Chapter 57: Joy

Observing the situation, Second Madam Chen and the man appeared very familiar, with her continuously instructing him, and him nodding and bowing in response. The young girl, Lu Yuan, held a package, likely containing some fabric.

According to old Lu, Manager Li at Renhe Hall, was once an apprentice pharmacist there, and old Lu remembered him. When asked how Renhe Hall had downsized to its current modest appearance, Manager Li shook his head, mentioning that the larger storefront had changed hands. When pressed for details, he remained silent.

Lu Man thought to herself, wondering why Renhe Hall, once owned by the He family, had changed hands so swiftly after He Huang’s incident, with Second Madam Chen involved. There was certainly more to this situation. Additionally, why build a small room next to the shop, still named Renhe Hall, and continue selling medicine? What was the purpose behind this downsized Renhe Hall?

Manager Li, likely didn’t dare to acknowledge her due to the man accompanying him, possibly fearing him, especially since the man knew Second Madam Chen.

It was crucial to locate Mama Wang swiftly, as she had previously mentioned Renhe Hall and likely knew some inside information…

As Lu Man lay in bed contemplating, she was still awake. When drowsiness finally set in, Lu Ying entered and called out, “Third Young Madam, it’s nearly half-past eleven, it’s time to go to Crane Hall.”

Rousing herself from her daze, Lu Man washed her face, then ate a small bowl of mango yogurt, feeling fully awake.

Ignoring Hong Ling’s discontent, she called for Xing, and they headed to Crane Hall together. Xing carried a food box containing mango yogurt.

As the aroma of yogurt wafted out, Lu Man suddenly had an idea that might hasten Mama Wang’s return. Her spirits lifted, and she walked briskly, feeling elated.

Arriving at Crane Hall, Princess Changting was sitting by the old Marquis’s bedside, fanning him, the epitome of a dutiful wife.

Smiling at Princess Changting, Lu Man said, “Grandmother, this is yogurt, a childhood favorite of mine that my wet nurse used to make. It helps with digestion and cleansing. I made some for Little Jiu and brought a bowl as a gesture of filial piety to you. I hope you don’t mind, Grandmother.”

“Yogurt? That’s quite rare.” Princess Changting set down her fan and took the small bowl. She sniffed it, wrinkled her nose in distaste, and said, “It smells peculiar.”

Lu Man chuckled, “Yes, it’s a bit strange, but once you get used to it after a few bites, it’s quite good. According to Mama Wang, this yogurt was a favorite among the Hui people. When my mother was young and had stomach issues, my maternal grandmother often made yogurt for her. Surprisingly, my mother’s stomach gradually improved.”

Aware of the medical heritage of the He family, Princess Changting understood the potential benefits for digestion and cautiously tasted a few spoonfuls. Initially skeptical, she found it palatable and, unknowingly, finished the entire bowl.

After finishing, even she chuckled and remarked, “Oh, tangy and sweet, not bad at all. The mango cubes, too, taste a bit odd on their own, but paired with the yogurt, it’s much better.”

Just then, Imperial Physician Wang exclaimed, “Quick, look, the old Marquis’s nose twitched.”

Everyone turned to look at the old Marquis and indeed saw his nose twitching, with his mouth moving slightly.

Princess Changting laughed heartily, “He must have caught a whiff of the yogurt’s scent and got tempted.”

Lu Man’s eyes sparkled with amusement as she said, “The unique flavor of the yogurt stimulated Grandfather’s sense of smell, truly a delightful surprise. I’ll make it more often in the future, to show filial piety to Grandmother and also tempt Grandfather.” With that, she began massaging the old Marquis.

Conversations flowed between Lu Man and Princess Changting, filled with anecdotes and laughter centered around the old Marquis, creating a joyous atmosphere in the room.

Initially, Princess Changting conversed with Lu Man solely to entertain her husband. Gradually, she found Lu Man’s conversational skills engaging, each word seemingly aimed at pleasing the old Marquis but inadvertently bringing joy to her as well. Lu Man’s gentle and wise words, filled with warmth and intelligence, made Princess Changting genuinely happy.

From that day onwards, whenever she heard Lu Man’s voice, her mood inexplicably lifted. She became more convinced that one day, the old Marquis would awaken to this soft voice. With a beautiful peacemaker like Lu Man by his side, even her stern and serious grandson, usually lacking in smiles, shouldn’t be too unhappy with the family’s arrangements…

Lu Man had mentioned various milk-based foods today, like yogurt, double-skinned milk, milk tea, cream cakes, and more.

Mama Qian chuckled, “Third Young Madam, how do you know so much about milk-based foods? Just hearing those names makes my mouth water.”

Lu Man smiled, “These were all frequently made by my wet nurse, Mama Wang. She used to say that the robust physique of the northern Tartars was due to their milk consumption. I only know how to make yogurt and double-skinned milk, the rest are beyond me. Mama Wang was not only skilled in cooking but also very kind to me. If it weren’t for her protection.” her voice lowered, “I don’t know if I could have survived. Even if I did, I don’t know what I would have become… When my stepmother sent her away, I stopped studying with my siblings… But she is my mother, and I had no choice. That foolish act of mine was because she made me doubt family and life, leaving me desolate and confused… I was young and ignorant, didn’t think things through, and brought shame to Grandmother and Third Young Master… If Grandfather can’t wake up because of me, then I have sinned even more.”

Tears welled up in Lu Man’s eyes, which she quickly wiped away. She bowed respectfully to Princess Changting, her voice choked up as she said, “Grandmother, I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn in a moment of distress.”

She then silently resumed massaging the old Marquis.

A heavy silence enveloped the room, with even the faint sighs of Imperial Physician Fu sounding unusually clear.

After a while, Princess Changting spoke coldly, “In this world, there are always such malicious women who treat other people’s children as less than their own, even wishing harm upon them. I can’t understand why Zhanwei’s wife, who is obviously a clever child, would commit such a foolish act. So young, yet risking her life. It’s a shame.” Turning to Lu Man, she added, “Good child, Grandmother knows you are good. With me by your side, your stepmother won’t be able to mistreat you anymore. However, you mustn’t entertain such foolish thoughts again. No one likes a woman who plays with life and death.”

Moved by Princess Changting’s words, Lu Man choked up, “Grandmother, thank you for treating me kindly, even after my wrongdoing…”

Princess Changting patted Lu Man’s arm gently, saying, “Don’t cry. I understand your feelings. Trust me, focus on treating your grandfather well, and everything will be better.”

Mama Qian remarked, “Third Madam hasn’t been in the princess’s residence for long, so she may not be aware of everything. Princess Changting is truly charitable and compassionate, always caring for the weak and vulnerable. If she hears about a child being mistreated somewhere, her heart aches for them.”

Guo chimed in, “It must be thanks to the kindness of Princess Changting that Third Young Madam survived and the old Marquis’s illness improved so quickly.”

The room filled with more praises and compliments.