Ouyang Yue laughed: "I don't know about that, but Aunt Ming is in such a state that she needs to rest and recuperate. I'm afraid she won't make it. As for who has the ability, Grandmother is wise and virtuous, and has a lot of experience. I still think it would be better for Grandmother to choose the person in charge of the household."
Old Madam Ning was stunned for a moment. She had originally thought that Ouyang Yue would use this opportunity to seize power, and as the aggrieved party and the legitimate daughter of the household, she would be introduced to potential husbands by the household before her marriage. Therefore, she was very suitable. She never expected that Ouyang Yue would not covet power. Was that possible? But upon further reflection, there seemed to be a sense of irony in this. Back then, Concubine Ming had caught Old Madam Ning's eye and was recommended by her to manage the household affairs, yet she ended up like this. What could be more ironic than this?
However, when she angrily looked up, she saw Ouyang Yue standing below her with a smile on her face and unwavering sincerity in her eyes. This made her realize that she had been overthinking things. The pent-up feelings she had kept inside made her very depressed!
"Very well, then I'll take care of her for a few days and make further plans once I think of a suitable candidate. Alright, don't stay here if there's nothing else to do, all of you can go now." Old Madam Ning felt a great headache coming on and had already dismissed everyone. Yu Huan, who had been standing beside her, had a strange glint in her eyes and said with a smile, "Yu Huan, help the old lady downstairs."
"Alright!" Old Madam Ning nodded, took Rui Yuhuan's hand and led her into the inner hall. Before leaving, Rui Yuhuan looked at Ouyang Yue with a meaningful smile on her face. Ouyang Yue's lips curled slightly, and she responded indifferently.
Old Madam Ning is gone, so what are these people still doing at Anhe Hall? And Old Madam Ning left so quickly, it's clear she wanted to end this matter and not let anyone pursue it further. Ouyang Zhide frowned, came to Ouyang Yue, and after a long while forced a smile: "Let's go, didn't you say you'd invite your father to try your cooking? Are you going to go back on your word?"
Ouyang Yue smiled gently, her eyes clearly showing a hint of inquiry, but she still said, "How could that be? Father, just say the word whenever you want to eat it. How could Yue'er go back on her word?"
"Let's go then!" Ouyang Zhide breathed a sigh of relief and prepared to leave with Ouyang Yue.
Aunt Ming slumped to one side, but couldn't help herself, and cried out in a wronged voice, "Master..."
Ouyang Zhide turned his head and gave her a half-smile. Aunt Ming felt as if she had fallen into an icy pool, chilled to the bone, and just stared blankly as Ouyang Zhide left. Ning Shi, then helped over by Lin Mama, said viciously, "You wretch, you dare to harm me? Just you wait!"
Aunt Hua ran into the hall and picked up the bronze mirror, saying with a regretful expression, "Such a fine bronze mirror, ruined just like that! Some people won't need a mirror anymore, but you can't just waste other people's things! Doesn't this cost money to buy?" She then stood up, looked at Aunt Ming's dark face, and exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Ah, sister, please don't misunderstand! I wasn't talking about you! Please don't take it personally!"
"You! How dare you mock me!" Aunt Ming's eyes widened in anger, while Aunt Hua cried out in fright, "Heavens! How terrifying! Look at the blood on that face! Tsk tsk tsk, this is going to be terrible! And look at this person dying right in front of you, don't go back and have nightmares!"
Aunt Hong interjected with a sneer, "That's hard to say. If it were me, I'd be dreaming of someone coming to claim my life every day. Oh dear, look at this person, their eyes weren't closed even when they died. What an unjust death! Will they turn into a vengeful ghost and come looking for the culprit?"
"Oh dear, that's hard to say. Quickly go back and find some leaves to get rid of the bad luck. I don't want to be unlucky with you!"
"Hurry up and leave!" Aunt Hua and Aunt Hong mocked each other, making Aunt Ming tremble with fear. She screamed, "You wait, you wait!"
At this moment, Madam Qi whispered to her, "Auntie, I think you should go back and apply some medicine first. Perhaps it will be helpful."
"Smack!"
"Useless thing! You managed to botch such a flawless plan, what can I expect from you!" Aunt Ming was furious. The plan had failed, but her face—even without the doctor's words, she knew it wouldn't heal. How could such a long gash possibly close? She could still feel a chill on her face. Her hands were clenched into fists, her bright red nails digging into the flesh of her palms, but nothing could diminish her hatred!
