Tianpi recovered from his laughing fit and could not hold back a smile when he saw Hua Qiyue staring at him. "Why, am I so strikingly handsome that I've taken your breath away?"
"Taken my breath away?"
Hua Qiyue laughed softly and said, "Master, I think you should be a trumpeter."
"Why?"
"Because this is how the phrase, 'Blowing one's trumpet' came about!" Hua Qiyue shot back, and Tianpi was enraged.
"You wicked girl…"
"You may choose to beat me or kill me, I don't mind, either way." Hua Qiyue sat down once more and continued to cultivate.
Tianpi was left speechless.
It was around midnight by the time Hua Qiyue left the jade gourd, and she was surprised to see Tianci sitting quietly on the pallet, looking at her.
Hua Qiyue quickly sat up. "Tianci, what are you doing here?"
Lvxin said awkwardly, "Miss, young master didn't want to leave with us. I wanted to bring him to the side-room but he held on to your sleeve tightly and refused to leave."
Hua Qiyue's heart clenched. He was probably afraid that if he left her, he might find himself in danger once again.
Tianci blinked at her. Two large oil lamps burned merrily and the light on his face flickered over his wounds. He looked exceptionally pitiful under the lamplight.
Tianci looked at her with pleading eyes, thinking that Hua Qiyue wanted to send him away.
Hua Qiyue felt tears prick at her eyes and gently embraced Tianci. "Lvxin, you and the others may retire for the night. I'll sleep with Tianci here tonight. Oh yes, do remember to tell the carpenter to make one more long pallet tomorrow."
Youshui quickly waved her hands and said, "Miss, this is very improper… you're not even married yet…"
Hua Qiyue's face darkened. Youshui was probably afraid that her reputation would be damaged if word got out. Now that she had been reborn, she did not give a hoot about her reputation. What was one's reputation for? Could it be eaten? Could it be used to save lives?
Tianci was only six years old. What could a boy know about being improper?
Furthermore, he was so traumatized that he could not possibly sleep alone. She would reassess the situation when he got better.
"There's no need for you to try and persuade me any further. Tianci is my adopted son and he will be my son for life. Why would I let my son live in fear?"
When Youshui and Lvxin saw that she had made up her mind, they left the room, hanging their heads helplessly.
"Tianci, don't worry. I'll take good care of you. Let's go. I'll bring you back to the room." Hua Qiyue kissed his forehead tenderly.
Tianci was confused. This was how his mother used to put him to bed.
But his father had told him that his mother was killed by bandits. He did not understand why his father had never buried his mother and each time he asked about his mother, his father would give him a beating.
Tianci shivered at the thought of Zhou Zhicheng and his clear wide eyes were filled with terror.
"Tianci, don't be afraid. I'll always be by your side and won't ever let you be in danger again."
Hua Qiyue held his hand and brought him into the room, carried him up to bed, and let down the bed curtains. Outside, the moon slowly rose to take its place in the sky.
Tianci buried his small face in her hands and slept soundly.
He was too tired.
Hua Qiyue had not expected Tianci to wait up for her until midnight. She felt a twinge of guilt for making him wait so long.
She closed her eyes and re-entered the jade gourd. She plated a few exotic herbs, and then, as Tianpi watched, she started to cultivate in earnest.
The next morning, Hua Qiyue searched her memory and recalled that there was a famous doctor in the capital known as Prince Nan. He was originally named Yun Shimo and was from the Changjing Kingdom. He grew up in poverty and his only family was his mother. He was self-taught and was not just an alchemist but also an outstanding doctor.
No matter how bad the ailments were, he could cure them all and bring his patients back to full health.
Like most famous doctors, though, Prince Nan was eccentric, and he required everyone who approached him for treatment to create a poem. He would only accept the patient if he was satisfied with the poem.
Since Tianpi could not cure Tianci, Prince Nan was her only hope.
The next morning, Lvxin was shocked to hear that Hua Qiyue was going to bring Tianci to see Prince Nan. How had her mistress suddenly become so bold?
Hua Qiye smiled and said, "Lvxin, I must make sure that Tianci recovers."
Lvxin remained silent, unable to think of a response.
Youshui prepared the carriage while Hua Qiyue fetched Tianci.
