Chapter 81: Goddess of Birth

Marquis Jiang still hesitated and asked, “With war looming, is it wise for you to intervene like this? Duke Xie, like the late Duke Xie, is a stubborn man. Could he accuse you of meddling in military affairs?”

The Princess stated confidently, “I’m considering the bigger picture. Zhanwei was previously a civil official and has only been in the military camp for just over three months. Sending him to the frontlines would only impede the army’s progress. His expertise in the Qintian Observatory, observing celestial phenomena, is invaluable to the central military camp.”

The Second Master chuckled, “Exactly. Zhanwei has no military training and lacks combat skills. Keeping him in the central camp will give him the necessary experience and make him a seasoned warrior.”

The Third Master, stroking his short beard, remarked, “Mother, considering Zhanwei’s current temperament, he may not understand your intentions.”

Suddenly, he recalled a boy who neglected his studies, often sneaking into the library to read books, beaten by his father yet enduring the pain in silence. The boy continued reading “useless books” secretly. No one dared to inform his father after that.

There was also the youth who steadfastly walked dogs every day, regardless of harsh weather. Looking back, it wasn’t just about walking dogs; it was about exercising him.

The Third Master realized the reason Jiang Zhanwei liked raising large dogs – it was his way of exercising. He would walk the dogs himself and sometimes have Jiang Zhankui do it. Their interest in walking dogs wasn’t due to incompetence but rather to enhance their physical endurance. This simple trick managed to deceive everyone.

They had misjudged him; how could he lack basic skills? Despite being scolded in the past for various reasons, including not focusing on serious matters, he wasn’t like the typical noble son…

The Princess sighed, “I understand his frustration, but this is a matter of life and death. Regardless of whether he understands my intentions, I must proceed. If Marquis Xie issues an order, he wouldn’t dare disobey. Going against military orders carries severe consequences – even execution.”

Lu Man also sensed that Jiang Zhanwei sought glory and was willing to risk his life at the forefront of the impending battle. Despite Princess Changting’s obstruction and targeting the highest commander, there seemed to be no alternative. In any era, those who dared to disobey military orders during wartime faced certain death.

Despite this, Lu Man hoped that he would comply, stay alive, please the Princess, and pave an easier path for her future.

In early July, there was joyous news from the Huang family. After five years without success, a visit to the physician followed by two months of herbal treatments, several days of acupuncture, and two sessions of moxibustion finally resulted in pregnancy.

Both the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were moved to tears, and the news quickly spread throughout the estate.

One afternoon, as Lu Man was about to rest, she saw the tear-streaked face of Mrs. Huang standing before her bed. Without saying a word, Huang knelt and bowed several times before tearfully exclaiming, “Third Young Madam, you’re a living Bodhisattva, you’re the Goddess of Birth. My daughter-in-law is pregnant.”

Lu Man was initially taken aback, finding it almost unbelievable, but soon she shared in the ecstatic joy. The miracle of a small embryo forming in a womb was more than just the beginning of a new life, it brought her immense happiness and a sense of accomplishment.

She had Huang helped up, rewarded her with two taels of silver, instructing her to treat Huang Niu well and ensure her daughter-in-law was not overworked.

This child was not only the long-awaited hope of the Huang family but also the first medical success in her new world.

Moved by the shiny silver reward, Huang knelt again and bowed gratefully.

After Huang left, Lu Man sent the maids to the kitchen to buy ingredients and some wine. She then called the young siblings to celebrate that evening.

Later, Lu Man went to the Crane Hall.

Princess Changting had already heard the news and incredulously asked, “You’ve only been learning medicine from the Imperial Physician for two months. How did you achieve this?”

Lu Man explained her skill, “I learned acupuncture from the Imperial Physician. As for pulse diagnosis, I secretly studied it from books since my youth, but was afraid of reprimand. With guidance from the Imperial Physician, my skills have improved. I have a knack for remembering things, so most of what I’ve read, I remember. This is why I have a wealth of medical knowledge and prescriptions. Many physicians may not know more than I do.”

Princess Changting was surprised, speechless for a moment before exclaiming, “You have this talent? Goodness, we’ve welcomed a second genius into our family!”

After her statement, they shared a hearty laugh.

Lu Man knew the Princess was referring to the first genius, the highly talented Second Madam. Fortunately, the Princess was somewhat feminist and didn’t reject women with exceptional abilities.

Lu Man proudly smiled, “Of course, why else would Master Xinghai value me?”

Her smug expression amused the Princess, and the Imperial Physicians Fu and Wang also chuckled.

Standing up, Lu Man respectfully thanked Imperial Physician Fu, saying, “Thank you, Imperial Physician Fu. My rapid progress is greatly attributed to your guidance.”

Imperial Physician Fu had excellent medical skills and a good character. Lu Man actually wanted to apprentice under him, but as a descendant of He Huang, she refrained from making such a request, knowing he likely wouldn’t accept.

Imperial Physician Fu politely returned the gesture, modestly stating, “Third Young Madam, you are too kind. I dare not take credit. As a descendant of the He family, you have inherited their legacy. I have also benefited greatly from studying the ‘He Family Medical Case Notes.’ I must thank you for your generosity.”

Imperial Physician Fu was astute, not only skilled in medicine but also upright and tactful in his dealings. If He Huang could have learned a few tricks from Imperial Physician Fu, perhaps he wouldn’t have met such a dire end.

Upon hearing Imperial Physician Fu’s words, Princess Changting was delighted and rewarded both Lu Man and Imperial Physician Fu with ten round Eastern pearls each.

The wealthy old lady was impulsive, in just a few months, Lu Man had received enough rewards from her to comfortably play the role of a wealthy landowner.

Upon returning to Orchid Pavilion, Lu Man saw three maids with their daughters-in-law standing outside the corridor, all seeking medical advice. One of them was the head cook, Mrs. Zhu, with her daughter-in-law.

Since Lu Man needed practice, she didn’t refuse and had Lu Ying lead them to the clinic in the backyard.

Jiang Zhanwei’s younger siblings, Wang Dou, and Qichang ran out from the main house.

Jiang Jiu happily embraced Lu Man and asked, “Third Sister-in-law, they all say you’re the Goddess of Birth. Is that true?”

Before Lu Man could respond, Jiang Zhankui interjected, “There’s no doubt about it. If everyone says so, it must be true.”

Jiang Jiu widened her eyes dramatically and exclaimed, “Oh my, our sister-in-law is so capable!”

Their proud and cheeky demeanor brought laughter to everyone present.

After a quick bath, Lu Man headed to the clinic to attend to patients.

^[1]Hi readers, I would like to inform you that I made some changes regarding “Marquis Xie”, I replaced the status into Duke, so from now on, it’s “Duke Xie”. Thank You Everyone, Happy Reading.