The woman was around forty years old, of medium height, plump and fair. Her husband’s surname was Shi. She said she’d been sent by Hu Xingzhi’s orders to perform moxibustion for Yu Tang.

Yu Tang asked curiously: “Is moxibustion very good for my condition?”

She couldn’t very well say she’d been frightened, but since this woman had been found by the Pei family to help, she must surely know about her condition.

Madam Shi said with a smile: “Of course it’s good. Otherwise Steward Hu wouldn’t have urgently called me over.”

It was just that for minor ailments, people from the Pei residence would consult physicians they kept on staff; for serious illnesses they’d go to Hangzhou to invite famous doctors. People like her, who knew a few inconsequential minor medical skills, could only make a living going from village to village and household to household.

So Madam Shi regarded this opportunity to perform moxibustion for Yu Tang as a chance to change her circumstances. Not only was her attitude toward Yu Tang very good, she kept promoting herself: “The main function of moxibustion is strengthening the body and preventing minor ailments like colds. I also know acupuncture and massage. Especially massage—that’s what I’m best at. Ladies and young misses from wealthy families rarely move about in their daily lives. Over time, this inevitably leads to excess flesh on the abdomen and weight gain. For some it even affects fertility. Regular massage can avoid these disadvantages and similarly strengthen the body…”

She kept talking about the benefits of massage. Yu Tang wasn’t particularly moved, but Qing Yuan, listening on the side, was very interested. While Madam Shi was performing moxibustion on Yu Tang, she not only asked this and that, but also asked what Madam Shi was doing currently and whether she could make house calls.

Madam Shi’s intention all along was to find work at the Pei residence in the future, so naturally she agreed at once. She even took out a bottle of scented water for Yu Tang: “After moxibustion, the body easily retains some of the moxa scent. Some people like it very much; others don’t care for it. I noticed earlier that Miss Yu kept frowning slightly—you’re probably not quite used to the moxa scent. You can use this scented water to wash your hair and bathe—it will immediately eliminate the moxa smell. I made this myself. You can also use it when you haven’t had moxibustion—it comes in many other scents too. I came in such a hurry this time, I only brought this osmanthus-scented one. You can try using it first and see if you like it.”

She also gave a very small bottle to Qing Yuan, saying: “I came too hurriedly this time—this is left over from last time. Please don’t mind.”

Qing Yuan accepted it with great interest and even brought the bottle opening to her nose to smell. She said happily to Yu Tang: “It’s jasmine scent.”

Yu Tang quickly said: “Let me smell it too!”

Qing Yuan brought the bottle to Yu Tang’s nose.

Perhaps there were differences in skill level—whether it was the osmanthus scented water Madam Shi gave her or this small bottle of jasmine scent, neither smelled as pleasant and comfortable as the scented water Miss Xu had given her before. But they were already quite good.

Yu Tang praised them repeatedly.

Madam Shi’s face bloomed with smiles as she said: “After moxibustion, you can’t get wet for a while—we’re afraid cold qi will enter the body. Wait one or two hours before bathing or washing your hair.”

Yu Tang agreed.

Qing Yuan hurried to help Yu Tang check the timekeeping hourglass and instructed Qing Ping to remember to remind Yu Tang when the time came.

Qing Ping smiled cheerfully and said “Yes.”

Madam Shi took the opportunity to explain to Yu Tang the respective advantages and disadvantages of acupuncture and moxibustion.

After the moxibustion, Yu Tang’s body felt warm and toasty, as if it had been pressed with a hot iron—extraordinarily comfortable. Feeling languid, she reclined against the large welcoming pillow listening to Madam Shi’s idle chatter.

At the dharma hall, Master Wuneng’s scripture exposition was also approaching its end. He was now inviting the various benefactors to ask questions and answering their doubts.

Pei Yan imperceptibly stretched his feet.

This Master Wuneng was just living off his false reputation, good for deceiving those old ladies who hadn’t seen much of the world.

He glanced at Tao Qing.

He discovered Tao Qing was so bored he was about to fall asleep.

He couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.

Everyone was probably exhausted from all the fuss over Wei Sanfu and Wang Qibao’s trip to Jiangnan.

As Pei Yan was thinking, his thoughts suddenly turned.

He wondered how the little lady was doing now? Was she lying sickly in bed? Or was she obediently at home reading storybooks?

Peng Eleven hadn’t left yet—it would be good for her to lay low for a few days.

It would give her a chance to rest properly for several days.

Pei Yan’s mind conjured up the image of Yu Tang that day, collapsed limply in the soft sedan chair.

He suddenly very much wanted to go see the little lady.

It seemed only by doing so could he truly set his mind at ease.

Pei Yan was considering whether to find an excuse to leave early when the handkerchief in Gu Xi’s hand had long since been twisted into a ball.

Earlier, the First Madam had sent someone with a message asking her to dine with the First Madam that evening, saying she hadn’t seen her for some time and wanted her to come keep her company.

The entire hall full of madams, young madams, and young ladies all envied her good relationship with the First Madam. But when she saw Old Madam Pei’s face, calm as still water, and the Second Madam serving at Old Madam Pei’s side, her heart filled with irritation.

As the eldest daughter-in-law, even if the First Madam was widowed, on an occasion like this, wouldn’t it be good to come serve Old Madam Pei and fulfill her filial duties? Why must she hide in the quiet chamber, acting as if she were a young lady raised in the inner chambers? And calling her over too… Wasn’t the First Madam afraid of others criticizing her for not knowing her place and lacking propriety?

Gu Xi couldn’t refuse and could only smile and agree.

