Ouyang Yue then became interested: "Can it really beautify and nourish the skin? That's not bad. Let me try it. Hmm, and call Cui'er over too."
The magpie put the things down, opened the lid, and a wonderful aroma immediately filled the room, making one's mouth water: "It smells so good, bring me a bowl."
Chuncao had already turned around and gone out to call for someone. Soon after, Li Cuier followed. Ouyang Yue was all smiles at this moment. When she saw Li Cuier, she said, "I didn't expect Cuier to be so capable. It turns out that I really misunderstood you. Tell me why this medicine has the effect of beautifying the skin."
Speaking of her expertise, Cui'er's eyes brightened noticeably. She said, "Miss, this recipe wasn't actually developed by me. It was researched by my father before he passed away. I merely followed his instructions. The real genius was my father. This recipe contains over ten kinds of precious medicinal herbs and over ten kinds of precious flowers and herbs. First, you have to simmer all of these together overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Drinking it also gives you a pleasant body fragrance, which is extremely rare. Back then, many people offered high prices for this recipe, but my father refused to sell it. Who knew that in the end... sigh." Speaking of her relatives, Cui'er's expression became somewhat melancholy.
Ouyang Yue sighed, "What a pity. Cui'er, you don't need to be sad. Your father wouldn't be happy if he knew. Since this stuff is so good, you can make it for me to drink every day from now on."
Li Cuier smiled and nodded: "Don't worry, Miss, I will definitely do it."
"Okay, I'm finished eating. Take everything away. This soup is really good, but I'm already full. You guys should try some too." Chuncao, Dongxue, and the others immediately agreed with smiles.
Three days later, Ouyang Yue arrived at Old Madam Ning's Anhe Hall early in the morning. Madam Ning, Aunt Ming, and others were all supposed to come and pay their respects to Old Madam Ning that morning, so as soon as Ouyang Yue arrived, Madam Ning and the others appeared one after another. Ouyang Yue bowed to Madam Ning, who responded with a flat, indifferent sound. Ouyang Yue didn't mind and sat down. Madam Ning had been unwell for the past few days, but unexpectedly, Li Cuier, knowing this, gave Ouyang Yue a prescription. After taking it, Madam Ning's health improved considerably. If it weren't for this, Madam Ning probably wouldn't have bothered to even respond to Ouyang Yue.
"You've all come over." Madam Xi opened the curtain of the inner room, and Old Madam Ning had already come out.
"Mother is well."
"Grandmother is well."
"May the old lady be well."
"May the old lady be well."
A group of people immediately stood up and bowed. Old Madam Ning nodded slightly and sat down with Rui Yuhuan's help. Rui Yuhuan was always the first to arrive at Anhe Hall every day to pay her respects to Old Madam Ning, then had breakfast with her, chatted with her, and then had lunch with her. Only after Old Madam Ning took her afternoon nap did she return to Green Willow Courtyard. Rui Yuhuan was so attentive that Old Madam Ning couldn't help but like her. Of course, Old Madam Ning trusted her more and more now, and the unpleasantness of Rui Yuhuan's arrival in the mansion had long been forgotten by Old Madam Ning.
"Yes, please sit down." Old Madam Ning waved her hand, and Madam Ning, Ouyang Yue and the others sat down. Old Madam Ning looked at Aunt Hua, who was holding her belly and sitting down very carefully, and smiled, "You have been pregnant for more than a month. This is the most careful time, so you can skip the greetings."
Although Aunt Hua was only a little over a month pregnant, her face looked pale and she appeared somewhat weak. She had recently shown signs of morning sickness. Aunt Hua nodded gratefully, "Thank you for your health, Madam."
Seeing Old Madam Ning's concern, Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered, and she smiled at Aunt Hua, saying, "Aunt Hua seems a bit weak lately. I just obtained a beauty and health-enhancing recipe, and I really want to offer it to Grandmother and Mother. Why don't you try it, Aunt Hua? I had someone make it this morning, so you can have a taste first. If you like it, you can keep it." Ouyang Yue waved her hand, and Li Cuier immediately stepped forward with a pot of broth. She then opened the lid, and a fragrant aroma immediately filled the hall.
