Maestro de la ambigüedad

Capítulo 4

"Combing hair, wiping body, lighting incense, feeding water..."

"I'm asking, besides the work of a servant, what else did you do?"

Han Xiao thought for a moment and said, "I pressed his acupoints." This was something he did besides serving as a servant.

"Hand acupoints?" The old man in the clouds was somewhat surprised. Why would he go to hand acupoints?

Han Xiao was a little uneasy: "Is this not okay? But the acupoints on my hands can make him feel better. I... I've read some medical books, and they say that the palms connect to the six meridians..." Under the watchful gaze of the old man in the clouds, Han Xiao's voice grew softer and softer. She was feeling guilty. She hadn't formally studied medicine. She had just flipped through medical books, memorized prescriptions, and asked doctors when she had questions. She had pieced together a smattering of knowledge based on what she had seen and heard and her own bits and pieces of experience. Now, she was actually talking about the palms connecting to the six meridians in front of the divine doctor.

"Open the six meridians, and then what?" But the old man in the clouds and mist actually asked her to continue.

"Then, press the corresponding acupoints to stimulate the internal organs, clear the meridians, and promote the flow of qi and blood. The master is in a lot of pain, but he will feel better after the massage. I have carefully observed that the attack will occur once in less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn in the first half of the night. I started pressing when the third incense stick was burning, and the master did not have an attack until the fourth incense stick had burned. After that, the attack time became later and later."

"That's the result of the toxicity of the medicine we used before subsiding; it's not necessarily the result of you stimulating the acupoints on your hand." The old man Yunwu stated the facts, but he was still secretly surprised by the girl's attentiveness.

Han Xiao noticed that the old man's tone didn't seem angry, and that he was even willing to discuss it. Passionate about medicine, she naturally became excited. She pulled out a booklet: "The master's hands are black in the palms, with obvious double-well-shaped and triangular patterns. The black veins extend all the way to the wrist. By the time the fifth incense stick had burned, this palm pattern hadn't changed. At this point, the master's pain showed signs of easing, but the illness showed no signs of improvement. So I think his poison hasn't been neutralized, but pressing the acupoints on his hands can still help relieve his pain, right?"

The old man in the clouds snatched the booklet from her, looked at it, didn't understand it, and handed it back to her, asking, "Who taught you palmistry?"

“No one taught me. I read some books myself, and when I cared for patients, I would carefully remember their symptoms—their eyes, face, tongue, hands, body, and feet. The changes in each area were different at different times.” She glanced at the old man, that guilty feeling resurfacing. “Then I used these observations, combined with the doctors’ diagnoses, to analyze and figure things out myself.” Seeing the old man’s brow furrow, she quickly protested, “I haven’t harmed anyone. They’re all fine. I always listen to the doctors. I just like to summarize some effective methods myself. Master, Master is fine too, really. None of the patients I’ve cared for have died, that’s why they say I’m a lucky star.” At this point, Han Xiao felt a pang of regret. She believed only medical skills could save lives, yet she subconsciously used the “lucky star” claim to try and secure a place on the list. She paused, then stammered, “Divine Doctor, I’ve done what you asked for. My brother can stay here now, right?”

Han Xiao secretly regretted talking too much. She was afraid that her unfounded medical knowledge would offend the old man of the Cloud Mist, who would then find an excuse to send them down the mountain. But once she started talking about medical principles, she couldn't control herself. In truth, if her parents hadn't died young, and if she hadn't been a girl, she really wanted to become a doctor. But now, she only hoped to use this rare opportunity to cure her younger brother's illness.

The old man of Cloud Mist didn't speak, only stared at her. Han Xiao knelt down abruptly, cold sweat beading on her back. Had she displeased the divine physician? If what Lord Nie said was true, did he poison his own grandson? Would he still be willing to save his brother then? But once she left Cloud Mist Mountain, she feared she wouldn't find anyone with even greater medical skills.

"Do you think I would break my promise?" After a long while, the old man in the clouds finally spoke, but his voice was very cold.

Han Xiao didn't know how to answer, so the old man in the clouds quickly asked again, "What did Ayan say to you?"

Han Xiao still didn't know how to answer. The old man waited patiently. Han Xiao looked up at him, but his eyes were expressionless, at least Han Xiao couldn't tell. She finally said honestly, "Master said that the divine doctor is his own grandfather, and he said that the poison he was poisoned by came from Yunwu Mountain."

