When Ren Yaoqi saw that the first thing Lady Xu did upon receiving the prescription was to examine the handwriting, she was momentarily taken aback, then couldn’t help but laugh.
Lady Xu, realizing her own reaction, also smiled. “I can barely make out the prescription, but I know nothing about medicinal principles. It’s just that when I see well-written characters, I can’t help but take a closer look.”
At that moment, urgent hoofbeats approached from a distance outside the carriage. Nanny Xin immediately lifted the curtain.
It turned out to be the guard whom Nanny Xin had earlier sent back to the Yanbei Prince’s Mansion to fetch help. He had returned, bringing a physician with him. The guard helped the physician dismount, handed him a medicine chest he had been carrying, and led him toward the carriage.
Nanny Xin looked at Lady Xu. “Madam, the physician from the Prince’s Mansion has arrived. Shall he take your pulse again?”
Seeing that Ouyang Shi’s complexion had improved significantly and knowing she was temporarily out of danger, Ren Yaoqi said, “Madam, please let the physician examine you. I’ll return to my own carriage for now.”
Ouyang Shi nodded. Nanny Xin had the physician, still panting from the hurried journey, board the carriage to take Ouyang Shi’s pulse. Ren Yaoqi seized the opportunity to return to her own carriage.
However, Ren Yaoqi did not leave immediately. Instead, she instructed the coachman to pull the carriage to the side of the road and wait for the results of Lady Xu’s pulse diagnosis.
Just then, another rider approached. It was Sujin, the chief maid from the Princess Consort’s side. Presumably, the Princess Consort, worried about Lady Xu’s condition, had sent the guard and physician ahead while the maid, being slower on foot, arrived a little later. Sujin dismounted and hurriedly boarded Lady Xu’s carriage.
Pingguo and Sangzi accompanied Ren Yaoqi as she waited in the carriage. Sangzi looked at Ren Yaoqi with admiration. “Miss, did you save Lady Xu?” She had been guarding outside the carriage when Ren Yaoqi rescued Ouyang Shi and had heard the commotion inside.
Ren Yaoqi smiled. “I just happened to recall a method I once read in a book and managed to rouse Lady Xu. Treating the illness still requires a physician.”
“Even so, it’s remarkable,” Sangzi said earnestly.
The pulse diagnosis for Lady Xu did not take long. The physician soon descended from the carriage. Nanny Xin and Nanny Gao followed him down, still conversing with him.
The physician was helped onto his horse by the guard, while Nanny Xin and Nanny Gao made their way toward Ren Yaoqi’s carriage.
The two nannies boarded the carriage. Nanny Gao said with emotion, “Miss Ren, we owe you so much today. The Xu family will remember your kindness.”
Ren Yaoqi shook her head gently. “Has the physician finished the diagnosis? What did he say?”
Nanny Gao replied gratefully, “The physician said our lady suffered a heart condition flare-up. Fortunately, you intervened in time, and she is now out of danger. The Princess Consort has already sent for Physician Mou. Our lady usually consults Physician Mou for her ailments, but he is advanced in years and couldn’t come immediately, so his apprentice came instead. Once Physician Mou visits our residence, he will also review the prescription you wrote.”
Nanny Gao added, “Our lady asked us to convey her gratitude. She is not well enough to come down herself, but she hopes to meet with you again once she has recovered. She said the Xu residence is not far from Treasure Vase Alley. If you ever have time, you are always welcome to visit for tea.”Lady Xu's words indicated her willingness to regard Ren Yaoqi as a young friend and establish a connection with her. For Ren Yaoqi, this was entirely beneficial without any drawbacks. In Yanbei, few could manage to befriend Lady Xu and form ties with the Xu family.
Ren Yaoqi smiled and nodded, "Once Madam has recovered somewhat, Yaoqi will certainly pay a visit."
After saying this, Nanny Gao got off the carriage.
Nanny Xin said, "This servant must also return to report to the Princess Consort, lest Her Highness continue to worry about Lady Xu's condition. Miss Ren saved our Princess Consort's guest today, and the Yanbei Prince's Mansion will remember your kindness."
With these words, Nanny Xin also descended from the carriage.
The Xu family's carriage gradually drove out of the small street, while Nanny Xin boarded another carriage to return to the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
Ren Yaoqi instructed, "Return to the Lin Family."
Not long after Ren Yaoqi returned, the Princess Consort of Yanbei's rewards arrived. The person sent to deliver them was another of the Princess Consort's senior maids, Qiluo.
Ren Shijia dared not neglect anyone from the Princess Consort's side and hurriedly received her personally. Both Old Madam Lin and Madam Lin were alerted and sent people to inquire.
The Princess Consort had sent two sets of head ornaments. One set was of red gold inlaid with the "Full Pond Splendor" design, adorned with eight treasures. The rubies, sapphires, amber, diamonds, and cat's eye gems embedded in the head ornaments were all of extraordinary quality, extremely luxurious. When the box was opened, it nearly dazzled everyone in the room.
The other set of head ornaments was more understated, made of jadeite and pearls. The jadeite was translucent and dewy, while the pearls—pink, gold, white, and black—were each plump, lustrous, and varied in size. At first glance, they appeared ordinary and low-key, but those with a discerning eye could recognize their extravagance.
Both sets of head ornaments were of novel designs, currently in vogue in the south.
Qiluo did not mention Ren Yaoqi's rescue of Lady Xu that day. Instead, she said with a smile, "The Princess Consort said these two sets of head ornaments are for Third Miss Ren to match her attire when attending the Thousand Gold Banquet. From the design to the gems and pearls used, the Princess Consort personally selected them with us servants. Our Commandery Princess also has two similar sets."
