Chapter 65: Xiao Xiao Takes Action and Collects People

  Xiao Fangzi was a clever person, and previously on the seventh day of summer, he had been instructed to take a detour from Bao Tai Street to Dan Feng Street. Without saying another word, he drove the Jin Wang Fu carriage around the corner, preparing to turn back onto Dan Feng Street and head back to the Jin Wang Fu. Dan Feng Street was an extremely lively and prosperous street, with pawn shops and wine houses standing in rows, as well as a brothel that, aside from Qin Huai, monopolized all of the capital's beauty and charm.

  As expected, when they arrived at the middle of Danfeng Street, a black and silver signboard jumped into view, with the words "Jinxiu Building" written on it. Xia Chuyi put down the curtain she was holding, patted Li Mei's hand, handed her the purse in her arms, gave her a look, and then softly called out to Xiao Fangzi.

  "Hey little driver, would you mind pulling over? My cousin here needs to take a leak."

  Xiao Fangzi let out an "oh" and stopped in her tracks.

  Li Mian stuffed the purse into his bosom, nodded at Xia Chuyi without hesitation, and got off the horse carriage with a swift movement, heading towards that Jinxiu Building.

  "Chu medical officer, that... he..."

  Xiao Fangzi hesitated for a moment, scratched his head, seemingly somewhat embarrassed, "Actually, other places are also okay for relieving oneself, no need to go inside Jinxiu Building, it's not clean there."

  "It doesn't matter, men will be men, just going to take a leak, and won't be eaten by the girls inside." Xia Chuyi smiled, until he saw Li Mo, dressed in men's clothing, enter the Jinxiu Building, where he was welcomed by a beautiful woman, before he put down the carriage curtain.

  Before long, Li Mian returned.

  The horse carriage restarted with a "driver" sound, Xia Qi stared at her and lowered his voice.

  "How was it?"

  Li Mian nodded, tossing the money bag back to her. "The silversmiths don't want your money, but I've already entrusted them with what you said. It shouldn't take more than three days for the news to spread. But... Chu Qi, is this method of yours reliable?"

  Xia Chuqi curved her lips slightly, her eyes deepened for a moment before she said, "Whether it's proper or not, we have to try it out."

  Li Mian and Chu Qi locked eyes, but didn't respond immediately. After a long pause, Li Mian finally grasped her hand, "Chu Qi, you're my sister, we only have each other left, I'm worried about your safety."

  "Don't worry, I have a sense of proportion and will definitely not let myself fall into danger."

  Her eyes were firm, without any sign of hesitation. Li Mo also stopped asking more questions, but the worry in his eyes added another layer.

  Xia Chuyi smiled at her and closed his mouth, no longer making a sound.

  What did she ask Li Mo to do? It's actually a simple matter.

  Things in the world, whether ancient or modern, are all interconnected. Where there is a country and an official residence, there will be land and gangsters. In a big city like Jing Shi Ying Tian Fu, how can there not be underworld gangs? Li Mo had previously mixed with these gangs on the road and was familiar with them. He knew that this capital not only had gangs but also a large number of people and a relatively tight organization.

  In this era, gangs were not yet called the underworld, but were called "hitting lines", also known as "colliding with six cities". Their modus operandi was similar to that of modern organized crime: cheating and looting, bullying and dominating markets. They served as bodyguards and thugs for wealthy families, took people's money, and handled some affairs that others found inconvenient to deal with in person.

  In the "Jinxiu Building", there is also a big shot of the Jin Palace, which has great influence in Beijing and Guangzhou.

  It's just that Li Miao had saved his life two years ago, and although she was now offering him money, he was a man who repaid kindness, and would do things for them even if they didn't want the silver.

  She entrusted Li Mi with two main tasks.

  The first one spread a rumor that "His Royal Highness, the King of Jin, met an extraordinary divine doctor named Chu Qi on his way back to the capital. He can cure all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases in orthopedics and gynecology, and now he has become the imperial physician of the Jin Wang Fu..."

  Secondly, let them use their own network to help investigate whether Ning Wang Zhao Xi has brought back an idiot from Miancheng Prefecture.

  Of course, she didn't want to brag about herself. It was to spread the rumor all over the capital, into the East Palace, and into the Crown Prince's mansion. She wanted to enter the East Palace for treatment, but taking the initiative to find someone would be too cheap, and it would also be easy to lose her head. She had to wait for the prey to fall into her trap on its own.