The old man remained silent for a long time, and Han Xiao was feeling uneasy when he suddenly heard him say coldly, "Go back first. I'll allow you to rest for half a day today, and you can come back to serve me this afternoon. Lian Qiao will take care of your siblings' daily needs. If you need anything, just ask her. I'll have someone examine your brother's illness first. With Lian Qiao here, you can focus on taking care of A Yan. He's not very cooperative with the people on this mountain. You're a new face, so perhaps he won't be so wary of you."

Han Xiao was both surprised and delighted. This meant they could stay on the mountain, and her younger brother had a chance to live. But what about Nie Chengyan's wariness? Was there something fishy going on? Han Xiao temporarily put these chaotic thoughts aside, kowtowed in thanks, and ran out of the courtyard.

The old man in the clouds looked at his palms and the acupoints on his hands; he hadn't expected this. They had tried everything, yet overlooked this?

Han Xiao excitedly ran back to the hut. Han Le was still asleep, wrapped in a blanket. Han Xiao checked the time but didn't wake him. Instead, she took out her parents' memorial tablets, wrapped in a cloth, from the bundle she had brought. Han Xiao placed the tablets on the small table and bowed three times: "Father, Mother, we've finally reached Cloud Mist Mountain. There's hope for my brother's illness. No matter what, I will definitely cure him. Don't worry."

As they were talking, Lian Qiao came over and brought some clean clothes and pants, as well as some daily necessities. Then she took Han Xiao around the area, telling her where to get water, where to get food, and explaining the rules and regulations.

"The divine physician said that I will take care of you two siblings from now on. If you need anything, just come to me. You will be serving the young master normally, so leave Han Le to me."

Han smiled and thanked her, then quickly inquired with Lian Qiao. It turned out that Yunwu Mountain was divided into several settlements, and this rock-built place was the best treasure in the mountain. Because it was located in the heart of the mountain, the climate was pleasant. Not only did warm water flow in, but the garden was also full of green plants. Moreover, no matter which angle you looked from outside the mountain, you could not see this place. It was secluded and safe.

"Young master rarely comes up the mountain. I didn't expect that this time he would be staying for a long time." Lian Qiao had a round face and was a year younger than Han Xiao. She was a kind and hardworking girl who didn't seem to have any ulterior motives. The two girls quickly became acquainted and got along very well.

"Lianqiao, Master has a bad temper. Tell me what I should be careful about? I don't want to be kicked off the mountain in a couple of days."

Lian Qiao bit her lip, looking at Han Xiao with some sympathy: "Sister Xiao Xiao, the young master and the divine doctor don't get along. They always argue every time they come up the mountain. So he usually doesn't stay on the mountain. He has his own servants, but this time he was injured, and the divine doctor didn't let them come up the mountain. Now that he's sent you, the young master will definitely take his anger out on you. Just bear with it. When he's better, he'll definitely send his own people over, and then you won't have to suffer like this."

A bad relationship? Han Xiao's heart pounded even harder. She wondered if this was related to Nie Chengyan's injuries and poison.

Lian Qiao didn't seem to know much about these inside stories and gossip, so she couldn't say anything more. She showed Han Xiao around the area and then led her back inside. Han Xiao went inside and woke Han Le. Lian Qiao quickly helped tidy up and then brought breakfast to the siblings. Han Le opened his eyes, but he wasn't in good spirits, probably because of the ordeal these past two days. As usual, Han Xiao massaged him and gave him some medicine powder. Lian Qiao watched from the side and quickly learned how to do it. She had grown up on this mountain and had a basic understanding of medicine. She usually helped with chores, so the movements weren't complicated. Lian Qiao memorized them and told Han Xiao not to worry, that she knew how to take care of Han Le.

Han Xiao thanked him profusely. She never imagined that after coming up the mountain and becoming a servant, she would have someone to take care of her younger brother. Lian Qiao, however, didn't mind at all. She said that she usually did chores anyway, so taking care of her brother on the side was no problem. Besides, the divine physician had instructed that Han Xiao was to serve the young master as a servant, and it wouldn't be good for the young master to be without someone by his side. If Han Le didn't have someone to help take care of him, how could he recover? Hearing this, Han Xiao's opinion of the old man in the clouds and mist changed somewhat.

