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The imperial physicians, blushing, requested some Digitalis for research back at the Imperial Medical Institute. Lu Man generously provided them with a bit, emphasizing repeatedly that this medicine should not be used recklessly, as it could cost lives.
After seeing off the physicians, Second Madam pulled Lu Man aside, saying, “Good child, thank you.”
Just now, she thought her son was truly going to leave her, feeling as though she was going to die. To her surprise, Lu Man miraculously brought him back to life.
Lu Man replied, “Fifth Young Master Zhanyu is Zhanwei’s younger brother, it’s what I should do. However, this medicine can only provide temporary relief or control the illness but not cure it. The medicine used by Physician Gu, typically prescribed to Zhanyu, is very effective. When he arrives, I will discuss with him to see if we can better manage Zhanyu’s condition with this medicine.”
She believed Physician Gu was truly a miraculous Physician in treating heart conditions. Even in modern times, congenital heart failure often led to a life expectancy of only ten years, and without surgery, few could survive past fifteen, let alone attend the prestigious Imperial Academy.
Lu Man added, “I advise Zhanyu not to be too engrossed in his studies, preferably avoiding attending Imperial Academy. The pressure is immense, difficult to manage, and not good for his health.”
Second Madam nodded, sighing softly. Her son appeared gentle and amiable but was stubborn. She and Second Master couldn’t bear to see their son distressed, so they tended to comply with his wishes.
Lu Man stayed in the side room for about half an hour, observing Jiang Zhanyu sleeping peacefully. Seeing this, she felt it was inappropriate to linger in her brother-in-law’s courtyard. She instructed Lu Ying to stay there and to inform her immediately if anything went wrong, heading back to Orchid Pavilion.
Although the night was dark and windy, the morning star was already flickering in the sky. Dawn was approaching.
Suddenly, Lu Man felt a sense of emotion, likening her future to that star—lonely yet shining brightly.
She hurried back to Orchid Pavilion, briefly freshened up, and went straight to bed.
Upon waking up, it was already mid-morning.
Mama Wang informed her, “The Princess specifically sent someone to take Second Young Miss, Sweet Pea, and Qichang away, instructing not to disturb Third Young Madam and advising you to rest more.”
After having breakfast, Lu Man went to check on Jiang Zhanyu.
The Princess, First Madam, Second Madam, Third Madam, and Eldest Young Madam were all present. They glanced at him in the bedroom, exchanged a few words, then quickly retreated to the side room to hear Second Madam recount the night’s perilous events.
Princess Changting took Lu Man’s hand, her eyes shining brightly at her. “Good child, you’ve done well.”
That gaze felt incredibly familiar to Lu Man, like in a previous life when she achieved good grades and her mother looked at her that way.
Madam Huang chimed in, “Zhanwei’s wife is our family’s lucky star. Look at her, not only did she help heal Father-in-law’s illness but also saved my Zhanyan. Now, she has even cured someone like Zhanyu.”
Lu Man hurriedly clarified, “Fifth brother-in-law’s condition cannot be cured at present, just controlled.”
Entering the bedroom, Lu Man found Jiang Zhanyu awake, comfortably reading a book while propped up in bed.
Approaching him, Lu Man snatched the book from his hand, putting on a stern expression. “Fifth brother, you’re being disobedient, you deserve punishment.”
Jiang Zhanyu glanced at Lu Man, quickly lowering his gaze, his face turning beet red, heart racing so fast he felt breathless. Taking a deep breath, he nodded, shook his head, and softly said, “We are about to turn a year older…”
His attitude was no longer as resolute as when speaking to Second Master and Second Madam.
Lu Man continued, “I am now your attending physician, I decree that you are not allowed to read for half a month and must rest with the lights out by the first watch of the night. You are my patient, and you must cooperate with the Physician’s orders.”
Jiang Zhanyu raised his eyelids to look at Lu Man, her determined and firm gaze meeting his. Unable to say “no”, he nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll listen to Sister-in-law.”
Satisfied, Lu Man smiled and said, “A gentleman’s word is as good as his bond. For this half month, Lu Ying will be by your side taking care of you. She will report your every move to me truthfully. If you keep your promise, you’ll receive verbal praise. If not…” She paused, then added, “I’ll have Little Jiu embarrass you, how disappointing to be outdone by a child.”
Lu Man had already briefed Lu Ying on essential first aid knowledge and precautions regarding heart failure. Having her look after Jiang Zhanyu day and night for the next half month put her mind at ease.
Jiang Zhanyu chuckled softly, finding Lu Man to be of similar age but speaking as if to a child. The thought of a maid monitoring him daily made him uncomfortable. “Lying in bed every day and staring at the ceiling is… very distressing.”
Lu Man chuckled, “You don’t necessarily have to lie down every day. If you feel better, you can walk around the room lightly for some exercise. Hmm, you can occasionally read anecdotes or poetry, but absolutely no studying or writing. Rest is crucial for this illness, avoid overthinking.”
After her firm instructions, she waited for his response.
She actually wanted to advise him against returning to the Imperial Academy, but being his sister-in-law, she hesitated to influence such a pivotal decision in his life.
Jiang Zhanyu seemed unable to refuse everyone but her. Reluctantly, he nodded, saying, “Okay, I’ll listen to you, Sister.”
Second Madam was surprised by her stubborn son’s agreement to refrain from studying for half a month, smiling warmly at the scene.
After examining Jiang Zhanyu’s pulse, Lu Man felt his recovery was satisfactory, with the dosage well controlled and no side effects from the Digitalis. She instructed Lu Ying to prepare his medicine, ensuring he drank the prescribed soup three times a day. Additionally, he was to continue taking Physician Gu’s medication.
For the next half month, she planned to visit him every morning to check his pulse and adjust his medication.
That evening, Second Master finally returned but was unable to bring Physician Gu along, he only brought back a few medications and prescriptions.
It turned out that Physician Gu had caught a cold and was advised against traveling. Eager to obtain a miraculous heart remedy, he was keen to come but was prohibited by his family. Second Master waited for two days, but with Physician Gu still unwell, he had to return alone, planning to come back once he recovered fully. Given his advanced age, his family likely wouldn’t allow him to travel such a distance in the harsh winter months.
Upon hearing that Lu Man had stabilized Jiang Zhanyu’s condition, Second Master couldn’t contain his joy, praising her medical skills and sharing a few jokes with Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu, his tone noticeably softer.
Second Master had a charming disposition, exuding warmth and elegance in his smile, far from appearing simple-minded, carrying a touch of a refined scholar’s charm.
However, his demeanor was quite hurtful. Both Lu Man and Jiang Zhankui not only felt displeased but also avoided engaging with him, while Jiang Jiu, oblivious, remained happily entertained.
Though they were acknowledged as his illegitimate children, he dared not treat them equally, leaning heavily in one direction. Fortunately, Second Madam was kind and free from any malicious intent. If they had a more malevolent stepmother, these illegitimate children might not have lived to adulthood.