Chapter 37: Not Virtuous

Among the men, aside from Sixth Young Master Jiang Zhanxun’s arrogance, the others seemed tolerable in their demeanor towards her, at least being civil on the surface. Of course, this was after Jiang Zhanwei’s generous speech, without that segment, she wasn’t sure how these people would have treated her.

The members of the main and third branches didn’t display any particularly offensive behavior towards Lu Man, but she could still sense their disdain towards her.

As for Second Master and Second Madam, these two were quite peculiar… Oh, and there was Fifth Master Jiang Zhanyu, the refined young gentleman. Apart from Jiang Jiu, this young man left the best impression on Lu Man in the household.

Each member of the Second Branch displayed extreme facets of their personalities. Second Master was too mundane and talkative. Second Madam was too ethereal and reserved. Jiang Zhanwei was too stern, like ice. Jiang Zhanyu was too elegant, like white jade. Jiang Zhankui was too cunning and manipulative. Jiang Jiu was too adorable, akin to a little white rabbit.

Lu Man speculated about individuals like Second Master, who could hold the position of a fifth-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites. She wondered how many favors the Princess had asked from the Emperor. Especially considering the ethereal Second Madam being married to him, it seemed like placing a flower in manure.

Then there was the old Marquis lying in bed, apart from his aversion to illegitimate children, his character remained a mystery. If he was as stubborn as old Madam Zhu, he would be an extremely disagreeable individual…

While this might be the surface, the undercurrents remained unknown.

Among all these people, the most daunting individual was Jiang Zhanwei. He projected an image of a righteous and dutiful gentleman in public, but Lu Man knew he was a complex and contradictory figure—cold, arrogant, self-loathing, the one who hated himself the most and inflicted the deepest wounds on himself. Yet, he spoke so eloquently, pretending to be her protector… However, due to their current mutual interests, she had to cooperate with him to maintain a facade of harmony.

With Jiang Zhanwei’s assistance, a challenging battle was finally over. The days ahead would depend on the old Marquis’s recovery.

Only when the old Marquis recovered could she possibly find a way to leave this place. The specifics of how and under what circumstances she would leave would be determined after the old Marquis woke up, there would be a way out when the time came.

Lu Man closed her eyes and recalled the records in “Records of Revival” regarding the treatment of the “living tree people.” She had a hunch that this treatment plan would be most suitable for the old Marquis.

However, implementing this treatment plan fully would involve acupuncture, medication, herbal baths, and sensory stimulation. While she deeply desired to save the old Marquis single-handedly, it was simply impossible. She wasn’t a miracle worker, not even a suitable doctor to do so, she wouldn’t meddle in acupuncture or prescribing medicine, and she didn’t know how to perform acupuncture. If she were to present “Records of Revival” to the Imperial Physician and others for treatment, the book was attributed to Sun Wa, and the current physicians held a strong aversion towards Sun Wa. They wouldn’t use such methods and might even destroy the book.

Reflecting on it, she admired the honesty of the ancestor from the He family, who never thought to claim Sun Wa’s technological achievements as his own. If “Records of Revival” bore his name, with the He family’s reputation in medicine, people would unquestionably trust the book he authored.

Seeing Liu Ya quietly sitting on a small stool knitting, Lu Man asked, “Liu Ya, could you help me buy some things outside?”

Liu Ya looked up and smiled, “If Third Young Madam isn’t in a hurry, I have a day off in five days and will return home, then I can go shopping. If you’re in a rush, I can ask someone from the outer courtyard to help. Or, the four women in our courtyard who go home to rest every night. If Third Young Madam thinks…”

Lu Man didn’t want too many people to know her business. Although Liu Ya had served Jiang Zhanwei before, Lu Man had to trust her for the time being. Without harming Jiang Zhanwei’s interests, Liu Ya shouldn’t betray her.

She replied, “The women gossip too much, let’s forget it. Do you have any trustworthy relatives in the outer courtyard? I want to buy a set of silver needles and some moxibustion sticks.”

Liu Ya chuckled, “My father works in the stables, and I have a brother running errands in the external affairs office. Both my father and brother are reliable and don’t talk much.”

Lu Man nodded, “Alright, have them buy it for me tomorrow, make sure to get good quality.”

She also gave ten taels of silver to Liu Ya. She wasn’t sure about the prices, so she gave this amount for now.

From now on, she needed to practice acupuncture and pulse diagnosis. Moxibustion therapy wasn’t difficult, she just needed to remember the acupuncture points for various ailments, maintain the right distance, and apply heat.

Lu Ying had a long nap and then came over from the back room. Seeing Lu Man in the old outfit, she suggested, “Third Young Madam, aren’t there several dozen excellent fabrics in the rear courtyard storeroom? Let us make you some new clothes.” She then asked Liu Ya, “Liu Ya, can you cut clothes? Hong Ling and I can sew and embroider but can’t cut.”

Liu Ya, “Oh, I’m not very skilled with my hands. I can manage simple clothing cuts, but I wouldn’t dare to attempt tailoring for Third Young Madam…”

As they spoke, several maids in the courtyard called out for “Third Young Master”, with Hong Ling’s voice being the most melodious.

Lu Ying muttered under her breath, “Shameless little minions.”

Glancing at Lu Man’s expressionless face, Liu Ya decided not to meddle further. If the maids in the household were so lacking in tact, she would have reprimanded them privately long ago. However, knowing that Hong Ling and Lu Ying were brought from Lu Man’s maternal home, and since Lu Man hadn’t expressed any disapproval, Liu Ya decided to stay out of it.

Jiang Zhanwei entered, frowned upon seeing Lu Man, and questioned, “Are you trying to imply that I can’t afford to dress my wife?”

Lu Man stood up and bowed to him, saying, “Third Young Master, it’s just that this attire is loose and comfortable to wear. Since I won’t be leaving the compound today, I opted for it. If it displeases you, I can change.”

Jiang Zhanwei furrowed his brow and replied, “There’s no need to change.” He then headed to the washroom.

Lu Man rolled her eyes internally, recognizing his true attitude. Why act so hypocritically in front of others?

Xing and Tao followed to assist, while Hong Ling wanted to join but was reminded by Lu Ying, “Hong Ling, it’s time to go to the kitchen to fetch the food.”

Although Hong Ling wanted to retort, she noticed Lu Man’s stern expression and refrained from doing so, leaving with Lu Ying.

After changing into a navy blue robe, Jiang Zhanwei appeared more imposing in darker attire. He had brought along some clothes and daily necessities, which the maids had set out for him.

Sitting on the other side of the heated brick bed in the east room, Jiang Zhanwei was served tea by Liu Ya before she excused herself with the maids.

Observing Lu Man sitting there quietly, her ill-fitting clothes, plain face, and serene demeanor, Jiang Zhanwei couldn’t help but shake his head. No matter how beautiful she appeared, lacking in virtue rendered everything in vain. When her husband returned, she should be eagerly waiting, not sitting so nonchalantly. This woman wasn’t just capricious, she engaged in inappropriate behavior and lacked domestic virtues.