Chapter 40: Resolved

Jiang Zhanwei used scissors to cut the strings of both books, extracted the pages detailing the treatment for the “living tree people”, and inserted them into the middle of “He Family Medical Case Notes.”

Suddenly, he unfolded the moldy page, examined the content on both sides, and instructed Lu Man, “Write down the upper half of this page.”

“Why?” Lu Man asked, puzzled.

Impatiently, Jiang Zhanwei snapped, “Just write it down! Stop dawdling!”

“I don’t need to write. I’ve already memorized it.” Lu Man insisted. Anticipating his irritation, she added, “I have an excellent memory. I can recite it to you if you don’t believe me.”

Glancing at her, Jiang Zhanwei folded the page, tearing off the top half, including the moldy section.

Surprised, Lu Man asked, “What are you doing?”

Jiang Zhanwei frowned, “You foolish woman, I’m giving you a chance to shine.”

Understanding his intentions, Lu Man realized that this man was truly devious.

Observing him take out various items, including sulfur, from the black box to continue his forgery. After about an hour, the edges of the once unreadable page turned yellow and moldy, appearing convincingly aged. To enhance the authenticity, he slightly altered the pages before and after, creating a moldy imprint.

Examining the result, Jiang Zhanwei remarked, “It’s not perfect due to the short time, but it should fool imperial Physicians and Grandmother.”

He inserted the falsified pages into “He Family Medical Case Notes”, then used an awl with a small notch to thread the fabricated string through the binding hole, passing it through and pulling it out from the other side.

After over a quarter of an hour, the centuries-old “He Family Medical Case Notes” appeared before Lu Man in a new light.

Grinning from ear to ear, Lu Man held the book, relieved that the issue that had been plaguing her for days was finally resolved. Tomorrow, she would present the book, and the Imperial Physicians, Fu and Wang, would administer the acupuncture and medicine. This presented an opportunity for her to learn from them. Additionally, there were missing details in the sensory stimulation section, allowing her to offer suggestions to showcase her intelligence and wit.

Jiang Zhanwei paused momentarily, his heart racing. Her smile was so pure and radiant, devoid of any impurities, warm and bright like the sunlight after a storm. The emotions he had yearned for so long, the resilience she displayed despite enduring so much injustice…

Lu Man, still engrossed in the medical book, thanked him.

Quickly regaining composure, Jiang Zhanwei coldly responded, “I’m not helping you, I’m assisting my grandfather. You don’t need to thank me.” With that, he left the room.

Feeling a pang of regret, Lu Man looked at his retreating figure, cursing herself for getting carried away and thanking him unnecessarily. This man was not only twisted and malicious but also a habitual deceiver.

She felt inadequate. Despite being thirty-one in her previous life, having spent over twenty years in education and seven years as a doctor, she found herself lacking in comparison to this man. Reflecting on their backgrounds, she realized her upbringing had been sheltered, whereas he had grown up in adversity, quickly maturing under harsh conditions. His exceptional intelligence and murky past only added to the enigma surrounding him.

As they left the western study, the starlit sky shimmered above, the moon reaching its zenith.

In the eastern room, Jiang Zhanwei directed Liu Ya, “Arrange the heated brick bed, I will rest here.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Man felt a sense of relief. She was grateful to be away from the volatile man.

Observing this, Lu Ying diligently helped Hong Ling tidy up the bed, relieved at the thought of Third Young Master not sharing the bed with Lu Man after the distressing cries she heard the night before.

Both Lu Ying and Hong Ling wore expressions of joy.

Lying in bed, Lu Man was filled with excitement for most of the night. Presenting the prescription from “He Family Medical Case Notes”, she saw a glimmer of hope in her uncertain situation…

She eventually drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened shortly after.

Lu Ying, who had been informed by Xing, entered to serve Lu Man. “Xing mentioned that Third Young Master left before dawn.” she relayed.

Xing had been on night duty the previous evening.

Xing added, “Madam, Third Young Master got up at the hour of the Tiger (3-5:00 AM) to prepare and left for the outer courtyard to make his way to the camp. He didn’t want to disturb Madam, so I…”

Annoyed, Hong Ling interjected, “Third Young Master was being polite, and you took it seriously. If this gets out, people won’t say the servants lack manners, they’ll say Madam isn’t considerate, letting her husband leave while she sleeps. You’re harming Madam with your actions.”

Though she disliked Hong Ling, Lu Ying acknowledged the truth in her words, realizing Xing’s mischief. She shot Xing a stern glance.

At just thirteen years old, Xing felt conflicted and scared, assuming she had offended Third Young Madam by following Third Young Master’s instructions. Seeing both Lu Man’s maid displeased with her, she quickly knelt down to apologize, “Third Young Madam, I didn’t have any ill intentions. I was wrong…”

Lu Man reassured her, “Get up quickly. You did nothing wrong.”

She genuinely believed that Xing was innocent. Relieved to hear that Jiang Zhanwei had left, she felt all tension dissipate from her body.

Furrowing her brow, Lu Man addressed Lu Ying and Hong Ling, “In this household, Third Young Master’s word is law. We must abide by his commands. Also, unity and trust are essential among the staff. I don’t want to hear any negativity again.”

The new maids and older servants were unsure, but they hesitantly chose to trust Liu Ya, Tao, and Xing, who had served Jiang Zhanwei previously. Lu Man realized she had to utilize these three maids, especially Liu Ya, who was reliable and reserved, making her a potential valuable asset.

Hong Ling blushed and kneeled, “Yes, I won’t do it again.”

After dinner, Lu Man instructed Lu Ying to bring the book, and they headed to the Crane Hall.

Excited, Lu Ying asked, “Madam, did you find the prescription to treat old Marquis?”

“Yes.” Lu Man replied.

Grinning, Lu Ying remarked, “If you save old Marquis, Third Young Master will treat you better.”