Font Size:
Jiang Zhankui stated, “I will teach my sister, as well as my Third Brother.”
Lu Man interjected, “But what about next year, when Eighth Young Master goes to the outer courtyard? And how long has it been since Third Young Master last came home?”
Jiang Zhankui continued, “Brother mentioned that once Little Jiu turns seven, he will hire a tutor to teach her reading and writing.”
Lu Man scoffed, “There are no other girls her age in the estate to study with, and the tutor only teaches for an hour, mainly focusing on literacy. But what about life skills? Is she going to learn from Mama Gu?” She could sense Jiang Zhankui’s strong distaste for Mama Gu.
The thought of Little Jiu growing up to resemble Mama Gu made Jiang Zhankui shudder, a mix of fear and confusion evident in his eyes. He realized even his incredibly clever Third Brother had unexpected blind spots, Little Jiu couldn’t turn out like that.
Lu Man added with a smile, “In reality, I have many strengths. I understand medicine, can cook, and am crafty. Once you get to know me better, you’ll see. Let Little Jiu come play in my courtyard, so she doesn’t feel lonely, and I have some company.” She aimed to boost her image a bit, hoping that by flattering Jiang Zhankui, he might allow Little Jiu to visit Orchid Pavilion more often.
Jiang Zhankui retorted, “Truly refined people don’t boast about their refinement.”
Laughing, Lu Man replied, “Since we haven’t interacted much, if I don’t mention my strengths, how would you know? At the very least, I’m better than Mama Gu, right?”
Jiang Jiu couldn’t help but smile and said, “Third Sister-in-law is indeed more interesting than Mama Gu. Little Jiu enjoys playing with Third Sister-in-law.”
Although Jiang Zhankui remained silent, he absorbed these words.
Just then, Mama Gu and Ling Zhi approached.
Jiang Zhankui huffed, “With that old hag around, don’t expect my sister to get close to you.”
Puzzled, Jiang Jiu asked, “Who is Brother scolding?”
Jiang Zhankui, aware of his sister’s strong attachment to Mama Gu, didn’t want to hurt her feelings and explained, “I wasn’t scolding anyone, you misheard, Little Sister.”
Mama Gu shot a disapproving look at Lu Man and left with Jiang Jiu.
Watching them depart, Lu Man felt that regardless of Jiang Zhanwei’s perception of her interference, she should clarify the little girl’s situation to him, possibly through Jiang Zhanwei himself. Even if he intended to continue relying on Mama Gu, he shouldn’t allow her to control every aspect of the girl’s life. Having grown up in such an environment, he might assume Jiang Jiu would follow the same path. However, emotional intelligence and intellectual abilities vary among individuals, and emotions differ between men and women.
What pleased Lu Man was that in the following days, Jiang Zhankui, Jiang Jiu, and Qichang visited Orchid Pavilion every evening after dinner, enjoying the cooler weather as the sun set. They couldn’t stay long and had to return to Qingfeng Courtyard before nightfall.
Lu Man happened to have some ingredients and fruits on hand. Initially, she made fruit tarts for their first visit, followed by watermelon yogurt on another. With the hot weather, the milk would ferment rapidly.
She owed her culinary skills to her mother in her past life. Her mother had retired at fifty and devoted herself entirely to her. To ensure her daughter ate healthy, she often bought ingredients and cooked at home. Over time, Lu Man learned a few tricks in the kitchen.
On the morning of May 24th, Lu Man prepared some more yogurt, adding mango cubes for extra flavor. Mangoes were a luxury in that era, and Princess Changting, impressed by Lu Man’s performance, specially rewarded her with a few.
The yogurt was originally for Little Jiu to have in the evening, but Lu Man heard Princess Changting wasn’t feeling well and decided to take her a bowl in the afternoon.
Anxious and restless all morning, Lu Man eagerly awaited Lu Ying’s return. Earlier, she had sent Lu Ying and Li, Ying’s father, to Renhe Hall in Tachiao Alley to buy medicines.
As lunch was served, Lu Ying had yet to return.
Lu Man ate her meal, occasionally glancing out the window.
Hong Ling remarked with a smile, “Third Young Madam is too kind-hearted, buying moxibustion sticks for Huang’s family. It would’ve been enough to have Lu Ying’s father, bring it back. No need for Lu Ying to accompany him.”
Feeling a bit uneasy, Hong Ling recalled how in the morning, Lu Man took Xing with her to Crane Hall, neglecting to bring her along. Though Lu Man had privately mentioned leaving someone trustworthy at Orchid Pavilion, Hong Ling still felt displeased. The grandeur of Crane Hall made her feel frustrated, as she had never been there before.
Aware of Hong Ling’s feelings, Lu Man explained, “Lu Ying’s father can’t discern the quality of moxibustion.”
Finally spotting Lu Ying’s figure at the door, Lu Man excitedly set down her chopsticks.
Lu Ying entered and handed a package to Lu Man, saying, “Third Young Madam, the medicinal herbs and moxibustion supplies have been purchased.”
Taking the package, Lu Man hastily went to her bedroom, with Lu Ying following. Hong Ling wanted to join but was stopped by Lu Ying, who asked her to tidy up the dishes on the brick bed.
In a hushed tone, Lu Ying said, “Third Young Madam, Renhe Hall is still there. I not only saw the Manager Li but also Second Madam and Third Miss.”
Lu Man paused, “Mrs. Xiao Chen and Lu Yuan are there too. Did they see you?”
“No, they didn’t. I didn’t dare to get out of the carriage, just peeked through the curtain. I saw them, but they didn’t see me…” Lu Ying and old Lu (Ying’s Father) rented a covered ox cart. Old Lu was familiar with Renhe Hall, having frequented it years ago to purchase medicine and bring doctors back to the estate for treatments. Since He Huang’s incident, he hadn’t visited.
Due to Lu Ying’s work in Lu Family’s Residence, he knew about Lu Man’s maternal grandfather being He Huang. Thus, during the journey, he shared some insights about Renhe Hall.
He mentioned that Renhe Hall was once substantial, with a facade of sixteen doors leading to several rooms. It had a large courtyard with a pavilion and side rooms. In the past, there were seven to eight head Physician, along with pharmacists, apprentices, runners, totaling around fifty to sixty people.
The location of Renhe Hall was excellent, in the Tachiao Alley near the west street entrance.
Upon arrival, they found a small room next to a larger shop, bearing the plaque of “Renhe Hall.” Interestingly, the adjacent shop displayed the sign of “Luo Weaving Cloth Store.”
Old Lu explained that the cloth store’s front was the original location of Renhe Hall.
Despite the current smaller and shallower appearance of Renhe Hall, even without alighting from the cart, Lu Ying could clearly see the person behind the counter selling medicine – it was the Manager Li who had fallen down the stairs that day.
Old Lu parked the cart outside and went in to make his purchase, engaging in a brief chat with Manager Li. As he sat in front of the cart, Lu Ying spotted Mrs. Xiao Chen and Lu Yuan emerging from the Luo Weaving Cloth Store. The man accompanying them was the one who had helped Manager Li at the Drunken Spring Pavilion that day.
Hmmm