To make matters worse, the Second Madam spoke to her with a concerned expression: “Elder sister-in-law has had it hard these past days. I heard she ate two of the Pure Heart Buns sent over at noon. It’s rare for her to have such an appetite—clearly coming out for a walk is good for her. I’ve already instructed the kitchen to send a few more buns over later. When you dine with elder sister-in-law, please help me keep an eye out and see what else she likes to eat. That way I’ll know what to tell the kitchen next time.”

Gu Xi smiled and curtsied to the Second Madam, but inwardly she criticized the First Madam. Both were sisters-in-law—look at the Second Madam, how well she spoke, how well she pleased the several old madams.

No wonder the First Madam was always the subject of gossip.

Not knowing how to conduct oneself—that’s what happened in great families.

She took leave of Miss Wu and went to the First Madam’s place.

Who would have thought the First Madam called her over to inquire about Yu Tang: “I heard they even arranged for a medical woman to perform moxibustion on her. This Miss Yu—what’s her background? I heard she once stayed with you. Do you understand this person?”

In her view, it would be wonderful if Pei Yan could marry a girl like this.

That way, Pei Yan wouldn’t receive support from his wife’s clan.

Hearing this, Gu Xi felt somewhat unhappy in her heart, thinking: Previously when I asked you to watch Yu Tang you didn’t watch, but now that you’ve discovered Pei Yan values Yu Tang so much, you want to inquire about Yu Tang’s news, and still need my help.

She said respectfully: “I don’t really understand Miss Yu as a person either. Previously, though we lived together, we merely lived in two adjacent courtyards. As for what kind of personality Miss Yu has, I truly don’t understand well.”

However, what was this business about a medical woman?

Most great households didn’t like medical women, feeling they enjoyed stirring up trouble and disturbing the peace of the inner residence.

The handkerchief in Gu Xi’s hand was once again twisted into a ball, but her face was full of smiles as she said: “Was that medical woman truly arranged by Third Master? Does the old madam know or not?”

If Pei Yan had made the arrangements behind the old madam’s back, the old madam would certainly be unhappy if she found out.

Then there would be many opportunities to exploit.

Unfortunately, the First Madam had been spoiled by Pei You and had never properly taken her mother-in-law seriously, so she hadn’t noticed Gu Xi’s intention at all. Not only that, she appeared quite disappointed that Gu Xi knew nothing and didn’t hide it at all, saying: “Are you staying comfortably at the temple? Should I send two maids over to serve you for a few days?”

Gu Xi immediately realized the First Madam wanted to use her name to act.

She wasn’t that foolish.

Not getting any benefit yet giving away her reputation for someone else’s convenience.

She smiled: “My place is fine. Miss Wu comes over often, and there are the young ladies from the Song and Peng families—it’s quite lively.”

This was saying her place had many people of all kinds.

The First Madam was even more disappointed.

Gu Xi didn’t even want to eat anymore. She hastily drank a bowl of soup, said she was full, and urgently wanted to take her leave. She temporarily remembered the Second Madam’s earlier instructions—she didn’t want to lose her virtuous reputation before the several old madams and the women from the Peng and Song families, but she was truly disgusted with the First Madam, so she simply said directly: “Are you eating comfortably here? I heard you ate several more buns at noon today. Should I have the kitchen prepare a few more for you tomorrow?”

No matter how delicious Zhaoming Temple’s Pure Heart Buns were, the First Madam was someone who’d seen the world. She’d eaten vegetarian buns no worse than these. Besides, she’d been preoccupied this whole time with how to get Pei Tong back to the capital, so she hadn’t paid much attention to food and lodging. She’d only eaten a few more bites of Zhaoming Temple’s Pure Heart Buns because she hadn’t had them in so long.

She said: “It’s fine! It’s Bai Zhi at my side—she said Pure Heart Buns from Zhaoming Temple are very hard to get now, and she wants to send some for the family to taste. Tomorrow you can have them send over a large portion for me.”

Bai Zhi was someone the First Madam had bought after arriving in Lin’an. She was from Lin’an.

Gu Xi had inquired about the people around the First Madam and naturally knew about this Bai Zhi. She thought this Bai Zhi was probably serving at the First Madam’s side and wanted to take the opportunity to show off.

This was also a small matter.

Who could manage to only contribute without seeking rewards?

One had to use both kindness and authority with those at one’s side.

She agreed with a smile and forced herself to exchange a few more words with the First Madam before rising to take her leave.

Meanwhile, Yu Tang’s side was filled with cheerful laughter.

The Second Madam and several young ladies from the Pei family had all come over. Everyone either asked how she felt or whether she still had any discomfort anywhere. They were chattering away when Miss Xu and Third Madam Yang also came over. The Second Madam asked Third Madam Yang about her health, and as Third Madam Yang was answering, Chen Shi brought in pastries and candies made by their own family. They talked about Madam Shi coming in the afternoon to perform moxibustion, and the Second Madam and Madam Yang called Qing Yuan in to question her…

The laughter carried far in the quiet dusk, piercing the heart of Gu Xi, who was just preparing to return to her lodgings.

Facing the setting sun, Gu Xi stood for quite a while, then suddenly turned and headed toward where Pei Tong was staying.

He Xiang was greatly startled: “Miss, what are you doing? How about I go ahead and tell the Young Master?”

Gu Xi laughed coldly. Thinking of how Pei Tong had stood beside Pei Xuan like an invisible person all day today, her heart began to burn with anger.

She said: “Go quickly!”

He Xiang ran off like the wind.

Very soon, Gu Xi encountered Pei Tong, who was hurrying to meet her.

“Has something happened?” There was fine sweat on Pei Tong’s forehead, but his voice remained very gentle as he spoke. “I was just keeping second uncle and the patriarchs of several families company drinking tea!”

Which was to say, he’d temporarily left from the middle of socializing.