Pei Manor, Main Courtyard.
Ever since the incident where the kitchen cut corners and purchased spoiled meat, causing the masters of the Pei family to suffer from vomiting and diarrhea, the Langzhong had advised them to maintain a light diet for several days before gradually restoring their appetites.
During this period, the meals at Pei Manor had been bland and unappetizing. Now, they were finally able to begin restoring their appetites with better food.
However, with Liu Shi in charge of Zhong Kui, the daily allowance for the kitchen remained meager. Even though they could now eat better, there was no silver to purchase quality ingredients. Thus, their meals differed little from before—even when there was meat, it was only common poultry, pork, or fish.
When the rich, savory aroma wafted over, even Old Madam Pei, who usually had little interest in indulging her palate, unconsciously swallowed.
Liu Shi also realized where the enticing smell was coming from.
She angrily demanded, “Has that little bitch returned?”
A maid nearby whispered in reply, “Madam, the young madam has returned…”
“She returned without coming to pay her respects? And she’s feasting alone?” Liu Shi had originally intended to feign illness to torment her daughter-in-law. Now, there was no need to pretend—she was genuinely so furious her chest felt tight and painful.
Just as Liu Shi was about to curse again, Old Madam Pei impatiently cut in, “Enough, stop scolding. Tomorrow, have Xingyu apologize to her sister-in-law. It was Xingyu’s fault to begin with. And you—look how you’ve spoiled her, letting her say such outrageous things.”
“If she doesn’t apologize, Yao Yao won’t be able to let go of her anger. Now that Mu Zheng has entered the Grand Secretariat, every step is precarious! We mustn’t let him worry about the inner household on top of that. Resolve this matter quickly.”
Pei Muzheng nodded. “Grandmother is right. Xingyu should apologize to Yao Yao.”
The sooner the household affairs were settled, the sooner Jiang Yao could resume managing Zhong Kui.
He hadn’t anticipated that his attempt to show Yuan Wu his determination to marry her would set off such a chain of events. Now, even the inner household was in turmoil.
Although he had entered the Grand Secretariat, his position was far from secure. The Grand Secretariat had grown crowded in recent years, with every member vying for the Emperor’s attention. The slightest misstep could be disastrous. He felt as though he were treading on thin ice with every move.
The Pei family believed that once Pei Xingyu apologized and Pei Muzheng coaxed Jiang Yao, this matter would blow over. Surely, Jiang Yao would then resume managing Zhong Kui.
Pei Xingyu pouted, wanting to refuse. But these past seven or eight days had been uncomfortable for her—not only because of the bland food, but also because her monthly allowance for new clothes and jewelry had been suspended. In the end, she held her tongue, deciding to yield for now.
She thought to herself, Even if I have to apologize, I should wheedle some jewelry out of her to make up for this.
And so, amid the savory, delicious aroma drifting from the front courtyard, the Pei family ate their bland meal, each lost in their own thoughts, finding it hard to swallow.
Jiang Yao paid no mind to what was happening in the Main Courtyard. After eating her fill, she took a bath and slept soundly.
She slept until mao hour (5-7 a.m.). When she rose, her maids filed in to attend to her.
Zhenzhu came to help her dress and mentioned casually, “Young Madam, a maid from the Madam’s courtyard came half an hour ago, saying the Madam was unwell and requesting your presence to attend to her. But I told her you weren’t feeling well either and sent her away.”
This was because, before retiring last night, the young madam had instructed her to do so.
This morning, if her mother-in-law found an excuse to summon her for attendance, she was to plead physical discomfort and decline going over.
Jiang Yao had long known that a pile of troublesome matters awaited her upon return.
Her mother-in-law would be the first to torment her.
But who didn’t know how to feign illness?
Jiang Yao smiled. “Well done.”
After washing up, the maidservants brought breakfast.
Today’s breakfast was exceptionally delicious.
The small kitchen had prepared abalone congee for her.
Jiang Yao was utterly amazed by its taste.
It was truly exquisite.
The dried abalone, after rehydration, had no trace of fishiness, boasting a soft, slightly chewy texture. Paired with the fragrant, rich rice porridge, it filled the mouth with a sweet, savory flavor.
While serving Jiang Yao breakfast, Zhenzhu mentioned, “Zhao Chu Zi also said that these precious dried goods from the south are excellent. He intentionally saved some and plans to gather other ingredients to prepare Fushou Quan for you, young mistress, when he has time. I heard this dish requires two days of stewing, resulting in a rich, meaty aroma that’s savory without being greasy, and it even beautifies the complexion.”
Jiang Yao couldn’t help but feel a little anticipation.
After breakfast, Jiang Yao informed Chen Momo and went out again with Zhenzhu.
Meanwhile, in the Main Courtyard.
According to Old Madam Pei and Liu Shi’s expectations, since Jiang Yao had returned, she should have come to pay her respects in the morning.
Seizing this opportunity, they intended for Xingyu to apologize to Jiang Yao, thus settling the matter.
After exchanging a few words, Jiang Yao would resume her Guanjia Quan in the Pei family.
But by breakfast time, Jiang Yao still hadn’t arrived.
Then, an even more tantalizing aroma wafted from the front.
