Chapter 276: Birthday Celebration

Madam Liu from the Duke Pingguo’s residence chuckled first, “The old Princess must find Third Young Lady Jiang exceptionally charming and can’t get enough of her.”

Old Princess He laughed heartily, “Absolutely, absolutely.”

Today was the first time Lu Man had close contact with Madam Liu.

Madam Liu, in her forties, was dignified, astute, and eloquent. She spoke about the importance of having good relations with neighbors instead of distant relatives, praising the young and talented Jiang Zhanwei and the skilled Lu Man, emphasizing future interactions.

Lu Man was unsure of her intentions but complimented her on the Duke Pingguo’s esteemed position and influence in the court, using typical flattering phrases.

Regarding Master Liu, Duke of Pingguo, Lu Man had gathered tidbits from various sources. The Princess mentioned that Master Liu was known for his cunning, earning the trust of the Emperor and Crown Prince, maintaining good relations with many ministers, including Lord Wang. However, old Duke Xie didn’t favor him, labeling him as opportunistic and fickle.

Lady Liu from Lu Residence also arrived, her health deteriorating. She was already wearing thin layers due to the weather, looking frail with a sallow complexion. Lu Man could sense her plea for medical attention.

Having heard from Lady Yang from Xie Residence, Lu Man knew that Lady Liu had been experiencing intermittent bleeding since giving birth. Second Madam Lu had instructed her son, Lady Liu’s husband to discontinue the contraceptive for the maids, resulting in two of them getting pregnant.

Several other young Madams, both familiar and unfamiliar, gazed at her differently, possibly also seeking medical help. Now that she had given birth, many families would likely seek consultations again; being a “miracle physician” was no easy feat.

After lunch, while others watched the show, those young Madams indeed approached her for help.

Lu Man had no choice but to lead them to the backyard clinic, specifically summoning He Cheng from the front yard. The He family excelled in gynecology, and since He Cheng was to inherit his grandfather’s practice, he needed to excel in this area.

She examined their pulses first, then had He Cheng do the same. Among the women, two couldn’t conceive, while three had gynecological issues.

Among these individuals, Lady Liu’s condition was the most severe, and Lu Man was the last to examine her.

After taking her pulse, Lu Man thought to herself that if Lady Liu continued like this, within two years, she would exhaust her body, like a candle burning out.

Lu Man advised her, “For me to treat you, you must cooperate. Relax your mind, and the illness will be easier to cure.”

With tears in her eyes, Lady Liu nodded.

Lady Yang added, “Even if the maidservant gives birth to a son, in the end, they will still call you ‘Mother’. If you leave first, your daughter will suffer.”

Lady Liu whispered, “I know. I can’t bear sons, and I hope the maidservant can bear one for Master Lu. I blame my weak body for failing to please a man, causing his affections to stray from us, especially with the mother-in-law…” She sniffled, holding Lu Man’s hand and said, “If only I had sought Third Young Lady Jiang’s help earlier, I wouldn’t be in this situation.”

What Lady Liu couldn’t express was her deep resentment towards the wicked mother-in-law. She regretted the suffering she endured, knowing she could have had a healthy body if not for that vile woman’s influence.

Seeing her in distress, Lu Man thought of her mother in a past life, abandoned by a man for not bearing a son. She patted Lady Liu’s cold hand, sympathetically saying, “A man’s affections aren’t crucial, what truly matters is having a mother to care for you and your daughter…”

After consoling Lady Liu, Lu Man prescribed medication and had He Cheng administer acupuncture.

She remained busy until the early evening, finishing consultations by the early hour of Shen (3 PM). Lu Man sighed inwardly, realizing that despite it being her daughter’s full moon celebration, she had acted not as the host but as a physician.

By three-quarters past Shen (4:45 PM), the guests departed. The Princess and others stayed to enjoy themselves in Donghui Courtyard, as the men attending evening works would return for dinner there later.

He Mingzhu and He Cheng, departed with the guests.

Whenever men from the Princess Changting’s residence came for dinner, He Cheng preferred not to stay, mainly to avoid Jiang Zhanxun. The latter always sought opportunities to converse with him, at times, he even discreetly visited Yuling Courtyard to see He Cheng, who would then find excuses to send him away.

Due to the princess and the old Marquis favor towards Lu Man, as well as the support of Prince He, and the fear of being beaten by his father, He Cheng has no choice but to give face to Jiang Zhanxun, he doesn’t dare to make trouble at all.

Second Master Jiang came to Donghui Courtyard for the first time to see Jiang Yue. Initially uneasy upon hearing that his daughter-in-law had given birth to a daughter, he had hoped for more sons to eventually adopt one for Jiang Zhanyu. However, when the wet nurse held the child, bowed to him, and called him “Grandfather”, his heart softened. After examining the child closely, with familiar features that pleased him, he chuckled and slipped a red envelope into the baby’s blanket.

Lu Man felt annoyed with Second Master. He had never cared much for the siblings, so why did he express disappointment over Jiang Yue being a girl?

After dinner, when the guests had finally departed, Lu Man changed into casual attire, opened Jiang Yue’s blanket, and placed her on the heated brick bed. Jiang Yue was dressed in a bright red silk outfit with embroidered socks and a delicate yellow embroidered cap. The chubby baby, now slightly older, appeared even more adorable. She seemed delighted to be free from constraints, moving her limbs joyfully and blowing little bubbles.

Jiang Zhankui and Jiang Jiu sat on the heated brick bed, amusing their young niece.

Lu Man sat at the edge of the bed, reviewing the lavish gifts from various households and listening to Steward Ming’s reports.

The gifts from these households were extravagant, particularly those from Prince He’s Residence and Old Marquis Jiang. Lu Man didn’t feel burdened by old Marquis Jiang’s gift, aside from Jiang Yue being his great-granddaughter, it served as compensation for his frequent mistreatment of Jiang Zhanwei. However, Song Ming’s gift was excessive for a baby’s full moon celebration, sending a gift worth a thousand taels of silver. Despite the generosity, Lu Man noted it down and stored it away.

Just as Steward Ming left, they heard the loud voice of the household servant, “Third Young Madam, Third Young Madam, Liu Chun has returned!”

Lu Man, Jiang Zhankui, and Jiang Jiu all hurried to the main hall.

The day after Lu Man gave birth, Liu Xin had gone to deliver a message to Jiang Zhanwei. Unfortunately, Jiang Zhanwei was away on a military assignment, so Liu Xin hadn’t met him.

Liu Chun was still in camouflage attire when he entered, giving Lu Man a quick glance and respectfully saluting, “Reporting to Madam, Third Young Master specifically sent me back to bring a gift for the little miss.” He then presented the backpack he was carrying to Lu Man.

Accepting the package, Lu Man smiled, “You’ve traveled quite a distance. Is Third Young Master doing well?”

Avoiding eye contact with Lu Man, Liu Chun replied, “Third Young Master is well. His injuries have healed, and he recently led his brothers to a victorious battle.” He added, “He wasn’t injured this time.”

Jiang Jiu quickly asked, “Is my brother pleased to know he has a daughter?”