  As long as the prince is still alive now, hearing such rumors, even if a dead horse is treated as a live horse doctor, they will definitely come, after all, who would give up the opportunity to save their lives.

  As for finding the fool, it's also an urgent matter. At least she needs to know whether the fool is safe and whether Zhao Che brought him to the capital, so as to arrange the next thing. But for this, she doesn't hold much hope. Since Zhao Che dared to kidnap someone in the name of Zhao Zun, he will naturally hide very secretly, and how can it be easily found by the Jianghu gangs?

  As she thought of this, a sudden idea occurred to her and she looked at Li Mo.

  "That person from Jing Gong, you can get in touch with him more often later. If necessary, joining their gang is also possible."

  Li Mian's expression changed slightly, "Why?"

  At the beginning of summer, Qi Qi smiled faintly, "Sister, you and I are both weak and need to use people sometimes. The people in the gang talk about righteousness, they come out to mix, to put it bluntly, just to make a living, no one is more noble than anyone else."

  Li Mian remained silent, neither responding nor objecting.

  At the beginning of summer, she knew that she had the pride and nobility of a Guo Gong Fu young lady on her body. She could use silver to find someone to do things for her, but she would never easily become a gangster. She had to persuade her again with a few words, explaining the pros and cons.

  In her view, such forces must not only be relied upon but also cultivated and developed.

  She can rely on Zhao Zhu for now, but Li Miao was right in saying that relying on a man is not a long-term solution. They want revenge, and no one knows how much time this process will take or what kind of bloody storm it will bring. How long Zhao Zhu can be her reliable support is also an unknown quantity. So, they need to have their own power to support themselves, even if it's something that not even Zhao Zhu knows about, something that he cannot control. Only then will she truly be free.

  "We've arrived at the doctor's place in Chu State."

  Xiao Fangzi's voice came from outside, shouting that Xia Chuqi's heart tightened slightly, and he responded with a slight nod, slowly lifting the curtain to look out while supporting Li Mo's hand.

  What a magnificent palace.

  In the early summer, I once visited the Gong Wang Fu in Beijing and thought it was already big and luxurious enough. But now looking at this Jin Wang Fu, not to mention the golden and magnificent roof and house, the blue glazed tile gate is more majestic than the Gong Wang Fu. Just that one giant stone stele at the entrance with the words "Civil and military officials dismount here" is enough to intimidate people.

  Apart from the Imperial City, it is said to be the largest building in terms of land area within the capital.

  This is also proof of the old emperor's great favoritism towards his youngest son.

  "Has the doctor from Chu arrived? You few come over and lend a hand, be quick about it, first let's get the luggage down."

  In the time it took her to regain her composure, several people emerged from the mansion. Apart from Yuè Yù who was walking in front with a warm and gentle smile on his face, there was also Tián Fù, the general manager of Jìn Wáng Fǔ. He was a stout middle-aged man with a pale complexion, and at first glance, one could tell that he was a shrewd and astute individual who knew how to curry favor. He addressed Chu as "Chu Yī Guān" in a very friendly manner.

  "Thank you, Sister Yue and thank you, Director Tian. You've worked hard."

  At the beginning of summer, this person was used to pretending to be a pig and eating a tiger. When seeing people, she would speak human language, and when seeing ghosts, she would speak ghostly language. She did this without being inferior to others. Seeing that she had not yet entered the mansion, she attracted the attention and scrutiny of many people, and she knew that her "shameful affair" with Zhao Zun must have already spread throughout the Jin Wang Fu.

  "Hurry up, Dr. Chu, hurry in."

  The warm and enthusiastic welcome, led her all the way in, laughing all the way, with a bright smile on her face, as if flowers were blooming. Upon closer inspection, it felt like welcoming guests into one's own home, with an exceptionally strong sense of hospitality.

  After passing by the Chengyun Hall, the Yuan Hall and the Cunxin Hall, she walked around a corridor and entered a main hall. She clapped her hands to summon the waiting maidservants and young servants, who formed a line. Only then did she smile and begin to instruct them.

  "Everyone, take a good look at this person. He is the new doctor of our manor and also someone who has won my father's heart. All of you, be careful with what you do, don't go against him or turn your backs on him. Be careful not to get on his bad side, or else you'll have to answer to me."

  Those young ladies and servants, each one born with a fair complexion, dressed neatly and cleanly, were all clever people. They quietly sized up Xia Chuqi for a few moments, without needing to say much, and then simultaneously bowed and greeted him politely.

