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Lu Man began to feel some regret. In ancient times, how many couples truly loved each other? If only they could have a child, how wonderful that would be…
Starting from that day, Lu Man genuinely made an effort to think of Jiang Zhanwei’s good qualities every day, hoping that she could accept him from her heart to her body.
These days, the mansion was bustling with preparations for Princess Changting’s sixtieth birthday celebration. The eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Hong visited the Princess for three consecutive days, and while the Princess graciously met her, she quickly sent her away, refusing to let Madam Hong return for her own birthday.
Lu Man also busied herself with reconciling the accounts, as well as overseeing the transfer of furniture, furnishings, and jewelry. Uncle Ming estimated that the belongings of Jiang Zhanwei and Lu Man were worth over ten thousand taels of silver, while those of Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu were valued at around seven to eight thousand taels.
Seeing these items, along with the silver notes and deeds in the drawer, Lu Man once again thought of Lu Fangrong. The money in He’s hands was being slowly drained by Old Lady Lu, yet Lu Fangrong not only turned a blind eye but also enjoyed it without any guilt. In this regard, Jiang Zhanwei had distanced himself from him by miles.
Although money couldn’t represent emotions, it could indeed reveal a person’s true nature.
Another busy soul these days was Sweet Pea. Under Lu Man’s orders, it pledged to eradicate all the rats in Donghui Courtyard. The place, uninhabited for over a decade, had become a rat’s haven, with piles of droppings in every corner, a sight that disgusted many. It was said that many servants had witnessed them sneaking out in groups at night to steal, only to scurry back before daybreak.
Sweet Pea was delighted, finally, it felt useful in its master’s eyes as it diligently carried out its rat-catching duties. Upon returning in the mornings, Qingqing dared not touch it, asking a servant to wash it with soap and water, brush its teeth, before she dared to hold it.
For four consecutive nights, Sweet Pea ran to Donghui Courtyard, chasing and catching rats. After four days, not a single rat remained there. Not only was Donghui Courtyard cleared, but the neighboring areas showed no signs of rats either.
On the fifth day of the twelfth lunar month, it was the day Lu Man would consult Jiang Zhanyu.
During this period, Jiang Zhanyu had been very obedient, staying in the courtyard without wandering off or causing any trouble. He didn’t even insist on going to the Academy for classes. The teacher he admired, Master Cui from the Imperial Academy, occasionally visited the mansion to give him lessons and left him with a small amount of homework.
Seeing Lu Man arrive, Jiang Zhanyu smiled, setting down his book and standing up. “Third Sister-in-law is here…” he said. Then added, “I heard Third Brother is back, but I haven’t gone to see him.”
His warm smile was as comforting as the sunlight streaming through the window.
His complexion had improved significantly. The sunlight streamed in through the glass window, illuminating his face, making even the faint yellowish hairs visible. His cheeks had a subtle flush, his handsome features naturally soft, and his smile was inviting, making people feel drawn to him.
Lu Man smiled and said, “He has left again, busy at the camp.”
Jiang Zhanyu placed his wrist on the desk as Lu Man began to diagnose his pulse.
His pulse was steady, indicating that the acute phase had passed.
Lu Man was extremely pleased. His condition could be alleviated not only thanks to digitalis but also because of the excellent effects of Physician Gu’s herbal medicine in treating and controlling heart conditions. She believed that with consistent medication, using digitalis during acute phases, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Jiang Zhanyu could potentially live another twenty years, if not longer.
Lu Man adjusted his prescription based on Physician Gu’s herbal formula, omitting digitalis this time. Physician Gu’s medicine was effective, and as long as it wasn’t an acute phase, digitalis should be used sparingly due to its toxicity.
She had been experimenting on Little White Rabbit with combinations of digitalis and Bai Hezi to reduce the toxicity of digitalis while maintaining its efficacy. She had gained some insights but wasn’t ready to apply them to Jiang Zhanyu just yet. She had plans to dedicate a hundred mu of land specifically for growing foxglobe in the future.
After writing down two pages of notes, disregarding her own unattractive handwriting, she smiled and said, “The Fifth Young Master’s condition has improved significantly. As long as he avoids strenuous exercise, excessive fatigue, he can resume his usual activities.” To ensure Jiang Zhanyu’s compliance, she added, “Digitalis, when used correctly, is a miraculous remedy for heart conditions. With the additional medications prescribed by Physician Gu, the Fifth Young Master could easily live another twenty to thirty years.”
It was crucial to instill him with confidence. The will to live and confidence were essential factors in overcoming illness.
“Really?” Jiang Zhanyu’s face reddened with excitement, incredulously asking.
“Of course. I am a physician, even a miraculous healer, why would I deceive you? Look at your grandfather, we managed to cure his severe illness, didn’t we?” Lu Man shamelessly boasted, “But you must follow the instructions. This illness requires consistent medication and lifestyle maintenance. Avoid overexertion, impatience, overindulgence, keep warm, stay mentally and physically content…” She rattled off a long list of precautions to ensure his well-being.
Finally, she said, “As long as you follow all of these, not only will you outlive many people, but you’ll also be able to marry a beautiful wife, have sons, and grandsons, and there will be so much you can accomplish.”
Jiang Zhanyu had always insisted on going to the Imperial Academy to become Master Cui’s disciple and to take the imperial examination because he believed he was destined for a short life, not knowing when he might die. He thought it was better to live according to his own wishes, study diligently, pass the imperial examination, preferably ranking among the top three, to bring honor to his ambitious mother. He knew his mother had initially been unwilling to marry his father, finding him useless and brainless, like “embroidered pillows filled with grass”…
Now, having experienced the wonders of the “miraculous remedy” and witnessing Lu Man’s extraordinary medical skills, coupled with the promising future she described, he couldn’t help but feel hopeful. Excited, his face flushed, he clenched his fists on the desk and said, “If that’s the case, I will listen to Third Sister-in-law.”
Lu Man smiled warmly, saying, “It’s a deal, no backing out.” She then stood up and continued, “Let’s go, let’s go to Grandmother’s place and have her witness this.”
The maid helped Jiang Zhanyu put on his padded robe and cloak, and the two of them took a sedan chair to the Crane Hall.
The Second Madam, Third Madam, and the eldest Young Madam were already present there.
Upon seeing her grandson in good health, the Princess was moved to tears. She reached out her hand, and Jiang Zhanyu walked over, holding her hand as he sat beside her.
Lu Man smilingly conveyed the proposal for the Princess to witness.
Princess Changting eagerly agreed and had the Second Madam, Third Madam, and eldest Young Madam join as witnesses. The conversation shifted to avoiding exertion, focusing on daily care, and also the topic of whether or not to attend the Imperial Academy.
Princess Changting advised, “Good child, don’t go to the Imperial Academy, it’s too strenuous and not very useful. If you don’t become an imperial scholar, Grandmother will request the Emperor to appoint you an official position.”