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Jiang Zhanju suppressed his urge to vomit, frowned, and scolded, “What are you all standing here for? Get out, go away.”
The onlookers hesitated, all feeling uneasy as they gazed at the Madam.
Opening her eyes, Madam Hong said coldly, “Why should they leave? Weren’t they all keeping their distance from me, afraid that I might spread the illness? I want them here with me. If I’m not feeling well, none of them should feel well either.”
Glancing at Young Madam Han, she continued, “Han, mother is ill. Do you not know to come here to attend to me, instead of cozying up to the Princess at the Crane Hall…”
Jiang Zhanju interrupted her, saying, “It was Grandmother and Father who didn’t allow Han to visit frequently, fearing she might bring the illness to the children once it passes.” He pleaded, “Mother, please stop causing a scene. With your condition, having so many people here will worsen the air quality and hinder your recovery.” He couldn’t comprehend how his mother had fallen ill, seemingly affecting her mental state as well.
Addressing the servants, he instructed, “Leave two attendants by her side, everyone else must leave.”
Upon hearing this, except for two senior maids, the rest hurriedly fled, fearing being called back by the Madam.
Observing over twenty people rushing out of the room, Lu Man was astonished. Was Madam Hong losing her mind? On such a hot day, cramming so many people into the room would only cause discomfort, affecting not only them but also her well-being.
Jiang Zhanju then said to Madam Hong, “Mother, I have brought the Third Sister-in-law here. Other physicians couldn’t help, but she is a skilled physician. Maybe she can find a way to cure your illness.”
Madam Hong anxiously exclaimed, “Son, send Lu Man away quickly. I don’t want her near me. She hates me and won’t genuinely treat me. She might even poison me. Make her leave, now…”
Helplessly, Jiang Zhanju responded, “Mother, please stop. The Third Sister-in-law is compassionate and won’t have ill intentions…”
Lu Man didn’t stay to hear more, she turned and left the room with Lu Ying. She hadn’t intended to pretend to be kind, she only felt obligated to comply with Jiang Zhanju’s request. With Madam Hong’s words, she now had a valid reason not to “treat” her.
Five days later, the eldest Madam, who seemed somewhat delusional, wants her to temporarily relocated to a small courtyard in the southern part of the residence. Upon learning about her impending move, she cried and caused a scene, demanding her son and daughter-in-law fetch Lu Man to treat her.
Jiang Zhanju and Young Madam Han with a red-faced, went to Donghui Courtyard to request Lu Man’s attendance. Lu Man declined, saying, “You know the Madam’s condition. If I fail to cure her, she will accuse me of harming her intentionally, worsening her condition. Moreover, I am truly powerless against her ailment.”
The secluded courtyard behind the backyard, known as the South Courtyard, was prepared for the eldest Madam, who had a penchant for luxury. Before her arrival, Young Madam Han had the place meticulously cleaned, walls repainted, weeds cleared, and adorned the area with potted plants and elegant decorations.
Initially, the Princess and Marquis Jiang had considered sending Madam Hong to recuperate at an estate outside the city until she recovered. However, moved by compassion, Jiang Zhanju didn’t want to disrupt the Hong family and decided to let her continue her recovery at the residence.
On the day of her relocation, both sons and Han accompanied Madam Hong, who tearfully rode in a palanquin. She lamented Marquis Jiang’s indifference, “I know he only has eyes for that vixen now, seeking younger pastures in his old age. Shameful old fool. When the time comes, if he doesn’t personally come to invite me, if he doesn’t ask me multiple times, I won’t leave…”
Upon arriving at the South Courtyard, Madam Hong reproached Jiang Zhanju, “As the head of the household, how could I be banished like this? It must be your father, bewitched by that vixen, who persuaded the Princess to exile me here. You must find a way to deal with that vixen.”
Jiang Zhanju blushed and replied, “Mother, that is Father’s household matter. How can I intervene… Mother, rest and recuperate here. Once you’re well, I will seek Grandmother’s intervention to bring you back to Minghe Pavilion.”
With the eldest Madam settled, the month transitioned into mid-July.
Several days of continuous rain finally brought relief from the scorching heat in the capital. The Princess’s health improved, but the eldest Madam’s condition remained erratic, with alternating periods of improvement and worsening, necessitating her continued stay at the South Courtyard.
As the crucial figure in the household, the Princess’s improved health brought joy to everyone.
Little Yue had turned ten months old. She could crawl around, stand with support against the wall, hit people, and even say “dada”. This frustrated Lu Man, as she hadn’t taught her to call “dada” yet, but the child could say it without fail. Perhaps it was due to frequent exposure to portraits of Jiang Zhanwei where people encouraged her to call him “daddy” too often.
The Old Marquis was also displeased since he insisted on being called “grandpa”, but the little one just wouldn’t say it.
This month, there was more good news in the household as Fourth Young Madam Jiang was confirmed to be pregnant.
Princess Changting was overjoyed, the Third Branch finally had an heir on the way, and she rewarded Fourth Young Madam with plenty of supplements and jewelry.
Second Master became eager once more, enlisting help to find a suitable match for Jiang Zhanyu.
Despite Jiang Zhanyu’s health concerns, he excelled in every other aspect, with a strong character. While some families showed interest in him, he found it challenging to reciprocate those feelings. He was hesitant to propose out of fear that his health would be a deterrent and hesitated to seek intermediaries.
Second Madam and Jiang Zhanyu were in no rush, insisting on finding a compatible match before committing to marriage. Second Madam, disillusioned with her own marriage, was keen on ensuring her son’s happiness. Jiang Zhanyu, witnessing his parents’ strained relationship, sought a harmonious partnership.
Second Master also approached Lu Man, saying, “You are Zhanyu’s sister-in-law, and his marriage is of importance to you as well. You interact with the ladies frequently, keep an eye out for a suitable match.”
Lu Man admired the young man and hoped he would find a wife who understood him. She had been observant, but detested Second Master’s audacity – using her when needed and ignoring her when not. Especially concerning Jiang Jiu, who longed for paternal affection, he consistently overlooked her.
Intentionally, she remarked, “Second Master values my opinion now. Most of the women I come across have health issues. Those in good health wouldn’t seek my advice.”
This left Second Master annoyed.
Later that afternoon, as Lu Man bid farewell to Fifth Miss Liu from the Duke Pingguo’s residence and conversed with He Mingzhu in the corridor, she noticed Jiang Jiu arriving from the East Gate with Jiang Yue, Mama Li, and a few maids. Jiang Jiu seemed visibly upset and obviously cried, while Jiang Yue, seated in the baby carriage, didn’t cry but appeared displeased, muttering discontentedly.
As the Old Marquis accompanied Princess Changting on her visits, only Jiang Jiu, with Jiang Yue and a few servants, headed to the other part of the residence to play. Due to a family gathering, Mama Luo had taken the day off.
He Mingzhu stood up and inquired, “What’s the matter?”
Lu Man hurried over, grabbed Jiang Jiu’s arm, and anxiously asked, “What’s wrong? Who upset you?”