Liu Shi fumed, “Mother, you see? She’s doing it on purpose. She even expects us to go invite her! An hour ago, I sent someone to her courtyard saying I was unwell and needed her attendance, but her maidservant claimed she was too ill to get up. Now, such a delightful smell emanates from her courtyard—clearly, her appetite is just fine. How could she be the slightest bit unwell?”
Old Madam Pei also grew irritated.
This granddaughter-in-law was truly a troublemaker, bringing no peace at all.
Did she not understand propriety?
What good did such commotion do
Divine Doctor Xue possessed extraordinary medical skills. It was said that as long as a person still had one breath left, he could bring them back to life.
His abilities were so remarkable that he could practically revive the dead and restore bones with medicine!
More importantly, aside from such exceptional healing arts, Divine Doctor Xue could also use medicinal ingredients to help people prolong their lives, strengthen their tendons and bones, and it was even rumored that he could help individuals unblock their Ren and Du Channels, enabling them to become martial arts prodigies!
He also had numerous medicinal cuisine recipes and ointment formulas for beauty and skincare, which could delay aging, remove scars and wrinkles, and improve skin condition.
In short, this Divine Doctor Xue was a renowned physician celebrated throughout the land.
He was highly sought after, with no noble family, influential clan, or martial arts sect unwilling to recruit him into their ranks.
However, Divine Doctor Xue had a very peculiar personality and was a lone wanderer.
It was only known that he had been traveling the martial world for decades, yet no one had ever seen his true face—it was unclear whether he was male or female.
And now, this world-famous Divine Doctor Xue had released a piece of news.
He wanted to take on a disciple, regardless of gender.
As soon as this news spread, all the noble families, the imperial clan, and various martial sects grew restless.
In the Da Ning Dynasty, restrictions on women were not severe, and there were examples of women serving as officials.
The most famous was Mu Chang’an, who was enfeoffed as the Princess Protector of the Nation—she was Jiang Yao’s biological mother.
Additionally, there were many female physicians in the palace.
Outside the palace, many women engaged in business and appeared in public.
Although some families were still reluctant to let their daughters go out and show their faces in public, if Divine Doctor Xue were willing to take a girl from their family as a disciple, they would be more than willing.
Even learning a little from him would bring immense benefits to their family.
When Old Madam Pei and Liu Shi heard that Jiang Yao had gone out to search for Divine Doctor Xue, they both fell silent.
Liu Shi snorted coldly, “Does she even know where Divine Doctor Xue is? How can she just go out looking for him? Everyone wants to find Divine Doctor Xue right now.”
The news of Divine Doctor Xue seeking a disciple was known to all under heaven.
Even commoners were eagerly discussing the matter.
Pei Xingyu hesitated, “Mother, do you think she might find Divine Doctor Xue and be accepted as his disciple?”
She didn’t want her sister-in-law to steal the spotlight.
It would be better if she remained dependent on their Pei family.
“Don’t even think about it!” Liu Shi snorted disdainfully. “What does she know? All she does is eat and drink—she’s good for nothing. Why would Divine Doctor Xue take her as a disciple? Besides, whether she can even find Divine Doctor Xue is another matter. If you ask me, Divine Doctor Xue would rather take you than her. Xingyu, would you like to become Divine Doctor Xue’s disciple? Should I send someone to inquire about his whereabouts for you?”
Pei Xingyu frowned, “I don’t want to study medicine.”
Although becoming Divine Doctor Xue’s disciple seemed impressive and would earn her admiration, learning medicine was too arduous—she didn’t want to work so hard.
All she wanted was plenty of silver, beautiful clothes and jewelry, and to marry into a noble family and become the mistress of a household.
Liu Shi said, “Don’t you want to inherit Divine Doctor Xue’s formulas? I heard he has all kinds of recipes that can make women more beautiful and enhance their appearance.”
Pei Xingyu was somewhat tempted—what woman could resist formulas that could make her more beautiful?
But she didn’t even know where Divine Doctor Xue was—how could she become his disciple?
Old Madam Pei, hearing her daughter-in-law and granddaughter drifting further from the topic, immediately intervened.
“Enough, let’s not talk about this anymore.”
She rubbed her forehead. “When Yao Yao returns, one of you must remember to control your temper, and the other must remember to apologize.”
As for the matter of Divine Doctor Xue taking on a disciple, Old Madam Pei never thought it would be Jiang Yao’s turn.
However, she truly wished Divine Doctor Xue would take someone from the Pei family as a disciple—how wonderful it would be if he could serve their Pei family.
Especially Old Madam Pei, who grew more attached to life with age and desired to live longer.
She wanted to live to see the moment her Mu Zheng earned an Imperial Mandate for her.
To witness the Pei family return to glory, restore their status as the Hou Mansion, or ascend to even greater heights.
After breakfast, Jiang Yao left Pei Manor with Zhenzhu.
She was indeed going to seek out Divine Doctor Xue.
She wanted Divine Doctor Xue to take her as his disciple, to legitimize her medical skills.
Thus, she had to find Divine Doctor Xue.
But it wasn’t for Liu Shi—it was for her second brother and Ning Wang Dianxia.
Now, she wondered if Ning Wang Dianxia’s headache had recurred?
Yet, she couldn’t find a proper reason to go ask Ning Wang Dianxia.