Chapter 35: Asking for Medicated Powder
Consort Song got up early to serve Gong Xu as he left, then watched as someone led Gong Bao’an to school.
She instructed, “The sky is overcast, I fear there will be rain, bring an extra set of clothes! Be prepared.”
Gong Bao’an looked at her pleadingly, begging, “Can I play with Brother Changan after I return from school today?”
As many servants were present, Consort Song couldn’t say much, only vaguely replying, “If Fourth Young Master is not busy, then it’s fine.”
Gong Bao’an then happily got into the carriage.
Consort Song returned, only feeling a bit lazy and lacking energy.
Granny Yang came in and said, “Little Madam, my second son just returned and said Chen Youde has already left the city through Antai Gate.”
Gong Xu had ordered people to watch Chen Youde leave the capital, and the ill-gotten wealth he had accumulated was naturally all recovered.
Consort Song nodded, “Let’s go! My heart will be at peace.”
Granny Yang comforted her, “Little Madam, don’t be discouraged. This time, it was the one surnamed Wen’s good luck. If Old Woman Lu hadn’t reported to her, how would she have known about Chen Youde? Otherwise, how could she have had the chance to speak ill of others in front of Master.”
Consort Song frowned, pondering, “I’m thinking, was this really a coincidence?”
“What else could it be?” Granny Yang chuckled, “Old Woman Lu probably didn’t dare to tell Master or you, partly because she feared you wouldn’t believe her, and partly because she feared being intercepted. She must have encountered Consort Wen when Consort Wen was out.”
“Perhaps! But I don’t know why, my heart feels so unsettled,” Consort Song pressed her chest.
“I suppose you were frightened yesterday. Why not invite a doctor to examine you?” Granny Yang suggested, “Fortunately, there was no real danger. Chen Youde didn’t say anything he shouldn’t have.”
Actually, she had also been terrified yesterday, fearing Wen Mingqian would hold a grudge.
“Compared to these things, Wen Mingqian’s change in temperament is what makes me more uneasy,” Consort Song said with displeasure, “She seems to have some backup plan.”
“Little Madam, don’t worry too much. Don’t they say it’s easier to change mountains and rivers than to change one’s nature? I suppose she’s in a difficult position now, so she’s naturally learned to compromise. As for her having deep schemes, this old servant doesn’t believe it.”
“Regardless, we must be careful from now on and never underestimate the enemy,” Consort Song smoothed her brow, forcing herself to be energetic, “And Bao’er, this child always wants to play with that wild woman, it’s truly…”
Granny Yang was about to persuade her further when Liuyun entered and said, “Little Madam, someone from the Changrong Marquis Mansion has arrived. It’s Mama Wang, the companion of his Madam, and Yunong, the maid of Fourth Miss.”
“What are they here for?” Consort Song was somewhat puzzled, “Did they say anything?”
“They just said they came to visit and brought some gifts,” Liuyun said, “It looks like they have something to ask for.”
“What could they possibly want from me?” Consort Song wondered, “Please invite them in first! Don’t keep them waiting.”
Mama Wang and Yunong entered with smiles on their faces and paid their respects to Consort Song.
Consort Song also greeted them warmly, asking, “How are your Madam, First Madam, and the young ladies? It’s been a long time, I wanted to visit and pay my respects, but I’ve been too busy.”
“Little Madam is too kind. If you have some free time, you should really visit our mansion. Our Madam also misses you!” Mama Wang said with a smile, “These are water shield and dried shrimp brought back from Jiangnan. Please have some for freshness!”
As she spoke, she winked at a young maid beside her.
The young maid stepped forward and put down the items she was carrying.
Consort Song noticed that another young maid was holding something in her hand, which was clearly much more valuable than the water shield and dried shrimp.
“Little Madam manages a large household and must be very busy. We won’t disturb you for long. Please lead us to see Second Madam!” Mama Wang stated her purpose formally, “Our Madam sent us to ask Second Madam for help.”
“What do you need Second Madam to help with?” Consort Song blurted out, she really couldn’t imagine what Wen Mingqian could do to help the Changrong Marquis Mansion.
“It’s like this, last time Second Madam hosted a banquet, she gave my Madam and Miss some face cream and medicated powder as they were leaving.
Coincidentally, our Fourth Miss suffered from peach blossom tinea a few days ago, and nothing seemed to help. However, after using the medicated powder Second Madam gave her, it significantly improved within a day and a night, and after three days of use, it was completely cured,” said Yunong, Fourth Miss’s personal maid, “Our young lady was overjoyed. Now she doesn’t have to worry about not being able to see people.”
However, she has used them up these past few days. Madam fears it might recur, so she sent us to ask Second Madam for more medicated powder to keep on hand, so she won’t be without it if it flares up.”
“So that’s how it is,” Consort Song felt a surge of jealousy, but outwardly maintained her usual gentle and submissive demeanor, “Then I’ll accompany you. I haven’t paid my respects to Madam today yet!”
“Then we’ll trouble Little Madam,” Mama Wang quickly thanked her.
Consort Song and Granny Yang got up and led them towards Lingyue Pavilion.
Zhang Ma was cracking sunflower seeds under the corridor. Upon seeing Consort Song arrive with many people, she spat out a sunflower seed husk and loosened her shoulders.
“Elder Sister, is Madam in? Someone from the Changrong Marquis Mansion has come to visit,” Granny Yang called out from a distance.
“Madam is in! Please let the guests in!” Zhang Ma said, smiling kindly at Mama Wang and Yunong.
“We apologize for our unannounced visit today,” Mama Wang said, “We hope Madam will forgive us.”
“Don’t be so formal, you are distinguished guests, please come in quickly.” Zhang Ma was quite amiable when she wasn’t being stern. After Mama Wang and Yunong went in, she put on a stern face and blocked Consort Song and Granny Yang.
“Zhang Ma, I also need to go in and pay my respects to Madam,” Consort Song said, “You can’t stop me, can you?”
“What’s to stop or not stop?” Zhang Ma snorted coldly, “Madam doesn’t need you to pay respects, and she has guests to attend to!”
Consort Song certainly wasn’t there to pay respects to Wen Mingqian; she just wanted to overhear what Wen Mingqian and the people from the Changrong Marquis Mansion were discussing.
“Elder Sister, there are guests here, how can you be so rude!” Granny Yang said, “It wouldn’t look good if outsiders saw this.”
“What outsiders? Are you talking about the joke of Madam not wanting to see you, yet you insist on barging in?” Zhang Ma said with dead eyes.
“This… this is not true. I have always been respectful to Madam,” Consort Song said innocently.
“Indeed! Who doesn’t know that Little Madam is the most well-mannered,” Granny Yang quickly chimed in.
“Since that’s the case, Madam still has many sutras left to copy. Little Madam, take them back and copy them. I heard you are also literate,” Zhang Ma said, looking at Consort Song with a malicious smile, “It’s good to be closer to Buddhism, perhaps it will cultivate some compassion.”
Just as she finished speaking, Gong Changan walked out from inside, holding a scroll of sutras.
Zhang Ma took it and handed it to Granny Yang, saying to her, “You should also recite them when you have time. It’s considered accumulating merit.”
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