Meanwhile, over on Yueyuan's side, upon returning, she could only confide her inner troubles to Hua Hao.
"I didn't expect her to be that kind of person, speaking like that without letting it go."
Hua Hao sighed, "You did your best; we all serve as mere maids. We can't overstep the masters' positions."
Yueyuan said, "Even so, my heart is still not at ease. We are all human, yet why do the masters not regard the lives of servants as lives? One sentence determines someone's entire life."
Hua Hao said, "This matter might still have a turnaround."
Yueyuan said, "Dear sister, do you have any good ideas?"
Seeing that there was no one else in the room, Hua Hao whispered, "I think Haitang is skilled in medicine; she can easily tamper a bit with the Old Madam's prescriptions."
"Are you crazy? How can you have ideas about the Old Madam? You..."
Hua Hao covered Yueyuan's mouth, "Just listen to me finish. It's not what you think. I was thinking that since Haitang is skilled, she could slightly adjust the prescriptions so that the Old Madam won't recover too quickly. Originally, they said she needed two months of recuperation. Could it be extended to three months or more? Haitang said the medicine has no side effects, only that taking it is somewhat troublesome. Before the Old Madam completely recovers, Second Miss can't speak out. Just drag it out a bit more; let's see if she will keep waiting?"
Yueyuan heard this and was silent for a long time before finally shaking her head, "Even so, we cannot do this. The Old Madam cherishes the old and pities the poor; she is most kind. We cannot plot against her. Let me think of other ways."
Hua Hao was merely speaking; she knew very well this plan was unscrupulous.
If discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable.
That night, when Qu Fulan brought medicine to the Old Madam, the Second Miss also came by to care and inquire.
"I've been back for so long and didn't know Grandmother was ill. If word spreads, people will only think I'm an unfilial granddaughter who doesn't care for the Old Madam."
Mrs. Pei laughed, "I specifically instructed to keep it from spreading. How could you have known? Don't blame yourself."
The Second Miss smiled, her gaze falling on Haitang, "I didn't expect this maid to have such skills, solving problems the household doctor couldn't."
The Old Madam laughed, "Indeed, thanks to this girl; otherwise, I'd still be suffering now."
Yueyuan chimed in, "Nowadays, the Old Madam truly values Haitang more and more. I think soon, she might surpass me and Hua Hao. I wonder if I should plead with the Old Madam not to forget 'old love' once she has 'new affections'."
Daring to joke like this with the Old Madam shows the depth of their relationship. The Old Madam was not offended; instead, she laughed heartily.
"You cheeky girl just knows how to amuse me with that mouth of yours. Rest assured, you're good, Haitang's good; you're all good. I want you all, hahaha."
The Second Miss also laughed, though the smile didn't reach her eyes.
After the pleasant chat, the medicine was just right for the Old Madam to drink and sleep. As usual, it was Yueyuan who would stay to help the Old Madam take her medicine while the others left.
But this time, Yueyuan left Haitang there, "Recently, I accidentally burned my hand while making medicine for Hua Hao. Haitang, you come and feed the Old Madam."
Before leaving, the Second Miss glanced at Yueyuan unnoticedly, then retracted her gaze and walked away.
She didn't see Qu Fulan watching her leave.
The next day, Qu Fulan as usual prepared medicine for the Old Madam, with Hai Xia sitting obediently by the side observing.
Although intruding was not allowed, it was merely a ban on multiple people disturbing. As long as one didn't mess around, it wouldn't cause any issues.
Hai Xia had no one to chat with and so came to Haitang.
Seeing Haitang meticulously sorting herbs, weighing each one, chopping, and grinding them into powder—each step was a delicate task. She finally understood why Haitang was irreplaceable.
"Sister Haitang, what are these herbs?"
Qu Fulan listed several herb names, none of which Hai Xia recognized, yet it didn't affect her admiration. "Sister Haitang is amazing. Not only does she remember these names, but she also knows the effects of each herb. I couldn't even remember the names, let alone identify them."
Qu Fulan smiled, "Identifying herbs isn't easy. I expended quite a bit of effort at first, then realized that beyond identification, the interactions between medications are crucial. Otherwise, there could be contradictions that not only fail to heal but harm."
Hai Xia widened her eyes, "Is it that serious?"
Qu Fulan's gaze didn't leave the herbs in her hands, "Besides, the effect varies with different dosages. That's why the household doctors, though knowing the prescriptions, can't produce the same results. After all, no one can guarantee that each procedure matches the last, a tiny difference can lead to vast mistakes, especially with the Old Madam's precious health, no slightest discrepancy is permissible. Thus, the household doctors naturally don't dare undertake such a task."
"Even the doctors can't replicate the exact prescription. How does Sister Haitang manage?"
"Because this medicine once saved my life... others' lives. From doing it repeatedly, it became second nature."
Hai Xia nodded, half understanding.
"Sister Haitang, you're so nice to explain all this to me patiently. Even if I don't understand much, none ever spoke to me so patiently, not even my parents when I ask back and forth."
Qu Fulan smiled, "Being unheard is lonely too. It's also good you listen without annoyance; it's beneficial to me."
Hai Xia relaxedly grinned, "That's perfect, then we're well-matched."
"Does this medicine effectively treat insomnia? Could it be spread more widely for everyone's benefit?" Hai Xia innocently asked.
"The prescription isn't a secret and can be shared, but there's one point."
"What is it?"
"Do you know how much silver it costs to prepare such a prescription?"
"I don't know."
"This single herb already costs ten taels, and it's the cheapest of them all."
Qu Fulan held up a herb for Hai Xia to see.
Hai Xia was immediately shocked, mouth agape. One herb for ten taels... ten taels! She only earns five coins a month; how long would it take to afford these herbs?
Qu Fulan didn't pay attention to Hai Xia's astonished expression, returning the herb to its place, "So it's not the prescription, but the costly herbs themselves, making it unaffordable for common folk. Hence, there's no point in widespread dissemination."
The world of the wealthy is unimaginable to ordinary people. Knowing how well off the rich are only brings more frustrations.
After finishing the herbs, they were stored in jars to be cooked in the afternoon.
"Let's go, staying inside is stifling; let's take a walk."
Even when learning needlework, one's eyes require relaxation.
Just stepping out and glancing at the sky, Qu Fulan mentioned collecting the quilts and clothes outside.
"Why? The weather is nice now; it's perfect for airing quilts." Hai Xia was puzzled.
Qu Fulan gathered the clothes into her arms, saying, "Let's collect them; it's about to change."
The time was about right.