It seems that the affairs of Yunwu Mountain are indeed quite mysterious and difficult to understand.

The three of them ate breakfast together. Afterwards, Han Xiao quickly boiled water, helped Han Le take a bath, and then took a thorough shower herself, also covered in sweat. By the time everything was done, it was past noon.

Xue Song brought over a servant-like man, indicating that Nie Chengyan had already made arrangements. He said he wanted to check on Han Le's illness. Han Xiao quickly invited him into the house. Xue Song took Han Le's pulse and remained silent for a long time. Although he had heard about it before, he couldn't help but be amazed after personally examining the pulse. Had the illness really been cured for two years?

Xue Song took Han Le's pulse, then examined his legs, eyes, and tongue, and felt his lower back and abdomen. He nodded to Han Xiao, indicating that he would wait outside. Han Xiao quickly pulled out a small booklet and followed him out. This booklet clearly recorded Han Le's daily symptoms from his first onset to the present, the doctor's orders for each visit, the names, dosages, and times of medications used, and even what he ate. It also contained densely packed notes detailing the progression and changes in Han Le's condition at each stage.

Xue Song was secretly surprised. He had studied medicine for over ten years, seen many patients, and met many patients' families, but he had never seen anyone with such detailed medical records. He couldn't help but glance at Han Xiao a few more times.

Han Xiao could describe Han Le's illness from its inception to the present symptoms and pulse with great detail, and he could even discuss the pathology and prescriptions with Xue Song. However, Han Le's illness was complicated, and it certainly couldn't be solved simply by Xue Song's visit. He told Han Xiao that he would discuss and study the condition with his master, and he would go back and prescribe a new medicine to replace the current powdered medicine and try some new medication. If necessary, his master would come to see Han Le again.

Han Xiao thanked him, feeling a surge of excitement. The divine doctor from Yunwu Mountain was indeed remarkable; the points Xue Song had pointed out were precisely the key to the illness. Han Xiao quickly jotted down the key points Xue Song had mentioned in his notebook, and also noted Han Le's condition that day. Back in his room, he spoke with Lian Qiao, asking her to look after his younger brother, before rushing off to Yanzhu.

The atmosphere in Yanzhu was not good. Nie Chengyan had been up all night and slept for half the morning, but he hadn't rested well. He had just woken up and Han Xiao had just stepped into the room when she heard Nie Chengyan choking and cursing.

Han Xiao ran in and saw him being forced to take medicine. It was obvious that he was not cooperating and the medicine was spilled all over his face and body. He was choking, but he kept throwing a tantrum and cursing. Several servants were busy wiping away the spilled medicine.

Han Xiao ran over and pushed them all away. She bent down to adjust the pillow under Nie Chengyan's neck, raising it higher to help him breathe more easily, and then stroked along his trachea. Nie Chengyan caught his breath and looked at her for a long time, as if only then recognizing her.

"Are you my damned maid from last night?"

Han Xiao was taken aback. How could she be supposed to die when she hadn't done anything? Fortunately, her experiences over the years had taught her not to argue with sick people, especially since the sick person was her master. She nodded and replied, "Yes, Master."

Nie Chengyan closed his eyes briefly: "Then drive them all away. I don't want to see a single person from Yunwu Mountain. Tell them to get lost."

Han Xiao was stunned for a moment. This Nie Chengyan really liked to get rid of people. She turned to the few medical servants, bowed her head to apologize, asked to take over their work of feeding the medicine, and asked them all to leave.

Everyone had left, but Nie Chengyan refused to take his medicine. Han Xiao held the medicine to his lips, but he turned his head away. She tried several times, but he wouldn't drink a drop, and the medicine spilled all over himself. This clearly angered Nie Chengyan again, and he started cursing, ordering her to get out.

Han Xiao sighed inwardly and placed the medicine bowl on the table. Two identical bowls sat on top, suggesting that everyone had learned from experience and needed to have plenty of medicine on hand. She took a damp cloth and wiped the medicine off his body, calmly replying, "If I roll out, those people guarding outside will probably roll in again. They'll keep rolling around; there will always be people around the master. It's better for me to be bothered than for all of them to be bothered at the same time, right?"

