Chapter 60: Sold

Hong Ling was reluctant to leave the estate and hurriedly pleaded, “Third Young Madam, you said a rash isn’t severe.”

Lu Man explained, “A rash isn’t severe, but many people are unfamiliar with this condition. If a physician diagnoses it as a cold-induced rash, then it could be severe. Princess Changting and the First Madam would likely trust the physician more than me.”

Distressed, Hong Ling asked, “Can you cure this illness, Third Young Madam?”

Lu Man replied, “You’re fortunate. There’s a remedy in the He family’s medical case notes for this condition. However, it’s challenging to treat. You must take medicine daily, avoid wind and sunlight, and the treatment may take a while… Alternatively, you can return to your own home. Your parents can care for you diligently there.”

Tears welled up in Hong Ling’s eyes, going back to her family might mean not returning. She knelt on the floor, crying, “Third Young Madam, I’ve served you faithfully for so many years. Please don’t send me away.”

Lu Man said, “I don’t want to part with you either. If you want to stay, you can, but we must keep this a secret from Lu Ying, Xing, Tao, Liu Ya and others. To others, we’ll say you twisted your leg, and I allowed you to recuperate in the back room. Stay in your room, do some needlework, and don’t leave. It’s just a cover-up…”

Moved by Lu Man’s compassion, Hong Ling kowtowed three times.

In the morning, the other maids gathered, and Lu Man informed them about Hong Ling’s condition. They all agreed to keep it a secret and assist her with medication, meals, and errands.

However, Lu Ying, who shared a room with Hong Ling, suggested moving to Xing’s room, stating, “Although Third Young Madam has some medical knowledge, she’s still new. If she misdiagnoses, I might also develop a rash and get expelled. I insist on moving to Xing’s room.”

Later, while assisting Lu Man with her skincare routine, Hong Ling slipped and twisted her ankle. Lu Man diagnosed the injury and had Tao help her back to rest in her room.

After breakfast, Lu Man, Lu Ying, and Xing left Orchid Pavilion. Lu Man and Xing went to Crane Hall, while Lu Ying headed straight to the outer courtyard with two maids and four servants to the Lu family’s residence.

Lu Man gave Lu Ying some silver and silver ingots to manage the household staff and for other expenses. Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Department had prepared gifts for the Lu family, as this visit to the Lu family was like a formal visit between families.

Lu Man instructed Lu Ying to explain that she wasn’t feeling well and spent most of her time quietly resting in the courtyard. She also asked Princess Changting to bring Mama Wang and her family to the Lu family estate.

If Mrs. Xiiao Chen inquired about Hong Ling, Lu Ying was to say she was ill.

Around midday, Lu Ying and the others hurried back, reporting that a month ago, Mama Wang’s son was caught stealing and got injured while being apprehended. As a result, the entire family was sold. Old Lady Lu instructed Mrs. Xiao Chen to hand over the twenty-five taels of silver from the sale to Lu Ying for Lu Man.

Tear-streaked, Lu Ying cried out, “Mama Wang is a good person. How could her son steal? Second Madam must have used this excuse to prevent Mama Wang from returning to Third Young Madam’s side. How wicked!”

Upon hearing this, Lu Man felt dizzy and almost collapsed, supported by Tao.

Tao comforted her, “Don’t worry, Third Young Madam. As long as they are alive, there’s a chance to find them.”

Lu Man was now certain that Mama Wang knew more than the Lu family feared. They were afraid she would reveal something that made them sell her off preemptively.

Restricted within the inner chambers, unable to even step out of the secondary gate, Mama Wang had limited authority over a few lower-ranking servants. Given the Lu family’s fear, Mama Wang and her family were likely sold to a distant place. With limited means of communication and transportation, Lu Man realized that, with her current resources, even confirming their whereabouts would be a challenge.

If Princess Changting was willing to help, they could swiftly locate Mama Wang and her family—a direct solution. After contemplating, Lu Man decided not to ask for help immediately, reserving it for a last resort.

In feudal society, the class divisions were strict, and while Princess Changting appeared kind, she also represented the ruling class. Although Lu Man had gained some favor with her, she felt it wasn’t enough for the princess to go out of her way to help. A servant from another house, accused of theft, how could the lofty Princess Changting bother to find them? If Lu Man boldly asked for help and was refused, she’d have no room for recourse. Even if she later found Mama Wang, it would be challenging to bring her back into the estate.

Perhaps a subtle hint might work. If Princess Changting offered help voluntarily, that would be ideal. If not, Lu Man would have to consider other options…

Seeing Lu Man’s distress, Tao reassured her, “They say the Third Young Master will be back next month. Let’s wait, he’ll surely have a solution.”

Indeed, the Third Young Master’s demeanor, both overt and covert, indicated substantial capabilities beyond what was visible. He must have a plan.

As a contractual couple, they had to navigate together. If something benefited one, it indirectly benefited the other. He should be willing to help in this situation.

Lu Man nodded, now anxiously awaiting Jiang Zhanwei’s return.

Overwhelmed with sorrow, tears streaming down, Lu Man couldn’t even eat lunch. After much coaxing from Tao, who suggested a massage for the old Marquis later, and the risk of fainting due to the heat without eating, Lu Man reluctantly consumed half a bowl of winter melon meatball soup.

Shortly after finishing her meal, she was informed that Huang requested an audience.

Assuming it was about her daughter-in-law again, Lu Man initially hesitated to meet her. However, Tao relayed that a servant from the Lu family had delivered a letter to Hong Ling through Huang.

Today, after Lu Ying returned to discuss matters, the Lu family seemed restless.

Lu Man rose and said, “Let her in.”

Huang handed a letter to Lu Man.

It turned out that Hong Ling’s mother, had bribed a gatekeeper at the west gate to deliver a letter to Hong Ling. The gatekeeper was unfamiliar with people from Orchid Pavilion but knew of Huang’s family, who worked there. Hong Ling’s mother asked Huang to discreetly pass the letter to Hong Ling.

Lu Man carefully opened the letter with a toothpick and read the brief message from Mrs. Xiao Chen. Perhaps due to Hong Ling’s limited literacy or a desire for privacy, the letter simply instructed Hong Ling to urgently visit the west gate as her mother had urgent matters to discuss.