Chapter 56- The Medicine Is Problematic – Transcendental Translations

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Chapter 56

Jiang Ruohua regretfully looked at the rose pastry in her hand. “No one wants it? Should I just throw it away?”

The moment “throw it away” was mentioned, Hu Xingxing was unwilling to let that happen. She snatched it from Jiang Ruohua’s hand, not forgetting to mutter, “I can’t stand you rich ladies! Do you even realize how many people out there can’t even get a crumb to eat? Just throwing food away—what a waste!”

She promptly took a big bite out of one piece, and her face instantly lit up. She looked like she’d fallen into a jar of honey, her eyes narrowing in bliss as she involuntarily said, “This is so good!”

Jiang Ruohua leaned closer, peering at her with curiosity. “I thought Senior Sister didn’t like sweets?”

Hu Xingxing froze momentarily, then snapped out of it. “You tricked me again!”

Jiang Ruohua didn’t say anything, but she couldn’t suppress the smile creeping across her face. She had to admit that teasing Hu Xingxing was quite amusing. Lately, she’d particularly enjoyed watching Hu Xingxing act as if she didn’t want something, only to give in completely the moment her craving got the better of her.

Over time, Hu Xingxing had grown somewhat used to being teased like this. What used to cause her to put on airs for an extended period now barely fazed her—she’d simply resigned herself to it.

With a huff, Hu Xingxing clutched the pastries and no longer held back. After all, Jiang Ruohua’s daily treats were both delicious and varied—how could she resist?

But just as she was about to reach for a second piece, it was abruptly snatched from her hand. Xu Weiqing appeared, holding the paper-wrapped package in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Without a shred of appreciation, he shoved the pastry into his mouth. At Hu Xingxing’s loud protests, he furrowed his brow, chewed twice, then spat it out disdainfully.

He tossed the remainder onto the ground and stomped on it with his foot, grinding it into the dirt. “This is disgusting—way too sweet!”

The joy on Hu Xingxing’s face evaporated instantly.

Xu Weiqing, however, paid her no mind. He took a swig of wine and scolded, “What are you crying about? Do you ever stop whining?”

This sort of thing wasn’t new. Jiang Ruohua pressed her lips together. She could already predict what Xu Weiqing was about to say next.

“Always bringing over these useless pastries. Little girl, your martial skills are barely passable, but your knack for currying favor is something else. Already stinking of aristocratic airs at such a young age!”

Shrugging, Jiang Ruohua brushed it off. This kind of remark was practically a daily occurrence. Xu Weiqing seemed to detest everything in the world—whether it was the glamour of the nobility, the wealth of the rich, the warmth of ordinary families, or even the meager joys of the impoverished. Everything seemed to provoke his disdain.

A packet of pastries, completely innocent, became a crime in Xu Weiqing’s eyes.

Madman. Troubled soul. Bitter and mean.

These were the impressions most people had of Xu Weiqing.

But that had nothing to do with her.

Apart from martial training, Jiang Ruohua had no intention of engaging with him further. Their perspectives were so drastically different that arguing was pointless. Even if she won the argument and proved her point, would Xu Weiqing change?

It was better to focus on strengthening herself. Let him rant all he wanted—it wasn’t worth getting upset over.

And ultimately, no matter how far Xu Weiqing had fallen from his days as a celebrated scholar, he was still far more capable than she was. His current state had to be the result of his own struggles and choices. For her, a teenager, to attempt to console a man with decades of life experience would only come across as naïve and condescending.

Besides, trying might only anger Xu Weiqing further. She wasn’t his match in a fight—why bother?

Hu Xingxing was still sniffling. Xu Weiqing, however, was already back to business. His training was undeniably effective, but he never taught directly. How much one could learn depended entirely on how much they could comprehend from his punches and scoldings.

By the time Jiang Ruohua staggered home under the cover of night, she was utterly exhausted. As usual, she bathed, applied medicine to her bruises, and finally allowed herself to rest.

The next morning, Hua Chan and Yin Qiu’s brother Erlin left to deliver invitations to Xie Shuyan and the others. Jiang Ruohua had just finished breakfast when news came that something had happened in Concubine Yuan’s quarters.

Fortunately, Jiang Ruohua visited Concubine Yuan daily. The moment she heard of the incident, she hurried over.

Concubine Yuan was sitting on her bed, looking pale and unwell. Jiang Ruohua frowned slightly as she entered. “What happened?”

“Miss, the concubine was frightened.” A maid attending to Concubine Yuan handed Jiang Ruohua a bowl of medicine. “Following your instructions, we have someone taste the medicine before the concubine drinks it. Today, the taste seemed off…”

Jiang Ruohua was well aware of how much Concubine Yuan valued the child she was carrying. The medicinal decoctions were prepared in precise quantities, as prescribed by the doctor, so there should have been no mistakes. If the taste was wrong, tampering was a real possibility.

Concubine Yuan sat trembling, her face ashen. Jiang Ruohua gestured for the maid to carefully set aside the medicine. She then comforted Concubine Yuan, saying, “Don’t worry, Aunt. I’ll have this investigated thoroughly. I won’t let anyone harm my younger brother.”

Concubine Yuan finally seemed to relax a little.

Jiang Ruohua took charge, issuing instructions: “Keep this medicine safe. Bring the leftover dregs and all the staff who handled the medicine here. Also, summon the family doctor to examine it and find out what’s been added.”

Standing nearby, Yin Qiu barked, “You heard the lady! Hurry!”

The servants didn’t dare dawdle and rushed to carry out her orders. The medicine bowl was handed over to Yin Qiu for safekeeping.

Sipping tea as she waited, Jiang Ruohua reflected on the situation. She had only just started overseeing matters for Concubine Yuan, and it didn’t seem likely that the Third Madam would act so hastily, especially using such a clumsy method. The most plausible explanation was a mistake—a careless servant adding the wrong ingredient.

Idly twirling the floral gold bracelet on her wrist, Jiang Ruohua thought through the possibilities. If she were the Third Madam, the optimal time to strike would be closer to delivery or immediately after birth. Whether it resulted in a double tragedy or the child’s untimely death, it would be seen as an unfortunate but natural occurrence.

In such a scenario, she, an inexperienced girl with no knowledge of childbirth, could easily be blamed for negligence. While she might not be openly chastised, the ensuing gossip and pressure would be enough to drive her into the Third Madam’s arms for protection.

“Miss, the people have been brought.”

Jiang Ruohua snapped out of her thoughts as several servants dragged in a young maid. She lowered her gaze slightly and questioned, “You’re the one who prepared Concubine Yuan’s medicine?”