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Song Ming had thoughtfully arranged the gathering, not only inviting influential friends but also prestigious troublemakers from prominent families. He specifically invited Jiang Zhanju and Jiang Zhankun, who were well-respected individuals. With their presence, it wouldn’t seem out of place for He Cheng to join. Moreover, Jiang Zhanju was the successor of the Marquis title, while Jiang Zhankun was a student at the Imperial Academy, representing two different circles.
He Cheng returned only in the afternoon of the same day.
He reported to Lu Man with a smile, “Not only was Prince He (Song Ming) welcoming, but also Prince Shuo, Master Liu, and Master Jiang were all kind to me…” He went on to share some positive experiences.
Then, with pursed lips, he added with resentment, “Prince Shizi is not a good person. He has a sticky gaze, and he was scolded by Prince He without any reservation. Master Jiang was also displeased with him and said a few words…”
Liu Xin had hinted to He Cheng about the relationships men had with other men in the capital. He Cheng found it both unbelievable and obnoxious.
Lu Man advised, “Prince Shizi is not worth your attention. Besides the friends I introduced you to, regardless of any excuses or pretexts, you must politely decline any association with young masters. Blame it on me and Princess Changting, stating we don’t allow you to go out. With Prince He and Princess Changting backing you up, they won’t overstep. However, you must resist temptation. When you go out or socialize, bring more people with you. You must always come back to Donghui Courtyard with your carriage and companions…”
He Cheng nodded in agreement.
Lu Man breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, her younger brother was sensible and obedient. If he had been like those unruly children who couldn’t resist temptation and made friends carelessly, it would have been frustrating.
On the 23rd of March, Lu Man diagnosed Madam He with pregnancy, bringing tears of joy to Madam He’s eyes. Coincidentally, Madam Chen was present and also cried, though hers were tears of anxiety.
Lu Man comforted Madam Chen, explaining that Madam He was expecting, giving her hope. Seeing a glimmer of hope in Madam Chen’s eyes made Lu Man feel somewhat uneasy. She was a Physician, not a miracle worker.
Madam He’s pregnancy further solidified Lu Man’s reputation as a miracle worker in medicine. Many women seeking to conceive desired her medical attention. However, due to her own pregnancy and the Princess Changting’s strict orders to avoid stress, people refrained from disturbing her.
On the 26th, an auspicious day for moving, He Mingzhu and He Cheng officially relocated to Yuling Courtyard.
The day before, He Mingzhu and He Cheng not only invited Lu Man and Jiang Zhanwei’s siblings, Mr. Feng and his wife, and Ms. Ruan, but also personally visited the Crane Call Hall to invite the Princess, the old Marquis, and all the masters from the Princess Changting’s mansion, excluding those attending court or school. They also sent an invitation to Song Mo.
Song Mo was not only attached to Lu Man but also to He Mingzhu. If they moved without inviting him, he would surely cry.
They politely invited those individuals, expecting only Lu Man’s group, Song Mo, Mr. Feng and his wife, and Jiang Zhanyu, who got along well with He Cheng, to attend. They didn’t anticipate others actually coming.
Early in the morning, He Mingzhu and He Cheng returned to Yuling Courtyard to prepare, with Mr. Wu driving a carriage loaded with their belongings and numerous medical books.
Around the hour of the Si (around 11 am), Lu Man, Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, accompanied by a cat, two dogs, and a few respectable servants, were preparing to leave when they heard a commotion in the courtyard.
Not only did the Princess, the old Marquis, and Jiang Zhanyu arrive, but also Third Madam, Jiang Zhanyan, Young Madam Han, Deyu, He, Dewen, along with maid servants and guards, making a group of dozens.
Young Madam Han chuckled, “Oh my, as soon as you invite us, we rush over to visit.”
Lu Man was genuinely pleased. This not only saved face for herself but also brought joy to He Mingzhu and He Cheng.
She hurriedly went out to assist Princess Changting, saying, “With such esteemed guests, Yuling Courtyard is truly shining today.”
Usually, they walked from Donghui Courtyard to Yuling Courtyard, even the old Marquis had walked there. However, the Princess, Third Madam, Young Madam Han, and other dignified ladies were not accustomed to walking outside the mansion, so Lu Man had their carriage brought over.
He Mingzhu was overjoyed upon hearing that even the Princess and Third Madam were present, rushing to help the Princess alight from the carriage.
The Princess, Third Madam, Young Madam Han, and Jiang Zhanyu presented gifts to He Mingzhu. Princess Changting gifted 200 taels of silver, while the others each gifted 100 taels of silver. Lu Man presented a 500-tael silver note.
Soon after, Song Mo arrived, escorted by his attendants.
He was dressed flawlessly, with a solemn expression. Upon entering the courtyard, he bowed to He Mingzhu and He Cheng, saying, “Congratulations! Congratulations!” With a wave of his hand, a maid brought forth a tray neatly arranged with ten silver ingots, each weighing ten taels, saying, “Just a small token of respect.”
He Cheng reciprocated the gesture, bowing respectfully and saying, “Please, please.”
The Princess sat inside for a while before moving to the eaves, watching the old Marquis and the children, along with a cat and two dogs, frolicking in the courtyard.
The weather was delightful that day, with bright sunshine, a mild temperature, and a gentle breeze blowing. The old elm tree in the yard was laden with bright green, plump elm seeds.
The yellow peas climbed the tree, biting off the branches filled with elm seeds with their sharp teeth, bringing cheers from the children. They picked the branches, plucked off the elm seeds, had the maids wash them, and then savored the treats.
It wasn’t just about eating the elm seeds, it was the joy of the experience.
The old Marquis also joined in playing with the children, thoroughly enjoying himself.
Amidst the fun, Lady Yang arrived with Kaipei, Ping, and Yan, followed surprisingly by old Duke Xie. Unaware of He Mingzhu and He Cheng’s relocation that day, they had come over for a visit to Donghui Courtyard. Upon learning of their move, Lady Yang took out a silver note of 100 taels from her purse and asked for red paper from the Donghui Courtyard maid to make a red packet.
Lady Yang chuckled, “Oh, Lady He, don’t tease us for barging in uninvited.”
He Mingzhu quickly replied, “Lady Xie, you are too kind. It’s an honor for us that you and old Duke Xie visit our humble abode.”
The old Marquis approached and said, “Welcome, Xie’s wife, we welcome these two girls and this boy.” Pointing at old Duke Xie, he added, “This old man with the dark complexion is unwelcome. Go back home!”
Old Duke Xie’s eyes widened in surprise, then he loudly retorted, “Old Jiang scoundrel, don’t play dumb. You think you’re so handsome? Hmph, with your delicate features, you look like a woman, nothing handsome about you. I’m here for the He family, what’s it got to do with you?”