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The Tongren Postpartum Ointment and Tongren Clam Oil have already hit the market, and both are selling very well. In particular, the Tongren Clam Oil has surprisingly good effects in preventing and treating cracked skin, with some efficacy for inflammations as well. When applied to the face and hands, it is discreet, reasonably priced at just fifty wen per box, and was in high demand as soon as it was introduced. Currently, Manager Li has rented an additional small courtyard specifically for producing Tongren Clam Oil.
Previously, Lu Man had prepared a hundred boxes of clam oil for Jiang Zhanwei, but she heard that he had taken them all with him.
Due to the advertising effect of Tongren Clam Oil, there has been an increase in the number of people seeking treatment at the Tongren Hall.
During the midday break, while Lu Man was studying medical books in the study, a report came that Lady Yang from Duke Xie’s residence had arrived with two daughters and a son.
Lu Man hurried out to greet them.
She first took little Kaipei from the nursemaid’s arms, gave him a hearty kiss, calling him a “good son”, and then had Ping and Yan taken directly to the West Crossing Courtyard to play with Jiang Jiu.
Sitting on the kang in the east-side room, Lady Yang apologized, “Sister Lu, I’m sorry for troubling you and causing you distress…”
Lu Man played with Kaipei while responding with a smile, “We are sisters, no need to be so polite.”
Lady Yang continued, “I told my cousin the other day not to listen to her mother-in-law and secretly practice the techniques you taught her. Today, she sent a maid to my house saying that yesterday, Second Madam Lu instructed the midwife to reposition the baby, but despite all the effort, they couldn’t get it right. My cousin was in so much pain that her throat went hoarse. It’s truly infuriating.”
In ancient times, a dangerous situation during childbirth would arise if the baby’s position was incorrect.
Despite her dislike for Second Madam Lu, Lu Man sympathized with Lady Liu. She said, “Actually, the method I suggested isn’t foolproof, it’s hit or miss. Besides, she’s already past the optimal time, making it even more difficult to reposition the baby.”
Lu Man looked at Lady Yang, wanting to ask if Jiang Zhanwei had any other thoughts or motives besides using her for military enlistment, separation, and eventually divorcing her. If Xie Yu’s sisters were aware of this, his wife should be even more informed. She hesitated to ask, even though she and Lady Yang were considered good friends, their interactions were limited, making it difficult for her to broach the subject.
In the evening, Lu Man had Lady Yang and her family stay for dinner before seeing them off.
Little Kaipei seemed to have developed a bond with Lu Man, shedding tears at their departure, touching Lu Man’s heart. She gently rubbed her stomach, pondering the night she spent with Jiang Zhanwei, wondering if it could result in a child.
Initially, she had hoped for a child, but after hearing the unsettling words at the Lu family, hinting at a possible separation from Jiang Zhanwei, her desire for a child lessened.
On the morning of the twenty-ninth, Lu Man sent someone to fetch Qingqing and Sweet Pea back home. Despite the incomplete mission, it wasn’t appropriate to spend the New Year at someone else’s house. She also had a doll made in the likeness of Sweet Pea, designed by Lu Man and crafted by the seamstresses, to give as a gift.
Uncomfortable at the thought of Song Ming overhearing the conversation in the corner, Lu Man wanted to avoid seeing him. However, Song Mo is cute and innocent, she knew she had to help him detoxify.
Qingqing returned with Sweet Pea in the afternoon, laden with gifts. Jiang Jiu was thrilled to see Sweet Pea, showing affection towards the doll.
Qingqing took out a handkerchief containing several white pea-sized grains. She explained, “I found these while Tang was making soup. They look like mountain herbs, so I brought a few back…”
She also mentioned Song Mo’s and Tang’s usual diet and the regular consumption of Ophiopogon water by Song Mo. These toxic foods were part of their diets.
Lu Man examined the grains, confirming they were indeed mountain herbs. Prior to Qingqing’s arrival at the Prince He’s residence, Lu Man had sent someone to the market to buy mountain herbs for her.
Mountain herbs were medicinal and a seasoning, with a taste akin to white pepper. While they were fine for making soup, combining all the poisonous foods along with mountain herbs and Ophiopogon could be problematic.
Although Lu Man had suspected Song Mo of being poisoned, confirming it fully weighed heavily on her. He was so young and adorable, she needed to find a way to detoxify him quickly, especially with the cold weather posing a risk of catching a cold.
Lost in thought, Lu Man was startled by a sudden scream—it was Sweet Pea, standing on the ground, shouting angrily with fur bristling. Lu Man hurriedly comforted Sweet Pea, saying, “Oh, what’s wrong? I was just lost in thought.” She then fed him a treat and reassured him, “You’ve been missed by the old Marquis for quite some time. Play with him for a while, and I’ll give you a three-day break as long as you behave.”
Later, Lu Man took Jiang Jiu and the cat and dog to the Crane Hall, informing Princess Changting about the incident.
Princess Changting was furious, calling Song Ming a “despicable person” and expressing her frustration at his lack of awareness of his son being harmed in his presence. She mentioned that Song Ming was inspecting Jiaodong on behalf of the Emperor and wouldn’t return for a while. They decided to wait until his return to address the issue properly. Princess Changting inquired about Lu Man’s plan for detoxifying the child.
Lu Man explained that apart from medication, acupuncture and moxibustion were necessary daily. She suggested having Song Mo visit their house daily for treatment.
Impressed by the joyful interaction between Sweet Pea and the old Marquis, Princess Changting allowed Lu Man and the others to have dinner there and sent for Jiang Zhankui.
On the thirtieth day of the lunar month, Lu Man, accompanied by a festive Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, and the two dressed-up dogs, carried gifts for Princess Changting and the old Marquis to the Crane Hall.
Initially planning to gift the Second Master and Second Madam as well, Lu Man had a change of heart after learning the secret of the second household. She decided to withhold the gifts as a form of protest, showing solidarity with Jiang Zhanwei and his siblings, especially Miss Zhou, whom she deeply sympathized with.
While Lu Man never favored mistresses and third parties, Miss Zhou was forced into these roles and became a scapegoat for their frustrations. If they had treated her differently and let her leave the estate, perhaps she wouldn’t have met her early demise, and Jiang Zhanwei’s heart would have been much lighter.