9
The Lady’s Actions Become More and More Absurd
Bai Manor, in the faint light of dawn.
The old servant woman by Second Aunt Bai’s side had already moved the clay stove for brewing medicine to the kitchen entrance. Wielding a palm-leaf fan, she fanned the flames with a roaring sound.
The bitter scent of medicine permeated the air.
Maids from various courtyards, who had come to fetch breakfast for their mistresses, paused and inquired about who in the manor had fallen ill.
The old woman set down her fan and recounted, with embellishments, how Bai Jingchu had been schemed against by Shuisu.
“Now, Miss Jingchu is still lying in bed, writhing in so much pain she can’t even get up. Not a single pot of hot water has been boiled for her in the kitchen, and there isn’t a single piece of charcoal in the Xinyi Courtyard. Our Second Mistress, feeling sorry for her, asked me to help look after her.”
The servants of the Bai family were all well aware that Bai Jingchu had been sent to Eunuch Li’s private residence three years ago.
Upon her return to the manor, many opportunistic servants looked down on her current situation, despising and scorning her, even gossiping maliciously about her experiences over the past three years.
However, the majority still felt deep pity and sympathy for her.
Especially since, during her time in the Bai family, she had always been kind and tolerant, never making things difficult for the servants.
Instantly, discussions broke out.
“Miss Jingchu is truly pitiable. After suffering for three years, not only has the Bai family kicked her aside, but she’s also being treated so poorly.”
“That mistress claims to be a devout vegetarian and Buddhist all day, yet her heart is so malicious, scheming behind others’ backs.”
“Stop talking. Be careful it doesn’t reach her ears. If we’re assigned to serve in her courtyard someday, we’ll suffer for it.”
…
These words seemed to grow wings, and within the time it took to finish a meal, they had spread throughout the manor, reaching the ears of Madam Bai Chen.
Madam Bai Chen was having breakfast with Bai Jingshu at the time.
Upon hearing the news, she slammed her chopsticks down in a fit of rage. “Second Aunt is pretending to be the good person, meddling in the affairs of our main branch! Isn’t she just trying to win people over to compete for the family estate in the future?
How dare she use my daughter as a stepping stone! Jingshu has always been pure and kind-hearted. How could she possibly do something so vicious?”
Bai Jingshu had not expected Second Aunt to interfere in this matter.
If they had confronted her directly and demanded an explanation, she would have felt secure with Madam Bai Chen, the head of the household, protecting her.
But Second Aunt had resorted to underhanded tactics, leaving her no room to maneuver.
Fortunately, she had been mentally prepared. She flatly denied the accusations, “This is utterly unjust! I had no idea about any of this. It must be that Bai Jingchu mistreated the servants in the past, and Shuisu held a grudge against her, so she found a way to torment her. If you don’t believe me, Mother, summon Shuisu for questioning.”
Since it concerned her daughter’s reputation, Madam Bai Chen naturally had to investigate.
Shuisu’s face was covered in bloody scratches, itching unbearably. Under threat and intimidation, she had no choice but to swallow her grievances and take the blame.
Madam Bai Chen immediately ordered Shuisu to be slapped harshly in front of everyone.
As servants, it was common to be punished for mistakes, but being slapped and beaten like Shuisu and Mama Bai meant losing all dignity.
In just one night, Bai Jingshu had lost her right-hand aides. Although the matter superficially silenced everyone, the servants all knew that Shuisu lacked the audacity and capability to act alone—she was merely taking the fall for her mistress.
Rubbing her temples, Madam Bai Chen sent Mama Rong to summon the manor’s steward to select two clever maids for Bai Jingshu’s courtyard.
As soon as Mama Rong stepped out of the courtyard, she happened to see Steward Qian hurriedly heading toward the west wing, where Second Aunt resided, and immediately called him over.
“Why are you in such a fluster? Where are you rushing off to?”
Qian Bo halted his steps. “The Ministry of Personnel’s Minister Lin has sent a servant to request a physician. Both the Old Master and the Master are away from the residence. The Lin family said it would be acceptable to invite Second Master Bai instead.”
Madam Bai Chen, already in a foul mood, let out a scornful laugh. “Second Uncle Bai is quite busy today. How could he possibly have time to go out for a consultation?”
The steward, aware of the long-standing friction between the two branches of the family, asked awkwardly, “Shall I send them away then?”
“Wait! You said it’s the Lin Minister’s household? Who is ill? And what is the illness?”