Nie Chengyan pursed his lips and remained silent. Han Xiao wasn't in a hurry to feed him the medicine. She gently cleaned him up and sat beside him. Nie Chengyan couldn't help but scold her for being in the way. Han Xiao thought to herself that this must be the most difficult master she had ever served.

She suddenly remembered something important, so she took out the pair of red bean earrings and handed them to Nie Chengyan: "Master, Young Master Long asked me to give you these. He said they are to save your life."

Nie Chengyan was tired of cursing and closed his eyes to ignore her. But when he heard "Young Master Long," he opened his eyes and stared at the pair of earrings on her hand in disbelief. After staring for a long time, he finally shouted, "Give them to me, give them to me!"

Han Xiao was startled by his drinking. She untied Nie Chengyan's hand and placed the earring in his palm. Nie Chengyan's hand was weak, trembling slightly as he raised it. He held the earring, looking at it again and again, his eyes reddening after a long while. He clenched the earring tightly, his fist pressed against his chest. He was filthy and smelly, his face deathly pale with a bluish tinge, looking like a ghost, his head still wrapped in that comical bun. Yet, in this tragic and moving state, Han Xiao found him somewhat dazzling.

"What else did Long San say?"

He said the answer was with him, and if the master wanted to know the truth, he would have to go see him in person.

"Who are you to Long San?"

"Huh?" Han Xiao hadn't expected to be interrogated about her identity just for delivering a message. She honestly replied, "This servant doesn't know Young Master Long."

Nie Chengyan narrowed his eyes and stared at her: "Lying? If we weren't acquainted and trustworthy, why would Long San give you the item and ask you to deliver a message? Was your going up the mountain arranged by Long San?" Before she could answer, he quickly denied it himself: "No, that old man wouldn't accept it."

"My lord need not be suspicious. This servant truly does not know Young Master Long San." Han Xiao looked directly at him frankly and recounted in detail how she was kidnapped and forced into marriage to ward off bad luck, how Long San woke up, how he gave her the earring, and how she went up the mountain.

Nie Chengyan stared at her intently, seemingly assessing the truthfulness of her words. After she finished speaking, he asked, "You married Long San as a concubine?"

"It's a rooster," Han Xiao said casually, clearly not taking the wedding ceremony seriously.

Nie Chengyan smiled slightly: "This time it's a chicken? Granny Yu is really getting more and more creative."

"This time?" Han Xiao noticed his expression wasn't so serious and boldly asked, genuinely curious. Had that Third Young Master Long had arranged a marriage for good fortune more than once? "And what was it last time?"

Nie Chengyan seemed to think of something amusing and answered, "Pig."

Han Xiao chuckled, then couldn't help but laugh out loud a few times. This Third Young Master Long was quite pitiful; one minute he was a pig, the next a chicken. The more she thought about it, the funnier it became, and she couldn't stop laughing. Then, turning her head, she saw Nie Chengyan staring at her. Han Xiao quickly composed herself and coughed lightly, "Uh, this servant, this servant just felt..." How could she explain her behavior of mocking her master's friend?

"What's your name?" Nie Chengyan had no intention of listening to her clumsy answer.

Han Xiao straightened her back: "This servant is Han Xiao."

Nie Chengyan nodded slightly: "Han Xiao?"

"Yes, Master," Han Xiao replied loudly and clearly.

"Good, very good." He seemed quite satisfied with her energetic demeanor. "I need to take my medicine."

Han Xiao was both surprised and delighted: "Yes, Master." Young Master Long was right after all; these earrings were indeed a lifesaver. She happily brought over the medicine and fed it to him spoonful by spoonful. This time, Nie Chengyan cooperated well, swallowing it all without even flinching.

After he finished drinking the medicine, she wiped his mouth, poured him some warm water to wash away the bitterness, and then started to put away the bowls, cups, and cloths. Just as she was tidying up, she heard Nie Chengyan call out, "Han Xiao."

"Yes, Master." Han Xiaofei quickly and loudly replied, walking closer to await his instructions.

Nie Chengyan asked, "Are you my slave, or a medical servant from Cloud Mist Mountain?"

"I am your servant, mistress. The indenture I signed has your name on it, I saw it clearly." Han Xiao held her head high and puffed out her chest, feeling that she was now a proper servant of Lord Nie of Baiqiao City.

