Chapter 281: Those Words

Princess Changting sighed once more, “Alas, I have three sons and so many adult grandsons, yet I am unsure whom to choose. The eldest is reliable but can only defend the city, and there’s a suspicion of Hong’s influence around him. The second is not even worth mentioning. Though the third and Zhanju are capable, they cannot handle such a significant matter. Zhanyu is frail, Zhankun is still in school…” Suddenly, she noticed a gleam in Lu Man’s eyes and said, “Zhanwei! Perhaps only he can manage certain matters in this household. That lad is deeply scheming, even I find him somewhat unreadable. Crucially, he has connections and useful people at his disposal.”

Lu Man thought the same and responded, “But he is still at the frontier.”

Princess Changting replied, “Then we shall wait. This matter must be kept confidential, no leaks. We’ll act when we have solid leads. The Crown Prince is kind, wise, and intelligent. However, with the Emperor growing older and more suspicious, a mere rumor could implicate countless innocents…” She then held Lu Man’s hand and said, “Good child, you are a hero of our family.”

Lu Man understood the gravity of the situation and refrained from spreading any information that could endanger her life. Yet, upon hearing the term “hero”, she felt a sense of confusion. Zhanwei, who once aimed for personal success, found himself irreversibly tied to this family. She knew the core secrets of this household and couldn’t detach herself for now, nor could the family risk letting her go. If Zhanwei wanted to rid himself of her, there was only one way – by her demise. However, she believed he wouldn’t go that far. Despite his temper, Zhanwei had a decent heart…

Princess Changting then asked, “Do you think that only by cutting off the accumulated illness with a knife, rather than using acupuncture or medicine, can one be cured? But wouldn’t that be fatal?”

Previously, Princess Changting had casually inquired with Lu Man about how to cure the accumulated illness. At that time, Lu Man was unaware that the Crown Prince had this ailment and simply stated that surgery was the solution, not acupuncture or medication.

After reviewing all the medical books and notes left by the He family and learning more, Lu Man discovered that in this era, there were rudimentary surgical procedures and a highly effective hemostatic powder called “White Powder”.

However, surgery was primarily reserved for battlefields or impoverished families. Without anesthesia or anti-inflammatory painkillers, patients would suffer greatly, with many not surviving the procedure. Even with acupuncture anesthesia available, it could only alleviate minor surgery pain, being ineffective for major operations. Surgical procedures were often frowned upon by the medical community, viewed as mere “minor skills” or even “sorcery”. Until now, only procedures like “hemorrhoidectomy” and “nasal polyp removal” were widely accepted, lowering the status of those who performed such surgeries. Therefore, many surgeons preferred internal medicine treatments, including those at the Imperial Hospital, while only wandering physicians, low-ranking physicians, or military physicians performed surgeries…

Lu Man continued, “According to the He family’s medical records, there was a physician who successfully cut open a patient’s abdomen to remove decayed flesh. However, two conditions must be met: ensuring the body is protected from external influences with ‘Huang Ke Lai’ – which we have resolved, waiting for the night yellow flowers in late May to make ‘Huang Ke Lai’ available. Yet, we are still missing two ingredients for the anesthetic ‘Soul Stealing Powder’. We have been trying but haven’t succeeded so far. Although the Crown Prince’s illness is superficial, making it easier than cutting and removing flesh, given his noble status and pampered upbringing, without the anesthetic, he wouldn’t withstand the pain. Moreover, even if granddaughter-in-law is brave, she wouldn’t dare to perform such surgery on him for the first time.”

Princess Changting also acknowledged that surgical removal of the illness was not viable. She said, “I hope the two medicines you provide can alleviate the Crown Prince’s pain, allowing him to live longer and, ideally, retain some vitality.” Letting out a long sigh, she added, “In recent days, I feel my health deteriorating, but I worry about this entire household. If I am no longer here, urge Zhanwei to ease his mind, not blame the family or your grandfather. Your grandfather is unwell now, genuinely fond of little Yue. Encourage Zhanwei to let go of biases and wholeheartedly support this family…”

Feeling a pang of bitterness, Lu Man softly reassured, “Grandmother, everyone praises this granddaughter-in-law as a miraculous physician. With a skilled physician always by your side, you will surely live to a hundred. Also, Third Young Master respects and fears you the most. With you overseeing the household, he won’t need my persuasion, he wouldn’t dare blame anyone.”

Princess Changting smiled.

After discussing for a while, Lu Man posed a perplexing question, “Grandmother, the Emperor is wise and insightful, so why did he make such a statement during the pregnancies of Concubine Wang and Concubine Li, declaring that whoever bore a son would become Empress, wasn’t that provoking Concubine Li?”

Princess Changting sighed, “The Emperor faced difficulties in producing an heir, with his only son – the Crown Prince – perishing prematurely. That year, coincidentally, both consorts were pregnant simultaneously, delighting the Emperor, who consulted Master Xinghai at Guangji Temple. Master Xinghai predicted that this time, the Emperor would have his wish granted and obtain a son. Interpreting this as one of the consorts bearing a son, the Emperor foresaw potential interference if Concubine Wang bore a son due to pressure from the Empress Dowager, leading to her likely being named Empress. If Concubine Li bore a son, the Dowager Empress and the Wang family would undoubtedly intervene in her becoming Empress. Hence, he preemptively made that statement, aiming for equal opportunities, if Concubine Li had a son, he could rightfully crown her Empress.”

I see. Lu Man felt she had grasped some truth, perhaps He Huang, the maternal grandfather, was aware of Master Xinghai’s prophecy, which led him to reveal Concubine Li’s pregnancy with a son in advance. Essentially, he was hinting that the son belonged to Concubine Li, unfortunately, others didn’t comprehend…

Princess Changting conversed with Lu Man for a while before closing her eyes to sleep.

Leaving the bedroom, Lu Man instructed Mama Qian and Guo to ensure Princess Changting maintained absolute tranquility for the upcoming period. She advised them to inform the gentlemen not to disturb her with irrelevant matters and to avoid any further stimuli…

Lu Man then went to the eastern chamber to give the old Marquis some medicinal soup, administering acupuncture. The old Marquis wasn’t actually ill but pretended to be to allow the Crown Prince to conveniently visit for treatment. Following Princess Changting’s instructions, Lu Man gave him some non-toxic Mongolian medicine to induce a two-day sleep.

Outside, the rain continued to patter down. Walking along the veranda, Lu Man felt a heavy heart. She didn’t want to get involved in certain matters, but they inevitably sought her out, and she couldn’t turn a blind eye. For the sake of this family, she had to control the Crown Prince’s illness, ideally curing it…

Moreover, there was Princess Changting. At sixty-two, she was still relatively young. In a previous life, women of this age would be dancing or enjoying various activities. However, her health seemed to be deteriorating. Without Lu Man’s assistance, her condition would worsen. This family relied on her, and Lu Man couldn’t bear to see her suffer. She needed to be well taken care of, live longer, and be free from further distress…