  "Chu Mou is new here and still learning the ropes, so please give him plenty of guidance."

  Xia Chuqi learned to imitate a man's gesture and bowed with her fists clenched, her face calm but her heart coldly laughing.

  There is a kind of kill called "scoop kill".

  It has to be said that if Yuè Yù wasn't born with a good heart, she must be an extremely shrewd person. She can't even find half a fault in others and still manages to deal with people perfectly. Look at her now, taking charge of the entire household as the head manager, and having all the maids and servants come to pay their respects - it's a high-level reception for a small doctor like him. But this move has subtly pushed her to the forefront of attention.

  In an era where everyone wants to be favored, there's only one master in the mansion, and yet they still haven't gotten rid of her?

  As expected, just as the words fell, a delicate and sweet voice came from outside.

  "Hey, is that Dr. Chu arriving? My sisters have been talking about it for half a day already, and Dr. Chu is indeed a noble person who takes his time..."

  Afterwards, several women came out from inside the courtyard.

  On the seventh day of summer, I glanced sideways and sighed in my heart.

  It seems that there are no ugly women in the Jin Wang Fu, even those who dress up as maids are all well-proportioned and have elegant features. The two young women walking ahead, dressed in bright clothes, are especially exceptional.

  The girl who was speaking, no more than twenty years old, had a slender figure and smooth skin. She could be described with the phrase "square and flowing, round and shining". She was dressed in a luxurious and elegant manner, but unfortunately, her eyebrows and eyes gave off an air of arrogance, which made her not very likable. The other woman was two or three years younger, her big eyes staring at Xia Chuqi without blinking, with a delicate nose and refined features. She wore a pink round-necked jacket, looking sweet and lovely, but slightly had a petty bourgeois air about her.

  As soon as Xia Chuyi saw them, she knew they were two of Zhao Zhu's three concubines.

  I don't know, which one is actually the sister of Dongfang Amu. Looking at their appearances, neither of them resembles Dongfang Qingxuan much. They are pretty, but lack that seductive charm, no wonder Zhao Zhuang doesn't think highly of them. If they looked like Dongfang, perhaps Zhao would have taken advantage of them already.

  She automatically filled in the blanks with Zhao Zilu and Dongfang Qingyun's romantic scenes, and suddenly she felt a little like she had been injected with chicken blood, her nose warming up slightly, thinking that they really should be together, it was simply a perfect match. As she thought about it, she couldn't help but let out a "heh" and burst out laughing.

  "What are you laughing at?"

  That delicate girl is uncomfortable. She let out a low growl, which sounded quite domineering.

  "Cough! Cough!"

  On the seventh day of summer, he glanced over with a slanted gaze, his face smiling, but his tone was not very polite.

  "Excuse me, who are you?"

  Miss Jiao took one look and knew that she was that kind of spoiled mistress. Being asked like this, with her arms akimbo and pointing at Yuè Wú, she shouted in a very impolite tone, "Yuè Wú, you come tell her, which one is the real mistress?"

  Yuè yù móu zǐ shǎn le shǎn, miàn sè bù biàn de qiān xiào zhe, què shì wéi hù xià chū qī.

  Translation:

  The moon's pupil sparkled, her face unchanged with a faint smile, yet she was actually protecting Xia Chuqi.

  "Please forgive her, Lady. Dr. Chu has just arrived at the mansion and is not yet familiar with all the rules here. I'll make sure to instruct her properly later."

  After saying this, she turned her head again and looked at Xia Chuyi, winking at her.

  "Chu Medical Officer, this is the young lady from the Dongfang Manor, and this is the young lady from the Wei Manor. They are all... they are all masters' consorts."

  She bit the two words "Dongfang" very hard, Xia Chuyi immediately hummed a soft "oh" and nodded in sudden realization, smiling with raised corners of her mouth as she looked at the two beauties, especially focusing on Miss Dongfang who had an arrogant attitude and was bossing people around. After sizing her up for a while, she let out a snort of laughter, but immediately reined in her smile when her expression changed, lazily waving her hand with a sloppy expression, completely lacking sincerity as she said, "Sorry, sorry."

  That Dongfang Wanyi was so angry that she stomped her feet straight away.

  "You..."

  "Is there anything else I can do for you, madam?" Xia Chuqi deliberately drew out the three words "Ru Fu Ren", reminding the aunt in front of her of her actual status - Ru Fu Ren was only a "Ru", not a real lady. Seeing that she didn't seem to understand, he kindly explained again, "Although Chu is not talented, he was recommended by the Imperial Hospital and appointed by the Ministry of Officials, with the current emperor's personal approval as a good doctor."