"My face, my face!" A cold expression gradually appeared on Aunt Ming's face, making Qi Mama's scalp tingle. "Ouyang Yue is indeed different now. Very well, this matter is not over yet, not over yet!"
However, Aunt Ming didn't notice that Rui Yuhuan, who was supposed to be helping Old Madam Ning into the inner hall, was instead watching her from behind the curtain with a calculating smile on her lips...
☆、070, Testing the Waters, Delivering Medicine! (Seeking Monthly Ticket #1!)
Upon returning to Mingyue Pavilion, Ouyang Yue immediately went into the kitchen, resting her chin on her hand, seemingly lost in thought, her expression very serious. Zhang Mama carefully stood guard to the side. Seeing that Ouyang Yue had been there for a long time, she wanted to say something, but fearing she might disturb her, she paced anxiously around Ouyang Yue.
Ouyang Yue's eyes sparkled, and a smile appeared on her lips: "Aunt Zhang, do we have sea cucumbers in our kitchen?"
Ouyang Yue suddenly spoke up, which startled Zhang Mama. When she came to her senses, she realized that Ouyang Yue was talking to her, and quickly said, "Reporting to Third Miss, our small kitchen doesn't have any, but since you are making food for the master, if the main kitchen has any, we can certainly ask for it."
Ouyang Yue understood what she meant and said with a smile, "Okay, let me name a few more ingredients, and you can bring them all at once."
Madam Zhang immediately smiled ingratiatingly: "Miss's culinary talent is unparalleled in my life. Third Miss is truly beautiful, skillful, and kind-hearted."
Ouyang Yue chuckled lightly: "Go and come back quickly, I can't make it without those ingredients. Listen, there's sea cucumber, shrimp..."
Zhang's mother carefully noted it down and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, Miss, don't worry, this old servant will be right back!"
Watching Zhang Mama's departing figure, Ouyang Yue smiled. Perhaps it wouldn't be of much use, but she could try that dish on Ouyang Zhide first and see his reaction. A short while later, Zhang Mama returned with two maids, carrying ingredients. Dongxue stayed behind to check the ingredients, and seeing that everything was alright, Ouyang Yue finally began to cook.
Zhang's mother's eyes lit up. She pulled out a small notebook from somewhere and, sweating profusely, began writing with a brush. She watched as Ouyang Yue's hands moved with the fluid grace of a dragon, skillfully cutting, seasoning, and cooking. Eventually, Zhang's mother couldn't remember any of the steps Ouyang Yue took, her eyes wide and shining, intently watching Ouyang Yue's movements. Every time Ouyang Yue cooked, Zhang's mother could learn something from her. Cooking was the only skill Zhang's mother possessed in her life, but compared to the Third Miss, it was like comparing a crane to a toad. Bah! She wasn't a toad, but her skill level was simply no match for the Third Miss. Because cooking was Zhang's only skill, she was extremely dedicated to it, and Ouyang Yue wasn't stingy with her techniques. Zhang's mother now spent every day in the small kitchen of Mingyue Pavilion, hoping Ouyang Yue would come and stroll around so she could learn more.
However, Ouyang Yue wasn't someone who would cook casually. From the time she first demonstrated her culinary skills until now, it had only been three times, much to Zhang Mama's delight. But she discovered that her eyes and brain weren't enough; if she had three more heads, she probably wouldn't be able to remember the Third Miss's cooking secrets!
Kitchen knives flew everywhere as Ouyang Yue, dressed in white, moved about. At times, only her silhouette could be seen, and the flashing blades gave her a heroic and valiant air. Ouyang Yue had cooked at Mingyue Pavilion three times, and the first two times had attracted many onlookers. This time was no exception.
Chuncao followed Ouyang Zhide over and said softly, "Master, the kitchen is not a suitable place for you to come here. Miss's cooking skills are superb, she will be done in a while. Why don't you sit down for a while, and I will bring some more tea and snacks over."
Ouyang Zhide waved his hand: "If Yue'er can go to the kitchen, why can't I? Don't say anything more, just come along."
Chuncao hesitated for a moment, but still obediently followed. The group of servants who were originally blocking the doorway complained when they saw someone squeezing in, "Who is it? Who is it? Can't you see there are people in front? Why are you pushing? Go wait in the back."
"Exactly, don't they know what 'first come, first served' means? They have no sense of rules!"
"Indeed, truly... ah... sir!"
The person closest to him had his shoulder suddenly ripped open. He was annoyed, but when he saw Ouyang Zhide's face, he was immediately silenced.
"What master? You..."
"ah!"
