Qin Shuying smiled gracefully. “Then Shuying will make a fool of herself. Great-grandmother, when Shuying was in the south, Father would have leg pain every winter. Mother felt heartbroken watching this and searched everywhere for medicine, but it was always difficult to cure completely. Later, she heard that there was a massage expert who had considerable achievements in this area. Mother sent someone to learn from him, then studied it herself. Whenever Father had flare-ups, Mother would personally massage him, and it was truly effective. Great-grandmother, Mother also taught Shuying. Why don’t I try it on you?”
Massage? This was work for physicians—a lowly profession. In the capital, no one had ever heard of noble ladies seeking relief from discomfort through such disreputable people.
Indeed, Qin Yunyun said: “Seventh Sister, medicine is a lowly profession. Though your filial heart is good, we can’t let outsiders think that the daughters of the Qin residence lack proper upbringing!”
Having anticipated resistance and being unsurprised by Qin Yunyun’s mockery, Qin Shuying paid no attention. Having lived again, engaging in such meaningless disputes would only make elders think she was narrow-minded and grow to dislike her. Either don’t compete at all, or if competing, achieve the objective—otherwise it’s just wasting time.
So she only smiled at Old Madam: “Great-grandmother, when Shuying was seven, Mother began massaging Father, continuing for two years until Father was cured. Great-grandmother, Shuying neither diagnoses nor prescribes medicine. Shuying is not a physician—Shuying is merely a young lady from the inner chambers who wishes to show filial respect to her grandmother.”
Qin Yunyun was choked speechless and quite angry. How had she not noticed earlier that this one was also a troublemaker! She hated her to death in her heart but didn’t show it on her face. Mother had told her to endure a few more days—soon there would be consequences for her.
Old Madam pondered slightly. She understood Qin Yunyun’s thoughts and Qin Shuying’s feelings, but massage required persistent dedication and considerable strength. Qin Shuying was only thirteen—it would naturally be very taxing for her. She said: “Silly child, I’ve had this condition for decades. I’ve seen so many physicians who all said it couldn’t be cured completely. I understand your intentions—don’t think about it anymore.”
Qin Shuying glanced at Nanny Gu and said: “Great-grandmother, since Father is gone, let Shuying show filial respect to you in Father’s place.”
Nanny Gu was moved. These past days, Qin Shuying had been subtly winning her over, yet doing so with perfect measure that wouldn’t disgust Old Madam. She said: “Old Madam, why not fulfill Seventh Miss’s filial heart? If Old Madam later feels reluctant to burden Seventh Miss, this servant will also advise accordingly.”
Old Madam was somewhat tempted. She also wanted to use their time together to guide Qin Shuying and observe her character. She said: “If you get tired, speak up. Don’t exhaust yourself.”
Qin Shuying smiled in agreement and called for Lu Ye, who entered carrying two redwood massage tools. She said: “Great-grandmother, these will do the work, so Shuying won’t get tired. Besides, the physician said that since Shuying’s constitution is weak, she needs more exercise and activity to improve her health.”
Old Madam smiled: “You little monkey, so you’re using me as a favor to yourself.”
Nanny Gu lowered her head. Seventh Miss’s words were naturally just to comfort Old Madam. Massage wasn’t simply a matter of using massage tools—otherwise any maid or servant could do it. Why would Old Madam have suffered so many years of pain? She wondered what other tricks Seventh Miss had. This was ultimately physical work that also required understanding of medical principles—not something that could be done well simply.
Qin Yunyun laughed: “Exactly! Seventh Sister is using Great-grandmother as a favor to herself. I can do this too. Seventh Sister, your filial heart isn’t sincere. Great-grandmother, don’t you think so?”
This time, Old Madam said nothing.
Qin Shuying handed the massage tool to Qin Yunyun: “Sixth Sister, Shuying is foolish and can’t think of better methods besides these. Since Sixth Sister says she can do it too, please open my eyes.”
Qin Yunyun wouldn’t! Using such force every day would inevitably cause calluses on her hands. These delicate jade hands were meant for reading and playing the qin, not for engaging in lowly professions. She smiled: “How could I take over Seventh Sister’s filial intentions? With Seventh Sister here, we’ll wait for Great-grandmother’s leg ailment to heal soon.”
Qin Yunyun also said: “Yes, with Seventh Sister being so capable, Great-grandmother’s leg condition will naturally recover soon.”
Qin Shuying pretended not to understand the mockery in their words and began slowly massaging Old Madam’s legs, then started discussing scriptures. Old Madam always loved reciting sutras and had much to discuss with Qin Shuying.
After sitting for a while and finding it boring, the two sisters rose to take their leave.
Once Qin Yunyun and the other’s figures disappeared outside, Qin Shuying sat on the stool, abandoned the massage tools, and began kneading with her hands. The pressure was quite substantial, and before long, Old Madam actually fell asleep.
Nanny Gu gently covered Old Madam with a blanket, her eyes showing admiration as she whispered: “Oh my Seventh Miss, you’re truly amazing! Since winter began, Old Madam hasn’t slept well due to leg pain, but look—now she’s sleeping so peacefully!”
Qin Shuying smiled slightly. Should she thank Old Madam Lu? Old Madam Lu also had rheumatism, and to please her, Qin Yaoyao had put aside her dignity to learn massage techniques among common folk.
Because Old Madam Lu was too harsh, Qin Yaoyao had studied earnestly for two years before feeling she could present her skills. Unfortunately, before she could use them, Qin Yaoyao had been burned to death.
“Nanny, these trivial skills of Shuying’s are truly nothing to show off. I only hope Great-grandmother can suffer less pain—then Shuying would feel at peace. When Mother taught Shuying years ago, I was too young and only learned superficially. These past days I’ve had the maids let me practice again. Estimating it was about right, I dared to make a fool of myself before Great-grandmother.”
This session lasted a quarter-hour. Nanny Gu watched with secret amazement. If Seventh Miss came every day… When she awoke, Old Madam felt extremely comfortable and asked Nanny Gu: “When did Seventh girl leave?”
Nanny Gu said: “Seventh Miss left half an hour ago. Old Madam, you slept for nearly a full hour.”
Old Madam was very surprised: “I slept that long?”
“Indeed. Seventh Miss is truly thoughtful. This servant felt heartbroken watching and advised Seventh Miss to rest a bit. Seventh Miss said this must be continuous—a quarter-hour daily to be effective.”
Old Madam pondered, not speaking for quite a while.
Several days later, at Yanfei Pavilion.
Qin Yunyun said aggrievedly: “Mother, that girl is practically riding over my head! Why don’t you quickly get rid of her!”
“Why are you panicking? Unable to maintain composure—how has Mother taught you? If we don’t act, fine, but once we act, we must eliminate her completely!” Xu Shi’s expression was also quite ugly. These past days, through massage techniques, Old Madam’s affection for Qin Shuying grew daily. Who in the Qin residence didn’t know this?
Qin Yunyun was indignant: “Mother, didn’t that physician say she was going to die? How is it that not only did she not die, but she’s even more lively than before?”
Xu Shi looked at this youngest daughter she had spoiled, thought for a moment, and said: “Enough. Don’t think about useless matters anymore. Wait patiently a few more days. Mother definitely has ways to ensure she can never be reborn. You must obediently follow Mother’s arrangements.”
Qin Yunyun said reluctantly: “Must I endure more? Mother, I really can’t stand her anymore.”