  What this means is that even if Lao Zi's official position was low, he was still an imperial appointee. You are just a concubine of no status, what right do you have to shout and yell in front of an imperial appointee? Don't you have any manners?

  As soon as she uttered those words, the main hall suddenly fell silent. Everyone knew that, to be honest, a concubine was not considered human, while a doctor was an official appointed by the imperial court, and was therefore far superior to a concubine. A favored concubine might be tolerated, but one who had lost favor was not even as good as a servant girl.

  There were a few little girls who puckered up their mouths, wanting to laugh but not daring to.

  There were a few bold women who, however, scolded with twisted faces.

  It can be seen that these women are not favored, and in the mansion, they are not treated with much courtesy by the lower people. They are actually inferior to even the position of a maid. However, relying on their family background, no one dares to be too rude to them.

  In the midst of the buzzing noise, Dongfang Wan'er gritted her teeth.

  "You're taking advantage of others too much!"

  "Chu didn't know how he had 'cheated' Ruhua, but there was one thing he couldn't help but advise: Ruhua's liver fire was very strong, and she must not get angry often. If this continued, it would be easy to get constipated and have mouth sores." Xia started to look like a completely different person on the seventh day of summer, with a sly smile on his face and a mischievous glint in his eye.

  The surrounding people's snickering sounds continued.

  That eastern gentle and elegant girl stuttered for half a day before finally saying, "You look great from behind!"

  "Chu Mou asked with a clear conscience, whether in front of the emperor or the Grand Commander-in-Chief, it's all the same. As a doctor, I respect medical ethics. And, Chu Mou would like to offer one more piece of advice to Madame, if this trivial matter is mentioned to the Emperor and the Grand Commander-in-Chief, I'm afraid..."

  As soon as he said this half sentence, Dongfang Wanyi was speechless.

  The seventh of July is mocking her, and she can't go at all.

  That's right, in the era of male chauvinism, the status of a concubine was lowly, and she had never served Zhao Zhuo in bed, nor could she rely on Zhao Zhuo's power. It was his father and brothers who, although they held high official positions, were only serious about her being a concubine in the Dongfang household. The status of a concubine, to put it bluntly, was just that of a slave girl. Even if she returned to the mansion to cry and complain, the Dongfang household would not possibly offend Zhao Zhuo for her sake, after all, this was a family matter of the Jin Wangye's household.

  Dongfang Wanyi was getting angrier by the second, her lower lip bitten to the point of bleeding. Under the embarrassing gaze of the crowd, she still forced herself to curse again.

  "You scoundrel, how dare you speak to me like this? Just wait and see!"

  Xia Zhiqi smiled slightly, bowed her head and saluted, looking polite but with a sharper tone, "If the lady speaks like this, Chu Mou has no problem, it's just that I'm afraid of losing the face of the Dongfang family..."

  With a smile, she stood up straight and glanced at Moon Yu's face with an ambiguous gaze, then said, "Chu Mou also watched the 76 episodes of 'Zhen Huan Zhuan' in his hometown... Ah no, if the noble masters were content with their status, did things low-key, and didn't receive favor, they could live for more than 20 episodes. But if they acted recklessly and showed off, they would absolutely not survive past three episodes. In short, Chu Mou advises everyone to be humble, that's the key to longevity. Can you ladies understand?"

  It's clear that none of them understand.

  They stared at her with their eyes wide open, some slightly opening their mouths, others staring with wide eyes, their expressions were like modern people looking at aliens, they didn't dare to blink, their eyes were filled with "incredulity".

  "Do you understand?"

  Xia Chuiqi smiled again and repeated a sentence.

  That serious little guy looks like he's got it going on.

  Don't look at her simple and unassuming attire, but that intangible aura of hers is quite intimidating, especially the refreshing and overbearing manner in which she moves, which is far beyond what those women who have been living in the inner courtyard for years can match.

  "True Ring... which play is it?"

  At last, Dongfang Wan'er raised an eyebrow and asked.

  "Miss Dongfang, why not read more books when you have nothing to do? Reading more books broadens your horizons. By then..." Xia Chuyi pointed at her brain, "This will be useful, and His Highness can take a few more glances at you."

  Xia didn't bother explaining to them on the seventh day of summer vacation.

  She came to the Jin Wang Fu as a medical officer, not for harem politics. First, give these women a warning, fool them a bit, who still has the patience to teach them the rules of palace politics?

