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However, if Prince Shuo’s Mansion wasn’t testing her, and Song Ji had truly been harmed by someone, it would go against medical ethics to withhold treatment. In the end, reason triumphed over emotions, she couldn’t reveal the truth now and decided to discuss with the Princess later.
Having sorted it out, she looked at Second Madam Song and said, “Indeed, Song Ji has a cold, and the imperial physicians and other physicians diagnosed it correctly. Show me the previous prescriptions he was given.”
Second Madam Song nodded, and a maid brought over several prescriptions.
After reviewing them, Lu Man remarked, “These prescriptions are correct. If I were to prescribe, it would be these. She anxiously glanced at Song Ji and added, “This child is so pitiful. I’ll provide you with a bottle of Willow Bark Pills and ten Huang Ke Lai pills. Continue using these medications along with the herbal soup.”
She signaled for Lu Ying to bring the medical box, took out these medicines for Second Madam Song, and then proceeded to administer acupuncture to Song Ji.
Second Madam Song expressed deep gratitude, as several noble ladies had requested these medicines earlier in the day, and Princess Changting had fended them off on her behalf.
Second Master Song thanked her and had fifty taels of gold brought as a token of gratitude.
Lu Man accepted it, as these medicines were rare and valuable, and being known as a “divine physician” made her services even more precious. Some families who sought her medical expertise had either offered lavish gifts or gold, but none had given silver yet.
After the treatment, Lu Man gently caressed Song Ji’s face, expressing, “Since I became a mother, seeing a child fall ill makes my heart ache.”
Second Madam Song, with teary eyes, agreed, saying, “Indeed, all mothers feel the same way.”
At that moment, Song Ji opened his eyes, calling out to Second Madam Song, “Mother,” then turning to Second Master Song, calling, “Father.”
His voice was soft and husky, lacking strength.
Second Madam Song tucked him in, pointing to Lu Man and softly saying, “This is the divine physician and your cousin-in-law. She has come to treat you, and you’ll soon feel better.”
Song Ji looked back at Lu Man and softly said, “Thank you, Cousin-in-law.”
Feeling a pang in her heart, Lu Man smiled and replied, “You are a good boy, Ji. Take good care and get well soon.”
Song Ji murmured in agreement and closed his eyes.
Accompanied by Second Madam Song, Lu Man left.
Regardless of why Second Master Song looked at her in that manner, Lu Man found it unsettling. Even as she walked into the courtyard, her sixth sense felt those eyes sticking to her like glue.
Unbeknownst to Lu Man, as soon as she left the courtyard, Second Master Song went to the main hall, where a man in his sixties was seated.
Second Master Song respectfully greeted him, calling out, “Grandfather.”
Old Prince Shuo asked, “What did Lady Lu say?”
In a hushed tone, Second Master Song replied, “Grandfather, Lady Lu mentioned that Ji has a cold and provided him with a bottle of Willow Bark Pills and ten Huang Ke Lai pills.”
Old Prince Shuo inquired, “Does she truly believe that Ji only has a cold?”
Second Master Song affirmed, “Yes, she doesn’t seem to have noticed anything unusual.” Sensing his scrutiny, he added, “Despite her composure, a woman her age would still exhibit subtle changes. And Ji watched her intently without blinking, and she genuinely didn’t detect any issues. Besides, she isn’t adept at concealing emotions. I heard she helped someone deliver a baby, and it frightened her to tears.”
Old Prince Shuo’s demeanor relaxed as he remarked, “The relationship between Changting and the Emperor and Crown Prince is strong, and her words carry significant weight with them. Unless absolutely necessary, I cannot afford to have any conflicts with her. It’s unfortunate that she married a so-called divine physician as her granddaughter-in-law, leaving me uneasy. If Lady Lu didn’t sense anything amiss, let’s not engage her. For now, we must refrain from taking any action and allow the Empress and the Wang family to enjoy their freedom.”
Second Master Song nodded and respectfully inquired, “Grandfather, since Lady Lu didn’t notice anything wrong, should we have Ji’s poison treated?”
Old Prince Shuo’s expression darkened as he reprimanded, “Those who focus on trivial matters fail to achieve great things. For the sake of a child, are you willing to ruin our years of planning? What if Lady Lu truly suspects something, and you didn’t notice it? Only if Ji dies from poisoning can we dispel all her doubts.” Seeing his grandson’s reluctance, he added, “Don’t you have two more sons? You’ll have more in the future. Haha, even if he becomes the Emperor, as long as his son can’t produce a grandson, this world will belong to… to my descendants…”
Lu Man arrived at the Rainbow Lake, where Second Madam Song invited her to join them on the boat.
Lu Man declined with a smile, “No, I’ll just stroll by the lake. Please go back and take care of Ji.”
Apologizing, Second Madam Song left.
Walking along the embankment, even though it was early autumn, the afternoon sun remained intense. Xiao Zhong held an umbrella to shield her from the sunlight, and the gentle autumn breeze made the walk comfortable.
Few people lingered by the shore, as most had gone to the Yaoxuan Pavilion. Occasionally, she encountered young girls who looked at her with curiosity and surprise, whispering among themselves. Perhaps they hadn’t expected the “divine physician” to be so beautiful and young. Lu Man didn’t mind their abruptness, after all, they were just children. She smiled and nodded in response to their looks, receiving smiles in return.
Though she appeared relaxed, she felt unsettled inside, feeling a sense of guilt as a doctor for not being able to help the child. Regardless of who poisoned him, the child was the victim. A child so young and adorable—how could those people bear to…
She stood still by the shore. As the wind passed, a gentle fragrance enveloped her, with the emerald lotus leaves rolling like waves, the elegant lotus flowers swaying in the wind… and the laughter of the girls echoing closer.
At that moment, a two-tiered painted boat glided across the lake, with several men and children on board. One child spotted Lu Man and excitedly shouted, “Sister-in-law, I’m on the boat, having so much fun!”
An elderly man also waved at Lu Man, saying, “Granddaughter-in-law, I’m on the boat, having a great time!”
Lu Man recognized the child as Song Mo and the old man as the old Marquis Jiang. Beside them stood the handsome Song Ming, smiling in her direction.
Returning the smile, Lu Man waved back at them.
As the girls’ laughter drew closer, three girls playfully pushed one towards Lu Man. Mama Qian, always vigilant of her surroundings, tried to intercept but ended up being pushed into the lake.
The sudden turn of events startled everyone. The onlookers cried for help as two women on the shore and two on the boat jumped into the water to rescue her.
Lu Man, knowing how to swim from her past life, observed the situation as the women dove in. Seeing that they acted promptly and the water wasn’t too deep, she didn’t join them.
She nervously watched as the women swiftly brought Mama Qian ashore. Mama Qian was conscious but vomiting water. Lu Man gently patted her back, ensuring she was safe before feeling relieved.