On her way back to Ranfeng Courtyard, Shen Xuejin’s mind was racing.
The fact that she had been used as a pawn was already a reality. Now, all she could do was minimize the damage this might cause to her and her mother.
Keeping her head slightly bowed, Shen Xuejin said, "In reply to Madam, judging by the pulse, things are currently stable. However, pregnancy is inherently fraught with danger. With six or seven months still to go, I cannot guarantee that it will remain this way throughout."
"You are the bride-to-be of the Huo family's eldest son; naturally, I trust you." Madam Huo stood up, preparing to head to the prayer hall. "I’ve noticed Aunt Fang hasn't had much of an appetite these past few days. She may not eat, but the child in her womb must. Write out a prescription and have Nanny take it to get the medicine, so Aunt Fang can nourish herself properly."
Writing a prescription was not difficult; what was difficult was deciphering Madam Huo's true intentions.
If Madam Huo were truly a magnanimous mistress, why would Aunt Fang have felt the need to hide her pregnancy from her?
Madam Huo wanted to use Shen Xuejin's hand to get rid of the child in Aunt Fang’s womb.
If it went unnoticed, Madam Huo would give Shen Xuejin some small favor. If it were discovered, Shen Xuejin would merely become the scapegoat.
However, Nanny Wang clearly had no intention of giving her a chance to plot or scheme; she followed her all the way back to the guest courtyard, watching her until the prescription was written.
Shen Xuejin hesitated for only a moment before Nanny Wang remarked, "Is Miss Shen’s medical skill lacking? You cannot even write a simple tonic prescription? How can we feel at ease entrusting the health of Imperial Concubine Mei to you?"
The ink pooled at the tip of her brush and dripped onto the unfolded rice paper, instantly forming a dark smudge.
Shen Xuejin changed the sheet and quickly wrote out the prescription. It was a standard, middle-of-the-road tonic; she could only hope it would stall for time.
As the days grew hotter, Shen Xuejin prepared another batch of medicine for the psoriasis and presented it to Madam Huo, but she still could not see her mother.
"Nanny." One day, unable to bear it any longer, Shen Xuejin intercepted Nanny Wang in the courtyard. "I would like to see Madam. Does she have any time today?"
Nanny Wang maintained her cold, indifferent demeanor. "Madam has been suffering from the heat and hasn't been sleeping well these past two days. She is resting, so if you have any matters, come back to Ranfeng Courtyard in a couple of days."
Being repeatedly blocked from seeing her mother felt like punching cotton—leaving her feeling weak and frustrated.
In a fit of pique, she kicked a pebble. The suppressed anger in her chest surged toward her head. Only after kicking two more stones into the pond did she feel that fire subside slightly.
"Younger Sister Xuejin." Huo Nanchi’s cold voice rang out.
Shen Xuejin started and turned around. Sure enough, Huo Nanchi stood not far off, his hands behind his back. He was still wearing his official robes; he must have just come off duty.
Huo Nanchi had arrived earlier and had watched her kick the stones. He had naturally also seen the alarm and embarrassment in her eyes just now.
Shen Xuejin hurriedly curtsied. "Second Young Master Huo."
"Has Younger Sister Xuejin encountered some vexing matter?" Huo Nanchi walked closer.
Shen Xuejin didn't know how much he had seen, so she restrained her emotions. "Thank you for your concern, Second Young Master, but I have not encountered anything vexing. The people at the Marquis Manor treat my mother and me very well."
That last sentence had the distinct flavor of someone protesting too much.
Huo Nanchi raised an eyebrow.
Shen Xuejin curtsied to take her leave. As she brushed past Huo Nanchi, a porcelain bottle slid from her sleeve and fell to the ground. She bent to pick it up, but Huo Nanchi bent down at the same time, and their foreheads collided.
Shen Xuejin let out a soft exclamation, clutching her forehead as she retreated two steps.
Huo Nanchi picked up the bottle and handed it to her.
Shen Xuejin shook her head. "Second Young Master, keep it. I noticed the wound on the back of your hand still hasn't healed. Why not try this salve?"
Ever since she had mentioned the salve in the carriage last time, Shen Xuejin had kept it on her person. Because she could treat the psoriasis of Imperial Concubine Mei, Madam Huo was willing to house her and her mother. If the Second Young Master also took an interest in her medicine, perhaps she could gain some leverage from him—perhaps enough to visit her mother.
Huo Nanchi watched Shen Xuejin’s retreating figure, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the smooth porcelain bottle.
He had seen her kicking stones to vent, and he had seen her intentionally drop the bottle from her sleeve. She was quite different from the docile, sensible girl she pretended to be in front of others.
Cunning, and full of little schemes. If she were to marry his eldest brother, wouldn't she bring a great deal of trouble to his honest, simple-minded sibling?
The next morning, Shen Xuejin went to the gate of Ranfeng Courtyard and waited until Huo Nanchi arrived to pay his respects to Madam Huo.
"Second Young Master Huo." Shen Xuejin stepped forward to meet him. "How did you find the salve I gave you yesterday?"
"I haven't used it yet," Huo Nanchi replied coolly.
Shen Xuejin paused. It was true—Huo Nanchi didn't trust her at all, so why would he easily use her medicine? Seeing him head inside, Shen Xuejin quickly followed.
Huo Nanchi glanced at her sideways.
Shen Xuejin said, "I was just about to pay my respects to Madam Huo as well, so I'll go in with you."
Madam Huo looked surprised to see them walking in together, but she quickly returned to normal. "Ah, Xuejin is here, too. I haven't been feeling well these past few days. I heard you came by several times, and Nanny turned you away on my behalf."
"I was just worried about you, Madam." After chatting for a few moments, Shen Xuejin asked after the health of Imperial Concubine Mei.
"She is somewhat better, but I don't know if it's the medicine—she hasn't been eating or sleeping well these past few days," Madam Huo said, her face full of worry. "I was just thinking of heading to the palace to visit her in a couple of days."
Shen Xuejin was not surprised by this rhetoric. If she admitted that the Imperial Concubine was well and the medicine was effective, how would she be able to keep manipulating her?
"I suppose my medical skills are still lacking, as I cannot even cure my own mother’s illness," Shen Xuejin said, unable to hide her pain.
"Even if you hadn't come today, I was going to have Nanny take you to see your mother." Madam Huo raised her hand slightly, and a maid named Qingya brought forward two new sets of clothing. "These two garments were just finished yesterday. Go back and change into them before you see your mother, so she doesn't think you're being ill-treated here at the Marquis Manor."
Though she spoke of the clothes, this was effectively a warning to Shen Xuejin not to mention a single word about the Marquis Manor to her mother.
Shen Xuejin left with a grateful expression.
Madam Huo then looked at Huo Nanchi. "You are not usually one to meddle in others' affairs. Why did you help her today?"
"What do you mean, Mother?"
Madam Huo smiled. "I’ve been avoiding her for days. She was anxious, so she waited at the gate specifically for you to arrive, hoping you would lead her in to see me. This way, she gets to see me without me being able to reprimand her. With your intelligence, surely you can see through those little schemes of hers?"
Huo Nanchi took a sip of tea. It was slightly bitter at first, but left a sweet aftertaste.
"It’s just a visit to see her mother; it won’t stir up any trouble. I didn't want her to misunderstand you, Mother."
"Misunderstand me as being malicious and despicable?" Madam Huo scoffed. "I’m afraid she already thinks exactly that."