  Especially this Dongfang Wenyi, it's obvious that she and Dongfang Qingxuan are not born to the same mother. If they were, then their father must have slept with another woman on a thunderstorm night, and she got pregnant - what a ridiculous thing.

  She finished with a smile that didn't reach her eyes, her expression unchanging as she turned back to gaze at Yuè Yù.

  "Big sister Moon, would you mind taking me to settle in? I'm exhausted from a whole day of work."

  "Yes, Doctor Chu is invited over here."

  Yuè Yù smiled slightly, made a gesture with her hand, and had two servants come over to carry their things, but was refused by Li Miǎn's indifferent "no need". Yuè Yù waved her hand for the servants to leave, not getting angry, but only added a hint of a smile on her lips when her eyes swept past Dōng Fāng Wǎn Yí's face that had turned red with anger.

  As they entered the inner mansion, the winding houses almost made Xia Chuqi dizzy. She couldn't help but think of modern times, where a square meter costs tens of thousands of yuan, and the Jin Wang Fu's land area was at least tens of thousands of square meters. The eaves and tiles, the red lacquer and golden dragon decorations, were simply luxurious to the extreme.

  Damn it, Zhao Zhuo, she's jealous...

  But he was a feudal king who couldn't enjoy himself.

  Instead of her, I'd rather stay at home, drink and hold a beautiful woman, and go fight a fart.

  Yuè Yù's arranged residence for the seventh day of the summer month was not as far from Zhao Zun's main house, "Cheng De Yuan", as she had imagined. Not only was it not far, but it was also quite close, in the two side rooms next to Cheng De Yuan.

  According to her, Dr. Chu lives here and can take care of Master Ye nearby. If he is not feeling well, she can hurry over and let Master Ye suffer less. That kind of thoughtfulness and gentleness makes Xia Chuyi sigh with emotion.

  This month is really thinking of Zhao Zhu everywhere.

  Even in arranging for women, he doesn't consider himself at all.

  No wonder Zhao Zun, such a shrewd person, can entrust the big mess in the backyard to her to handle. It seems that apart from Yue Yu's good handling of things, he also knows this point and uses people like this with peace of mind.

  Everything was arranged, and Yuè Yù looked at her with a faint smile.

  "My father said that the good doctor will come again tomorrow and it will be fine. I think you are also tired today, take a rest, have some tea, and don't bother to go downstairs to get lunch, I'll send someone to bring it up to you later."

  "Then I won't thank you, Sister Yue. Of course, I think I don't need to thank you anyway. After all, I helped you get rid of Dongfang, who you couldn't stand from the start, so that's already a return favor for me, right?"

  Yu'e was taken aback for a moment, and then her eyes turned red with urgency.

  "Governor of Chu, this is a reckless remark. Miss Dongfang is the master's quasi-wife, while Yuemei is just a maid, how dare she have such audacity?"

  Xia Chuqi raised an eyebrow and smiled at her indifferently.

  "Just kidding, why should Big Sister Moon be nervous? Besides, they don't know my background, but you do. Even if it's just a family sister, speaking privately is no big deal. Apart from Dongfang, who else do you dislike? Just hand them over to me, one by one, and I'll take care of them. You can pay me some silver coins, and we can negotiate the price."

  "Chu Medical Officer..."

  Yuè yù was looking at her weakly, his lips were white with anxiety. But Xiā Chū Qī was smiling brightly, not saying a word, just staring at her with a pair of sharp and piercing eyes, until she finally knelt down with a "thud", her pale and smooth face filled with grievance and confusion.

  "Director Chu, you can't wrong me. I'm just a maid who only takes care of Master with all my heart and serves him wholeheartedly. How dare I have such evil thoughts? Over the years, thanks to Master's trust in me, he has handed over the management of the backyard to me. Everyone in the backyard is a master, and I don't dare offend any of them. If your words get out, I'll be finished."

  "Haha......"

  Smiling gently, Xia Qiuzi walked forward and helped her up. She narrowed her eyes slightly and examined her for a moment before comforting her with a smile.

  "Isn't it just for fun? With Grandpa protecting you, who can bully you?"

  Yuè Yù's face stiffened, and she forced a bitter smile. "I've said it before, I'm just a maid, not as favored as Doctor Chu. In this household with over a hundred people, rumors spread easily, and one might choke on their own tongue. Yuè Yù is afraid that even swallowing food will become difficult."