The steward reported truthfully, “They say it’s Minister Lin’s newly elevated concubine, Madam Lin. For the past two days, she has been vomiting and suffering from diarrhea, with severe abdominal pain. She has taken medicine from two physicians, but there has been no improvement.”
“Hmph, it’s just a concubine, yet they’re making such a fuss. Our Bai family, after all, is a lineage of imperial physicians for five generations.”
“Madam, please be cautious with your words,” Qian Bo hurriedly interjected. “Although imperial physicians are appointed officials, in recent years, the Ministry of Personnel has also been in charge of their evaluations. If our young master wishes to enter the palace as a medical official or seek promotions in the future, we will have to rely on their favor.”
Beside them, Bai Jingshu’s heart stirred. “Mother, this is a rare opportunity. Why not let Elder Brother give it a try?”
The steward immediately rejected the idea. “The Eldest Young Master is still young and lacks experience. The Old Master has not yet permitted him to make solo visits. I’m afraid…”
Madam Bai Chen cut him off displeased. “Don’t forget, Jing’an just yesterday used the Thirteen Ghost Points Acupuncture to bring the Marquis’s Dowager back from the brink of death! This is just a common gastrointestinal ailment. The Eldest Young Master will surely cure it with a single dose of medicine. Go, tell the Eldest Young Master to hurry and accompany them to the Minister’s residence!”
Qian Bo felt it was highly inappropriate but dared not disobey. He could only sigh and shake his head repeatedly.
The Lin residence was a household of power and influence, and this newly elevated concubine was Minister Lin’s beloved. There must be no mishaps.
The physicians permitted to treat at the Lin residence were all exceptional talents. If even they were helpless against this illness, how could the Eldest Young Master, a novice who had yet to establish himself independently, possibly have the skill?
With the Old Master and the Master both away from the residence, the Madam’s actions were becoming increasingly reckless.
Bai Jing’an accompanied them to Minister Lin’s residence and returned after noon, beaming with excitement. Seeing Madam Bai Chen, he bowed deeply.
“I have lived up to your expectations, Mother. A single dose of medicine cured the illness. Madam Lin’s pain has significantly subsided.”
He then presented the gratitude gift from the Lin family.
Madam Bai Chen was overjoyed and praised Bai Jing’an effusively. “My son is naturally gifted, modest, and eager to learn. The Bai family’s medical legacy is in good hands! What illness did Madam Lin have? And what prescription did you write?”
“It was nothing serious. She came from a humble background and was used to simple meals. Now that she’s in the Minister’s residence, she indulges in rich food every day and overate, causing indigestion. I prescribed her something to stimulate her appetite and aid digestion, with a bit of pain relief added. That’s why it worked so quickly.”
Bai Jingshu fanned the flames beside them. “See, Grandfather is biased. He always dotes on Bai Jingchu and constantly belittles Elder Brother. These days, Elder Brother should achieve more accomplishments. When Grandfather returns, let’s see what he has to say then.”
Madam Bai Chen glanced at the fruits Bai Jing’an had brought back from the Minister’s residence and instructed, “Take these two boxes of fruits to your Second Uncle’s quarters for them to taste.”
Bai Jingshu saw through her mother’s intentions at once. “I’ll go!”
“What are you going to do? The second branch just gave you a hard time. If you go now, it would look like you’re trying to curry favor with them. Since you have nothing better to do, why not go to Xinyi Courtyard and check on Bai Jingchu?
Even if it’s just for show in front of the servants, it’s worth it. After all, you’re at the age of marriage discussions, and if certain things spread, it could harm your reputation.”
Bai Jingshu looked displeased. “Are you suggesting I apologize to her?”
“She’s just a fool,” Madam Bai Chen said earnestly. “After all the trouble the second branch stirred up, I can’t just send her away immediately. Let’s keep her here for a couple of days and see if she really contracted that filthy disease from Lord Yan.”
Keep her for a few more days?
Bai Jingshu felt she couldn’t wait that long.
Every extra day Bai Jingchu stayed posed a threat to her own position.
She had to drive her away immediately.
Since the second branch was so biased toward Bai Jingchu and dared to bully her, she would make sure both the second branch and Bai Jingchu lost all face!
It should be easy enough to coax a fool who’s just awakening to matters between men and women into climbing into a man’s bed.
When the scandal of an uncle and niece committing incest breaks out, let’s see what face and right you’ll have to meddle in Bai Jingshu’s affairs!