The servants of Mingyue Pavilion seemed frozen in place, turning around in stunned silence, their eyes filled with fear. Ouyang Zhide, however, ignored them, standing by the door and peering inside. Ouyang Yue was currently preparing a knife; flashes of silver light appeared as the cleaver chopped with astonishing speed. Ouyang Zhide's expression changed. He finally understood why the servants had been watching—not out of amusement, but out of sheer shock. Even Ouyang Zhide himself was somewhat taken aback.
Judging from his military perspective, Ouyang Yue's swordsmanship would be astonishing if used with a real weapon. Ouyang Yue had little internal energy, but the speed of her swordsmanship was unmatched by few! Ouyang Zhide's mind suddenly went blank. Was this still the Yue'er he had watched grow up? No, in fact, he didn't know Yue'er very well because he was often away from home. This time when he returned, he found that she had changed so much.
Ouyang Zhide's gaze drifted into the distance, and he murmured, unsure who he was referring to, "Perhaps even after shedding all her former glory, she will still be just as outstanding..."
Chuncao was taken aback. Just as she was about to ask a question, she saw Ouyang Zhide staring blankly at Ouyang Yue. The turbulent and intense expression in his eyes startled her. Remembering what Ouyang Zhide had said earlier, Chuncao shut her mouth tightly, but her eyes widened involuntarily!
"Swish swish swish"
Suddenly, Ouyang Yue in the kitchen swung two iron pots around, quickly scooping the food into plates with fluid, efficient movements.
"Open the cage and serve." At the same time, Ouyang Yue said, and Dongxue immediately stepped forward to help, her eyes also filled with surprise. If she were to fight her, she would not be able to dodge every single one of her strikes. She was really fast! For a swordsman, having a sword in one's heart is the true sword. Furthermore, anything in their hands can become a sword. With such skill, one would probably be just as good when wielding a sword.
As soon as Ouyang Yue turned around, she saw Ouyang Zhide looking at her with a complicated expression. She smiled slightly, her eyes extremely bright and gentle, like a plum blossom blooming in the snow, which was very eye-catching: "Father has been waiting anxiously. It's ready now. Let's go over first. The food will be here soon."
Ouyang Zhide snapped out of his daze and gave Ouyang Yue a deep look: "Alright, let's go."
As soon as the two sat down, the dishes were served. Ouyang Zhide looked at the four dishes and one soup on the table, along with another steamer of food: hot and sour shredded potatoes, braised eggplant strips, steamed grass carp, stir-fried pork ribs, and ginseng chicken soup. He gazed at the steamer and said, "There's an extra dish today. I wonder what it is."
Ouyang Yue said, "The method for making this dish is quite simple. Wash the shrimp and mince them. Blanch the soaked sea cucumber in boiling water, pat it dry, sprinkle it with a little cornstarch, stuff it with the shrimp filling, and steam it. Soak the seaweed in water until softened. Once cooked, slice the sea cucumber diagonally into five pieces, arrange them in three rows of three. Bring broth and seasonings to a boil in a ladle, thicken with a thin cornstarch slurry, and drizzle with sesame oil. This dish features tender sea cucumber, a fresh filling, a clear broth, and crisp seaweed. It's a nutritious and flavorful dish. Father, would you like to try it?" As she spoke, Ouyang Yue opened the steamer.
Ouyang Zhide was immediately struck by the appealing appearance of the dish in the steamer, with its black, green, and white colors. He couldn't resist picking it up with his chopsticks and taking a bite. He nodded repeatedly, saying, "It's indeed fresh, crisp, and delicious. The taste is truly excellent. Even the imperial chefs in the palace might not be able to match Yue'er's skill." At least, Ouyang Zhide had never seen this dish before.
Ouyang Yue smiled: "Father, you don't know this, but the most peculiar thing about this dish is its name."
Ouyang Zhide asked curiously, "Oh? How so?"
Ouyang Yue pointed to the steamer: "Father, look at these sea cucumbers arranged in three rows, with sea cabbage in the middle and ginkgo shreds as garnish. What do they look like?"
Ouyang Zhide looked closely but shook his head: "Yue'er, stop being so mysterious and just tell me the answer."
Ouyang Yue said meaningfully, "Look at the seaweed placed in the middle of this sea cucumber. It is a product of the sea, and its green color symbolizes the sea. This prepared sea cucumber is like a ship sailing on the sea. But look, there is seaweed in the middle, which is an obstacle. How can the ship pass through? But look, it is arranged in three rows, one row on each side and another row in the middle. In the end, the ship can pass through unnoticed. That's why I call this dish 'Crossing the Sea Undetected.' What do you think of this name, Father?"
