Chapter 272: Offering a Prescription

Lu Man and a few others headed to the clinic in the west wing of the fourth courtyard.

After examining Miss Rou’s pulse, Lu Man found it steady and strong, without any issues. Despite her delicate appearance, she had a robust physique. Even after such a frightful experience of being held down and beaten, miraculously, the child was unharmed.

With a serious tone, Lu Man said, “Oh, Miss Rou, the accident seems to have startled the fetus. You need to rest and avoid unnecessary movements.” She then prescribed some supplements suitable for pregnant women, advising, “Since Miss Rou’s constitution is a bit weak, she should eat well. It’s best to have more bird’s nest and a small amount of gelatin.”

Tears welled up in Miss Rou’s eyes upon hearing this, her gentle and fragile demeanor evoking sympathy.

Lu Man mischievously thought of going back to coquettishly tease Marquis Jiang.

After seeing off Miss Rou, Lu Ying returned from the Third Madam’s chambers.

Lu Ying smiled and said, “It’s been heard that Miss Rou has been brought into the residence today. After serving tea to the eldest Madam, she was moved into the Qingfeng Courtyard. The Marquis found it too plain there, so he had several pieces of furniture sent over and assigned a few capable maids and servant girls…”

The next day, news spread that the eldest Madam had fallen ill. The Third Madam went to visit her, but the Second Madam and Lu Man did not.

In the evening, Lu Ying brought more news. Marquis Jiang had sent many supplements to Miss Rou and specially arranged for her to have her own kitchen, where her meals would be prepared by him, as a precaution against anyone harming the child in her womb. Additionally, the Third Madam was reportedly moved by this gesture and made a comment about Marquis Jiang forgetting his marital duties…

At the same time, Madam Huang was expressing her concerns to the Third Master, “Even if the eldest sister-in-law has made mistakes, she has borne and raised several children for the elder brother, served him for over twenty years. The elder brother should still give her the dignity she deserves. Openly favoring a concubine who isn’t even a proper concubine, isn’t he afraid of being accused?”

Third Master Jiang, stroking his beard, replied, “Accused? If he hadn’t brought that woman into the residence, then the elder brother would have faced accusations for keeping a concubine outside. It’s been said that the woman’s mansion outside is extravagantly furnished, with jade ornaments worth a fortune, not to mention the jewelry and silver she has received. It seems like the elder brother poured all his private treasures onto her…”

Madam Huang felt a chill run down her spine upon hearing this and scornfully remarked, “Elder brother appears to be a gentleman on the outside but secretly kept a concubine, neglecting his original wife.”

Third Master Jiang also thought his elder brother had gone too far but couldn’t express it openly. He sternly said, “How can you speak of my elder brother like that? His actions are a result of the repeated mistakes and lack of remorse from elder sister-in-law. After all the instruction and no improvement, his heart finally turned cold. Even Mother doesn’t support her anymore…” Remembering the quiet words his mother shared with him, he advised Madam Huang, “Upon marrying into the husband’s family, you become part of that family. Family interests come before everything else. If one tries to undermine the family, no husband or mother-in-law would be pleased. Also, Mother is the wisest person and the absolute head of our family. One should never play tricks in front of her…”

Madam Huang didn’t dare complain for others and quickly said, “Since the day I married Third Master, I knew I belonged to him, to the Jiang family. I would never dare to deceive or disobey Third Master or the in-laws…”

Meanwhile, Jiang Zhanju was in the Minghe Hall, consoling the weeping eldest Madam.

Jiang Zhanju felt extremely helpless. His father had grown weary of his mother, who showed no sign of repentance. Despite her numerous past mistakes, she dared to shift blame even in front of grandmother. Knowing his grandmother’s sharpness, he realized she wouldn’t stand for such behavior. If his grandmother had expressed her anger earlier, it would have been manageable, but now, if she remained silent, it could lead to a major confrontation.

He advised, “Mother, that concubine isn’t even a proper concubine, so she won’t cause a stir. Learn from the Second Aunt, when not busy, read in your courtyard. And most importantly, don’t contemplate any harm towards Miss Rou and her child, pushing father further away. Once you change their negative impression of you, then you can think about other matters…”

As the autumn rain persisted, the temperature dropped rapidly. Lu Man added another layer over her jacket and instructed the servants to provide more clothing for the younger siblings.

On the evening of September 11th, Lu Man, Jiang Zhankui, and Jiang Jiu were gathered at the table ready for dinner when a maid from the Crane Hall arrived, inviting them to dine there.

Realizing it was an unexpected invitation, they sensed urgency. They swiftly left the Donghui Courtyard, where three sedan chairs were already waiting.

Upon reaching the Crane Hall, before entering the main room, they could hear excited chatter inside, with the voices of the elders prominent. They greeted the elders respectfully. Princess Changting called out to Lu Man, “Good child, come sit next to your grandmother.”

Lu Man smiled as she walked over and squeezed onto the Princess’s side, with the Princess even holding her chubby hand on her own knee.

Third Master Jiang chuckled to Lu Man, “Zhanwei’s wife is capable and has achieved a great feat for our family.”

Puzzled, Lu Man asked, “What feat have I achieved?”

Marquis Jiang chuckled, “Today, General Xie urgently petitioned the Emperor, praising the miraculous effects of Willow Bark Powder, a remedy for various ailments, including the chronic rheumatism that has plagued him for years. It has saved countless soldiers from suffering, and he hopes for more to be sent… The Emperor was delighted and even hosted me at a special banquet at noon.” Beaming with pride, he continued, “The Emperor mentioned that the Third Son’s wife is intelligent, not only skilled in medicine but also devised a miraculous medicine. He said that a compassionate healer should not only deliver this miraculous medicine to the border regions to relieve the soldiers’ pain but also benefit the common people across the nation…”

Lu Man understood, she was being asked to provide her medical formula. By seeking out Marquis Jiang, this prescription would be presented through the Princess Changting’s residence, ensuring the credit was given to the Princess Changting’s household.

Princess Changting’s household had protected her, allowing her to live peacefully, manage the Tongren Hall, and potentially clear her grandfather’s name through Princess Changting in the future. Considering these factors, Lu Man had no objections to attributing this achievement to the Princess Changting’s household.

Despite the significant benefits of Willow Bark Powder, its side effects were substantial. However, in times of war, these side effects were overshadowed by the brutalities of injuries. In times of peace, curing illnesses would bring great prosperity. Yet, if it caused harm or poisoning, as seen with Deyu, it would be disregarding human life.

Therefore, although she had a desire to benefit the people with this medicine, she refrained from extensive use, keeping the refinement process confidential. Cultivating more Night Yellow Flower and producing Willow Bark Pills, a less potent version of Willow Bark Powder, with fewer side effects.

Now, with the Emperor’s request, she pondered…

Seeing her deep in thought, the Second Master grew anxious, urging, “Zhanwei’s wife, think beyond your immediate surroundings and consider the bigger picture.”

He was anxious, if Lu Man presented the formula and pleased the Emperor, with her mother’s support, the position he had long yearned for could finally be within reach.

^[1]Salicylic Powder/Pill and Willow Bark Powder/Pill is the same, the term Willow Bark is for public used since Salicylic Acid is not yet discovered or known in this Era.