  She said it seriously, Xia Chuyi only stared at her and chuckled, "No, no, no, Yueda Jie, if you say so, Chu Qi's heart will really be unhappy. People are the most sensitive creatures, how others treat me, I can see it clearly in my heart. You, Yueda Jie, are absolutely the first person to be good to me, I will definitely remember your kindness."

  "That's good." Yuè Yù responded with a nod, her expression easing up.

  ……

  ……

  After eating the lunch sent by Yuè Yù, Xiāo Qī let Lǐ Miǎo take a nap alone in the house. She found Méi Zi to help her and went to the kitchen to simmer the medicinal soup, preparing for Zhào Zūn's bath when he came back at night.

  She says she was deceived and hated, but in fact, when doing these things, she is willing.

  That taste can't be described, probably every woman who has just fallen in love has had the same thoughts. Although she says something cheap and damaging on the surface, in her heart, she is still good to that man. He came all the way, tired from traveling by boat and car, and had been fighting wars for many years, sleeping under the stars and moon. He himself also had a headache, so when he finally has some free time, he really needs to take good care of himself. So, no matter how she beats or scolds him, in terms of his physical health, she won't be careless at all.

  After noon, she stayed in the kitchen all the time. From time to time, someone came in and glanced at her curiously, with various gazes, but didn't dare to come over and chat with her. They would sneak a few glances and then leave. Several little maids even went in and out several times, pretending to fetch things, but their faces were full of interest in her, and the label on that interest was only one - the master's beloved.

  "What's going on? A strange smell is coming out."

  As soon as she appears, she must say "yo", Xia Zhī Qī doesn't need to turn her head, and she knows it's Dongfang Yuanyi.

  "As you wish, madam." Mei Zi hastily made a bow, no later than July 7th.

  "What's the point of suffering? It stinks."

  Covering her nose with a handkerchief embroidered with flowers, Dongfang Yuanyi fanned herself in distaste.

  At the beginning of summer, she didn't even lift her eyes and didn't respond, completely treating her as if she didn't exist. Only Mei Zi awkwardly tilted his head and obediently replied, "As Madam Ru said, it's a medicinal soup made by Dr. Chu for Master to take after bathing in the evening."

  Dongfang Wanyi gave a disdainful glance and suddenly called out to Mei Zi.

  "You go down first, I have something to discuss with Dr. Chu."

  Plum was slightly startled and looked at Xia Chuyi with some concern, but did not dare to disobey the order. She bowed her body and went down obediently.

  "Hey! Dr. Chu." Dongfang Wanyi saw that Xia Chuyi was ignoring her, so she snorted and dismissed the two maids from her own household. After staring at Xia Chuyi for a while, she finally softened her tone and called out to her.

  "Miss Dongfang, is there something?" Xia Chuyi finally looked up at her.

  She took a glance outside the kitchen and suddenly crouched down, speaking in a low voice.

  "I heard you served as a servant for a master, is this true?"

  "...At the beginning of summer, I didn't expect her to be gossiping, raised an eyebrow and chose not to answer."

  She didn't think she was such a difficult person to deal with, Dongfang Wanyi was originally a soft and timid personality, but instead softened down a bit, "Chu Medical Officer, my attitude towards you earlier wasn't very friendly, but I'm an impatient person, most of all I don't like beating around the bush, unlike that Yu Yue, always pretending to be a good person in front of grandfather, disgusting."

  On the seventh day of summer, he glanced at her and didn't understand why.

  She tilted her mouth again, leaning in closer, "Earlier you mentioned that true ring transmission, I went back and pondered it for a bit, but couldn't quite understand it. Why is it that once I comprehend it, I can serve the young master?"

  "...Summer seventh looked at the fire pan in front of him, and it had already been cooked by Lei until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside."

  Dongfang Wanyi was completely unable to fathom her attitude, and said, "However, I thought about it carefully again. Even if the master dotes on you, it's not a big deal. You're just another man who can't bear children, what can you do? Why should I bother calculating with you, huh?"

  What does she want to do?

  Xia Zhong Qi rolled her eyes, couldn't figure out what these women in the backyard were thinking, what kind of mentality they had. So she just looked at her, not saying a word.

  Dongfang Wanyi muttered to herself, her tone softer by a few degrees, "You see, we two are not familiar with each other, how about becoming friends?"

  On the seventh day of summer, he raised the corner of his lips and gave her a light glance.

  "Are you thinking of cheating on your husband and having an affair with me?"

  "Shut up, stop talking nonsense."

