Chapter 26: Preparation

Lu Man got up and hurriedly went to the western wing study with Lu Ying carrying a candlestick. She retrieved the “He Family Medical Case Notes” from the bookshelf and then searched for information about Sun Wa in the eastern room.

The “He Family Medical Case Notes” were passed down by ancestor He Hong.

Flipping through the latter part of the book, she finally found information about Sun Wa, detailing his treatment of intestinal abscesses by cutting open the abdomen to remove infected flesh. However, the specific methods were not recorded, only Sun Wa’s unfortunate fate after the successful treatment was mentioned.

During that time, a high-ranking official with an intestinal abscess was advised by Sun Wa to undergo surgery to remove the infected flesh as the medicinal treatments were ineffective. This official was a trusted general of the previous dynasty, known for his toughness. Facing a life-threatening situation, he agreed to Sun Wa’s unconventional method, hoping for a slim chance of survival.

The surgery was successful, but during his recovery, the official was poisoned by a royal physician under the orders of a prince who was assisting Sun Wa. The officials falsely accused Sun Wa of using witchcraft to cause the official’s death. Sun Wa was executed, and all his medical writings and notes were destroyed.

As Sun Wa’s disciple, He Hong secretly preserved a stack of his manuscripts. Some were lost during his escape, but the remaining texts were compiled into the “Records of Revival,” kept hidden…

Lu Man empathized with Sun Wa’s dedication to medicine and felt sorrow for his tragic end. She cursed the treacherous prince who not only caused the death of a great physician for political gain but also suppressed advanced medical knowledge that could have saved lives.

Considering Sun Wa’s successful surgeries, Lu Man speculated that he must have had methods for anesthesia and hemostasis. Excited by this discovery, she resolved to search for further details in the thick booklet in her hands. If such information existed, she could perform cesarean sections in the future…

As the clock struck midnight, Lu Ying reminded Lu Man several times to rest early. Reluctantly, she put down the book and headed to the washroom to freshen up.

That night, Lu Man woke up several times from joyful dreams.

The next day at Crane Hall, Lu Man subtly inquired with the two royal physicians about Sun Wa. Sun Wa was labeled as a witch physician, and Lu Man wondered if the people of this era would accept the treatment methods he left behind.

Upon hearing Sun Wa’s name, imperial Physician Wang frowned and remarked, “That Sun Wa was a renowned witch physician, a disgrace to the medical community, seeking fame and reputation. He recklessly used witchcraft to treat and ultimately kill a famous general of the previous dynasty. His actions are condemnable. How can we consider cutting open someone’s abdomen for treatment? He was harming, not healing…”

Imperial Physician Fu added, “Sun Wa had a bad reputation. His medical writings were destroyed during the previous dynasty. Why would Third Young Madam inquire about him?” Speaking more discreetly, he asked, “If you have his medical writings, could you show them to me?”

Lu Man shook her head, saying, “I don’t have his medical writings. Only a segment of my maternal ancestor’s notes mentions that the death of that general seemed to have had another cause.” She wouldn’t risk revealing the “Records of Revival”, it would be a shame if it met the same fate. After returning, she planned to conceal it quickly, away from prying eyes.

Disappointed, Imperial Physician Fu sighed.

After giving the old Marquis a massage, the princess summoned Lu Man to the eastern chamber with a slight smile on her face.

Lu Man felt uneasy, suspecting an ulterior motive behind the princess’s sudden friendliness. Her joy at discovering a treatment method was now clouded by apprehension.

The princess continued, “You hanging yourself in the bridal chamber not only embarrassed Zhanwei but also hurt his feelings. You forced Zhanwei to face the gossip in the capital and eventually join the military. It’s been nearly a month since you married into our household, and you still haven’t consummated your marriage…” Her stern gaze made Lu Man lower her head. She added, “Zhanwei will return from the military today. You claimed to have come to your senses. If you truly have, you’ll know how to proceed. Men value their dignity, flatter him, preserve his dignity, and your future will be much smoother…”

This display of authority from the upper class, assigning blame to her for Zhanwei joining the military, left Lu Man feeling helpless. How was she supposed to flatter him?

Lu Man’s heart sank.

Seeing Lu Man’s silence and lowered head, the princess’s smile vanished. She uttered a curt “Hmm” and questioned, “Are you going to make the same mistake again, Zhanwei’s wife?”

Lu Man stood up and whispered, “No, Your Highness, I won’t dare.”

The princess chuckled, “That’s a good child. You don’t need to come this afternoon, prepare to be a beautiful bride.”

She then instructed nursemaid Qian behind her, “Prepare at Orchid Pavilion this afternoon, make sure all the necessary arrangements are in place.”

Qian bowed, “Yes, I will go prepare.”

Walking back to Orchid Pavilion, Lu Man felt a profound sadness. Even though the sunlight was dazzling, she felt as cold as if she had fallen into an icy pit. She had anticipated this day and mentally prepared herself, but facing it now, she couldn’t help feeling unwilling.

As a modern woman and a doctor, she wasn’t opposed to such matters. However, due to her mother’s and biological father’s influence from her past life, she harbored an inexplicable fear of men and held high standards for potential partners. To easily give herself up like this, let alone flattering a stranger, seemed impossible.

Lu Ying gently held Lu Man’s cold hand, feeling deeply compassionate. She advised, “Third Young Madam, every woman must face this challenge. Only after overcoming it will you truly be respected as the Third Young Madam and not be underestimated by others… Actually, Third Young Master is very kind, handsome, and holds a seventh-rank official position. Third Miss is envious, she wishes she could marry him in your place…”

Lu Man remained silent, feeling sorrow for ancient women who had never experienced love…

After lunch, instead of resting, Lu Man sat on the heated brick bed, lost in thought.

Through the emerald window curtains, the afternoon sunlight was gentler, casting a serene hue over the tranquil pond, lush foliage, and colorful flowers veiled in a light green mist. Even the clouds in the sky seemed tinged with green, with a few birds soaring across the sky in the distance…

Everything appeared beautiful except for her troubled mind. The laughter of Hong Ling only added to her restlessness.

Upon hearing from Lu Ying that the Third Young Master was visiting today, Hong Ling smiled mischievously, unable to fathom why Lu Man was upset. She diligently brewed tea for Lu Man and instructed Lu Ying to tidy the room and place the most vibrant potted plants in the courtyard where they would be most visible…

Before long, Qian from Crane Hall arrived with nine attendants, carrying festive candles, red silk, auspicious fruits, and freshly made dumplings.

Lu Man’s heart sank as she felt the impending helplessness of becoming a mere pawn in a scheme.

Suppressing her thoughts, she stood up with a smile, ” Mama Qian, please have a seat.”

Before Lu Man could give any instructions, Hong Ling served tea with a bright smile, “Please have some tea, Mama Qian.”