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The Lu family indeed had a knack for learning. Lu Fangrong’s brothers had both achieved high ranks at a young age, one in martial arts and the other in literary examinations, but they were led astray by old lady Lu.
Lu Man smiled and said, “Congratulations to Master Lu. However, I am currently very busy, with many women from various families coming to me for medical help. I may not have the time to attend. And as for Cheng, he is even busier than me. So, we’ll not personally attend the banquet, but we will have gifts sent over when the time comes.”
This was the result Lu Xin had anticipated. He didn’t dare expect Lu Man and He Cheng to attend the banquet. His visit was merely a gesture. Upon hearing this, he quickly responded with a smile, “Business matters take precedence. I dare not accept gifts from my sister and younger brother Cheng. I regret that I was oblivious to the grievances my sister endured. I feel ashamed now…”
Lu Man dismissed his words as nonsense. Lu Xin, much like his mother, though not entirely bad, had a heart set on wealth and status, with eyes only for propriety and subtlety. He had never paid attention to the original Lu Man, never lifted a finger to help her, allowing her to suffer without intervening. His attempts to curry favor now were too late. If it were Lu Yu, perhaps Lu Man could have been of assistance.
With a radiant smile, Lu Man said, “Let’s not dwell on the past, it’s distressing. I wish Master Lu a prosperous career and continuous advancement.”
Lu Xin bowed, replying, “Thank you for your auspicious words, Second Sister.”
Lu Man nodded, serving tea as she bid him farewell. She had never been fond of the Lu family, and with other matters weighing on her mind, she had no desire to engage in pleasantries.
Sensibly, Lu Xin took his leave, deciding not to heed his grandmother Lu’s instructions to invite He Cheng. The relationship had soured to the point where further attempts at reconciliation might only provoke more resentment. It would be wiser to wait for Uncle Fangrong’s return before making any decisions. Being his biological father, whether out of paternal instinct or filial piety, he would be easier to reason with than their other relatives.
Feeling frustrated himself, he couldn’t believe how his grandmother had ruined everything over a trifling matter. Had her vision been a bit broader, and relations with Lu Man not soured, the prospects would have been limitless. It was akin to losing a watermelon and picking up a sesame seed!
Returning to her chamber, Lu Man found Jiang Yue still napping.
After freshening up, she lay down to rest. The weight of the big secret kept her tossing and turning, unable to sleep. Once this secret surfaced, it would surely lead to the downfall of Empress Wang and the Wang family. It was ridiculous how Madam Hong clung so tightly to Empress Wang and the Wang family, believing she would benefit once the Crown Prince ascended.
Yet, if it was Empress Wang who poisoned the Crown Prince, why couldn’t she have found a remedy for him immediately instead of searching for eight years to find a physician capable of curing him in civilian circles?
Could it be true, as Princess Changting suspects, that there is a third party involved?
There were so many names written on that list, and she didn’t recognize a single one, nor had she ever heard of them…
Keeping these thoughts bottled up inside felt like scratching at a cat. She dared not speak out as the Princess Changting’s health couldn’t handle more stress, and overthinking was not advisable. All she could do was wait, wait for Jiang Zhanwei to return before deciding what to do.
On the sixteenth of May, it was the joyous day of Jiang Zhankun’s wedding.
Lu Man, He Mingzhu, and He Cheng had already gone to the prince’s residence early in the morning. Meanwhile, Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, and little Yue were playing in Donghui Courtyard, planning to invite the old Marquis to join them and play here, ensuring he wouldn’t cause trouble there, only going over during meal times.
Lu Man presented an intricately carved wooden screen with embroidered silk depicting the Bai Zi painting, while He Mingzhu and He Cheng gifted a pair of cloisonne vases. The larger vase was also contributed by Lu Man, who had accumulated many such decorations, as they were favored gifts by those seeking her medical advice.
He Cheng went to the outer courtyard, He Mingzhu to the flower hall, and Lu Man to the Crane Hall.
Her task remained attending to the old lords feudal, alongside caring for the Chang Princess and the elderly ladies’ health.
Her task was still to accompany Princess Changting to entertain the old Ladies, and at the same time take care of Princess Changting and those old ladies.
With the hot weather this year, the elderly ladies were feeling somewhat frail, and ice was sparingly used in the rooms to cool them down.
Lu Man had arranged for some cooling beverages and snacks like mung bean soup, fruit yogurt, and peach syrup. These items couldn’t be too cold and had to be offered in limited quantities to prevent any stomach upsets.
Several elderly ladies also seized the opportunity to have Lu Man check their pulses and provide advice on health maintenance. Even Princess Chang’an herself set aside her pride to allow Lu Man to diagnose her pulse, ask health-related questions, and even had her servants learn massage techniques from Lu Man.
Rumors had it that Shu Mingwei had once again tried to make an impression in front of Princess Changting today, but Lu Man was busy administering acupuncture to old Madam Lu, so they didn’t cross paths.
Old Madam Lu was a good matriarch, and Lu Man took the opportunity to inform her about Lady Liu’s health condition, hoping she could take care of Lady Liu and prevent any further troubles caused by Lady Liu’s mother-in-law.
Old Madam Lu sighed, “Every family has its share of confusion and misunderstandings. Help guide Liu, let her relax her mind a bit. Even in her difficulties, were you not once in a similar situation? Although I don’t know what you’ve been through, I can guess some. Look at where you are now, Princess Changting and the Old Marquis both cherish you. Who in this household would dare underestimate you? Even an old woman like me is fond of you. To reach this point, besides unrivaled abilities, you also have a broad mind, intelligence…”
Lu Man felt embarrassed by the praise from old Madam Lu and she replied with a smile, “I am nowhere near as good as you say, old Madam Lu.”
Having been busy all day in the Crane Hall, Lu Man didn’t find time to visit the new bride in the new chamber. After seeing off the old Ladies post-dinner, Princess Changting grew weary. Lu Man helped her to bed, administered acupuncture, ensured she fell asleep, and then closed the door of her room.
Just then, the Old Marquis returned and expressed his desire to check on the Princess, saying, “It’s been a while since I saw Changting, I miss her dearly.”
Lu Man informed him, “Grandmother is tired and resting.”
Understanding more now, the Old Marquis also felt compassion for the Princess, deciding not to disturb her and retired to his own chamber.
As Lu Man walked back, she faintly saw the brilliant lights and heard distant laughter coming from the Jilin Courtyard.
Situated between the Mingfu Pavilion of the Third Branch and the Wannian Pavilion of the Second Branch was a large peony garden. Further south from the peony garden lay the Jilin Courtyard, currently occupied by Jiang Zhankun and Fourth Young Madam Jiang.
Returning to Donghui Courtyard, she heard the laughter of Jiang Jiu, Jiang Yue, Song Mo, and the children, along with Jiang Zhankui’s voice coming from the upper chamber.
Lu Man embraced Jiang Yue, exchanged some laughs with the children, and then said, “Alright, it’s time to rest now. Tomorrow, the new bride needs to meet her relatives, so we should head to the Crane Hall early.”
Song Mo asked, “Do I need to meet relatives too?”
Mama Duan interjected, “You’re not from the Princess Changting’s residence, why would you need to meet any relatives?” Despite being advised to return to the residence today, he insisted on staying the night here.
Jiang Jiu pouted and said, “I don’t like meeting relatives. Last time when Sister-in-law met hers, besides Brother helping her, many people were criticizing her.”