Even Old Madam Ning exclaimed in surprise, "What is this? Why does it smell so good?"
Ouyang Yue said with some pride, "Grandmother, this soup has quite a history. It was made by my maid Li Cuier's deceased father. The recipe contains more than ten kinds of precious medicinal herbs and more than ten kinds of precious flowers and herbs. First, all of these must be simmered together overnight to allow the soup to absorb the flavor. Moreover, drinking it can also give one a natural fragrance. It is very rare. Back then, many people offered high prices for this recipe, but my father refused to sell it. Mother, look, Yue'er has only drunk it for a few days, and her face is already smoother. It's truly a wonderful product."
Ouyang Rou couldn't sit still any longer. She walked over and looked at Ouyang Yue, even touching her skin. "Indeed, your skin has improved even more. You're so lucky to have such a wonderful maid. But you can't keep such good things to yourself, Second Sister. I wonder if you have any, Second Sister?" Ouyang Rou was very jealous. Ouyang Yue really did have everything good. She had initially thought Li Cuier was no good, but she hadn't expected her to have such abilities. A mere prescription could have such an effect; Ouyang Yue must have more. She should have taken Li Cuier back then!
Ouyang Yue was somewhat reluctant, but with so many people around, she couldn't very well refuse. She said somewhat unwillingly, "Of course, what can't we sisters share? Yue'er came here today to deliver the recipe. If Grandmother, Mother, and all the aunts like it, what's wrong with spreading the recipe?"
At this moment, Aunt Hua suddenly vomited. Her maidservant immediately exclaimed in alarm, "Auntie, what's wrong with Auntie!"
"No, I feel nauseous just smelling this! Quick, take it away!" Aunt Hua felt that because she was pregnant and experiencing pregnancy symptoms, she didn't look as good as before. She had been very interested, but for some reason, her stomach was churning and making her feel terrible.
Old Madam Ning was also stunned: "Look what you've taken! Look how frightened Aunt Hua! Take it away now!" Old Madam Ning had turned her back on her. Just now, she wanted this thing more than anyone else. After all, she was old. The older a woman gets, the more she wants immortality and longevity. Now, however, she was glaring at her angrily.
Ouyang Yue was also startled and somewhat flustered: "What's going on? Cui'er, quickly take the things away!"
"Wait!" Aunt Ming suddenly stood up and asked Aunt Hua with concern, "What's going on? Although Aunt Hua is experiencing some pregnancy symptoms, why is she vomiting so badly after smelling this stuff?"
Aunt Hua's face immediately turned pale upon hearing this: "What's in here! Third Miss, I have no grudge against you, how dare you try to harm me!"
Ouyang Yue looked coldly at Aunt Ming, but quickly shook her head at Aunt Hua and said, "Aunt Hua, what are you saying? You are now a great contributor to the General's Mansion. I care about you too much to want to harm you. Aunt, you have really wronged me."
Aunt Hua had been pregnant for several years after entering the General's Mansion, and she was extremely cautious. She didn't believe that Ouyang Yue hadn't used any drugs, and instead glared angrily at her: "Third Miss, are you afraid that if I give birth to a child, I will steal your limelight? Third Miss, you are the legitimate daughter of the mansion. If I were to give birth, it would be a son or daughter born to a concubine. How could I possibly steal your favor and limelight? Yet you want to harm me like this. It's truly heartbreaking."
Ouyang Yue was also furious: "What do you mean by 'harm'? Aunt Hua has no evidence at all. How can you falsely accuse me like this? Don't think you can look down on everyone just because you're pregnant and favored. Grandmother and Mother are sitting in the hall. They will make the decision. Why are you in such a hurry, Aunt Hua? You look so energetic right now. You don't seem to be in any trouble. Don't make false accusations!"
Upon hearing Ouyang Yue's words, Aunt Hua cried even more bitterly: "Old Madam, I am only favored by the Master, yet I am already envied. I am of lowly status, but I am carrying the Master's child. If the Third Miss dislikes me, I can kill myself at any time, but the child in my womb is innocent. I beg you, Old Madam, to do justice for me!"
Old Madam Ning stared at Ouyang Yue with a gloomy face: "You actually came up with the idea of harming your aunt and your own siblings. It's utterly despicable! What else do you have to say for yourself!"
