.

Speechless, Lu Man remarked to herself that the mother and daughter truly resembled each other.

Initially, Lu Man intended to discuss more scientifically about postnatal care, but seeing Jiang Ling’s attitude, she decided against it and kept her thoughts to herself.

After a brief visit, as Jiang Ling appeared fatigued, they exited the room.

Madam Hong, along with Madam Yuan and Master Yuan, exchanged pleasantries before returning to Princess Changting’s residence.

In the evening, while Zhankui and Jiu retired to their courtyard, Lu Man remained under the lamplight, learning how to mend shoe soles from Mama Wang. In her previous life, she wasn’t skilled in needlework and even relied on her mother to sew on buttons. The little original Lu Man also lacked dexterity, so her attempts were clumsy but earnest.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the courtyard gate – it was Second Madam’s maid, Mo Yu. She cheerfully announced, “Second Madam instructed me to bring this piece of brocade.”

Lu Man graciously bowed in the direction of the Evening Pavilion, expressing thanks for Madam Lin’s gift. Mama Wang handed Mo Yu a small purse as well.

Possibly influenced by the second madam’s demeanor, Mo Yu was brief in her interactions, staying only for a short while before departing.

After seeing Mo Yu off, Lu Man felt compelled to show her gratitude for the second madam’s timely assistance. After some thought, she decided to make a pair of unique cotton slippers – instead of embroidery on the front, she twisted the fabric into shape and sewed it directly on, creating a distinct yet practical design. These simple gifts were commonly given by younger generations to their elders. She planned to make a pair for Second Madam and her husband as well.

Lu Man had the design ready and mostly left it to the maids to create, just sewing a few symbolic stitches herself. Additionally, she decided to make a pair for each of the elderly couple, with the shoes bearing embroidered words.

While Lu Man could draw the patterns on the shoes herself, she wasn’t confident in her handwriting. She planned to ask Jiang Zhanwei, when he visited his younger siblings, to help with the writing.

On that evening, Princess Changting, Madam Hong, Madam Huang, and Young Madam Han returned to the Crane Hall after attending the Third Washing Banquet at the Yuan residence. Since Princess Changting attended the banquet, Lu Man stayed back to accompany old Marquis Jiang. This suited Lu Man, who found playing with the elderly much more enjoyable than engaging in strategic battles with others.

Surprisingly, Madam Hong returned with a faint smile, puzzling Lu Man.

During dinner, Young Madam Han mentioned to Lu Man, “Mother-in-law wanted me to tell you that the motherwort ointment you provided is excellent. After using it, Sister-in-law felt relieved and less pain. She thanks you and wants two more boxes.”

Princess Changting added, “Have Zhanwei’s wife make a few more boxes for Ling. Let her recover sooner and have a son early.”

Internally rolling her eyes, Lu Man responded with a smile, “Alright, I will have the medicine prepared tomorrow and send a few more boxes to Eldest Sister.”

Princess Changting nodded, and Young Madam Han thanked Lu Man with a smile.

After dinner, Lu Man took the younger siblings back to Orchid Pavilion.

As the day was drawing to a close, with the evening starting to deepen, the cold wind blew, causing a shiver. Mama Guo, concerned about Jiang Jiu getting cold, picked her up.

In the distance, they saw Qingqing waiting at the courtyard gate. As Qingqing approached with a smile, she greeted them, “Mama Wang’s daughter-in-law has returned.”

Lu Man and the others were delighted and quickened their pace. Upon entering the courtyard, they heard crying and conversation coming from the inner chambers.

Staying in the hallway, Liu Xin came to greet Lu Man and informed them that they received a letter in the afternoon and Mr. Wang had also been found, on his way back to the capital. This news brought joy to everyone.

Lu Man had Liu Ya bring out some silver to reward Liu Xin and the others who helped find Mr. Wang.

Wang Dawang and Mrs. Zhou came out to bow to Lu Man. Though they seemed a bit tired, their health was relatively good.