Yueyuan's expression remained unchanged as she said, "The third-class maids have the housekeepers looking after them, and the rules of the mansion cannot be broken. I have other matters to attend to, so you may go on your own."
Upon hearing this, Hai Chun felt quite uneasy. Didn't her sister say she was different from the other maids and could be promoted to a second-class maid as soon as she entered the mansion?
This Yueyuan really lacks vision.
Unpleasantly surprised, Hai Xing still couldn't hold back as she said, "Then could you pass a message to the old lady, saying that I've brought my sister to pay respects to her?"
Just as Yueyuan was about to leave, she looked at Hai Xing upon hearing the request and frowned, "The old lady is resting. What important matter requires reporting to her at this moment?"
Hai Xing realized that it wasn't the right time and quickly said, "It's nothing major. Since the old lady is resting, I can come back later."
Meanwhile, Qu Fulan had no intention of changing beds.
The rules at Pei Mansion are strict, and the maids don't have the right to choose for themselves. By citing the family rules, no one dared to make things difficult for her.
However, Hai Xia was worried. She knew the rules of Pei Mansion, but dealing with the underlings can be troublesome.
Just as she was worried, someone drew back the curtain.
"Haitang, come here."
It was Yueyuan's voice.
Hai Xia had been sitting casually, without any ladylike posture, but upon hearing Yueyuan's voice, she immediately sat up straight.
Hai Xia feared Yueyuan a bit; she might appear easy-going, but she's actually very strict. Hai Xia's boisterous nature is not Yueyuan's favorite, so she stays discreet around her.
"Why is Yueyuan calling me?"
Qu Fulan approached and asked.
"Follow me, don't ask for now."
Qu Fulan followed without question.
On the way, they encountered many maids, who couldn't hide their envy upon seeing Qu Fulan being called by Yueyuan.
They ran into Hai Xing and Hai Chun in the corridor.
Seeing Qu Fulan following Yueyuan, Hai Xing's expression shifted, and she quickly grinned, saying, "What's Yueyuan up to? You can send Hai Chun on errands; why bother Haitang? Isn't she supposed to prepare medicine for the old lady? She must be busy..."
Yueyuan's once slightly smiling face turned expressionless, and she looked at Hai Xing, "Since when does a second-class maid teach me how to do my job?"
Hai Xing's face turned pale immediately, and she dared not speak another word.
Hai Chun, usually a bully, dared not say anything with Yueyuan's stern face.
Qu Fulan had heard that Hai Xing had served in the old lady's courtyard since childhood, but all these years she's remained a second-class maid despite the main maids rotating out, never moving up.
She initially thought it was just bad luck, but now it seems that it is fitting.
She can't even read the room and exhibits insolence talking with those of higher rank, and she already considers herself fortunate to be a second-class maid.
She expected that Yueyuan called her for the old lady, but instead, after a turn, they entered the quarters of first-class maids.
Inside, someone lay on the bed, pale-faced. Who else could it be but Hua Hao?
Yueyuan finally spoke, "You can treat the old lady, so your medical skills are likely not worse than outside doctors. Hua Hao is suffering from menstrual cramps and wants you to take a look and prescribe some medicine for relief."
It's not that a doctor can't be called, but young women are sensitive and shy regarding such matters and would naturally feel embarrassed.
Qu Fulan went over to check Hua Hao's pulse and soon said, "Abdominal pain is caused by a cold uterus. I'll prescribe medicine right away, which can be bought and brewed for immediate relief."
"Can it be fully treated?" Yueyuan asked helpfully.
Hua Hao's quiet and reserved nature makes her reluctant to see doctors even when in pain. She's always endured it, and Yueyuan feels anxious for her.
Fortunately, now there's a maid in the mansion who knows medicine, so it should be put to good use.
Qu Fulan said, "It can be treated, but consistent care for half a year is needed."
Yueyuan said, "As long as it can be treated, please prescribe the medicine, and I'll send someone to get it."
On the way back, Yueyuan paused in a quiet spot to talk to Qu Fulan.
"Her stepmother wasn't humane when she was young; she had to do all the heavy work at home during cold winters, only able to use cold water and wear thin clothes. Year after year, this weakened her body, and the doctor even said her constitution might prevent her from bearing children in the future. I need you to be honest; is there hope?"
Qu Fulan had also noticed her difficulty in conceiving but knew it wasn't absolute infertility, just severe cold in the uterus. Proper care might bring hope.
Qu Fulan said, "I met a patient with similar symptoms before. She took medicine regularly for half a year, and a year after getting married, she had a child. However, everyone's constitution is different. Hua Hao's condition seems manageable, but she should avoid cold water, soak her feet in warm water, and take medicine diligently, without slackness due to bitterness."
Yueyuan felt largely reassured after hearing this.
As maids, even first-class ones are seen as mere servants, inherently inferior.
Doctors treating their masters wouldn't say much, but being asked to treat maids annoys them, feeling their status lowered, which affects the care given. They might just prescribe carelessly.
"Dear sister, thank you for your help. If it works, Hua Hao will definitely thank you greatly."
Upon returning, Hai Xia asked why Yueyuan wanted her.
It was merely an offhand question without demanding an answer.
Qu Fulan naturally didn't mention treating Hua Hao and simply said, "It's about the old lady's medicinal diet, nothing major."
Hai Xia didn't ask further, then whispered quietly to Haitang.
"That Hai Chun wanted to change beds, but after going out, her face turned long and she lay silent."
Qu Fulan knew why but didn't elaborate. Instead, she chatted with Hai Xia, whose cheerful nature often led to giggles.
They were chatting in the nearby tea room, avoiding conversation in the room with Hai Chun lying there.
The proximity allowed quiet conversation without others hearing, though laughter carried to nearby rooms.
Hai Chun, sleeping inside, thought they were mocking her and angrily stormed out.
"Gossiping behind people's backs attracts retribution. Just because you've shown your face a few times before the master, you think you're grand, but you're destined to be a servant forever!"