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Xing, Tao, Lanzhi, and Lingzhi, a few of the maids, received the same pay as before since they were promoted to senior maids. Lu Man felt it was unfair for the new servants who had followed them, so she provided a one-time subsidy to ensure their loyalty wasn’t taken advantage of. The newly acquired servants and guards were paid according to the new standards…
As the sky darkened outside the window, voices of Jiang Zhankui and Qichang were heard in the courtyard, followed by Jiang Jiu and Sweetheart.
Mama Wang chuckled, “Eighth Young Master and Second Miss are here, time for dinner again.”
Moving forward, Lu Man and the others would only dine together at Crane Hall on the tenth and at the end of each month. Otherwise, they would have their meals in Donghui Courtyard. Even though it was the twentieth today, they had eaten together at noon, so they skipped dinner.
Initially reluctant, Princess Changting eventually agreed to Lu Man’s request after considering the favoritism towards Lu Man, Jiang Zhanwei’s unexpected rise, and his remarkable abilities. Concerns arose due to these factors.
Hoping for harmony and unity among their descendants, Princess Changting wished for mutual support and cooperation rather than favoritism or division. She aimed to uplift rather than suppress, encouraging collaboration across family lines.
Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu climbed onto the kang and squeezed into Lu Man’s embrace, visibly delighted.
Teasingly, Lu Man asked, “Haven’t had enough fun yet?”
Jiang Zhankui replied with a grin, “Not yet, we want to have fun all night.” He then inquired, “Can I go out for a stroll? The main street is just beyond the east courtyard wall.”
Despite being an illegitimate child, Jiang Zhankui was still a young master from a marquisate, accustomed to a privileged lifestyle.
Lu Man shook her head, “You’re still young, you can’t go out freely. If you need to go out, tell me, and make sure to bring a few people along.”
Jiang Jiu inquired, “And what about Jiu?”
Lu Man playfully booped his nose, saying, “As for you, you must go out with your sister-in-law.”
After breakfast, the siblings played until evening before returning to their respective courtyards to rest.
Instead of reading, Lu Man went to bed early, enjoying a restful night until dawn.
Following breakfast, Lu Man and Jiang Jiu took Sweetheart to Crane Hall. Jiang Zhankui had a break from his studies in the front courtyard and was engrossed in reading in his room. Since the old Marquis didn’t favor him, he preferred staying away from that area.
Having moved here, Jiang Zhankui no longer needed to follow the tradition where boys from the Princess Changting’s residence lived separately from the age of seven. He was delighted to remain close to his sister and sister-in-law.
Passing through the bamboo grove and crossing a stretch of covered walkway, they reached the entrance to the path leading to the Wannian Pavilion, coincidentally meeting the Second Madam on her way to Crane Hall. Moving here had brought them even closer to the Second Master and Second Madam.
The Second Madam updated Lu Man on Jiang Zhanyu’s condition with a smile. He was improving significantly, not just physically but emotionally as well.
Jiang Zhanyu’s condition had improved because he mistakenly viewed digitalis as a miraculous “cure” for his ailment. While digitalis could treat heart conditions, it wasn’t a definitive cure. His condition required gradual adjustment with medication prescribed by Physician Gu. However, with improved mood and relaxation, there were positive effects on his health. Additionally, he no longer insisted on attending the Imperial Academy, focusing on more long-term plans.
The Second Madam also showed rare concern for Jiang Zhankui, offering assistance with his studies and suggesting a private tutor for him in Donghui Courtyard.
Lu Man was pleased with this news. Given Jiang Zhankui’s younger age and lesser academic acumen compared to Jiang Zhanyan, the attention from their tutor was skewed towards the latter. With Jiang Zhanwei drawing attention from Marquis Jiang and others, they wouldn’t want Jiang Zhankui to outshine the legitimate heir. Especially with the old Marquis becoming more discerning, he wouldn’t be lenient towards the illegitimate children, and Princess Changting held him in high regard…
Lu Man had been considering this but lacked connections to find a good tutor. The Second Madam, being acquainted with many scholars, was able to recommend a tutor of exceptional quality.
Gratefully, Lu Man responded, “That would be perfect. Thank you, Second Madam.”
Next year when Jiang Jiu turned seven, she would need to hire two tutors for her. Jiang Jiu’s studies mainly focused on writing, reading, and simple poetry. The tutors didn’t need to be highly educated, but patience was key. Additionally, they would need a music tutor as well, as it was essential for a noble lady to have a basic understanding of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. For these tutors, Lu Man planned to seek advice from the Second Madam.
Upon reaching Crane Hall, they saw the old Marquis strolling back and forth on the veranda. Though not brisk, his steps were steady and sure.
Spotting Lu Man, the old Marquis hastened towards her, boasting, “My granddaughter-in-law, I started walking after breakfast and feel like continuing.”
Clad in a cloak and a hat, his face flushed and a few beads of sweat on his nose, his voice was robust, thoughts clear. Lu Man touched his hand, noting the warmth.
His attendant chuckled, “The old Marquis walked back from Donghui Courtyard yesterday without a sedan chair. After returning, he continued walking around the veranda for half an hour.”
Lu Man thought to herself that the old man’s physical health had improved. As for his mental faculties, they probably wouldn’t return to the sharpness he had before falling ill, but to what extent he would recover intellectually remained uncertain.
Entering the upper chambers, they found the Third Madam and Jiang Zhanyan had already left. The imperial physicians were updating the Princess about the old Marquis’s condition, suggesting he no longer needed medication or structured rehabilitation exercises, just regular exercise. While there was no magic pill for mental sharpness, consuming brain-boosting foods like walnuts could help.
Princess Changting turned to Lu Man and inquired, “What do you think, Zhanwei’s wife?”
Lu Man agreed with the imperial physicians, stating, “Granddaughter-in-law and the physicians share the same opinion. Grandfather’s health seems stable, no need for medication. Medicine is a double-edged sword…”
Realizing the old Marquis’s recovery was remarkable and almost miraculous in medical history, the Princess decided to send the imperial physicians back to the Imperial Hospital as there was no need for further treatment or medication.
Expressing gratitude for their dedicated care, the Princess commended the physicians and promised to reward them with two hundred taels of silver each and additional valuable gifts.