"Is that so?" Nie Chengyan responded indifferently, then paused and said, "Alright, listen to me. If you are a loyal servant, I will help you heal your brother. But if you have any wicked thoughts, neither you nor your brother will live."

Han Xiao was about to reply, "Yes, Master," but then she realized what he meant. Her smile froze on her face as she looked at him in surprise. Nie Chengyan said in a calm tone, "You think I can't do it in this half-dead and crippled state?"

"I thought that Lord Nie, who single-handedly built the Hundred Bridges City to heal the sick and save lives, wouldn't be so quick to talk about killing people." Han Xiao's expression turned serious, though he felt somewhat disappointed.

Nie Chengyan stared at her for a long time before saying, "Very good." He seemed to finally feel that Han Xiao could be trusted and instructed, "From this moment on, pay attention to everyone on this mountain." Han Xiao was stunned by his tone and heard him continue, "I still want to live and know the truth."

The girl is strange (revised text)

To live and know the truth? This sounds like a den of dragons and tigers on this mountain. Han Xiao didn't quite understand. Although the old man in the clouds and mist didn't seem to be kind at all, at least the siblings had been well-fed, well-drinked, and well-settled since they came up the mountain. They hadn't suffered any mistreatment. Even Doctor Xue had diligently examined Han Le every few days as instructed by his master. Not to mention that little girl Lian Qiao treated Han Le like her own brother all day long. Even the steward, Bai Ying, seemed to be a steady and honest person. He took great care of Nie Chengyan's daily life, including his food, clothing, medicine, and diet, and dared not neglect him in the slightest.

After Han Xiao successfully got Nie Chengyan to drink the medicine, the old man Yunwu seemed to understand. He sent away all the other medical servants, leaving only Lu Ying, Qin Jiao, Gan Song, and Shi Zhu to take turns guarding Yanzhu's courtyard.

Upon hearing their names, Han Xiao realized that all the servants on Cloud Mist Mountain were named after medicinal herbs. Han Xiao pondered this and realized that his own name sounded exactly like the herb "Little Purple Smiling," so it seemed he was truly destined to be a medical servant.

Nie Chengyan was indeed a difficult master to serve. Even though he was still not very mobile, he already had endless demands. He absolutely refused to see any guests, he needed to rest quietly, he was not allowed to open the windows or draw the curtains, he needed a secluded space to calm his mind, he needed to be informed of the time every hour, when incense and medicine should be burned, when he should take his medicine, the temperature and dosage of the medicine, when he had to eat, how often he needed to be turned over, how often he needed to have his acupoints massaged, three times a day, his pulse and symptoms had to be recorded clearly, and his eating, medicine administration and excretion also had to be carefully monitored...

In just half a day, Han Xiao's most frequent words were: "Yes, Master." "Yes, Master." "Understood, Master." However, with each order, Han Xiao was unsure about some details, wondering if they would be harmful to his health. So, she would give instructions, acknowledge them, write them down, and then ask Doctor Xue. Only then did she learn that Nie Chengyan's requests regarding the dosage, incense burning, and timing of the medicine were actually the best treatment methods for his injury. Of course, the other things, like not opening the window when not in sight and demanding the time, were just him being willful and throwing a tantrum.

Han Xiao then realized, "That's right, he's Nie Chengyan, the grandson of the legendary physician. How could he not understand medical principles and techniques?" Everyone was talking about his great achievements. He founded Baiqiao City five years ago, which means he was only fifteen years old then, just a year older than Han Xiao was now. Back then, building a city, bribing the government, recruiting skilled doctors, and buying land required more than just money. Moreover, Baiqiao City had many renowned doctors; getting them all to abide by the city rules, controlling drug prices, and regulating consultation fees required considerable skill and decisiveness.

Thinking of all this, the deep respect for Lord Nie that had been buried in his heart during those days resurfaced, and Han Xiao felt more understanding for his master's tyranny and willfulness. Such a person, suffering a tragic fate, separated from his lover by death, and now left with a severe disability that renders him unable to walk, and whose perpetrators seem to be connected to his family. No wonder he had lost the will to live before; someone else might have reacted more violently. Now, his master was just throwing a tantrum, nothing serious.

Thinking of this, Han Xiao secretly reminded himself to be more careful and diligent, and to take good care of his master. The whole of Baiqiao City was probably waiting for him to return and take charge of the great cause.