Ouyang Yue was furious. Her hands clenched into fists, and she roared, "Grandmother, speak with your conscience! Yue'er originally intended to give this good thing to Aunt Hua so she could have a safe pregnancy. How did it become something deadly? She's prone to morning sickness at this time of year. Maybe something is blocking it. Why is there definitely something wrong with it? You're making me admit to something baseless without any evidence. What kind of logic is that? Why can't I have a say?"
Old Madam Ning's face darkened: "What? You dare to talk back to your grandmother? How dare you! Guards, just for your disrespectful words, I will punish you for filial impiety today. Take her away and give her twenty lashes!"
Ouyang Yue's face flushed red with anger, and she was almost in tears. Rui Yuhuan, seeing this, had a glint in her eyes, but she said softly to Old Madam Ning, "Old Madam, seeing how angry the Third Miss is, there must be some misunderstanding. The Third Miss may truly be innocent. The Third Miss's explanation is so good, I think it's alright. But we can't wrong the Third Miss. I think we should first check the remaining ingredients from making the soup. If there's nothing wrong, it's best to remain calm and peaceful. Old Madam, it's not good to get upset and harm your health."
Old Madam Ning's angry face calmed down after Rui Yuhuan's words: "Xi Mama, go to Mingyue Pavilion and bring back the leftover dregs from making this soup to check." Then she glared at Ouyang Yue, "You'd better not be disgusting!"
Ouyang Yue snorted coldly, looking aggrieved and angry. But when she turned around, she looked at Li Cuier with a questioning gaze, clearly suspicious of her. Li Cuier whispered in Ouyang Yue's ear, "Sister, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that soup. I know you brought it to Aunt Hua today, so I specifically checked the medicine book. There are no incompatibilities or anything harmful to pregnant women."
Ouyang Yue breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good, let's see what they can find out!"
Soon after, Madam Xi brought over the remaining scraps and opened them in front of everyone. Madam Ning, Aunt Ming, and Aunt Hong all crowded around to take a look. Aunt Ming exclaimed in surprise, "Oh dear, there are safflowers in here! This stuff must never be given to pregnant women. Using it can easily cause a miscarriage."
Aunt Hua was startled and rushed over immediately. She saw several dried, orange-red tubular flowers in the pile of rubble. The flower tubes were narrow and lobed with five lobes at the tip. Each lobe was narrowly linear, and each flower had five stamens with yellow anthers, fused into a tube that extended beyond the lobes, with the stigma protruding from the center. Anyone who had given birth would recognize this; what else could it be but safflower, forbidden for pregnant women?
Aunt Hua immediately burst into tears: "It really is Honghua! Madam, the Third Miss clearly has ill intentions. She doesn't like that I'm pregnant and is afraid that my status as the legitimate daughter is threatened. I'm innocent! I've never thought of competing with anyone for the Emperor's favor. How cruel the Third Miss is!"
Ouyang Yue was startled when she saw the safflower and immediately asked Li Cuier anxiously, "What's going on? Didn't you say there were no medicines to break the taboo? How come there are safflowers in here!"
Li Cuier also looked puzzled. She stepped forward and examined the red flower carefully. She frowned and said, "Madam, Madam, Miss, and all the aunts, this is not a red flower at all. It will not harm Aunt Hua."
"You wretched servant! Even at a time like this, you still try to cover for your young mistress, committing such heinous acts! No one will forgive you!" Aunt Hua persisted relentlessly. She had finally conceived this child and didn't want it to be lost because of this; it was the foundation of her future in the household. She knew her youth and beauty wouldn't last forever; having a son as a support was the most important thing. Besides Ouyang Tong's sickly son, there wasn't a single heir in the household. If she gave birth to a son, everything in the General's Mansion would be hers, and she wouldn't fear anyone anymore. Anyone who dared to covet her son would face her wrath, even if it meant mutual destruction!
Old Madam Ning grabbed a teacup from the side and angrily smashed it directly at Ouyang Yue's head. Ouyang Yue dodged, and the teacup crashed to the ground with a "bang," shattering into many pieces. It was clear how much force Old Madam Ning used and how angry she was!