Ouyang Zhide's spirits suddenly lifted. Looking at Ouyang Yue's smiling face, his eyes flickered, and he chuckled, "So this dish has such a name, how interesting. Father has always missed this braised eggplant strips, and now I get to eat it again." As he spoke, Ouyang Zhide picked up a few more pieces of braised eggplant strips from his bowl and began to eat them with even greater gusto. As the saying goes, one should not speak while eating or sleeping, and Ouyang Zhide had no way of answering any questions Ouyang Yue might ask now.
Ouyang Yue smiled and ladled a bowl of soup for Ouyang Zhide, then ladled one for herself and drank it quietly. Even after Ouyang Zhide left after the meal, Ouyang Yue didn't mention anything about the deception. The few words she exchanged with Ouyang Zhide were all about interesting anecdotes from the capital and the border, as if nothing had happened.
As soon as Ouyang Zhide left, Chuncao said, "Miss, the master seems to be acting a little strange."
"Oh, is there something strange?" Ouyang Yue said indifferently, not wanting to talk about it further.
“But Miss, when Master was outside the kitchen earlier, he said something like, ‘Perhaps even if she washes away all her makeup, she will still be just as outstanding.’ Master knows that Madam is not good at cooking. Could it be that Master loves her so much that he is so strict with her? Moreover, I don’t understand the way Master looked at you, Miss.” Chuncao still remembers Ouyang Zhide’s harsh words when Ning Shi caused trouble at Mingyue Pavilion.
Ouyang Yue's eyes flickered, and she smiled, saying, "Perhaps Father just said that. Don't overthink it. Let someone take the food away first."
Chuncao hesitated for a moment before going down to work. Why didn't she think that the master had just said it casually?
Ouyang Yue's eyes deepened slightly. She had let things unfold naturally today to see what was going on. Ouyang Yue had long suspected that Ning Shi was her birth mother, so this was an opportunity. However, it ultimately came to nothing. Ouyang Yue then decided to use this deception to test Ouyang Zhide, and his obvious avoidance of the issue indicated that things were indeed more complicated than they seemed!
Although she knew that such a long gash on her face would be difficult to heal and would leave a scar, upon returning to Xiangning Garden, Aunt Ming still summoned several doctors to examine her wound. However, without exception, all these doctors prescribed internal and external medicines, offering no real solution to her face injury. Aunt Ming felt a pang of pain in her heart. The thought of her face made her teeth itch with hatred. She had only been back for a short time, and she had already smashed several of the more valuable items in her room—yet this still couldn't quell her resentment!
Mother Qi cautiously entered the room and saw Aunt Ming sitting on the bed, her expression uncertain. She hesitated for a moment, then Aunt Ming's eyes swept over her like a wolf's, making Mother Qi's toes tremble: "What is it? Speak!"
Madam Qi took a deep breath and said, "Auntie, it's Rui Yuhuan who's come over. She said she wanted to see you."
Aunt Ming sneered, "Rui Yuhuan, what is she? Just a guest in this mansion. Does she really think she's the master? Throw her out!" Aunt Ming was furious. This Rui Yuhuan clearly had some ulterior motives towards Ouyang Zhide. How could Aunt Ming possibly give her a good look?
Madam Qi whispered, "It's just that Miss Rui said she has a way to treat the injury on your face, so this old servant came in to ask you, what do you think..."
Aunt Ming's eyes lit up, but then her expression turned even colder: "What good stuff could she possibly have? It's just a smokescreen!"
Madam Qi nodded and said, "Then this old servant will immediately send her out."
Aunt Ming's expression suddenly changed: "Wait a minute, we can see what she has to say. Find someone to clean up the house first."
"Yes, Aunt."
Aunt Ming tidied herself up, and soon Rui Yuhuan came in with her two maids, Huan Fendie and Douya. Rui Yuhuan was wearing a light yellow dress, which made her skin look soft and beautiful, and she looked young and charming. Aunt Ming thought of her own face and was furious. She said coldly, "Miss Rui, what brings you to my Xiangning Courtyard? Speak quickly if you have something to say."
Rui Yuhuan didn't care about Aunt Ming's attitude at all. She just peeked at the wound on Aunt Ming's face and sighed, "Aunt Ming's wound is really deep. I'm afraid it won't heal well."
