On the other side, Zhou Yiniang was carried back to her room and gradually "regained consciousness," opening her eyes.
Shen Mingyue was already waiting by her side, holding her hand. "Are you alright, Yiniang?"
The maid had already informed her about what happened at Jinxiu Courtyard.
She listened with fear and trepidation.
Shen Mingtang had become so audacious that she seemed capable of turning the entire Shen family upside down.
Remembering how she had nearly been "killed" by Shen Mingtang at the Liu residence made her even more panicked.
Without waiting for Zhou Yiniang to speak, she said, "Yiniang, quickly call a doctor. Shen Mingtang poisoned me, I'm scared."
Hearing this, Zhou Yiniang didn't dare delay and immediately sent for a physician.
While waiting for the doctor, Shen Mingyue recounted today's scheme at the Liu residence—how she was intercepted by Shen Mingtang and Prince Rui, caught red-handed, and… she particularly embellished the intimacy between Shen Mingtang and Prince Rui.
"She must have seduced Prince Rui with her body back in the palace. Such a shameless vixen at such a young age." The more Shen Mingyue spoke, the angrier she became. "Who does she think she is? A mere illegitimate daughter, how dare she!"
Zhou Yiniang also felt chills listening to this.
Since returning from the palace, Shen Mingtang's temperament had changed dramatically.
Several of her capable matrons had their legs broken—such cruelty was something the former Shen Mingtang would never have dared to commit.
It was as if Shen Mingtang had been possessed by a ghost.
This thought flashed through her mind, and a plan quickly formed.
She could no longer allow Shen Mingtang to remain in the Shen family.
Zhou Yiniang remained calm. "I heard you were brought to the door by Prince Su's carriage?"
At the mention of Prince Su, Shen Mingyue's anger instantly turned into bashfulness. She raised her hands to her cheeks, unable to suppress a smile.
"Hmph, Shen Mingtang had Prince Rui's guards throw me outside the city walls." She snorted first before continuing, "Little did she know I'm truly blessed—I actually encountered Prince Su's returning carriage."
Prince Su was an extremely gentle man. They had chatted and laughed along the journey back, and he had even given her his own cloak.
Remembering this, a blush spread across Shen Mingyue's face.
"Yiniang, I want to marry Prince Su." Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Zhou Yiniang. "Such a gentle, talented, and noble man…"
Seeing her like this, Zhou Yiniang couldn't help but frown.
Though she was right about one thing—Prince Su was indeed noble, being the emperor's own brother. If this could really happen, Mingyue would become a Princess Consort, and might even have the chance to become a Princess.
Zhou Yiniang stroked her lower abdomen. With such a sister and brother-in-law, her son's future would be bright.
"But Shen Mingtang poisoned me. I can't die—I need to marry Prince Su." Shen Mingyue grew anxious again.
Soon, the maid brought the physician to the door.
The doctor felt her pulse. "Young lady, your health is excellent. Your qi and blood are abundant, and your heart and liver are in harmony. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
"Have I been poisoned?" Shen Mingyue asked urgently.
"Not at all." The doctor laughed. "Those who are poisoned have weak and floating pulses. You're full of vitality—nothing like someone who's been poisoned."
The physician packed his medical kit and left.
Shen Mingyue clenched her fists, her voice filled with hatred. "Shen Mingtang tricked me again. I'm going to destroy her."
But then she remembered, "What if Shen Mingtang finds out I schemed against my mother?"
"Given that it concerns your mother's reputation, she wouldn't dare," Zhou Yiniang said faintly. "Right now, I actually think you and Prince Su are very well-matched. Now, I'm going to teach you some secret techniques, so that next time you have a chance to meet Prince Su…"
"…"
Shen Mingtang gained two maidservants and slept soundly.
However, early the next morning, she was awakened by Hua Sui rushing in.
Hua Sui whispered, "Miss, Madam has fallen ill."
Hearing this, Shen Mingtang couldn't help but sigh inwardly. Qin Shi was sensitive by nature, and combined with her disappointment in Shen Mingyue, she had indeed fallen ill after all.