"Well, well! You've got some nerve! Not only have you done something so cruel to your own family, but you don't even know you're wrong. You even dare to hide! Guards, seize her and beat her severely!"
"Who dares to hit her!" Just then, a slightly angry voice came. Ouyang Zhide, still wearing his court robes which he hadn't had time to change, strode in. Seeing the broken teacup next to Ouyang Yue, his face darkened. He said to Old Madam Ning, "Mother, you can tell me what Yue'er did wrong. Why did you have to hit her? If this gets broken, you'll be the one who's heartbroken!"
Old Madam Ning said angrily, "You're still siding with this ignorant girl! Do you know that she actually put safflower in Aunt Hua's soup, trying to kill the child in Aunt Hua's belly? Even at a time like this, you're still siding with this vicious woman. Look at how much you've spoiled her!"
Ouyang Zhide had just returned from court and was unaware of what had happened at home. He only rushed in upon hearing the sounds of fighting as soon as he entered Anhe Hall. He was angry upon hearing that Ouyang Yue was about to be beaten, but he didn't know the details. He looked at Ouyang Yue with a questioning gaze: "Yue'er, is this true?"
Ouyang Yue immediately shook her head: "Father, how could this be true? Yue'er absolutely did not do it. That was not safflower at all. Yue'er originally thought that she had obtained a good health regimen, and Aunt Hua was pregnant and needed to recuperate, so she wanted to use it to offer to the Buddha. How could she have had any bad intentions? Father, your daughter is innocent!"
Ouyang Zhide frowned, but still said to Old Madam Ning, "Mother, Yue'er is the kindest of people. I don't think she would do such a thing."
Aunt Hua protested, "My lord, the child in my belly is your own son! How can you be so biased? How can you face him? My lord, please remember how devoted I have been to you all these years. You can't let the Third Miss get away with this! If she fails this time and tries something else, what will I do? If I lose this child, how will I live? Are you trying to force me to my death?!"
Ouyang Zhide fell silent, Aunt Hua burst into tears, and Old Madam Ning's face was extremely cold and stern. However, Madam Ning quietly drank her tea, as if she hadn't heard anything.
At this moment, Rui Yuhuan, ever understanding, said, "Madam, General, I also think it's impossible for the Third Miss to do such a thing. In the days I've known the Third Miss since she came to the manor, she has always been a cheerful and approachable person. Perhaps there really is a misunderstanding. Since the Third Miss is so certain, I think it might not be a red flower. However, Aunt Hua is bound to be a little nervous about this matter. Why don't we invite a well-known doctor from the capital to come and take a look? If we wrongly accuse anyone, it won't be good for the peace of the manor."
Rui Yuhuan's words resolved Ouyang Yue's brief crisis, and even Ouyang Zhide's expression improved considerably. Rui Yuhuan was an excellent peacemaker: "Alright, take my token and go to the end of the alley to invite Imperial Physician Liu from the palace to come to the residence."
Immediately, someone rushed out to fetch Physician Liu. The atmosphere in the hall was unusually heavy. Old Madam Ning stared coldly at Ouyang Yue with her old eyes. Aunt Hua sat on a chair, sobbing softly, her voice filled with grievance and fear. Even Ouyang Zhide offered her a few words of comfort. After all, anyone would be nervous in this situation, and it was normal for Aunt Hua to be worried. Even if Ouyang Zhide wanted to blame her for causing this, he couldn't bring himself to reprimand her further.
Ning Shi, whose expression had remained indifferent, glanced at Ouyang Yue briefly, said nothing, and continued drinking her tea. Aunt Ming joined in comforting Aunt Hua, while Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou couldn't hide their joy. Their current position in the household was extremely awkward; neither Old Madam Ning nor Ouyang Zhide cared for them. Although they hadn't been stripped of their allowances, the servants' sycophancy made them feel very stifled. But if Ouyang Yue, the favored concubine, were to fall out of favor because of this incident, they would have company. Furthermore, Aunt Hua's family currently held absolute power in the household; she didn't believe the others could remain indifferent. As long as they waited quietly, their day would come. Therefore, they were a hundred times, a thousand times, willing to let Ouyang Yue suffer this fate!
