Chapter 76: The Doctor (Middle)

  Jinxiu asked the maid, "Is there anything else you've heard?"

  The maid said: "No, we didn't. When we came back, we saw someone lighting lanterns and heading towards the second young lady's place. It was probably the first wife."

  Jinxiu told these words to Ronghua.

  Ronghua seemed unsurprised and instructed Jinxiu: "Tell the people in the courtyard not to go out again." Then she lay down and closed her eyes.

  Jinxiu nodded and walked out with the lamp, instructing the two little maids not to talk nonsense again. Only then did she close the door and blow out the light.

  Ronghua smiled slightly, Ma Dao's affair was exposed, and Yao Hua had such a plan, using the already dead Fifth Miss to not only hurt Shuhua but also win over Zhao Xuanhuang.

  Miss Wu. After all these years, how much weight does Miss Wu still hold in Zhao Xuan's heart? Rong Hua opened his eyes, his gaze flickering, the past is just the past, since he had already taken that step back then, why bother reminiscing about it again.

  No matter what, these things have nothing to do with her.

  The next day, Rong Hua went to pay respects to the old lady as usual. When she entered the old lady's Millennium Residence, she saw the doctor who often treated illnesses in the mansion. Rong Hua saw Rui Qing and hurriedly went forward to ask, "What's wrong with Grandmother?"

  Rui Qing said, "The old lady had chest pain last night and didn't get better after taking medicine. This morning, we invited a doctor to come over again, but it's still the same old illness. We can only take good care of her."

  Ronghua drove away the chill in front of the charcoal brazier before entering the inner chamber to see Old Lady Tao.

  The big wife is serving soup medicine in front of Old Lady Tao's bed.

  Ronghua bowed solemnly and then looked up at Old Lady Tao's face.

  Mrs. Tao's face had lost its usual rosy complexion, especially around the eyes, which were a dull white, and she seemed to have no energy at all. The elder lady was also pursing her lips, with not a hint of a smile on her face.

  Mrs. Tao finished feeding the medicine, Rong Hua took over the empty bowl, Mrs. Tao lay down to rest, and Mrs. Dai went outside with Rong Hua to talk.

  The lady sat in a chair, took a sip of tea, "Although the old lady is ill, it's not good to go to the Wu Mu Marquis' mansion either."

  Ronghua listened quietly on one side.

  The lady said: "You go back and get ready, soon the carriage from the Wu Mu Marquis's residence will arrive."

  Rong Hua was slightly surprised, as if he had no mental preparation at all.

  The lady saw it in her eyes, "The Hou Mansion has also invited the young lady from the Changning Bo family. You must have a plan in your heart and be careful with your words and deeds, so as not to be laughed at."

  Ronghua hastily nodded.

  Seeing Rong Hua's gentle and obedient appearance, Madame's face slightly cleared up, and she said softly: "Go prepare quickly."

  As she came out of the old lady's house, Yun Hua's mouth corners finally rose with a faint smile.

  Everyone says it's like a different world. The madam doesn't know if she still remembers, the illegitimate daughter she scolded severely before is now entrusting her with this matter.

  It's unknown whether in the near future, Mrs. would regret her actions that night.

  Rong Hua lifted her head to gaze at the sky, and the sunlight slightly pierced her eyes. She closed them, but that red sun still lingered before her eyes.

  ……

  The old lady went to the bed of Mrs. Tao again, "Mother, I've already told the Hou Mansion before, and will take Yaohua over. If something suddenly happens... The Hou Mansion will definitely ask about it, and if they suspect anything, it will be even worse. No matter how this matter is handled, we must first get through this pass before saying anything."

  The big wife saw that Tao Lao Tai Tai did not object, "Besides, it was just an accidental encounter, and it doesn't count as anything else."

  Old Mrs. Tao opened her eyes and gave Big Madam a cold glance, under which Big Madam immediately shut up.

  The old lady waved her hand and the big wife had to retreat.

  Seeing Madame coming out, Chen's mother hastily stepped forward and said: "How does the old lady look?"

  The lady's face was stern, and the old lady had always been fond of Yuhua. Now she had such an attitude. When she learned about this, she was also shocked to the point where her hands and feet were cold. "Yuhua, that child, how many times did I tell her, but she just wouldn't listen." Thinking of Zhao Xuanhuan, the lady was even more furious, gritting her teeth, with a hint of sarcasm, "He said he came to see Shuhua, and now that Shuhua is ill like this, he still has the nerve to..."

  "Fortunately, it's our own house, and besides, it was just a coincidence that we met. The old lady is worried and confused, after a few days when her anger subsides, she'll be fine."

  The madam frowned, "I'm afraid it will spread outside, and Yaohua's reputation will be ruined." She paused for a moment, "As for Shuhua's side, she can't let her know, otherwise..."

