Chapter 36: Suitable for Facial Diagnosis
Mama Wang and Yunong entered, and Wen Mingqian smiled and offered them seats.
The two refused to sit, no matter how much they were asked. After repeated entreaties, they finally sat down at an angle.
“Madam sent us to thank you,” Mama Wang said, handing over the brocade box in her hand. “We didn’t know what you liked, so our Madam took it upon herself to choose a pair of crystal bead bracelets, and also sent the Fourth Young Master a set of the Four Treasures of the Study.”
The young maid holding the Four Treasures of the Study gently placed the box in her hands down.
“Madam is too kind. How can I possibly accept such a valuable gift?” Wen Mingqian said hastily. “I truly feel unworthy.”
“You are worthy, you are worthy!” Mama Wang said repeatedly. “You don’t know how much that medicated powder last time helped our Fourth Miss in her time of need. Madam is truly grateful to you from the bottom of her heart.”
“Did Fourth Miss use that medicated powder?” Wen Mingqian smiled. “As long as it works, that’s good.”
“It’s more than just useful; it’s practically a miracle drug,” Mama Wang praised. “Not only is the medicated powder effective, but Madam also finds the face cream you sent to be incredibly good! It’s as if she’s aged several years.”
Actually, as Mama Wang spoke, Wen Mingqian understood. They were indeed here to express gratitude, but the main purpose was to obtain more items.
As expected, Mama Wang continued, “Madam, do you happen to have those two precious items here? Our Madam said to trouble you for some more.
We know that such effective items must be made from rare ingredients, so we beg you to tell us the price. We will pay it all and will absolutely not let you suffer any loss or financial hardship.”
“Your Madam is too kind to say that. I make these things just for fun, and it’s rare for someone to appreciate them,” Wen Mingqian said. She didn’t intend to make money from this; what she wanted was connections and influence. “However, these items are indeed a bit troublesome to make, so I don’t produce many.”
A hint of disappointment appeared on Mama Wang’s face, but she was also understanding, nodding. “Madam is right. Such exquisite and precious items must be extremely rare.”
Wen Mingqian smiled faintly. “However, no matter what, I cannot shortchange your Madam and Fourth Miss.”
Hearing her say this, Mama Wang was overjoyed. “Oh my, you are truly considerate! How can this old servant express her gratitude.”
“However, there is one thing,” Wen Mingqian paused. “Although I have some ready-made items here that you can take back, Mama, everyone’s skin condition is different. To achieve the best efficacy, it’s best if I examine it myself and create a personalized formula. It will take some time, but the results will be the best.”
“You are truly intelligent and skillful! Even this rough person understands. It’s like everyone has the same illness, but the prescriptions are different after pulse diagnosis,” Mama Wang clapped her hands. “Madam’s willingness to go to such lengths truly warms the heart. I thank you on behalf of our Madam and Fourth Miss.”
“Since Fourth Miss’s face has completely recovered, there’s no need to use the medicated powder anymore. Too much of a good thing can be detrimental,” Wen Mingqian said. “Actually, the reason Fourth Miss developed the rash was due to insufficient nourishment and protection of her skin. If she takes good care of her skin for a year or so, the problem will be rooted out.”
“Oh, Madam, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Otherwise, why would other people’s rashes be easily cured with ordinary methods, while our Fourth Miss’s is so stubborn!” Yunong, standing nearby, couldn’t help but add, “She’s a young lady who hasn’t married yet, at an age where she values her appearance. Because of this, she’s unwilling to go out and see people for half the year!”
“I just wonder when your Madam and Fourth Miss will be free, so I can visit,” Wen Mingqian said.
“Our Madam has nothing much going on these days, but it also depends on when you are free,” Mama Wang said quickly. “Besides, we are the ones asking for your help, so how can we trouble you to come to our residence! We will come to you.”
Wen Mingqian inwardly calculated that being too close would be bad, as it might lead to disrespect, while being too far would also be unsuitable, appearing insincere and disappointing.
So she said, “Then let’s set it for three days from now! I’ll go a bit earlier on the sixteenth. I haven’t been back to the Capital City in years, and I’d like to take the opportunity to visit around. I just wonder if your residence would welcome me.”
“Oh my, you say that, and it makes me feel so ashamed,” Mama Wang said. “Madam, you are a sincere person with a kind heart. In that case, I will accept on behalf of our Madam. On that day, we will be waiting at the mansion gates to welcome your esteemed arrival.”
Wen Mingqian then invited the two of them for tea. Mama Wang repeatedly waved her hands. “We have already troubled Madam for quite some time and feel very apologetic. Please rest, we will take our leave now.”
Wen Mingqian stopped them. “You’re leaving before even finishing a bowl of tea? That would make me, the host, seem like I’ve provided inadequate hospitality.”
“Indeed, being able to exchange a few words with Madam like you brings us honor!” Mama Wang said with a smile. “We’re just afraid of tiring you, Madam. If not, I’d be happy to accompany Madam for three days and three nights. Who wouldn’t love to be in the company of a beauty!”
“Mama Wang’s wit is truly wonderful,” Wen Mingqian smiled faintly. “I imagine you have matters to attend to back at your residence, so I won’t detain you any longer. However, please take these two items back as a small token of my intention.”
As she said this, Zhang Ma understood and turned to go into the inner room. After a while, she came out with a tray.
On it were three large and two small sachets, along with two bottles of scented paste.
“These three large sachets are for your Madam, First Madam, and Fourth Miss. They contain incense I personally blended. They are nothing special, just for you to wear and enjoy.
These two smaller sachets and two bottles of scented paste are for Mama Wang and Miss Yunong. Please do not find them wanting.”
“We wouldn’t be able to buy such good things even with silver! I won’t be polite with Madam,” Mama Wang said, somewhat overwhelmed with flattery.
“Thank you, Madam! I will treasure these precious items,” Yunong also quickly thanked her.
Wen Mingqian knew that although they were servants of the Changrong Marquis Mansion, one was a trusted confidante of Madam Wen, and the other was Fourth Miss’s personal maid.
Servants like these should never be underestimated.
Their evaluation of her in front of their masters was crucial, so providing them with benefits was essential.
Afterward, Wen Mingqian had Zhang Ma escort them out properly.
Mama Wang and Yunong left the Gong Family, returning with satisfaction.
“Mama Wang, Madam Wen is beautiful, her temperament is amiable, and most importantly, she possesses such unique skills. Why has she been away from the Capital City for so many years?” Yunong couldn’t help but ask curiously.
“She wasn’t like this before,” Mama Wang, an old servant of the Changrong Marquis Mansion, had interacted with Wen Mingqian years ago. “She used to be a bit proud and didn’t make any face cream or medicated powder. Now that she’s back, she seems like a different person.”