Aunt Hua sobbed softly, but her eyes darted around. She had her reasons for making such a scene. There were originally four children in the household: the eldest daughter was dead, the second daughter had fallen out of favor, Ouyang Tong was a sickly child destined to die sooner or later, and Ouyang Yue, the favored daughter, would be punished if she were to give birth to this child, making her the most favored child in the General's Mansion. For the sake of this unborn child, Aunt Hua naturally had to clear the way forward. Otherwise, since she hadn't taken the medicine and was fine, and the matter wouldn't be considered serious, why was she deliberately making such a scene? This was precisely the reason!
Before long, the servant sent out by Ouyang Zhide brought an old man in a gray robe, with white hair and beard, who was very elegant and carried a yellow pear medicine box. He was none other than Physician Liu, the current chief physician of the Imperial Hospital. They entered the main hall of Anhe Hall.
"General Ouyang."
"Imperial Physician Liu, thank you for making this trip."
Physician Liu laughed and said, "Not at all. General Ouyang must have something important to discuss with me. How could I not come?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Ouyang Zhide finally spoke: "Physician Liu, the reason I invited you to the residence is because you are the most senior and skilled physician in the Imperial Hospital. I would appreciate it if you could take a look at these items and see if there are any things that pregnant women should avoid."
Physician Liu turned to look at the group of people in Anhe Hall, seemingly understanding. Which household doesn't have its share of dirty and troublesome matters? He didn't say much, picked up the dregs of the medicine handed to him by a servant, and examined them carefully. Then, he took out the safflower that had caused the dispute between Ouyang Yue and Aunt Hua. He first smelled it, then looked at it carefully, then touched and squeezed it, and finally chewed it in his mouth. He closed his eyes for a while, seemingly secretly assessing the medicinal properties.
Aunt Hua's eyes lit up at this sight, while Aunt Ming exchanged a meaningful glance with Rui Yuhuan. Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou even clasped their hands tightly, eagerly awaiting Physician Liu to reveal the truth. They were absolutely certain that Ouyang Yue was finished this time; she would not escape punishment! Absolutely!
Speak quickly, speak quickly about Ouyang Yueyue's crimes, quickly take Ouyang Yueyue away and punish her, hurry up!
However, after carefully examining the ingredients, Physician Liu looked at Ouyang Zhide and said, "General Ouyang, I have investigated and found that there are no medicinal materials that are contraindicated for pregnant women. On the contrary, the ingredients are unique and it is a very rare health care formula!"
"What!" Aunt Hua exclaimed in shock! That thing was clearly safflower, had this old doctor gone blind and was he ignoring it?
A hint of sarcasm flashed in Ouyang Yue's eyes!
☆, 075, Binding Ouyang Rou with a Palm! (Exciting Excerpt 1!)
Aunt Hua exclaimed in surprise, as did Aunt Hong and Ouyang Rou. Aunt Hong had almost had an accident when she gave birth to Ouyang Rou, so she was very knowledgeable about these medicines. In her opinion, this thing was definitely safflower, no doubt about it!
Aunt Hong turned to look at Physician Liu, thinking that Ouyang Zhide had specifically summoned him earlier. Could it be that the master had deliberately sent someone to cover up the Third Miss's crime and had already given some instructions, which was why Physician Liu said that?
Hmph! There must be something they're hiding from them. To avoid being too biased, the master is actually siding with that brainless bitch Ouyang Yue at a time like this! It's utterly despicable!
Aunt Hua was seething with hatred. Ouyang Rou, who had been forcing herself to keep a low profile and maintain a calm mindset to avoid trouble, was beginning to feel increasingly distorted. She was probably the one in the manor who resented Ouyang Yue the most. Why was it that when something happened to her, her father could completely turn a blind eye? Why were outsiders so determined to seize on her mistakes and publicize them, ruining her reputation? Why?! And wasn't Ouyang Yue's act of harming her own siblings even more serious? If word got out, Ouyang Yue's reputation would be a million times worse than hers. Why were there people covering for Ouyang Yue, but not for her?!
