Volume One, Chapter Seven: Qing Qian Now Has a Ninety Percent Chance of Curing Second Uncle’s Cold Syndrome

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Zi Zhu and Lan Zhu held onto Lu Hongzhao firmly. Lu Hongzhao struggled desperately, shouting sharply, “Let me go! Do you know who I am? How dare you touch me! Do you want to die?”

But Zi Zhu and Lan Zhu’s grip was like iron clamps, holding her tightly; no matter how much she struggled, it was useless.

“Oh? Who are you? Could it be that besides being the famous courtesan of Jiangnan, you have another identity?”

Shi Qingqian asked with a faint, teasing smile.

The reason she dared to confront Qin Lang and Lu Hongzhao was that she knew they wouldn’t reveal Lu Hongzhao’s identity as a royal princess.

As long as she remained unaware of Lu Hongzhao’s true status, the royal family would treat her as innocent out of ignorance.

As for potential retaliation from Lu Hongzhao and Qin Lang? Whether she acted or refrained, it was impossible to avoid.

She had blocked their path; even if she chose to step aside, they wouldn’t agree.

They didn’t want any blemish on themselves, so they aimed to ruin her reputation utterly.

Since that was the case, she might as well live freely and recklessly.

Sure enough, upon hearing Shi Qingqian’s words, Lu Hongzhao dared not say more, only casting venomous glances at her, as if wishing to tear Shi Qingqian to pieces.

“Hit her!”

Shi Qingqian ordered coldly.

Nanny Zhao raised her hand and struck Lu Hongzhao’s face repeatedly from side to side; the sharp slaps echoed continuously.

Until Lu Hongzhao’s face was swollen and red, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth, her once delicate and beautiful features now twisted into a grim and pitiful sight.

“Do you know your mistake now?” Shi Qingqian sipped her tea and spoke softly.

Lu Hongzhao’s heart burned with the desire to kill Shi Qingqian, but she was no fool. At this moment, she was utterly alone, with no one to rely on. If she dared utter a single defiant word, more slaps would surely follow.

Having spent so many years in the mortal world, she had long learned to gauge the moment and endure.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Hongzhao forced down her anger and hatred, her voice trembling slightly as she said, “I... I know my mistake.”

Shi Qingqian gently set down her teacup; the crisp clink sounded especially clear in the silent room.

“Oh? What mistake did you make?” she pressed on, a hint of amusement in her gaze.

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Lu Hongzhao bowed her head, hands clenched tightly into fists, nails digging into her palms, striving to sound sincere:

“I should not have allowed my maidservants to speak nonsense and sully your purity!”

“What happened today, everyone present can see clearly. I am not pursuing the matter further to spare you face! I hope you recognize your place and cease your outrageous behavior! Otherwise, next time it won’t just be a slap across the face.”

Shi Qingqian’s voice was faint but carried a chilling coldness.

In such a predicament, Lu Hongzhao could only suppress her resentment and unwillingness, her voice broken and fragile: “Sister... I know my mistake. From now on... I won’t dare again.”

Shi Qingqian was merciless: “Don’t call me sister. You are nothing but a concubine! Know your place!”

Lu Hongzhao trembled slightly, a flash of humiliation crossing her face, but she quickly concealed it. “Yes, madam. I will remember.”

Though she appeared weak, inside her hatred grew wildly like untamed weeds.

“All right, Zi Zhu, Lan Zhu, since Lu Yiniang no longer has personal maids, you two will serve her closely for the time being. Lu Yiniang is carrying the heir; take good care of her. Don’t let her go out unnecessarily—let her rest indoors and nurture the child!”

Shi Qingqian thought to herself, not wanting that person to see Lu Hongzhao’s battered face, lest he kill her in a fit of rage.

Although the matter couldn’t be kept hidden forever, they would at least wait until Lu Hongzhao’s face healed. At the very least, the retaliation wouldn’t be so fierce.

“Yes!” Zi Zhu and Lan Zhu responded in unison, each taking one side of Lu Hongzhao and escorting her out.

Lu Hongzhao was utterly unwilling, but dared not resist, allowing herself to be led away.

“Grandmother, I hope I didn’t frighten you,” Shi Qingqian said with a smile after dealing with Lu Hongzhao, turning to look at Old Madam Qin.

“No, Qingqian, you have changed somewhat recently,” Old Madam Qin said, scrutinizing Shi Qingqian carefully. Yet she still appeared gentle and virtuous as before.

“Grandmother, when a person is pushed to the brink, they will grow,” Shi Qingqian lowered her eyes, radiating a profound sorrow.

Hearing this, Old Madam Qin clasped Shi Qingqian’s hand tenderly. This child had truly been hurt to the utmost by Lang’er!

“Qingqian, you’ve really had a hard time.”

“It’s not hard, Grandmother. As long as you are my backing, I can endure anything! So you must take good care of yourself and live a long life—that way, I will have a pillar of support.”

Shi Qingqian lifted her head, her eyes full of sincerity and dependence.

Old Madam Qin gently patted her hand. “You’re sweet-tongued. Don’t worry, as long as I live, no one will dare bully you, not even Lang’er!”

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“Thank you, Grandmother!” Shi Qingqian bowed deeply, her heart full of gratitude. She knew that within this vast estate, Old Madam Qin’s support was like an anchor, giving her a chance to breathe and a foundation amid the turbulent scheming.

“Grandmother, I happened to acquire a medical book that records a method to cure cold poison. I am now ninety percent confident I can cure Second Uncle’s cold ailment.”

“What?”

Old Madam Qin trembled as she stood, her face filled with excitement as she looked at Shi Qingqian.

“You can cure Jue’er’s illness? You know that even the head of the Imperial Medical Court is helpless; they say his days are numbered.”

“I know, Grandmother. Why would I deceive you?” Shi Qingqian’s gaze was calm. “I can cure him.”

“The current head of the Imperial Medical Court is merely my maternal grandfather’s apprentice. These past three years, since I’ve been widowed and living here, I know the Qin family relies entirely on Second Uncle to avoid decline. I have been studying the classics my maternal grandfather left behind, hoping to be of some help. Only now have I found some methods.”

Old Madam Qin’s eyes glistened with tears, her voice trembling slightly: “Qingqian, my dear child, if you truly can cure Jue’er, you will be a benefactor to the Qin family. Go ahead and treat him. Whatever you need, just tell Mo Yun and Mo Yu to procure it.”

“Qingqian will do her utmost,” Shi Qingqian smiled.

Old Madam Qin said no more, only squeezing Shi Qingqian’s hand before departing.

No words of gratitude could ever fully express her thanks toward Shi Qingqian.

In the days to come, as long as she lived, she would protect Shi Qingqian, ensuring she could live peacefully in the Qin family, never suffering another ounce of injustice.

After Old Madam Qin left, Shi Qingqian kept Zi Zhu and Nanny Zhao in the room; the others busied themselves elsewhere.

...

Shi Qingqian sat back down, looking at Zi Zhu and Nanny Zhao, saying, “If either of you have questions, ask now.”

Zi Zhu and Nanny Zhao exchanged a glance.

“You’re not the young lady, are you?”

Though phrased as a question, Nanny Zhao’s tone held a firm certainty.