Along the way to Prince Nan’s residence, Hua Qiyue heard many people discussing the same topic."I heard that Princess Huizhen has been seen in public together with Zhou Zhicheng. Tsk. I can't believe that haughty princess has fallen for someone as poor as him.""Exactly. The Zhou family are mere commoners. Tsk, it's a miracle that the princess could fall for someone like him.""Ha, Zhou Zhicheng is rather handsome, but it has only been a few days since his wife passed away. This is really indecorous of Princess Huizhen.""Princess Huizhen has always been rude and bratty. Why would she care about what the world thinks of her?""Shh, stop it. Walls have ears."Hua Qiyue held Tianci's hand and her eyes flashed coldly.How dare that cheating couple head out in public together so soon?The child beside her fretted anxiously. He was probably afraid when he heard others mention Princess
Prince Nan looked at her and saw that her eyes were lowered. She looked earnest and sincere and it did not seem like she was putting on an act.Huangfu Xuan's eyes widened in disbelief.This rude girl wasn't here to see him? He couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy at the thought of that."Humph! Hua Qiyue, you must have heard that Prince Nan and I are good friends and that we often meet at his residence to play chess and drink! Was this why you deliberately adopted that—""Your Excellency, I sincerely hope that you would grant my request!" Hua Qiyue repeated, interrupting Huanfu Xuan.Prince Nan's eyes narrowed slightly. He had heard about Hua Qiyue and was surprised to see that she seemed so different from the quiet, insecure woman that the rumors made out her to be.Yun Shimo remained unmoved and said coldly, "Sorry, I'm not going to treat him."Hua Qiyue held up the silk box that con
"You think that just because I have no interest in you, you can throw yourself at Brother Yun?"Huangfu Xuan shouted angrily.The two pharmacy apprentices were shocked. It was improper for men and women to touch each other's hand in passing objects. Yet, this maiden had just flung herself upon their master. They had no idea what to do.Hua Qiyue's body clung to Yun Shimo's. Her perfume drilled into his nose and her hanging hair tickled Yun Shimo's face.He raised his gaze to her face, only to see Hua Qiyue's surprised eyes, as clear as a crystal spring without any lust.Hua Qiyue took a head-on look at Yun Shimo's luminous eyes and jumped up with fear, saying, "I am so sorry. I did not expect... I did not expect... "Huangfu Xuan rushed over and pulled up Yun Shimo, hovering over him like a hen protecting its chicken. "Hua Qiyue, how dare you!"Hua Qiyue was embarrassed — she’d never meant for
Hua Qiyue took Tianci and left, meeting Lvxin and Youshui outside. Their hearts dropped at Hua Qiyue’s dazed look.On the carriage ride home, people pointed and murmured."That’s the daughter of Hua's Mansion. I’ve heard she’s ugly and useless, but… she doesn’t look ugly or useless.""Yes, she’s quite the beauty.""Look at how she holds herself! She’s obviously rich."Hua Qiyue quietly watched Tianci twist his shirt between his fingers.Hua Qiyue knew that there must be many shadows inside Tianci's heart. She’d need to talk to him when they got home."We need a medicine that only the Medicine Saint has. According to Prince Nan, it will likely be very difficult to get. We may need to start getting information about the Ji family," said Hua Qiyue gloomily.It occurred to her that Tianpi might have that kind of medicine. She’d have to ask him about it later.Lvxin grimac
The Second Concubine was livid, but much more calculating than the Third Concubine. Her daughter, Hua Mengshi smiled in an attempt to please Madam Hua, "Grandma, sister Qiyue is so filial. You are very lucky."Madam Cheng agreed with a smile. "My Madam, Mengshi is right. Qiyue is finally sensible now. It indeed benefits our family, especially you. We apologize for our misunderstanding of Qiyue."The Old Madam appeared to be calmed by their words and asked Hua Qiyue and Tianci to sit beside her, ignoring Madam Cheng's complaints about Qiyue's hiding of rare medicinal herbs.Lvxin and Youshui looked at each other, confused. Was what happened to the Third Concubine and Hua Xiaoyi the show Hua Qiyue had told them to expect?The Old Madam sat on the white jade couch carved with a dragon and phoenix. It was no surprise she picked the coolest couch during the mugginess of June.Tianci timidly sat beside the Old Madame. At the
The Second Concubine was filled with resentment. She hadn't expected Butler Wang to personally remind Old Madame to attend the charity event. If he had informed her privately, she could have thought of a way to borrow some silver."Now, Butler Wang. What did you say?" The Old Madame was furious and only calmed down slightly after Hua Qiyue softly muttered words of comfort. She glared at Butler Wang, who knelt on the floor.Butler Wang trembled as he kowtowed, cold sweat dripping all over his forehead as he pleaded, "Madame Hua… your servant… your servant has made a mistake. I shouldn't have kept this from you. It is because… the Second Concubine always sends me to purchase her elixirs!"The Second Concubine looked sharply at Butler Wang.She knew he must have taken the initiative to confess in order to obtain the Old Madame's forgiveness first. But the way he brazenly came to the main hall to remind her of the charity implied he’d
The Third Concubine's face turned pale. "Blacky! No! Come back! "A smile played across Hua Mengshi's lips.With the Long Red destroyed by the Third Concubine’s dog, Madam Hua and Hua Qiyue would blame her and Hua Xiaoyi. Plus, it would remove Qiyue’s leverage over the family’s income. Meanwhile, any ire Hua Mengshi had been receiving from Madam Hua would be lessened while her attention was on those who had destroyed the Long Reds.Quick as a wink, the black dog stepped into the red clay. But, just as it was about to trample one of the divine herbs, all of the Long Reds in the yard disappeared!The black dog slammed into the wall and fell to the ground, dazed.Frightened, the Third Concubine quickly gave order for Blacky to be taken away. She glanced suspiciously at the Second Concubine and Hua Mengshi.Where did they go?The Second Concubine, Cheng, was so surprised, that she didn’t even noti
"Miss, you are really smart. I didn't expect the Third Concubine to show up in person," Lvxin said, awestruck.Hua Qiyue faintly raised her eyebrows and said, "Not only the Third Concubine, but the Second Concubine, as well. "Youshui was scared. "No way! Why would she come here?"Lvxin looked at Hua Qiyue in surprise. In her experience, Concubine Cheng had always been proud, unlike Concubine Pan, who conducted herself in a proper manner. There was no way the Second Concubine would come here.However, there were soon footsteps outside and, a moment later, Concubine Cheng came in with Hua Mengshi and two maids.Nanny Luo was standing beside Cheng, there was a big box in her hands. She appeared respectful, with no hint of malice."My, but you’re having dinner quite late! Qiyue, we are here to apologize to you." Cheng said with a faint smile. Hua Mengshi's face lowered, hiding her expression, but Qiyue could