Aunt Ming immediately glared at Rui Yuhuan. Normally, she could have suppressed her anger, but today she was too frustrated to pretend. Her voice was cold and sharp: "Miss Rui, are you here to gloat? It's a pity. You've been in the manor for many days and still haven't won the master's favor. Although you look young and beautiful, a man as virtuous as the master isn't necessarily going to fall for your tricks. I advise Miss Rui to think things through while you're still young. If you linger in this manor for a few more years, you'll become an old maid. With your parents both deceased, it will be even harder to find someone then!"
Rui Yuhuan's expression changed. Aunt Ming's words pierced her heart; these were her sore spots. If it weren't for her humble origins, why would she have waited until now? If she were the daughter of a general, with her talent and beauty, her doorstep would have been worn down by now. Rui Yuhuan had always been jealous of Ouyang Yue. Coupled with Ouyang Zhide's doting on Ouyang Yue, if Rui Yuhuan only intended to give her a hard time before entering the mansion, now she wanted to get rid of Ouyang Yue. Rui Yuhuan hated Aunt Ming for seeing through her thoughts, but remembering her purpose today, she gritted her teeth and endured it, saying softly, "Aunt Ming, what are you saying? Yuhuan didn't come here to gloat. It's just that, as a woman, I happen to have a good external medicine for injuries, and I wanted to try it on you."
Aunt Ming sneered, "You're being so kind? You must be up to no good, like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken!"
A cold glint flashed in Rui Yuhuan's eyes. This Aunt Ming was so ungrateful today. She came to deliver medicine and she still gave her attitude. Did she think she wanted to come?
Rui Yuhuan sighed, "I obtained this medicine by chance. It was a trophy my father took from a nobleman he killed years ago. This medicine is made from Tian Shan snow lotus and various precious herbs. It not only beautifies the skin but also has a good effect on wounds. I've always been reluctant to use it, but seeing the shocking wounds on Aunt Ming's face today, and knowing how important her face is to her as a woman myself, I brought it over. Since Aunt Ming doesn't appreciate it, I'll take my leave." With that, Rui Yuhuan shook her head and stood up, looking somewhat disappointed.
Aunt Ming, however, was itching to hear this. Seeing that Rui Yuhuan was about to leave, she hurriedly said without thinking, "Wait a minute." Then, sensing something was amiss, she asked, "Such a good thing, you're really willing to give it to me? Let's not beat around the bush. Tell me, what's your purpose in bringing this medicine today?" The scrutiny in her eyes clearly showed that she didn't believe Rui Yuhuan was acting out of kindness.
Rui Yuhuan looked at Aunt Ming, seemingly hesitant to speak. Seeing the deepening sarcasm on Aunt Ming's face, she reluctantly said, "To be honest, Aunt Ming, I did come to the capital with the General this time with the intention of following him. I have no relatives left. A frail woman like me, if I were in that turbulent border region, I would probably be kidnapped soon. You don't know the consequences of being kidnapped; it's a life I absolutely do not want!" Aunt Ming nodded. She understood this very well. The border region was extremely chaotic. Although the people were open-minded, the security was still a headache. If kidnapped, one would either be sold into a military camp or a brothel, or become a concubine in a noble family—there was no future to speak of. But following Ouyang Zhide was different. Although the General's mansion wasn't exactly stable either, everyone there enjoyed a life of luxury. If it were her, she would naturally choose the latter.
Seeing that Aunt Ming looked thoughtful, Rui Yuhuan continued, "That was my original plan, but the General doesn't have any romantic feelings for me whatsoever. He only sees me as the daughter of an old subordinate, and as a junior. I don't want to live a life of dependence, but I have no choice. I'm not shameless or persistent, but fortunately, the Old Madam took pity on my background and allowed me to live in the General's mansion. Aunt Ming probably doesn't know, but that day I attended the Ning Mansion's banquet with several young ladies from the mansion..." The noble young men inside were all exceptionally handsome, especially the Seventh Prince, who was truly a dragon among men, so handsome that it made one feel ashamed of oneself. Yu Huan also wanted to marry a husband like that. Even if she couldn't reach the Seventh Prince, what about the other noble young men? Yu Huan had long since given up on the General, but her status was too awkward. However, if she could marry into the General's household, it would at least be respectable. But Yu Huan was weak and alone in the General's mansion. My aunt and I wanted different things, so why didn't we cooperate and plot something big together?”
Aunt Ming watched Rui Yuhuan's face flicker and sneered inwardly. This Rui Yuhuan really thought she was something special, a hot commodity! Putting aside the fact that she was just the daughter of Ouyang Zhide's subordinate and an orphan who lost her parents at a young age, even if her parents were alive, there were countless women like her in the capital. She still wanted to climb up to the Seventh Prince. How ridiculous!