Nie Chengyan was too injured to move and needed constant care. That very night, Han Xiao packed her bedding and moved into his room, setting up a small couch by the door so she could hear his calls even in the middle of the night. Han Le was somewhat unhappy about this. In other homes, her sister would never leave him for long. Even when caring for a sick person, Han Le would be placed nearby to help. Now, this new master, Nie Chengyan, seemed determined to monopolize her sister.

Han Xiao was at a loss. Nie Chengyan's temper wouldn't tolerate a little brat causing trouble nearby; appeasing her younger brother was much easier than appeasing her master. So she told Han Le that she would come back to see him every day, and since the two houses were close together, it would be convenient. Lian Qiao also chimed in, telling Han Le to treat her as his older sister, and she would take good care of him. The two took turns trying to calm Han Le down, and he finally declared unwillingly, "I hate him! Anyone who steals my sister is hateful!" This sibling farewell drama finally came to an end.

The next day, Elder Yunwu brought Xue Song to examine Nie Chengyan's foot injury, with Han Xiao attending to him. The bandage on Nie Chengyan's ankle was removed, revealing a gruesome and terrifying wound: bulging red flesh and a twisted, raised scar. Han Xiao felt as if a stone was pressing on her heart, an indescribable discomfort. She had seen even more disgusting wounds, but this crippled foot belonged to the great man she held dear, Nie Chengyan. She recalled the words: "The poison I was afflicted with is Green Snow, a unique secret poison from Yunwu Mountain."

She subconsciously glanced up at the Elder of Clouds and Mist. His face was serious and solemn as he carefully examined Nie Chengyan's wound. Han Xiao then turned to look at Nie Chengyan, who was tilting his head, his brows furrowed, whether from enduring pain or from not wanting to see the Elder of Clouds and Mist, it was unclear. A sudden protective instinct rose within Han Xiao. She stepped aside, her slender frame blocking Nie Chengyan's view and preventing him from seeing the Elder of Clouds and Mist.

After examining the injury, the old man in the clouds instructed Xue Song to change the dressing and bandages. Han Xiao watched attentively from the side when the old man in the clouds suddenly glared at her: "Ayan's foot needs rest and recuperation. It must not be moved. You should pay more attention to it. Lying down for too long is not good either. You should turn him over every hour. If you are not strong enough to turn him over, ask Lu Ying and the others to come in and help."

Han Xiao agreed earnestly, carefully observing Xue Song's technique for changing the dressing and binding the wound. Nie Chengyan coldly said, "Whether you stay still or move, you're still crippled. What difference does it make?"

Han Xiao's heart skipped a beat. Seeing Xue Song pause briefly before resuming his work, she pretended not to hear, lowering her body to learn more diligently. However, she was positioned between Nie Chengyan and the Cloud Mist Elder, so both cold gazes were fixed on her. Han Xiao regretted standing on this precipice; now she was caught between a rock and a hard place. Fortunately, after Xue Song finished bandaging, he moved to Nie Chengyan's shoulder and taught Han Xiao a set of acupressure techniques, instructing her to massage and knead Nie Chengyan daily. With this change of position, Han Xiao took the opportunity to move away as well.

Xue Song explained in detail, and Han Xiao tried hard to remember. Later, he couldn't help but take out his simple little notebook and scribbled something down. Xue Song chuckled, while the Cloud Mist Elder and Nie Chengyan were speechless.

After a long pause, the old man in the clouds cleared his throat and said, "This mountain is quiet and the environment is excellent. Just focus on your cultivation."

Han Xiao kept his eyes straight ahead, thinking to himself that this was something he should say to his master.

Nie Chengyan didn't respond at first, but after a while he said sarcastically, "I'm afraid of dying again, it's too tiring."

These words successfully turned the old man's face ashen, and finally made Han Xiao lose her temper. She turned to look at Nie Chengyan, only to meet his gaze as he turned to examine her. Xue Song tried to smooth things over for the old man, saying, "Young master's injury is no longer fatal; he will recover with treatment and recuperation."

Nie Chengyan sneered: "That's easy for you to say. It's great that I won't have to walk anymore."

So eccentric and difficult to deal with, Han Xiao's mind went blank for a moment. She was about to say a few words of advice, but she held back. The old man Yunwu was here, and she couldn't let her talk back and embarrass her master in front of others.