  The eldest maternal uncle went to the fifth young lady's courtyard in the dead of night. If this is said out loud, does that matter still need evidence?

  Mrs. Dai and Chen's mother were chatting when they saw Miao Tuan hastily approaching Shu Hua's side. Miao Tuan greeted Mrs. Dai, saying: "Madam, the second lady said she wants to return to the Hou Mansion."

  The lady looked at Chen's mother in surprise, "Why suddenly want to go back?"

  Miao Tong shook her head, "The wet nurse only told me to go back to Madame Dai, pack up my things and send someone to the Hou Mansion to call for a carriage."

  "Could it be that you heard about what happened last night?" Madame asked Miao Tong again, "Or was someone saying something in front of Shu Hua?"

  Miao Tong said: "I didn't hear anything."

  The maid may not have heard it, but that doesn't mean Shu Hua didn't know. There's no wall in this world that doesn't leak.

  Miao Tong looked at the old lady with concern, "The old lady's illness is not getting better. After taking these medicines, there was no effect at all. Last night, the old lady coughed all night, and this morning she said her chest hurts, and she doesn't even dare to cough."

  Upon hearing this, Madame's heart skipped a beat and she felt dizzy for a moment before regaining her composure. "Let's go take a look at Shu Hua."

  ……

  Mugwort smiled and helped Ronghua find clothes to wear, "Otherwise, you'll still be wearing that pale blue dark flower cross-collared jacket with a lake green silver silk cloak on top."

  This set of clothes is good-looking, but it makes people feel aloof and not easy to get along with. Besides, the weather has also cooled down. Rong Hua was about to go choose clothes herself.

  Rui Qing pushed open the curtain and entered the house, smiling at Rong Hua and bowing slightly, "Old Madam asked me to bring some clothes over for Eighth Miss."

  Ronghua took a look, it was a light green embroidered plum blossom satin jacket with a pale pink hundred-pleat skirt. Ruiqing then took the cloak from the hand of the maid behind her, "And this cloak."

  It's a large red woolen cloak with white fox fur lining.

  Rui Qing said: "The old lady said that Eighth Miss will definitely look beautiful in this dress." As she spoke, Rui Qing helped Rong Hua put on the clothes and personally combed her hair.

  Unexpectedly, Rui Qing's hands were so skilled, and with just a few simple movements, she had already fixed her hair bun.

  Rui Qing called the maid to bring over a carved flower box and opened it, "These were also given to Miss by Old Lady."

  Rui Qing took out a five-colored butterfly hairpin, a coral hairpin, and also chose two pink silk flowers and a pair of glass earrings. They were not overly elaborate, but still bright and charming.

  After dressing up, someone came and said: "The Hou Mansion's carriage has arrived. The madam is asking the young lady to go to the Weeping Flower Gate."

  Ronghua then led Jinxiu along the corridor to the Huahang Gate.

  Yao Hua wore a dark pink jacket with a red-collared white lotus-patterned cloak, high bun and loose hairpins, her eyes were red, looking weak and pitiful.

  There was already a horse carriage stopped there, and Rong Hua found it strange. The old lady got off the horse carriage, lowered her head to wipe her eyes with a handkerchief, and the curtain of the carriage compartment was lifted again. Inside was Shu Hua's voice, "Has Yao Hua arrived?"

  Yao Hua hurried forward upon hearing this.

  The lady saw Rong Hua and recognized the cloak on him as one from Old Lady's trunk. She had thought that Old Lady would give it to Yao Hua, but instead she gave it to Rong Hua. Suddenly, she understood a bit of Old Lady's intention - perhaps Old Lady was afraid that something might go wrong with Yao Hua, and Rong Hua was more steady and obedient.

  "Is your elder sister, today she will be going back."

  Rong Hua said in surprise: "Why don't you stay for another two days?"

  The lady wiped the corner of her eyes, "The Hou Mansion has found another retired imperial physician to give your elder sister a thorough examination. Moreover, it's not convenient at her mother's home." There might be other reasons behind this.

  After saying this, Rong Hua stepped forward and bowed to Shu Hua, calling out "Big Sister".

  Shu Hua just gave Rong Hua a cold glance, then softly told Yao Hua an unclear sentence, "Don't worry, I won't watch you like this."

  The madam's face changed instantly, she took a step forward and pulled open the curtain, her eyes sharp, "Don't think about those unnecessary things with this body, your sister's side will naturally be taken care of by me, you don't need to worry."

  Yao Hua only felt her mother's grip on her wrist was painful, she subconsciously pulled her hand away, but her mother didn't let go, instead pulling her closer and giving her a stern look.

  Yao Hua's eyes suddenly turned red, and she stepped forward: "Sister, just listen to mother, everything is fine here, you don't have to worry about it." After saying these words, the fingers that had been clasped around her wrist finally loosened, and he let go of her.

  The old lady carefully put away Shu Hua's car curtains and instructed the coachman, "Be steady."