Let alone the Seventh Prince, Rui Yuhuan is not good enough for any of the noble sons of the capital. Rui Yuhuan's only advantage is her status as a legitimate daughter, but a powerless legitimate daughter is less desirable than a concubine's daughter from a noble family. Even Consort Ming was disadvantaged by her birth; otherwise, she could have competed with Ning Shi for the position of principal wife. Rui Yuhuan's ambitions are far too high—wanting to be the principal wife of a nobleman, wanting to be a prince's consort—it's utterly absurd and laughable!
But Aunt Ming's face showed a thoughtful expression: "Oh, you really don't have any feelings for the General's Mansion anymore?"
Rui Yuhuan took out a rosewood box from her sleeve. Its appearance alone suggested great value; the landscape pattern on the box was lifelike, the carving exquisite, and a lustrous ruby was inlaid on the lid. Rui Yuhuan gently twisted open the lid, and a sweet fragrance immediately filled the room. Aunt Ming's eyes widened: "This...this is really made from Tian Shan snow lotus?"
Aunt Ming had only heard of this thing. To the west of the Great Zhou Dynasty lay the Tianshan Mountains, perpetually shrouded in mist. On the other side of the Tianshan Mountains flowed the Great Flood River, the first river of the Langya Continent. Legend had it that the mists of the Tianshan Mountains never dissipated, and the interior was extremely dangerous. Many countries of the Langya Continent had sent people to explore the Tianshan Mountains, but without exception, they all perished there. As for how they died, no one knew. It was a case of one who went in and died, two who went in and two who died. But there were also lucky survivors. It was said that one of them obtained a Tianshan Snow Lotus from the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. This thing was extremely precious, with the power to bring the dead back to life, to revive withered trees, and to grant immortality. But this was just a legend. Aunt Ming had never seen it before. She snatched the box, inhaling the faint yet lingering fragrance, and Aunt Ming was filled with excitement.
This thing might really heal the wound on her face. It's really possible! Aunt Ming excitedly stretched out her fingers, but suddenly looked up while picking at it: "Miss Rui is willing to give me such a precious thing?" Aunt Ming was always a very cautious person. Although Rui Yuhuan's previous words convinced her, she still couldn't trust Rui Yuhuan. Who knew whether this unexpected kindness was out of friendship or enmity?
Rui Yuhuan was stunned for a moment, her eyes flashing with grievance and hurt. Butterfly, however, was already quite angry and said with dissatisfaction, "How can Aunt Ming be so ungrateful? This thing is a good thing, not to mention in the General's Mansion, even in the Great Zhou Dynasty and the Langya Continent. Miss finally got this box and has been reluctant to use it. You have been so suspicious. I'll let you see whether this thing is good or not!" As she spoke, Butterfly's mind turned and she saw the thread box on the table not far away. Suddenly, she rushed over, picked up the scissors, and slashed her hand hard.
"Pink Butterfly, what are you doing!"
"Ah! What are you doing!" Rui Yuhuan cried out in concern, but Aunt Ming thought that Fen Die was going to harm her with scissors and scolded her.
Pink Butterfly threw the scissors back into the thread box, hurriedly walked over, and pointed her finger at Aunt Ming: "Look carefully." It was the finger that Aunt Ming had just cut. Aunt Ming was puzzled. Pink Butterfly suddenly reached into the ointment box, dug something out, and then rubbed it on her finger.
"Ah, what are you doing!" Aunt Ming exclaimed in surprise, immediately gripping the ointment box tightly. Although she had her doubts, she treasured the item very much.
Pink Butterfly sneered, "Didn't Aunt Ming not believe me? This servant will test it for you, to see if my young lady is sincere or not. Why does Aunt Ming seem even more displeased?" As she spoke, Pink Butterfly raised her finger again. The bleeding from her fresh wound immediately stopped, and the visible wound was indeed slowly healing. Although it was somewhat different from the legendary miraculous healing process of "withered bone revealing flesh," it was clear that this stuff was excellent—a genuine ointment made from Tian Shan snow lotus!
Aunt Ming could no longer contain her joy: "This stuff really can cure my face, really!" But her gaze at Pink Butterfly was murderous. How could such a thing be given to this lowly maid? What a waste!
Rui Yuhuan was somewhat stunned: "It's not that Aunt Ming doesn't like this item, so Yuhuan will take it back."