Chapter 61: The Deceitful Person

Lu Man folded the letter neatly, put it in an envelope, sealed it again, and asked Huang to deliver it to Hong Ling.

Hong Ling was feeling extremely uncomfortable, trapped inside the house, unable to go out. In just half a day, rashes had appeared on her face and hands.

She didn’t dare let Huang into the room, only cracked the door to receive the letter. She covered the rash on her hand with her sleeve, exposing only a few fingers.

Reading the letter made her furious. She felt her mother was hindering her. Now that the old Marquis’s illness had improved, and Third Young Madam had gained the trust of the Princess, it was impossible for her to be sent back to the Lu family. She had no desire to return there. The Princess’s residence was far more luxurious than the Lu family. If she succeeded in the future, Second Madam Chen would have to consider her actions based on her, and her parents’ days in the Lu family would be much better.

She knew that Huang’s daughter-in-law was seeking treatment from Third Young Madam, and this letter might have already been seen by her. Third Young Madam harbored strong resentment towards Second Madam Chen. If she found out about any private communication between her and Second Madam Chen, it would ruin everything. Moreover, she was currently suffering from “rash” and could not go outside.

After some thought, she told Huang outside the door, “Huang, please bring Liu Ya over, I have something to entrust her with.” She then passed a few copper coins through the crack in the door.

Liu Ya was serving Lu Man in the upper room, Huang informed Lu Man. Lu Man gestured to Liu Ya, who then went to Hong Ling’s room.

Seeing Hong Ling in tears, Liu Ya pretended not to understand and asked, “Who upset you? Did Tao or Xing not assist you properly? Tell me, I’ll deal with them.”

Hong Ling cried, “You have served Third Young Madam for some time now and can see she is a kind mistress.” Seeing Liu Ya nod, she continued, “When Third Young Madam was at her parents’ house, Second Madam Chen was unkind to her, often making me do things against Third Young Madam’s interests, but I resisted. Now that I am here with Third Young Madam, I am finally free from her control and can serve Third Young Madam wholeheartedly. However, today, Second Madam Chen sent my mother to find me, and I don’t know what she wants. It’s so distressing. I can’t betray Third Young Madam, but I fear Second Madam Chen might trouble my parents.”

After speaking, she handed the letter to Liu Ya.

Liu Ya had been unaware of why Lu Man was so wary of Hong Ling, but now she understood. Indeed, this Hong Ling was truly deceitful.

She looked at the letter and asked, “What do you want me to do?”

Hong Ling replied, “Please hand this letter to Third Young Madam and see what her intentions are.”

Liu Ya smiled, “Alright, I’ll take it to Third Young Madam right away.”

She took the letter to the upper room and relayed Hong Ling’s message to Lu Man.

Lu Man sneered. If Hong Ling still sided with Mrs. Xiao Chen, she would have respected her a bit more. Despite being a wicked servant, she had been loyal. But now, seeing her prioritize personal gain over loyalty, combining wickedness with selfishness, was even more despicable.

Dealing with such a person was straightforward. Hang a sweet carrot right in front of her, and she would comply obediently. If Lu Man had known her true nature earlier, she wouldn’t have needed to be so cautious.

Lu Man said, “Tell her to remember that her mother raised her, and even if she’s unwell and can’t leave, she should have Tao bring back some monthly allowance. Inquire if her mother has any requests, if she can fulfill them, she should show filial piety. As for Second Madam Chen, whatever she asks Hong Ling to do, Hong Ling should agree to it. We shouldn’t let her parents be troubled.” She then took out a silver hairpin from her cosmetic case and said, “Give this to Hong Ling and tell her I remember her kindness.”

Liu Ya and Tao went to Hong Ling’s room together.

Upon hearing Liu Ya’s words, Hong Ling accepted the silver hairpin, feeling reassured that Lu Man still trusted her. She wrapped a coin in cloth (as her mother couldn’t read) and gave an old handkerchief to Tao, mentioning it was embroidered by her mother to prove Hong Ling had sent her.

Tao took the items, showed them to Lu Man in the upper room, then hurriedly went to the west side door. Maids were not allowed to leave through the main entrance, so Lu Man gave her some silver coins to bribe the doorkeeper.

Lu Man didn’t rest at noon, feeling very tired. She refreshed herself with a bowl of yogurt and fruit cubes, had another bowl packed in a lunch box, and headed to the Crane Pavilion.

The Princess smiled as she enjoyed her yogurt, teasing the old Marquis by bringing it close to his nose, causing him to wrinkle his nose, amusing everyone around them.

The Princess smiled and said, “This yogurt is excellent. After eating it, I feel much more comfortable and less bloated.”

Lu Man smiled and replied, “As long as Grandmother likes it, I’ll make it for you every day in the future. Consuming this regularly is good for your health. Mama Wang’s version tastes even better than mine, but unfortunately…” She wanted to gauge the Princess’s reaction and continued, “Their whole family has been sold off by Mrs. Xiao Chen.”

The Princess was already aware of the situation and remarked, “No matter how skilled they are, if their son is troublesome, it’s not good.”

She believed that Mama Wang’s son was a thief. Or perhaps, she hadn’t even considered whether that servant would actually steal. The Lu family was indeed cunning, knowing that accusing Mama Wang directly might not be believed, so they implicated her son.

Lu Man didn’t dare to argue further and had to refocus her energy on massaging the old Marquis.

Before she could finish, Young Madam Han arrived with Jiang Deyu, Jiang He, and Jiang Dewen.

The three siblings were delighted to see Lu Man, calling her “Third Aunt” sweetly. Little Dewen tugged at her skirt, saying, “Auntie, sour-sweet is good to eat, Dewen wants some.”

He also said, “Sour and sweet, cool and refreshing, better than plain water.”

Anywhere in the world, entertaining children is the easiest.

Lu Man loved children and was charmed by them. She smiled and said, “I know you all love yogurt, so I made extra. Later when it’s fermented, I’ll have someone bring it to you.” She also shared with Young Madam Han the benefits of eating yogurt.

Dewen jumped with joy, Deyu and his sister also chuckled.

After Lu Man left, the Princess got up and went to the west chamber, with Young Madam Han supporting her arm. The Princess sat on the couch, and Young Madam Han handed her a colorful teacup.

After taking a sip of tea, the Princess smiled at Young Madam Han, saying, “I find this Lu girl quite good—filial, obedient, clever, and charming. Although your grandfather hasn’t awakened yet, I can tell he also likes this daughter-in-law. Zhanwei is reserved, not uttering a word even if you poke him with a needle. They balance each other out, one cold, one warm, one firm, one gentle. Their life together won’t be too noisy or too quiet.”