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Upon seeing only Lu Man accompanying Princess Changting, without any other main members or even a servant present, Song Ming couldn’t help but feel slightly surprised. As Princess Changting made a sarcastic comment, a blush crept onto his face.
Hastily, he chuckled and said, “Aunt, you’re teasing your nephew. I dare not have such presumptuous thoughts.” He then put on a bright smile and respectfully bowed to Princess Changting, asking, “Aunt, why did you urgently summon me?”
Princess Changting muttered to herself, “What’s the use of having so many women around? I don’t understand why all these men enjoy being surrounded by them.” She then pointed to a nearby chair and told Song Ming, “Sit.”
Perplexed, Song Ming complied with her request and took a seat, not entirely sure of the situation but recognizing Princess Changting’s straightforward nature, he didn’t dare to inquire further.
Lu Man personally poured him tea and he courteously thanked her, “Thank you, Third Young Lady.”
Glancing at Lu Man, his gaze quickly lowered, and a faint blush reappeared on his face. Ever since that incident, the image of the pale, tear-streaked face often haunted him. He now understood why the phrase “pear blossoms with tears” was so fitting to describe a beautiful woman crying—it was heart-wrenching and difficult to witness.
As Lu Man sat aside, Princess Changting began to explain the situation regarding Song Mo’s poisoning.
Song Ming was visibly taken aback. He couldn’t believe it. His household was straightforward and transparent—how could such a thing happen? Wasn’t his son doing well?
He stammered, “H-how, how could this be happening? Aunt, could there be some misunderstanding?”
Infuriated, Princess Changting slammed the kang table, scolding, “You little brat, don’t you have enough to do in your own household during the New Year? Do you think I have nothing better to do?”
Lu Man continued, “Your Highness, this is true, I dare not treat this matter lightly. I first noticed something amiss when I went to your mansion to treat Princess He but hesitated to believe fully. Since Mo likes Sweet Pea, I had Qingqing observe his daily diet…” She detailed Song Mo’s symptoms and what Qingqing had observed, then added, “While similar symptoms could indicate other conditions like Yin deficiency and excessive fire, when a person directly and indirectly consumes all the poisoned food and medicine, showing those symptoms, it undoubtedly points to poisoning. Moreover, it’s already in the mid-stage, and being young, without detoxification, it poses a danger.”
Finishing her explanation, she retrieved a small paper packet and handed it to him, saying, “This is the mountain herb Qingqing discreetly obtained from Tang.”
In truth, when Princess Changting spoke, Song Ming believed her, knowing she wouldn’t take such matters lightly. Although shocked, he was somewhat reluctant to believe it at first.
Upon hearing Lu Man’s thorough explanation, along with the investigation and evidence she had arranged, he could no longer doubt it.
Fuming with a flushed face, he slammed the coffee table with his fist, cursing, “That wench, how dare she!” Suppressing his anger, he stood up, clasped his fists, and said, “Thank you, Aunt, thank you, Third Young Lady. I am ashamed that such a disgraceful incident occurred in my household without my knowledge. Please allow me to save face, and please do not disclose this matter.”
Princess Changting reassured him, saying, “Rest assured, handle the matter and get to the bottom of it.”
Song Ming turned to Lu Man and asked, “Since you know about Mo’s poisoning, do you have a way to detoxify him?”
Lu Man nodded, “There is a method, but it will take some time. He’ll need to drink herbal soups, receive acupuncture, and adhere to dietary restrictions.”
After a moment of contemplation, Song Ming said, “I will have Mo brought to your mansion this afternoon and trouble the Third Young Lady to detoxify him while staying in your mansion for a few days. Once I have sorted things out at home, I will bring him back.”
His intention was for Song Mo to stay at the Donghui Courtyard. Although hesitant, considering Song Mo’s young age, noble status, and delicate health, along with the poisoning, Lu Man was contemplating how to refuse when Princess Changting agreed on her behalf.
Princess Changting stated, “You go and handle the affairs in your mansion. Mo is my great-nephew, and I will ensure Zhanwei’s wife takes good care of him.”
Lu Man hesitated, “Mo has been nursing and today is his first day weaning off. Leaving his longtime nurse, he may not be comfortable. Will he adjust to a new environment at this time?”
Initially not considering this aspect, Princess Changting was now in a dilemma.
Song Ming reassured, “Mo loves that cat and also likes Third Young Lady. Along with the novelty of being a guest, it will distract his thoughts from the milk and that despicable woman.”
Upon finishing his words, he performed a deep bow to Princess Changting and a fist salute to Lu Man before hastily departing.
As his figure disappeared behind the pearl curtain, Lu Man felt a sense of daze. She and Song Ming did have some similarities—both unknowingly manipulated by their partners and oblivious to certain truths, leading to feelings of uselessness and embarrassment, which the other could fully grasp.
By midday, Ninth Master Jiang Zhanyan specifically came to the Crane Hall to invite Princess Changting and Lu Man to the Third Household for lunch.
With the beautiful sunshine of the day and the proximity of the Mingfu Courtyard to the Crane Hall, Lu Man assisted Princess Changting as they walked to the Mingfu Courtyard.
The Third Master and his wife were considerate and had also sent for Jiang Zhankui.
After lunch, the elderly couple returned to the Crane Hall to rest, while Lu Man hurriedly took the young siblings back to the Donghui Courtyard to prepare the room for Song Mo.
Seeing off Princess Changting and the others, the Third Madam sighed to the Third Master, “If only we had let Zhankun marry Lady Lu. Besides her modest family background, she excels in everything. Not only is she talented, but also blessed. Look at her, unintentionally helping so many people. Not only within our family but also in other households—first the Xie family, then the Min family, and now the Prince He’s mansion. Each household flourishing.”
The poisoning incident involving Song Mo was known by only a few elders and the Third Madam.
Third Master JIang also lamented, “Indeed, if we had let Zhankun marry Lady Lu, Mother would have regarded our family more highly, and Zhankun’s path would have been smoother. This is fate. There are times when we must yield to fate and times when we must not force our will. Initially, Zhanwei was so unwilling to marry Lady Lu. However, before heading to the border, his attitude completely changed. He was even more reluctant to part with Lady Lu than with the dragon-phoenix twins. Initially, Zhanwei felt Lady Lu brought him disgrace. Yet, after marrying her, unexpectedly he achieved a fourth-rank official position, followed his military aspirations, split the family with his siblings, and surprisingly everyone, except his mother feeling slighted, believed their separation was a wise move…”