If it weren't for this, she wouldn't be living such a miserable, subservient life in the manor. It's all because Ouyang Yue is blocking her way. Why doesn't she just die? Is her father blinded by dog pee?! Humph! Trying to cover it up? She absolutely cannot agree to it!
Ouyang Rou gritted her teeth in hatred, her cheeks bulging with anger. She spoke sarcastically to Physician Liu: "Physician Liu, you are the head physician of the Imperial Hospital. You should speak with conscience and professional ethics. This is clearly safflower! How can you lie through your teeth? Aren't you afraid of getting out and people doubting your medical skills, thus ruining your future? Physician Liu should know better than anyone else which is more important!"
"Shut up! Who gave you the right to interrupt? Get out of here!" Upon hearing this, Ouyang Zhide's face changed immediately. He glared angrily at Ouyang Rou, then turned to Physician Liu, his tone softening slightly. "Please forgive me, Physician Liu. It was Miss who was being naive. She's always been straightforward, but she meant no harm. I'm sorry you had to laugh at her."
Ouyang Rou, however, did not understand Ouyang Zhide's intention in stopping her. Instead, she felt that Ouyang Zhide was deliberately favoring Ouyang Yue, which was why he was reprimanding her like this. She was even more dissatisfied and said coldly, "Father, what Rou'er said is not wrong. Everyone in the hall knows that this thing is safflower. Some people have bribed others to try to perform a trick in front of everyone. It is utterly ridiculous!"
Physician Liu's previously calm face turned slightly cold at Ouyang Rou's words. He turned to look at her, his mind drifting back to the rumor circulating in the capital recently. Because of the scandal involving the General's Mansion, the Ning Mansion, and the Hong Mansion, these three mansions had been unusually quiet and deliberately keeping a low profile. Yet, the matter had still spread. He had heard of Ouyang Rou before, and at the time, he had thought the girl was truly pitiful, framed and humiliated, likely never to see the light of day again. Now, seeing Ouyang Rou's face twisted with jealousy, he realized that there's no smoke without fire; this second young lady was definitely involved!
Physician Liu dedicated his life to the medical field. He married young, but due to his intense focus on medicine, he and his wife remained childless. His family had tried to arrange for him to take concubines, but he sternly refused. He could have been very tolerant of younger generations, but when it came to the medical profession to which he had devoted his life, he would not tolerate the slightest slander from outsiders!
Physician Liu's voice lost its gentleness and became more serious: "Miss Ouyang, please be careful with your words. I am the Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy, a third-rank official. If you lack even this basic respect and decorum, you will suffer greatly in the capital!" In truth, few imperial physicians had ever reached Physician Liu's third-rank position. Physician Liu had served two emperors throughout his medical career, and because of his research on the issue of not having children, Emperor Mingxian, upon ascending the throne, promoted him two ranks to commend his loyalty to the royal family. Leaving aside Emperor Mingxian's respect for him, even the court officials wouldn't dare offend this Chief Physician of the Imperial Medical Academy without cause. Everyone has minor ailments, and some illnesses cannot be delayed. If one offended him, given that most of the physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy were trained by him, they might cause trouble, and one would be the one to suffer.
Physician Liu had never been questioned like this before, and his tone grew even sterner: "Miss Ouyang speaks with such conviction, but have you had the opportunity to study medicine with any reclusive sage? Even I, in my many years of medical practice, must smell, look, examine, and taste each medicine before I can determine its properties based on my years of experience. Yet Miss Ouyang can confirm it with just one glance; I truly admire such skill. I have always greatly admired those reclusive medical masters, but I have never had the chance to visit them. I humbly request Miss Ouyang to recommend one." Physician Liu couldn't claim to be a benevolent healer, but he had treated many people over the years and had always been amiable. Today, being questioned about his medical skills by a junior like this had angered him. Based on his years of experience as an official, he spoke very respectfully, without offending Ouyang Zhide, but making Ouyang Rou feel utterly ashamed.
Physician Liu has been practicing medicine for many years. How can he be compared to a yellow-haired maid who knows nothing about medicine? It would be a joke if word got out!
