Chapter 313: Suggestion

Lu Man did not dare to openly defy the old Marquis, so she glanced at Jiang Yue. The little girl was absolutely dominant, and the old Marquis was always firmly under her control.

At this moment, the little girl was squeezed between the Princess and the old Marquis, lowering her head to play with a doll, completely unaware of what was happening in front of her, and also unaware that her father was being disliked again.

Lu Man said, “Yue, Yue, did Yu Qilin play the role of your father well?”

Jiang Yue did not understand the play, so she naturally did not know whether Yu Qilin played well or even who Yu Qilin was. But in her eyes, anything connected to her father was the best.

Hearing her mother’s question, she immediately raised her head and loudly replied, “Good, good, Father is good.”

“Then is Yu Qilin good at playing the role of your father?” Lu Man asked again.

The old Marquis said firmly, “No.”

Jiang Yue’s eyes widened, and she shouted, “Good! Good!” She threw the doll in her hand down, climbed onto the old Marquis’s lap, and hugged his face, insisting, “Very good, very good.”

Once Jiang Yue started acting coquettishly, the old Marquis’s heart melted instantly, and he quickly said without principle, “Good, good, if my great-grandchild says it’s good, then it’s good.”

The Princess had always wanted to ease the relationship between the old Marquis and Jiang Zhanwei, so she laughed heartily and said, “Since both the old Marquis and Little Yue say it’s good, then it must be good.” Then, she smiled at the distressed Yu Qilin and said, “You sang very well, and your martial arts were also good. You portrayed my grandson Zhanwei’s literary and martial prowess very accurately. The old Marquis was just joking with you earlier. Don’t be sad, my good child. Come, let’s reward you with another twenty taels.”

With the Princess’s decisive words, everyone else chimed in again.

Lu Man added, “Yu Qilin performed exceptionally well. I will reward him with an additional twenty taels. Zhankui, Jiu, and Little Yue all like the performance, so they will each be rewarded with five taels.”

Yu Qilin was extremely excited and quickly bowed in gratitude.

This excerpt describes how the play was later performed in the imperial palace and received high praise from the Emperor. The Emperor even encouraged the women of the imperial clan to learn from the character of Princess Changting, teaching their descendants to prioritize the country over the family and not indulge in luxury and pleasure.

Despite some people knowing the true reasons behind Jiang Zhanwei’s enlistment, the Emperor chose to believe in the narrative presented, and others had no choice but to follow suit. A few stubborn officials submitted memorials questioning the authenticity of the play, but the Emperor withheld them and scolded the officials, accusing them of spreading rumors that would dishearten the hero during a time when the entire nation was celebrating his triumphant return.

Lu Man secretly delighted in hearing this, thinking that the Emperor’s thinking was quite progressive, knowing to establish a model of heroism.

In fact, it couldn’t be said that “Princess Changting Teaches Her Grandson” was entirely false. Princess Changting was indeed virtuous and often taught her descendants to be loyal to the monarch and love their country. The play simply condensed her decades of teachings to several generations into a single performance. Jiang Zhanwei’s enlistment was packaged as a great act of patriotism, aligning with the patriotic sentiments he displayed at the family recognition banquet. Moreover, he was truly a hero proficient in both literature and martial arts. Old Duke Xie had said that without Jiang Zhanwei’s leadership of the Black Furry Camp, the war would have lasted at least three more years.

Opera troupes throughout the capital and the Dachun regions rushed to stage this play, with artists refining the dialogue and singing styles to perfect the performance. Princess Changting became a symbol of a woman’s strength and virtue, while Jiang Zhanwei became a renowned military strategist and national hero. This classic drama continued to be celebrated in this era.

The next day, the Xie family hosted a banquet. All the masters from the Princess Changting’s Residence, as well as those from Donghui Courtyard, along with He Cheng and his mother, brought generous gifts to congratulate them.

It was said that even the Emperor and the crown prince visited the Xie residence in disguise. The Xie family’s glory was unmatched at that time.

Without discussing the court’s preparations for the welcoming ceremony and the prisoner presentation for the Xie army’s return to the capital, the Princess Changting’s residence and Donghui Courtyard also began preparing for Jiang Zhanwei’s return. They purchased large quantities of colored silk lanterns, bought clothes and jewelry for the masters and servants, and repainted the houses…

Lu Man was pushed from behind and also actively prepared, even taking Steward Ming’s suggestion to renovate Donghui Courtyard, which had only been refurbished two years prior.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, time quickly slipped into the winter month, and the Xie army was approaching the capital.

Lu Man had another major concern on her mind.

The Crown Prince’s wedding is scheduled for the ninth day of the second month next year. If he wants healthy children, he must stop taking medication from this month onwards. Of course, while internal medication is not possible, external applications are still an option, which can alleviate some of the pain.

In fact, men have it a bit easier when it comes to illness compared to women. If a woman is ill and becomes pregnant, she must wait until after childbirth to continue medication. Men, on the other hand, can continue taking medication once the woman’s pregnancy is confirmed.

Since the Crown Prince started taking Bai Hezi Pills and Willow Bark Pills, his condition has improved to a certain extent. At the very least, the pain has lessened, and he can sleep peacefully at night.

Lu Man saw him from a distance once, he had gained weight and looked much more spirited.

The explanation given to Empress Wang and others for the Crown Prince’s improved health was that the chief physician of the Imperial Hospital discovered that Bai Hezi Pills and Willow Bark Pills could control his illness. Empress Wang was very happy and rewarded the chief physician with many good items.

Lu Man thought for a long time before deciding to convey this message to the Princess, “… This matter concerns the royal offspring. Not saying anything could result in an unhealthy child, giving others an opportunity to take advantage. But speaking up might also invite trouble.”

In truth, Lu Man always felt that the Crown Prince, who would only be eighteen next year, could wait a bit longer for children. Moreover, with the creation of Huang Ke Lai and the potential development of “Soul Stealing Powder”, she could remove the tumor. However, considering that the Emperor only has one heir, if something were to happen to the Crown Prince without leaving an heir, it would truly benefit certain individuals.

The Princess pondered for a moment before saying, “It must be said, offspring are of the utmost importance. The Crown Prince has endured illness for over a decade and has persevered. Although internal medication is not an option, external applications are still possible, which is better than before. Let him endure for four months, and it would be best if all those women become pregnant.”

When the Princess visited the palace to see the Emperor, she discreetly conveyed Lu Man’s message to the Crown Prince. The essence was that the two medications have certain toxic properties, and if he wants healthy children, he must stop taking them three months in advance. Other medications should also be discontinued if possible. If he does not wish to stop taking medication, it would be best to postpone having children.

Such truthful words could only be spoken by Princess Changting, who had a close relationship with the Emperor and the Crown Prince. Others would not dare. Harming the Crown Prince, obstructing royal offspring, and presumptuously guessing royal affairs are all serious crimes.

The Crown Prince pondered for a moment before nodding in agreement. He also said, “Thank you, Imperial Aunt. I know you are truly concerned for me. Since taking those two medications, I have been sleeping exceptionally well, which I had not anticipated before. Those pains, I could endure them in my youth, let alone now. Offspring are above everything…”