  Dongfang Wanyi's face turned red as she looked at Xia Chuiqi, biting her lower lip in embarrassment. After a long pause, she seemed to relax again, "To be honest with you, it doesn't matter if I tell you or not. Earlier, I heard Wei Shi and Xie Shi say that Doctor Chu's medical skills are unmatched, and that he must have used some kind of enchanting medicine on Master, which is why Master favors him so much. Is that true?"

  Her eyes narrowed slightly, Xia Chuqi thought for a moment and nodded, "What if it is?"

  Dongfang Wanyi's eyes lit up, "You're also giving me some enchanting medicine?"

  "Alright, no problem."

  Dongfang Wanyi's eyes widened, "That's great, Chu Yiguan! I didn't expect you to be such a good person. Today was my misunderstanding of you, don't hold it against me, this woman?"

  Xia Chuqi curved her lips, "The medicine is available, but that also comes with conditions."

  Dongfang Wanyi urged anxiously, "What conditions do you have? Tell me and let's hear it."

  Softly sighing, Xia Chuyi lamented, holding a fire tong with one hand and pinching the blazing firewood in the brazier, thinking it was nothing to tease Zhao Jianren's little concubine, this day was also carefree and happy.

  "Chu Mou this person, has only one hobby."

  "What?"

  "A hundred taels for this medicine, is it fair?"

  "One hundred and twenty?"

  Obviously, the amount of one hundred and twenty taels was not a large sum for Dongfang Wanyi, nor was it a small sum. She thought about it briefly and then agreed, "Alright, when will you give it to me?"

  "Come back in half an hour and you can pick it up, one hand for silver and the other for goods."

  Chun Chun thanked her repeatedly, and Dongfang Wanyi smiled and walked away. However, Xia Chuyi felt a bit uneasy in her heart. The women in the Jin Wang Fu were always thinking of climbing into Zhao Zhu's bed, using all sorts of cheap tricks, so she had to be on guard as well.

  Otherwise, if Zhao Zhuo can't hold on one day and gets caught by them, the young chicken she raised will be eaten by others before she even gets a taste. Although it's easy to say that it doesn't matter and they can just break up, considering her current mental state, she would definitely feel extremely uncomfortable.

  No way, absolutely not.

  She thought for a moment with her eyes narrowed, and then a plan formed in her mind.

  ……

  ……

  Zhao Zhu came back at one o'clock in the evening.

  To welcome the triumphant return of Prince Jin, the Jin Wang Fu had made thorough preparations. Not to mention the lanterns and streamers everywhere, even the maidservants and young servants were all tidied up, looking spirited and refreshed.

  Especially his three concubines, they were all dressed up like they were in a beauty pageant, each one more stunning than the last, as if they couldn't wait to catch his eye and gain his favor.

  "Why so many people?"

  Zhao Zun furrowed his brow as soon as he entered the dining hall.

  "Master!" Yueru curtsied, "You've been gone for two years and just returned. All the ladies of the house wanted to have dinner with you together. I was thinking that it's not easy for them to stay at home, so I took the liberty of hosting a grand banquet, gathering everyone together, and also to share in your joy."

  Zhao Zun glanced around and didn't say much, but turned his head to take a look at Zheng Er Bao.

  "Go and get Chu Qi."

  "Yes, master." Zheng Er Bao lowered his eyelids and responded before leaving.

  They were in the ear chamber of Cheng De Institute on the seventh day of summer, looking at her "Qing Nang Book", pondering the scar on her own forehead, and hearing Zheng Er Bao's call, feeling not very comfortable in her heart.

  To be honest, having meals with Zhao Zun is not a problem, but having to have meals with his several concubines as well would really make her choke. Thinking about this, she regretted it a bit, at the time when she made that three-year agreement with him, she should have written in that clause that he was not allowed to have any concubines within those three years, instead of getting rid of his original concubines.

  Pfft!

  At this point, she rolled her eyes and couldn't help but laugh at her own petty thoughts. Not to mention that the little Fangzi said that the remaining three madams were all unmanageable, even if they could be managed, Zhao Zun would not sacrifice the balance of the imperial court for her sake.

  What's the point!

  There were several little mice playing around, which was quite interesting too.

  Moreover, isn't it a waste if you don't go at a time when the results are about to be verified?

  The dining hall was brightly lit, and a group of servants and maids were waiting in attendance. The scene was so grand that Xia Qi's eyes widened in amazement, but he couldn't even tell who was who. He couldn't help but feel that being a feudal king was truly a blessing, and life was just too comfortable.

