Because whether they were normal or had insomnia, after taking her prescription, people would fall asleep immediately.
This result was not within her expectations.
Logically, the medicine should take effect within half an hour, at least ten minutes, so falling asleep immediately suggests the effects might be too strong.
These people slept from daytime until late 7 p.m before waking, half an hour more than expected, but the good news was they felt refreshed without any side effects upon waking.
Qu Fulan understood that if the dosage was slightly adjusted, it would be perfect.
Then, Mrs. Pei took the medicine that night and had a marvelous sleep.
Upon waking the next day, Mrs. Pei's entire mental state was remarkably different.
However, although the medicine was effective, it wasn't a cure-all in one dose; it needed to be taken continuously for two months to completely heal.
Additionally, the prescription had to be freshly prepared daily, as any deviation in weight resulted in inefficacy, making it an extremely meticulous task.
The family doctor could also prepare it, but his eyesight wasn't as sharp as Qu Fulan's, as he would stare into the small balance beam for ages and still wouldn't attain the desired measure.
So, only Qu Fulan could carry out this task.
Apart from spending half a day preparing the medicine, the remaining task of brewing it couldn't be entrusted to others, as only she knew how long it needed to be simmered for optimal results.
Every day after brewing Mrs. Pei's medicine, if the hour was still early, she would still water the plants and sweep the floor, never relying on her services for the mistress to shirk responsibilities, knowing full well she was still a third-class servant.
Promotion wasn't easy; the first and second-class servants around the mistress were set in number, unless those contracted servants left the mansion after their contracts expired, only then could others ascend.
From what she had learned, there actually was a second-class servant leaving to marry. With her current "importance" to the mistress, that vacant position was bound to be hers.
That day the housekeeper brought over three servants. Since the names of the servants in the mistress's courtyard were fixed, they respectively took the names of Hai Chun, Hai Xia, and Hai Dong.
The servant named Hai Xia was born in the family; her parents both worked as housekeepers in Pei Mansion, possibly influenced by their mannerisms, she seemed perceptive and immediately established a good rapport with Qu Fulan.
"Sister Haitang, you're amazing, curing the mistress!" Hai Xia said in admiration.
"It was merely a family trade," Qu Fulan replied.
Hai Xia seemed quite warm-hearted, but it was somewhat related to Qu Fulan presently serving the mistress; if not, Qu Fulan would still be that unnoticed little servant, and this Hai Xia wouldn't necessarily target her like the previous Hai Xia, but might not be as enthusiastic either.
Human nature to seek benefits and avoid harm is all too normal, and Qu Fulan doesn't mind.
However, the servant named Hai Chun was causing a commotion about changing beds just when she'd arrived.
"I don't like this spot, Mrs. Zhou, I want to change beds."
Mrs. Zhou didn't have time for these issues: "Sleep in whichever bed is free, why so much fuss?"
Finished speaking, she left.
Hai Chun bit her lip in frustration; since Mrs. Zhou wouldn't help her change, she'd do it herself, pointing to one of the beds.
"Whose bed is that? Come over and swap with me, help me move the stuff too."
Which spot, exactly?
Everyone followed her pointing hand to realize it was the left position against the wall, none other than Haitang's bed.
Actually, the shared bed had two wall-side spots; why did Hai Chun focus solely on the left one? Because the right wall-side spot looked filthy and messy, incomparable to the tidy left spot, comfortable upon sight.
Qu Fulan hadn't had a chance to speak yet when Hai Xia spoke first.
"You're quite amusing, just arrived and want someone to swap beds, who do you think you are?"
Her parents are housekeepers, she herself didn't act so boldly, let alone this newcomer so arrogant, what kind of world is this?
Hai Xia really couldn't stand such people.
Hai Chun frowned at Hai Xia: "Is this bed yours?"
"No."
"Then I'm not swapping beds with you, why interject?"
"The second bed on the left is mine, I enjoy sleeping next to Haitang, why can't I?"
Hai Chun glared at Hai Xia, then asked, "Who is Haitang?"
Qu Fulan finally spoke: "I don't have the habit of changing beds."
Hai Chun was refused, her expression unpleasant, she coldly snorted at both Haitang and Hai Xia before turning and leaving.
That attitude seemed like she had some backing.
Hai Chun hadn't gone far before meeting Hai Xing; Hai Xing was a second-class servant, Hai Xia had seen her several times when accompanying her parents on errands.
They exchanged words on the spot, and Hai Chun pointed at the residence, communicating unclear words, while Hai Xing looked over, her expression indeterminable, then they walked away together.
After they left, Hai Xia seemed to recall something and said to Haitang, "Mother mentioned before sending me here, that Hai Xing from the mistress's courtyard was getting married and wanted to bring her sister into the mansion to take her place, advised me to act wisely and avoid offending people, seems that this girl, Hai Chun, is her sister, they're likely seeking the mistress, this is bad."
Qu Fulan was slightly surprised, she had only just learned Hai Xing had a sister, and now aimed to have her sister replace her.
Hai Xia added, "For me it's not much, my parents are housekeepers here, even if she becomes a second-class servant she can't affect me much, but you're different, really can't you swap beds voluntarily? It's a way to ease the matter, then she likely won't target you again."
Though Haitang saved the mistress once and now brews medicine, yet how long has she been in the mansion? Hardly comparable to someone like Hai Xing who has served in the mistress's courtyard for years.
Masters usually prefer known and trusted people.
"I'll help you move things, might manage it before she returns." Hai Xia was still enthusiastic, ready to act, but upon rolling up her sleeves found Haitang unmoved.
"Haitang? You won't swap?"
Now turning to Hai Xing, she really did bring her sister to see the mistress, though before meeting the mistress, they needed to meet Yueyuan first.
They arrived at Yueyuan's door just as she was about to leave.
Hai Xing quickly urged her sister, "Hai Chun, quickly greet Sister Yueyuan, sister, this is my sister whom I mentioned before."
Hai Chun hurriedly curtsied, "Hai Chun greets Sister Yueyuan."
Yueyuan nodded, saying, "Since you're here, do a good job, if anything is unclear just ask the housekeeper Mrs. Zhou."
Hai Chun tilted her head with a naive expression, "Sister Yueyuan, if I'm unsure of something can I consult you?"
Hai Xing also looked at Yueyuan; the mistress now doesn't handle the movement of servants, it's all up to Yueyuan to decide.
With just a nod, if she could oversee Hai Chun, it was settled.
Hai Xing was quite confident about this.