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The drastic change in Second Master’s behavior left Lu Man speechless. Just moments ago, he was clenching his fists ready to strike someone, and now he had transformed into this demeanor. Considering Jiang Zhanyu’s illness, she felt like ignoring this foolish master.
Jiang Zhanyu lay in bed, his complexion slightly pale, but seemingly not in serious condition. Lu Man checked his pulse and felt that although not ideal, the illness was not severe, a few doses of digitalis would likely resolve the issue. Being long ill had made Jiang Zhanyu knowledgeable in handling his condition.
Lu Man understood Jiang Zhanyu’s thoughtful intentions. He was a kind son, a true gentleman.
Without revealing his secret, she had the medicine brewed with the appropriate dose of digitalis, and then she administered acupuncture.
After observing him for a while, she smiled and asked, “Is Fifth Young Master upset with Third Young Master?”
Realizing he couldn’t hide it from his excellent “physician”, Jiang Zhanyu blushed and sheepishly smiled, his clear eyes resembling mountain springs. He said, “I’m not upset with Third Brother. Putting myself in his shoes, I would do the same. I apologize on behalf of my father to Third Brother, Eighth Brother, Jiu, and Miss Zhou, for hurting their feelings. I will apologize to them in person when Third Sister invites me for a drink.”
Lu Man nodded, saying, “Great, I will personally cook and prepare some of my best dishes for you.”
Jiang Zhanyu sounded a bit resigned as he continued, “I was happy to see my parents’ relationship with you all improving, thinking Third Sister is kind, and Zhankui, Jiu are truly good children. With your care, if I were to leave early, my parents wouldn’t be too heartbroken. But now, my father is stubborn, my mother is unwell, sigh…”
Pouting playfully, Lu Man said, “Fifth Young Master, don’t you trust me? I’ve said I can extend your life by twenty, thirty years, or even longer.”
Jiang Zhanyu hurriedly replied, “I trust Third Sister, but you never know. Even good people can face unexpected illnesses. They say one can’t predict when a serious illness might strike, especially someone like me who has been chronically ill.”
Lu Man chuckled, saying, “You don’t understand this. Good people die quickly from serious illnesses because they are unaware and neglect preventive measures. On the other hand, medicine jars live longer because they are aware of their condition, regularly check, focus on maintenance, and consistently take medication for control.”
Jiang Zhanyu chuckled and said, “Your twisted reasoning is quite something, Third Sister.”
Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he exclaimed, “Third Sister, I’ve finally found something I enjoy doing. Come, let me show you.” With that, he got out of bed, making such a grand movement that a maid rushed to assist.
Lu Man playfully scolded, “Take it easy, you shouldn’t be moving around too much right now.”
As a physician who frequently visited Jiang Zhanyu for medical check-ups, he was still in his undergarments. The room was warm with a brazier burning, and as he got up, a maid draped a thin cotton robe over him.
He sat down at the mahogany carved desk beneath the glass window. Since only the bedroom had glass windows installed, and he preferred reading in bright light, his bedroom and study were integrated, featuring not only a writing desk but also a bookcase, while two wardrobes were placed in the adjacent room.
Though the glass window was frosted over with thick ice flowers, it still allowed better lighting compared to paper-covered windows. Sunlight filtered through the ice flowers, casting mottled and colorful patterns on the desk.
On the desk sat a small jade-colored porcelain bucket containing several scroll paintings.
Jiang Zhanyu unrolled a scroll depicting a cow, followed by another showing two fish, then a horse and two small swallows, and finally a landscape. These paintings were all in ink wash without coloring. Lu Man didn’t understand painting, let alone traditional Chinese painting, but she found them visually appealing. Even a cow, a horse, or a fish carried a profound artistic essence, with animal paintings surpassing landscape paintings in her view.
Sincerely impressed, she praised, “These are really good.”
Jiang Zhanyu smiled and shared, “I’ve loved painting since I was young, especially animals. I admire their lively spirit.”
Reflecting on past artists who painted horses and shrimp, Lu Man remarked, “They were considered the ‘double masterpieces’ in the world of painting.”
Lu Man suggested, “Fifth Young Master, I think you should specialize in painting animals in the future and choose one or two animals that you excel at and enjoy the most. You must observe and capture their characteristics in your paintings, showcasing your distinct style…”
Although Lu Man didn’t understand painting, she was familiar with the struggles and learning methods of some historical painters in her past life, so she spoke eloquently on the subject.
As Jiang Zhanyu’s eyes brightened, he rose and bowed deeply to Lu Man, saying, “Third Sister, your words are worth more than years of study. Thank you.”
When the Princess, Third Madam, Eldest Young Madam, and Second Madam supported by Second Master hurried over, they heard Jiang Zhanyu’s voice and Lu Man’s laughter from the room, which eased their worries.
Princess Changting glanced at Second Master and his wife, saying meaningfully, “Zhanwei’s wife is a good child. Don’t lose sight of the tangible good things for the sake of intangible matters. When a person dies, everything is in vain. Plan for the living.”
Second Master and Second Madam both lowered their heads.
Second Master, Third Madam, and Eldest Young Madam went into the bedroom to see Jiang Zhanyu, while the old lady took Second Madam by the hand, leading her to sit on the kang.
Seeing this, the servants all retreated.
In a hushed tone, Princess Changting said a few words to Second Madam, whose eyes widened with surprise and joy. She asked, “Can this really happen?”
Princess Changting pretended to be displeased, saying, “After you’ve been in this mansion for over twenty years, do you still doubt my abilities?”
Madam Lin quickly replied, “I trust you, Mother.” Her eyes teared up as she added, “As long as we resolve Zhanyu’s matter, I can depart in peace.”
Princess Changting scolded, “You’re still young to be saying such things. Even an old woman like me wants to see Zhanyu’s children running around before closing my eyes in peace. Don’t worry, we have a divine physician in the family, and with Zhanyu, we can all live long.”
Madam Lin confessed, “Yes, I misspoke.”
Princess Changting added, “Let’s keep this matter between us for now until it’s sorted out. Otherwise, with too many people knowing, if something unexpected happens, it won’t be ideal.”
Second Madam nodded in agreement.
They then went to see Jiang Zhanyu. The old lady scolded him for not taking care of his health properly.
Apologizing profusely, Jiang Zhanyu expressed that as long as Third Sister was around, he wasn’t afraid even if he had many thoughts…
Sitting by the bedside, the old lady conversed with Second Master and his wife, Lu Man, and Jiang Zhanyu, paying little attention to Third Madam and eldest Young Madam.
Both women were astute and noticed the old lady’s intentions, there must be something she wanted to discuss privately with Second Madam. After comforting Jiang Zhanyu for a few moments, they both stood up.