  "Come over."

  Zhao Zhu saw her coming in, his eyebrows and eyes slightly warmed up, and he stretched out his hand.

  "Grandpa, can I sit here?"

  At the beginning of summer, Xia wore men's clothes and always felt that having a relationship with him in public would be harmful to the social norms and easily shatter the glass hearts of the young girls, also affecting their three views. But who would have thought, as soon as she finished speaking, Zhao Zhuo's already not very good-looking face suddenly became even more gloomy.

  "Dr. Chu, come and sit beside me."

  Yuè Yù quickly moved her bowl and chopsticks to Zhao Zun's side. Xia Chū Qī let out a sigh in her heart, and could only walk over with a stiff face. For a moment, the large dining hall was filled with dozens of gazes all fixed on her, piercing her like nails, the feeling was not very pleasant.

  The dishes on the table were colorful and varied, and tasted authentic. But Xia Zhicheng was not used to being served by others, originally eating without any dining etiquette, now with a large group of servants serving beside him, he felt even more awkward.

  "Which one do you like to eat?"

  Zhao Zun didn't bother with anyone else, and instead quietly asked Xia Chuqi in a low voice, then personally arranged the dishes on the plate in front of her. "Eat one of these bugleweed fish meatballs, don't be picky, look how thin you've gotten."

  Awesome!

  He sees her as a nuisance, yet insists on keeping her by his side. Isn't that just asking for trouble?

  In her heart, she cursed him with a few words, but Xia Chuyi didn't give him face in front of his many little wives, and only faintly said "thank you" before lowering her head and not making another sound.

  "Grandfather, this dish of five delicacies is your favorite, I especially ordered the chef to make it today. How's the taste?" The soft and sweet voice was melodious and pleasant, who else could it be but Dongfang Wanyi?

  It was more than two years before she saw Zhao Zhu again, and her eyes were about to bloom with flowers. As they talked, she got up and walked over, wanting to serve Zhao Zhu personally.

  "Sit back down."

  Zhao Zhu's face sank, and he had just let out a low growl when suddenly a loud farting sound "pfft" came from somewhere.

  Dongfang Wanyi's face changed, and she was instantly stunned. Everyone in the room looked at each other in dismay, not daring to make a sound, afraid that this embarrassing thing would be blamed on themselves.

  "Forgive me, your humble wife will leave...will go back..."

  Dongfang Wanyi slowly backed away, afraid of being discovered that it was her who farted.

  But heaven didn't cooperate, and then there was another "pfft" sound, she let out an even bigger fart.

  The royal aristocratic mansion was particularly particular about dining etiquette, and it would be a great disrespect to fart when the master was present. When everyone found the source of the sound and looked at her with their eyes wide open, Dongfang Yuanyi clamped her legs together, wanting to hold back, but the more she wanted to hold back, the more she couldn't help herself, and she let out a third loud fart.

  A group of people, wanting to laugh, yet not daring to laugh.

  The atmosphere is particularly strange.

  With a snort, Xia Chuqi couldn't help it anymore and buried his face in the table, stifling a laugh.

  It's true, the fox charm powder she gave to Dongfang Wanyi earlier was actually five-bean powder with some added ingredients. After eating it, one would have a smooth bowel movement and be able to fart freely.

  "Bang——"

  When everyone wanted to laugh but didn't dare, Zhao Zhuang slammed his chopsticks on the table, said nothing, and didn't even bother to look at Dongfang Yuanyi, grabbed Xia Chuqi's wrist and walked out of the dining hall.

  Only one woman was left standing there, looking dull and stupid.

  And their wronged gazes all turned towards Dongfang Wan'er, who was even more wronged.

  Especially the third madam Wei, she has been in the Jin Wang Fu for more than two years, and today is the first time she sees Zhao Zun in person. It's not easy to have a chance to eat with him together, but it was messed up by Dongfang Wenyi, how can her heart be at ease?

  Divination

  A louder fart sound made Dongfang Wanyi's face turn pale, and she was so angry that her lips were trembling.

  Digression

  What was I going to say?

  I feel like I had a lot to say, but now I've forgotten.

  Forget it, let's talk about it tomorrow, hahaha.

  Oh, right, everyone joins the medical concubine V group [385060371] will have reader-created small drama sharing, and can also discuss plot development and tease Er Jin. [Note: Entering the group requires verification, single book full subscription, V2's don't need to repeat adding, they're all the same haha]