Font Size:
Liu Xilan had no serious illnesses but had a slightly weak constitution and was Yin deficient.
Lu Man discreetly treated her to help improve her health. Liu Xilan’s excuse for visiting Donghui Courtyard was that their households were neighbors, and she got along well with Lu Man, so she occasionally stopped by for a visit.
Lu Man prescribed medications for her and occasionally administered acupuncture, with He Cheng handling the acupuncture sessions. Due to the close proximity of their residences, Liu’s third son had become friends with He Cheng and frequently invited him to their home.
He Cheng mentioned that Fourth Miss Liu Xirui was somewhat of a mystery within the Liu household since he had interacted with Liu’s third son multiple times but had never heard any mention of Liu Xirui.
To avoid any awkward encounters, Lu Man scheduled their medical appointments separately and ensured they were unaware of each other’s presence for privacy reasons, especially given the political implications involved.
It was surprising that Liu Xilan had arrived at this particular time.
Lu Man quickly closed the western room and welcomed Liu Xilan into the eastern room.
Pointing to a pineapple brought in by a maid, Liu Xilan smiled and said, “This pineapple was brought from our hometown. I wanted to offer some to Third Lady Jiang to taste.”
Lu Man replied with a smile, “Thank you, this is a precious gift indeed.”
Liu Xilan continued, “Tomorrow is my grandmother’s sixtieth memorial anniversary. My mother will take us sisters to the temple to make offerings and observe a three-day vegetarian diet there. So, I came here to get some herbal soup in advance.”
Unspoken was her true intent—to pray to the Bodhisattva for blessings to conceive a son once she entered the Eastern Palace.
Upon hearing this, Lu Man’s smile brightened even further. Tomorrow, on the 20th of April, the women of the family would ascend the mountain to pray and stay for three days. There would likely be male escorts accompanying them, and with the Duke Pingguo’s household vacant, it was the perfect opportunity for little Xi to discreetly venture out to buy things without being easily recognized.
After checking Liu Xilan’s pulse and writing out a prescription for her, Lu Man advised, “The mountain air is damp, so make sure to dry your bedding before sleeping and avoid sitting on the stone benches outside for too long.”
Liu Xilan smiled warmly, saying, “Thank you for the reminder, Third Lady. I will keep that in mind.”
By modern standards, Xie Shu’s features were well-defined, and she was tall, making her more attractive than Liu Xilan. However, by ancient aesthetics, Liu Xilan boasted fair skin, delicate features, a slender figure, and a knack for styling herself, giving her a slight advantage. Moreover, she always wore a pleasant smile, making her quite endearing. According to Princess Changting, she resembled her father, Duke Pingguo, adept at handling situations with finesse and diplomacy.
After seeing off Liu Xilan, Lu Man proceeded to the western room to remove the silver needles from Xie Shu.
Curious glances from Xie Shu went unaddressed by Lu Man, who refrained from disclosing why Liu Xilan had visited. The straightforward and intelligent young girl knew what to say and what not to say, unlike the incident where she had gossiped with Xia’s daughter about Jiang Zhanwei. Had she not spread those rumors, Lu Man might have naively believed Jiang Zhanwei truly loved her.
As Xie Shu rose from the beauty couch, her maid helped her tidy her attire.
Lu Man suggested, “Let’s have lunch here today. I’ve prepared teppanyaki, your favorite.”
Both Xie Shu and the old Duke Xie enjoyed the teppanyaki made at Donghui Courtyard. Even though their household chef had learned the recipe, the old Duke insisted that it wasn’t as delicious as the one prepared at Donghui Courtyard.
Linking arms with Lu Man, Xie Shu giggled, “Don’t tease me, Third Sister-in-law. I had planned to have lunch here anyway.”
At that moment, they heard the loud voices of the old Marquis, Kaipei, Jiang Yue, Qichang, and Sweetheart. Jiang Jiu had finished her lessons and joined them under the tree in the courtyard.
Xie Shu went out to greet the old Marquis, taking out two handmade red fish bracelets from her purse. She placed them on Jiang Yue’s and Jiang Jiu’s wrists, causing Jiang Yue to giggle gleefully and play with the bracelet.
Jiang Jiu inquired, “Sister Xie, did Brother Xie send another message?”
Whenever Xie Yu sent messages home, they often included letters from Jiang Zhanwei. Similarly, when Jiang Zhanwei sent messages, he would include letters from Xie Yu.
Xie Shu chuckled, “Not this time.”
As Xie Shu and Lu Man strolled towards the veranda, Xie Shu pouted and expressed, “Jiu is still so close to Brother Jiang. Actually, no matter how close he is, once he marries and has children, he forgets about his sister. Look at my elder brother, he used to be so good to me, but now, he not only doesn’t write to me but also criticizes me in my mother’s letters, calling me meddlesome and troublemaking, and wants her to discipline me. He even told my mother to teach me to be well-behaved and stop being so talkative. It’s such an injustice! When did I become so talkative? I’ve never meddled in other people’s affairs like the other young ladies from different families.” Frustrated, she stomped her foot and continued, “It must be my sister-in-law saying something that led my brother to treat me this way.”
Lu Man had heard Lady Yang’s complain before, mentioning how Xie Shu and her used to have a good relationship. However, since Xie Yu had somehow changed last year, his letters to Xie’s mother had included criticisms of Xie Shu. Both Madam Xie and Xie Shu herself believed that Lady Yang had reported something that upset Xie Yu, leading to his unfavorable treatment of Xie Shu.
Feeling wronged, Xie Shu explained, “My letters to my father always praised how sensible, filial, and caring you are…”
Lu Man suspected that Jiang Zhanwei might have relayed what Xie Yu had said to Xia, causing him to write those harsh words to Xie Shu through Lady Yang. Some matters were best not detailed in letters, leading to misunderstandings like these.
Lu Man gently advised Lady Yang on the matter without delving too deeply into it.
In response to Xie Shu’s comments, Lu Man reassured her, saying, “You must be overthinking it. Sister Yang isn’t one to stir up trouble.” She added, “Who says a brother forgets his sister once he marries? My Third Young Master has always cherished Jiu. In his heart, Jiu held the heaviest place, and now with the addition of Jiang Yue, both are his treasures.”
With a wrinkled nose and a pout, Xie Shu agreed, “You’re right. Third Brother Jiang has always been a good brother. It’s a shame I didn’t get to experience that.”
Smiling, Lu Man remarked, “Maybe it’s for the best. Sometimes, finding a good brother doesn’t guarantee finding a good father.”
Xie Shu added, “That’s true. Second Uncle Jiang can be quite ruthless, even with a lovely girl like Jiu. Thankfully, Third Brother Jiang and Eighth Brother Jiang dote on her, and you’re a great sister-in-law.” Then, with a sympathetic glance at Lu Man, she added, “I shouldn’t say this, but my grandfather always praises Third Brother Jiang for his intelligence, but I don’t see it. If he were truly smart, he’d prioritize you first.”
Lu Man chuckled, unsure how to respond to that remark.
In truth, she was curious to ask Xie Shu about any groundbreaking plans Jiang Zhanwei might have had back then but hesitated to bring it up.