  Shu Hua's carriage slowly moved forward.

  Immediately following the Wu Mu Hou Fu's carriage arrived, the old lady took Yao Hua, Rong Hua and others onto the carriage, and they traveled in silence.

  Arriving at the Xue residence, Madame Xue had already received news and was waiting in front of the mansion to greet them. The elder madame hastily got out of the carriage and spoke with Madame Xue.

  Madam Xue glanced at Yao Hua and Rong Hua, her eyes lingering on Rong Hua for a moment before she smiled warmly and entered the mansion with them.

  With Old Mrs. Xue present, the Xue family had not yet divided their household. Now that a banquet was being held, the mansion was bustling with activity. Upon entering the flower hall, one's eyes immediately fell upon Second Mistress Xue chatting away on one side, seemingly saying something amusing, which made the elderly mistress sitting in the seat of honor burst out laughing. As she laughed, she said: "Our family's second mistress is always good at pleasing me; I couldn't bear to be apart from her for a single moment."

  Xue Erniang, dressed in a crimson embroidered jacket, stood beside the old lady, and everyone gazed at her with envy, their faces showing great intimacy, as if the banquet was being held for her. Xue Erniang said: "Old lady, what are you saying? We're all just supporting actors, if you're not happy, how dare we be joyful?" After finishing this sentence, she raised her eyes and saw Xue Niang leading in Mrs. Tao, Xue Erniang hastily stepped forward to greet them, "Mrs. Tao has arrived, the old lady was just mentioning you."

  The two ladies-in-waiting, Yao Hua and Rong Hua, hurriedly went to pay their respects to the Old Mistress. The Eldest Lady then introduced them, "This is Second Miss and Eighth Miss."

  Yao Hua and Rong Hua also bowed to everyone.

  The purpose of the Hou Mansion's banquet was well-known to all, and as the protagonist of the banquet, everyone couldn't help but take a few more glances. Ronghua was fine, but Yaohua instantly became the focus, and everyone secretly evaluated the second lady of the Tao Mansion.

  The crowd chatted for a while, and then the old lady said to Mrs. Xue, who was busy running around: "Take a break and have a cup of tea." Although she was showing concern, it was much less warm than when she spoke to the second lady. Ronghua hurried over to take a look at Mrs. Xue, who, despite being the eldest daughter-in-law with a formal title, seemed to be treated as inferior even to the second lady in the household, especially today, when everyone else had pitched in to help, except for the wives of the second, third, and fourth branches of the family.

  Ronghua looked over at the table next to them, and saw that all the wives' eyes were fixed on Mrs. Xue Er. The eldest wife was not favored, the second wife was too showy, and the people from the third and fourth houses seemed like wallflowers, but who didn't have their own calculations in mind.

  The Xue family was a large clan, and relying solely on the title of one marquis could not suppress everyone. Honghua looked at Mrs. Xue with a somewhat worried feeling, thinking that Mrs. Xue had also been worried for many years, and it was not easy to keep the title. The Xue family was indeed a mess.

  The madam had never visited the Xue family before, but today she finally came and saw through it in just a short while. The old lady favored the second wife even more than the rumors said. She couldn't help but feel a slight regret in her heart, what if the title of the eldest son was gone in the future, then this move would be for nothing... Looking at the second wife's triumphant expression, it wasn't impossible either.

  The lady of the house was just thinking about it when she suddenly heard someone outside say: "Madam Changning and Fourth Miss have arrived."

  The lady put down her tea and looked ahead.

  Only a lady in a crimson skirt with floral patterns and a young girl in a light yellow skirt with clear eyebrows and beautiful eyes walked in.

  Ronghua was also looking forward, not thinking that Xue's wife saw Mrs. Changning and the young lady, her face suddenly changed greatly, and her arm involuntarily shook, knocking over a bowl of tea in the red lacquer tray held by the maid, spilling water all over Ronghua's clothes, and the maid let out a loud cry, everyone's eyes immediately turned to look over.

  She accidentally lost her composure and rudely knocked over the tea bowl. Mrs. Xue's face turned even uglier, looking at Rong Hua just about to speak, Rong Hua had already apologetically said: "It was all my carelessness that knocked over the tea bowl, didn't spill any on you, madam?"

  Mrs. Xue was slightly surprised, and Tao Ba's words helped her out of the awkward situation. Mrs. Cai smiled faintly and said, "No, your skirt is wet. I'll have someone take you to change into a clean one."

  Ronghua looked at the madam, got permission, nodded, and then bowed to the newly arrived Changning Bo's wife and daughter, apologized to everyone, and followed the maid out of the flower hall.

  Why did Madam Xue change her expression when she saw the visitor?

  Four thousand words again today.

  This chapter should be quite long, I don't know if it can be finished in three parts...

  Hehe.

  The baby is hungry, go cook dumplings for the baby to eat.