She threw off the covers, sat up, slipped on her shoes, and walked out. "Has a doctor been called?"
"Sister Qiuyue went out early this morning to fetch a doctor, but was harassed by the gatekeepers. Fortunately, someone from Prince Rui's household happened to be visiting our residence and helped resolve the situation. They've all gone to Madam's room now." As Hua Sui spoke of this, she was also furious. "The gatekeepers must have been instructed by Zhou Yiniang. They're far too bold."
Everyone knew that the master only concerned himself with external affairs and paid no attention to the conflicts within the inner household.
Zhou Yiniang, being favored and holding the authority to manage the household, had made everyone disregard even Madam herself.
"Yes, far too bold," Shen Mingtang shook her head.
So, Yu Momo was right—it would be better to seize the household management authority from Zhou Yiniang.
But the prerequisite was that her mother's health needed to improve.
Or rather.
If her mother was willing to trust her…
When Shen Mingtang arrived at Qin Shi's room, Zhi Yuan had already taken her pulse and was sitting at the table writing a prescription for her.
Qiuyue hurried over and quietly asked Shen Mingtang, "Miss, should I still go to fetch a doctor?"
Actually, she preferred to summon an imperial physician to examine Madam.
Yu Momo had once mentioned to Madam that, with her Imperial Mandate Title, she was qualified to request an imperial physician for treatment.
Madam's health… really needed proper care and recuperation.
Shen Mingtang glanced at Zhi Yuan, who was bent over writing, and said softly, "There's no need. Zhiyuan Guniang's medical skills are exceptional."
This young woman had studied under a master, and her use of medicine and poisons was incredibly skillful—even the imperial physicians in the palace might not surpass her.
After hesitating for a moment, Qiuyue decided to trust her.
Shen Mingtang did not disturb Zhi Yuan but instead walked to Qin Shi's bedside and sat down.
Qin Shi was currently burning with fever and barely conscious, her brows furrowed as she murmured two names.
"Ming Zhou… Ming Yue…"
Shen Mingzhou was Qin Shi's eldest son, five years older than Shen Mingtang, currently studying at the Imperial Academy.
Shen Mingtang adjusted the corner of Qin Shi's blanket and, hearing her murmur Ming Zhou's name, turned to ask Qiuyue, "If I recall correctly, isn't today a holiday at the Imperial Academy?"
Her elder brother's admission to the Imperial Academy was Qin Shi's proudest achievement. The Imperial Academy had a two-day holiday every ten days, and by calculation, today was indeed a holiday.
"Yes, I already sent someone early this morning to wait at the Imperial Academy," Qiuyue replied.
Every time the Imperial Academy had a holiday, Madam remembered it clearly and would send someone to wait at the gate for the eldest young master. Just last night, Madam had been thinking about this matter.
Shen Mingtang nodded.
As for this elder brother… she felt somewhat apprehensive around him.
Shen Mingzhou disliked her; every time he saw her, he would cast a look of disgust her way, simply because she was Zhou Yiniang's daughter.
So, ever since she could remember, she had been afraid of her elder brother.
Yet Shen Mingzhou doted immensely on his younger sister Shen Mingyue. Even when Mingyue made mistakes, he could never bring himself to scold her harshly.
Zhi Yuan finished writing the prescription and instructed the maid to prepare and fetch the medicine.
She said to Shen Mingtang, "Madam's physical condition is treatable, but… she suffers from emotional distress. She must avoid anger in the future."
As the saying goes, emotional wounds require emotional medicine.
Unless the patient herself finds peace, even the greatest healer like Hua Tuo reborn couldn't help.
Shen Mingtang acknowledged with a quiet "Yes."
There were matters she needed to prepare for quickly.
Just as Qiuyue nearby was about to ask something, footsteps sounded outside, followed by a young man's clear, urgent voice calling "Mother!"
Shen Mingtang's heart tightened involuntarily as she turned to look toward the doorway.