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Reflecting on the day’s events, Lu Man realized her efforts hadn’t been in vain. Not only had she saved two lives and faced her fears, but she had also acquired many valuable items and gained a strong ally. She had a strong feeling that old Duke Xie and Xie Yu were honorable and grateful individuals, unlike many affluent families who often took help for granted.
Mama Wang was overjoyed, reciting prayers, while the maids’ mouths stretched wide with happiness as they directed the servants to carefully place the gifts in the backyard storage room.
As they busied themselves, they heard Jiang Jiu’s voice from outside the courtyard, “Third Sister-in-law, did you really save Brother Xie’s wife and son?”
The young siblings entered, their faces flushed with excitement, with Qichang following along, his tongue hanging out.
Lu Man chuckled, “Not really ‘saved,’ just lent a helping hand.” She then pulled Jiang Jiu into a hug and said, “I got some beautiful fabrics, I’ll keep two for you to make lovely clothes.” Pointing to a piece of brocade and satin, she set them aside.
As dusk settled in, lanterns lit up the courtyard, casting a colorful glow on the fabrics.
Jiang Jiu’s eyes sparkled with joy as she thanked Lu Man. Meanwhile, Jiang Zuankui noticed the invitation in Lu Man’s hand and inquired, “Third Sister-in-law, are you going to visit the Xie residence?”
Lu Man nodded, “Yes, the day after tomorrow is the child’s ceremonial bath.” Seeing the envy in the siblings’ expressions, she added, “We’ll go together that day.” It was the 30th of August, Jiang Zuankui’s day off.
Since they were children, there was no need for invitations; Lu Man could take them herself.
Having rarely ventured out, especially for a visit, the prospect of visiting the Xie family excited the young siblings even more.
Excitedly, Jiang Jiu asked, “Third Sister-in-law, can I wear the clothes made from this fabric when we visit?”
Lu Man shook her head and said with a smile, “It wouldn’t be appropriate to wear the fabric they gave us as a gift when visiting their home. I have other fabrics; I’ll design a new style for you, I promise it will look great.”
Thinking back to TV shows from her past life and considering the fashion trends of this era, Lu Man sketched a child’s outfit in her room. She instructed Mama Wang to cut the fabric and Liu Ya to sew it. They discussed color coordination and made sure the outfits would be ready the next day for the Xie family’s young girl to wear.
While not a professional designer, Lu Man enjoyed drawing sketches from her love for manga in her past life. She knew that adult clothing shouldn’t be too outlandish, but a slightly unique style was acceptable for young girls.
Since there wasn’t enough time for embroidery and plain satin was too plain, Lu Man decided to use a slightly embellished brocade for the top and a crimson soft satin for the long skirt. They would also use the same soft satin for the collar. The top would be slightly shorter, and the skirt fuller. Choosing the soft satin for the skirt was because of its drape, providing a fluffy feel. Additionally, they would add a fringed large bow with a tassel hanging at the neckline, giving it a bit of exotic flair reminiscent of Korean attire, without making the young girl look too frail.
Upon seeing the design on paper, Jiang Jiu fell in love with it, her face turning red with excitement. She eagerly exclaimed, “Wow, it’s so beautiful! I can’t wait to wear it!”
Her enthusiasm elicited laughter from everyone.
Lu Man then asked Jiang Zuankui, “Would Eighth Young Master like a new outfit?”
Jiang Zuankui shook his head, saying, “I have new clothes already, no need for another.”
The household never skimped on the children’s clothing and provisions, they always had what was necessary, including plenty of new clothes.
Lu Man also considered making some unique infant bodysuits, a style not common in this era, as she had bragged to Lady Xie during the repositioning process. However, knowing that ancient people preferred swaddling infants, she realized it wouldn’t be practical. Instead, she planned to make several outfits for the baby to wear after three months, to be delivered on the child’s one-month celebration.
While the siblings wanted to stay longer, Lu Man declined, citing the need to focus on making clothes for the young girl as a reason for their departure.
Upon hearing Lu Man’s reason, the young girl quickly pulled her brother away, afraid of delaying the making of their clothes.
As the young siblings left, Mama Wang and Liu Ya began selecting fabric for the young girl’s outfit. Meanwhile, Lu Man, accompanied by Lu Ying, went to the backyard west wing to inspect the medicinal herbs she had gathered over the past few days. Fortunately, she found all eleven required herbs. She planned to make a gynecological anti-inflammatory ointment to take to Lady Xie on the day of the ceremonial bath.
In ancient times, childbirth was often challenging, leading to potential perineal tears. To aid in the healing process and reduce pain for new mothers, Lu Man intended to create an ointment based on a formula from the He family medical book. She also included two herbs known from her past life for their pain-relieving properties.
Although she wasn’t an expert in herbal medicine, Lu Man had learned some basics from consulting the imperial physician and her past experiences. Despite being labor-intensive, she felt confident in her ability to make the ointment.
Lu Man meticulously measured the herbs and instructed the duty maid to cut them into small pieces, soak them in oil, and set them aside for the next day.
The following morning, after instructing Lu Ying on her tasks, Lu Man sent Tao and Uncle Gao to buy ingredients like resin and pine resin for making the ointment before heading to the Crane Hall.
Seeing Lu Man’s arrival, the Princess warmly took her to the western room, hinting at something she didn’t want the old marquis to overhear.
The Princess’s mysterious demeanor amused Lu Man, finding the Princess increasingly endearing.
The Princess mentioned that the Xie family had also sent her an invitation, with the messenger praising Lu Man. Initially, there was no obligation for her to attend, but feeling grateful to Madam Xie and considering her own reputation, she decided to go. To ensure a grand reception, she arranged for her troupe to perform at the ceremonial bath, enhancing the Xie family’s prestige.
After listening to the Princess’s chatter, Lu Man pieced together the dynamics between the Jiang and Xie families.
The ancestors of the Jiang and Xie families were sworn brothers, with a long-standing relationship between the two families. However, the relationship between the old Duke Xie and the Jiang family’s patriarch, old Marquis Jiang was strained, mainly due to old Duke Xie’s disdain for the patriarch’s perceived effeminate nature, often making hurtful comments.
It was revealed that the Jiang family’s ancestor had been a prominent figure over a century ago, assisting the Emperor Gaozong of Chu in overthrowing the previous dynasty—the most significant contribution of that time.
Fearing his accomplishments would overshadow the Emperor, the Jiang family ancestor declined the title offered by the Emperor Gaozong, settling for a Marquis title and later rejecting even joining the military. To protect his family’s interests, he split his estate among his sons, sending two of them to distant regions like Lingnan and Huzhou, where their descendants settled. Only this branch remained in the capital…