Even Old Madam Ning and the others looked embarrassed. They had initially been quite skeptical of the truthfulness of Physician Liu's words, but after his explanation, any words they hadn't yet uttered were stuck in their throats, leaving them speechless. Although Old Madam Ning was a second-rank official, higher in rank than Physician Liu, even she had to consider whether he was willing to give her face if she wanted to invite him to her residence. To be questioned by a mere concubine's daughter in her household—if word got out, people would laugh their heads off!
Seeing Ouyang Rou's face flush red and pale with embarrassment, and not wanting to completely antagonize Ouyang Zhide, Physician Liu didn't press the matter further. Instead, he said loudly, "Although this dried flower closely resembles safflower, based on my years of experience, it's a wildflower that grows in the nomadic areas of the border regions. This wildflower can also be called a herb; it's actually a medicinal herb that combines flower and plant properties. Its medicinal properties are similar to safflower—both are mild and gentle herbs. However, it has a completely different effect. Safflower can cause miscarriage in pregnant women, while this herb has the effect of calming the fetus, warming the body, and stopping bleeding. Therefore, adding it to this herbal formula won't do any harm; on the contrary, it will be beneficial. The origin of this herb is already recorded in the Materia Medica, though not in detail, it's still traceable. If the people of the Ouyang family don't believe me, I can send someone to bring the original later so you can take a good look."
Old Madam Ning immediately laughed and said, "Not at all. Physician Liu's medical skills are so superb that even the noble ladies in the palace praise him. What you say is absolutely true. My granddaughter is the most naive of all. Please don't take it to heart. She's just a young woman with little knowledge and experience."
Physician Liu smiled faintly: "Madam Ning, you are too kind. I only asked this in the spirit of learning, but I did not expect that I had overthought it. It has put Miss Ouyang in a difficult position. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave. General Ouyang, let's talk again another day."
Ouyang Zhide stood up, smiled, and clasped his hands in a fist salute: "That's right, that's right. In the future, Physician Liu, please don't be so focused on studying medicine that you don't give me face and refuse to come out for drinks."
"Haha, General Ouyang really understands me." The two chatted and laughed as they walked out the door. Before leaving, Ouyang Zhide had a servant hand him a very heavy purse. In the past, Physician Liu might not have accepted it, but today he didn't even refuse, naturally telling Ouyang Zhide that he didn't take today's matter to heart.
"Fool! You're good for nothing but causing trouble! Look who said that! You're the only one with a mouth. If you don't speak, do you think people will think you're mute?" As soon as Physician Liu left, Old Madam Ning immediately cursed at Ouyang Rou.
Ouyang Rou was also very aggrieved. She didn't know anything about medicine, so how could she know that there was a herb that was so similar to safflower? She was even ridiculed by that damned old doctor. She had a bellyful of anger but nowhere to vent it!
Ouyang Rou was feeling down, while Aunt Hua and Aunt Hong looked regretful. They had thought this would be a heavy blow to get rid of Ouyang Yue, but it turned out to be a misunderstanding. How hateful!
Ouyang Yue gave a cold laugh, but secretly observed the expressions of Aunt Ming and Rui Yuhuan. She saw that they did not show any disappointment, but instead their eyes gleamed.
Ouyang Yue lowered her eyes, a hint of doubt flashing through her mind. Did Aunt Ming, Rui Yuhuan, clearly know that they couldn't do anything to her this time? Were they not after her?
No! They came specifically for her!
However, it was clear that their desired outcome regarding this soup-offering incident wasn't to discourage her. Given Aunt Hua's reaction, and considering it was her first time offering soup, anyone would have been extremely cautious and wouldn't have used it. It would have been a waste of effort. Aunt Ming and Rui Yuhuan weren't that foolish, so this whole mess wasn't the final result they wanted.
Ouyang Yue had a premonition that they had another trick up their sleeve, and that would be the one that dealt her a heavy blow!
At this moment, Ouyang Zhide returned with Physician Liu. As soon as he entered the main hall of Anhe Hall, he roared at Aunt Hua with a gloomy face: "Can't you all even use your brains when you do things? Yue'er kindly brought you soup, but you ended up getting all dirty. Don't think that just because you're pregnant you're some kind of emperor who will pamper you! Let me tell you, if this happens a second time, you and the baby in your belly will get out of the General's Mansion!"