Chapter 163: Little White Rabbits

Lu Man turned around and said, “Mrs. Ding, go back and explain to old lady Lu clearly. The Princess’s residence and the Lu family were never a good match to begin with, and the marriage was only arranged due to auspicious reasons. Upon hearing about some internal affairs within the Lu family, they perceived them as greedy and cold-hearted, further deterring any relations. How could they possibly consider you as in-laws? Oh my, because of you, I’ve lost face. In the future, you should refrain from claiming ties with the Princess’s residence and avoid unnecessary visits.”

Mrs. Ding was incensed and retorted sharply, “I dare not convey such disrespectful words to mother-in-law. You can do so yourself.”

Lu Man internally sighed, frustrated with the situation. She had no desire to interact with that old hag.

Stepping out into the courtyard, she observed the snow still falling. Watching the snowflakes drift down, she couldn’t help but think of He Mingzhu, wondering if she were still alive.

Jiang Zhankui and Qichang were busy moving around the shop and the two courtyards. When Lu Man was about to leave, Jiang Zhankui finally approached her.

The carriage slowly departed from Tongren Hall.

Turning to Lu Ying, Lu Man instructed, “Upon returning to the residence, go to the kitchen and purchase four rabbits to raise in the backyard of Orchid Pavilion.”

Perplexed, Lu Ying asked, “Third Young Madam, if you wish to eat rabbit, you could buy it when needed. Why raise them?”

Lu Man explained, “These rabbits are for experimental purposes… Some medicines are not fit for immediate human consumption, so we’ll let them try first.”

Even after Master Qin’s preparation of the Foxglove and reducing its toxicity, she still hesitated to give it directly to Jiang Zhanyu.

Upon arriving back at the Princess’s residence, with the evening shadows deepening, Lu Man and Jiang Zhankui went straight to Crane Hall.

Except for the absence of the second master and fifth young master, all the masters of the household were gathered there. The second madam’s eyes were still red, showing signs of fatigue.

Lu Man reassured her, “Don’t worry, Second Madam. The Angel’s Trumpet has been prepared by the master, and it will be ready by tomorrow. I will have some small animals test it first. When Physician Gu arrives, we will study it together and aim to minimize its toxicity.”

Third Master Jiang also added, “Many medicines are poisonous, but when combined with substances that counteract their effects and keep the toxicity at a minimum, they can save lives.” He genuinely believed in Lu Man and naturally sided with her in the conversation.

Madam Hong hesitated to speak, suppressing her thoughts. One part of her didn’t want to incur the Princess’s or her husband’s displeasure, while the other secretly wished for Lu Man’s poisonous concoctions to poison people. This internal conflict was typical of the struggles within the second branch, if trouble arose, she wouldn’t need to act, as Madam Lin would ensure Lu Man’s expulsion.

Lu Man continued, “It’s best not to spread the news about the healing properties of Angel’s Trumpet. If someone mistakenly ingests it, it could be fatal.”

The Princess nodded in agreement, and everyone concurred.

After dinner, Lu Man hurriedly returned to Orchid Pavilion with the siblings.

She dove straight into the study and worked tirelessly until late into the night but couldn’t find a specific antidote for the Foxglove’s toxicity. However, she did come across a note mentioning a plant called “Bai Hezi”, which, though toxic itself, could neutralize the effects of many poisonous plants if used in controlled amounts. The note detailed how much of the plant to use against various toxins, though it didn’t include the Angel’s Trumpet.

Unfamiliar with “Bai Hezi” from her past life and having never heard of it in this era, Lu Man was intrigued by this new discovery.

The next morning, as Lu Man was getting up, Lu Ying rushed in to report, “Third Young Madam, something got into the rabbit hutch. One of the rabbits was bitten to death, its legs gnawed to the bone. Could it be Sweet Pea’s doing? It’s horrifying.”

Enraged, Lu Man stormed to the West Ear Room, where Sweet Pea and Qichang slept. She found Sweet Pea curled up in the bed, peacefully asleep.

Still pretending!

Lu Man lifted Sweet Pea, noticing blood on its face and fur, along with white rabbit fur stuck to it.

Fuming, she commanded, “Qingqing, use that iron chain to tether it.”

Sweet Pea immediately screeched, its mouth full of meat, and leaped onto the cabinet.

Lu Man ordered, “Lu Ying, go fetch the guards and drive it out. Remember, no more attention or food for it. I don’t want this disobedient cat. Find me a well-behaved cat to be my Sweet Pea in the future.”

This cat, if not disciplined strictly, will cause trouble.

Upon hearing this, Sweet Pea opened its mouth and howled, then jumped to Lu Man’s feet, extending its neck with closed eyes, waiting for the iron chain to be fastened.

Qingqing fetched the thin iron chain hanging on the wall that intimidated Sweet Pea, and secured it around its neck, fastening the other end to a specially made iron post fixed in the ground.

Lu Man thought to herself, there was still hope for it to learn its lesson. She instructed Qingqing, “Starve it for two meals, don’t bathe it, let it be a stinky cat.”

Sweet Pea continued to wail loudly, its piercing cries reaching Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu in the East Cross Courtyard. They both understood its mistake and squatted down to educate it.

After everyone had breakfast and was about to leave Orchid Pavilion, Sweet Pea’s pained cries echoed across the pavilion’s skies, sending shivers down people’s spines.

This time, Qichang didn’t accompany Lu Man and Jiang Jiu, he voluntarily stayed behind to keep Sweet Pea company after its misbehavior.

Upon noticing Sweet Pea’s absence, old Marquis tugged at his beard and inquired, “Where’s Pea? I saved two meat buns for it.”

Jiang Jiu explained that Sweet Pea had misbehaved and was now tethered with an iron chain by Third sister-in-law.

Old Marquis, looking apprehensive, glanced at Lu Man and whispered to Jiang Jiu, “Granddaughter-in-law is formidable, let’s not provoke her in the future.”

Lu Man joked, “Yes, anyone who annoys me will end up with an iron chain around them.”

After a few comforting words to old Marquis, Lu Man discreetly asked the two physicians, “Have you heard of the plant Bai Hezi?”

One of the physicians replied, “I’ve heard that this plant is highly toxic but can also act as an antidote. However, due to the difficulty in controlling its dosage, most Physicians are reluctant to use it.”

Lu Man inquired further, “Is it available in pharmacies? What about the Imperial Pharmacy?”

The physician shook his head, “The Imperial Pharmacy wouldn’t stock it, it’s too risky for nobles. As for public pharmacies, it’s highly unlikely. I doubt you’d find it there.”

As long as they could get hold of this plant, Lu Man instructed Xing to inform Wang Dawang in the outer courtyard to visit Tongren Hall and consult with Physician He, to see if he could procure this herb.

Returning to Orchid Pavilion by midday, even before entering the courtyard, the piercing cries of Sweet Pea could be heard. It was still wailing!

Jiang Jiu suggested, “Sister-in-law, why not release Sweet Pea? It sounds so pitiful.”

Lu Man replied, “If it’s not disciplined properly, it won’t learn obedience. If it doesn’t obey, it’ll only harm itself in the end.”

She couldn’t help but feel some regret, her initial kindness had led to raising this troublemaker. Little did she know that Sweet Pea was not only fierce but also incredibly intelligent, with intelligence rivaling that of a child several years older, on par with old Marquis Jiang. Despite growing attached to it, she couldn’t bear to abandon it. Disposing of it would bring misfortune to more poultry or small animals, potentially even harming children. If caught by someone, they would undoubtedly kill it.