Ren Shijia, being knowledgeable about such things, felt that the head ornaments sent by the Princess Consort of Yanbei were too valuable and was uncertain whether Ren Yaoqi should accept them. She glanced at Ren Yaoqi, thought for a moment, and tentatively declined on her behalf.
However, Qiluo said, "Madam Lin may not know this, but our Princess Consort has said she has always regarded Third Miss Ren as one of her own, and is very fond of her. Thus, she wishes to see Third Miss Ren beautifully adorned, which would bring her joy as well."
With Qiluo's explanation, Ren Shijia could no longer refuse and signaled for Ren Yaoqi to accept the gifts, repeatedly expressing gratitude.
Only then did Qiluo smile and say to Ren Yaoqi, "The day after tomorrow is the Thousand Gold Banquet. Third Miss should rest well at home tomorrow. Early the day after tomorrow, the Prince's Mansion will send a carriage to fetch you, and you will go together with our Commandery Princess."
Ren Yaoqi smiled and agreed, thanking the Princess Consort and the Commandery Princess.
Seeing that all necessary matters had been conveyed, Qiluo took her leave.
After she left, Ren Shijia joyfully said to Ren Yaoqi, "Qi'er, the Princess Consort treats you so well, even remembering to have a set made for you when commissioning head ornaments for the Commandery Princess."
A senior maid from Madam Lin's side, who had not yet left, glanced at the two jewelry boxes and said with a smile, "Indeed, she treats you no differently than her own daughter. Third Miss Ren is truly fortunate."
Since Ren Yaoqi was Ren Shijia's niece from her maiden family, Ren Shijia loved hearing such words, and her smile grew even brighter.One of the old ladies sent by Old Madam Lin thought further ahead. Her eyes swept over Ren Yaoqi as she smiled and said, "Our Third Miss has a lovely appearance and a good temperament. Who wouldn't like her? This servant thinks that the Princess Consort's intention is not to treat Third Miss as a daughter, but as..." She stopped there, only letting out a meaningful chuckle.
Although she didn't finish her sentence, everyone understood. Their gazes toward Ren Yaoqi became subtly different.
The Princess Consort of Yanbei had two sons and one daughter. Only the eldest legitimate son, who had been named the heir, had been granted a marriage by the emperor. The famous Second Young Master Xiao Jingxi of Yanbei was not yet betrothed.
Originally, the Yanbei Prince's Mansion would not form a marriage alliance with a merchant family like the Ren Family. However, it was well known that Second Young Master Xiao was in poor health and often ill. Therefore, it was not impossible for the Princess Consort to consider a marriage candidate from a family like the Ren Family for the second young master.
Upon hearing this, Ren Shijia frowned, wanting to reprimand her for speaking carelessly and talking nonsense in front of a young lady. However, considering that the speaker was not from her own courtyard but someone sent by Old Madam Lin, it was difficult to scold her. She merely restrained her smile and said, "It's better not to spread baseless rumors, lest others laugh at us."
Seeing Ren Shijia displeased, the old lady quickly apologized with a smile, "Oh, look at this servant's mouth—it really has no restraint. I spoke carelessly and should be punished." As she said this, she actually slapped herself, making a loud sound but not seeming to hurt much. "Please don't blame me, Sixth Madam and Third Miss Ren."
Ren Yaoqi pretended not to hear such talk.
The Princess Consort certainly hadn't suddenly taken a liking to her and wanted her as a daughter-in-law. She was merely using this method to boost Ren Yaoqi's reputation. This was also what Ren Yaoqi needed at the moment, as the Ren Family would treat her branch better due to the Princess Consort's favor. It could be said that the Princess Consort was being considerate.
However, many of those present agreed with the old lady's implication.
Ren Shijia said, "It's getting late. You should all return to your own courtyards."
The crowd of onlookers then dispersed.
Seeing Ren Yaoqi bow her head in silence, Ren Shijia patted her head and said, "Don't pay attention to that nonsense. The Princess Consort sent you gifts because she likes you—that's your good fortune. Just carry on as usual. Don't overthink it, and don't let others think that the daughters of the Ren Family don't know how to conduct themselves just because of two sets of jewelry. You deserve it."
Ren Yaoqi smiled at Ren Shijia and said, "I know, Aunt. Thank you."
What Ren Yaoqi didn't expect was that Lady Xu sent someone in the afternoon—and it was none other than Nanny Gao, who served by Lady Xu's side.
Nanny Gao was in high spirits. After paying her respects to Ren Shijia, she approached Ren Yaoqi and said that Physician Mou was very excited after reading the prescription Ren Yaoqi had written. He said it could be used for Lady Xu and asked where the prescription came from. However, Lady Xu didn't reveal that Ren Yaoqi had given it to her, only saying that it was specially sought out for her by a friend.
Ren Yaoqi was delighted to hear that the prescription was useful.
Nanny Gao also brought Ren Yaoqi a music score and a calligraphy copybook, saying they were gifts from Headmaster Xu and Lady Xu.
Upon receiving them, Ren Yaoqi immediately recognized that the music score was an extremely rare, unique edition, and the calligraphy copybook was an authentic work by a famous calligrapher from the previous dynasty. Either of them alone would be of immense value.Before Ren Yaoqi could utter any words of refusal, Nanny Gao said, "Madam says that these things are only valuable and cherished in the eyes of those who truly appreciate them; otherwise, they are just a pile of waste paper. And you, Third Miss Ren, are worthy of receiving them. I sincerely hope you will accept them."
The scummy author is back...
Due to some personal reasons, I avoided for a few days.
Thank you to those who haven’t given up~
PS: Although the author is scummy, as long as I start a story, I will finish it. There’s no such thing as abandoning it.
OpenNovel