Chapter 32 ROTNDOAHRF

FlamingoBees

Translating Chinese Historical Dramas for your enjoyment... and mine! :)

Rebirth of the Noble Daughter of a High Ranking Family

Chapter 32:

Only Awaiting the Eastern Winds to Arrive

"Zhang Mama," Old Madam Li said, the Mama nodded her head and immediately led her subordinates to comply.

Ouyang Nuan saw the situation and softly said to Old Madam Li, "Grandmother, today's matter involves mother. It's inconvenient for me to stay here. I should go back first."

Old Madam Li was taken aback for a moment, then finally regained her composure and said in a deep voice, "No, you stay. You can also serve as a witness."

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Ouyang Nuan nodded slightly. Stay and watch the show? Naturally, she was willing. Anyway, this fire would surely leave Madam Lin utterly discredited. Let's see how she, this virtuous wife, could continue to carry on!

Before long, a maid led Doctor Wang into the room. The old doctor, flustered and confused, entered thinking that it was Old Madam Li who was unwell. However, upon seeing Old Madam Li sitting calmly on the kang, he became puzzled.

Old Madam Li slowly spoke, "Doctor Wang, you have been treating me for decades, and you are the doctor I trust the most. Today, I have invited you here to treat a concubine. This matter concerns the future of my family's lineage. Please do your best."

Old Madam Li, renowned for her exceptional medical skills and esteemed reputation, was not easily summoned by ordinary families. It was only out of respect for her that Doctor Wang agreed to come. Treating a concubine, especially one of low status, was not appropriate, but Old Madam Li's solemn request compelled him to comply.

With a nod, Doctor Wang assured, "Old Madam Li, rest assured, I will do my best." He then followed the maid to the adjacent room.

After half a cup of tea's time, Doctor Wang returned. He addressed Old Madam Li, saying, "Madam, the lady next door is indeed pregnant, approximately two months along."

Old Madam Li's eyes lit up upon hearing this news. She hastily said, "Please, have a seat and enjoy a cup of tea. I will need your assistance again later."

Doctor Wang sat aside to enjoy his tea. In the meantime, Zhang Mama returned in a flurry, accompanied by the steward Mama Cui, a maid named Huan'er, and a collection of various items including hairpins, ornaments, sachets, dresses, and robes commonly used by women. Old Madam Li spoke in a grave tone, "Doctor Wang, please come forward and check if these items are safe for pregnant women."

Doctor Wang, wearing a puzzled expression, approached the items. He examined each one meticulously, rubbing them between his fingers and sniffing them. Initially uncertain, his expression grew increasingly solemn as he rechecked everything. He even opened a box of rouge and dabbed a bit on his finger to taste. His complexion turned even graver as he finally grasped Old Madam Li's intent.

He turned back to look at Old Madam Li, his face as dark as the bottom of a pot. He couldn't believe he was summoned to verify this. Old Madam Li, noticing his unusual expression, couldn't help but inquire about the results of his examination. However, he remained silent, frowning deeply. Despite Old Madam Li's repeated inquiries, he refused to speak.

With gravity in her voice, Ouyang Nuan said, "Doctor Wang, you come from a prestigious medical family, with your father even serving as a royal physician in the palace. Your medical knowledge is profound. If even you refuse to speak the truth to us, my grandmother truly doesn't know whom to trust!"

Doctor Wang's gaze grew solemn, and after much contemplation, he finally spoke up, "In that case, I will be blunt. Old Madam, where did you acquire these items? They are all tainted with harmful substances!"

At that moment, Cui Mama, who had been trembling uncontrollably, suddenly rolled her eyes and fainted from fright. She didn't receive the same treatment as Aunt Zhou, so nobody attended to her, leaving her lying there. Huan'er glanced at her, her eyes filled with disgust.

Upon hearing Doctor Wang's words, Old Madam Li immediately understood the situation. Without even sparing a glance at Cui Mama, she sighed deeply and said, "Doctor Wang, there's no need to say more. I understand everything now. Please, go rest for a while. Zhang Mama, send for the Master, Madam, and Li Yiniang."

Ouyang Nuan took the initiative to sit down next to Doctor Wang and kept him company while drinking tea. Zhang Mama glanced at her quietly composed young mistress and nodded inwardly. Without a word, she lit a large fire. Watching the blaze, she knew that this gust of wind would soon sweep through the entire room, leaving nothing but ashes.

Despite her calm demeanor, Zhang Mama recognized the steely determination in her young mistress. It was hard to believe that such a formidable daughter could be born to the former mistress, who was known for her aloofness and avoidance of conflict. Indeed, she was quite remarkable!

Li Yiniang's courtyard was closest to Old Madam Li's Shou'an Hall, so she arrived first. Upon entering, she immediately sensed the heavy atmosphere in the room. Combined with the recent visit from Zhou Yiniang, she quickly grasped the situation. With a lowered head and bated breath, she respectfully inquired, "Old Madam, how may I be of service?"

However, Old Madam Li's demeanor had changed from her usual gentle demeanor to a cold one. She commanded, "Kneel down and wait for the Master and your mistress to arrive."

Li Yiniang had always been treated with favor here, so she was taken aback by this treatment. Nonetheless, she obediently knelt down. Ouyang Nuan spoke softly, "Grandmother, the floor is quite cold. Aunt Li may not be able to endure it. Perhaps we should..."

Old Madam Li glanced at the obedient and submissive Li Yiniang, feeling that she might have unfairly directed her anger towards her. However, she couldn't immediately let her rise, so she instructed, "Fetch a cushion for her."

A maid promptly brought a large red embroidered cushion for Li Yiniang. She lowered her head and continued kneeling obediently.

Soon, there was a report of Madam Lin's arrival from outside. Ouyang Nuan noticed the simmering anger and dissatisfaction in Old Madam Li's eyes. She couldn't help but find it amusing internally, but her expression remained calm, devoid of any hint of gloating. Instead, she appeared genuinely concerned, adding a touch of sincerity to her demeanor.

Madam Lin entered and, as usual, greeted everyone politely. However, Old Madam Li didn't ask her to rise, leaving her kneeling there. Madam Lin knelt on the ground, seething with resentment. Since marrying into this family, she had been the mistress of the house. Although Old Madam Li was not easy to serve, she had never treated her harshly before. Now, she was being made to kneel alongside a concubine, which was humiliating in front of everyone.

Ouyang Ke also followed along, seeing the situation and forced a smile, saying, "Grandmother, the floor is cold, and Mother isn't feeling well. Shouldn't we let her rise and speak first?"

Coincidences often make for good stories. Just now, Ouyang Nuan also suggested the same, and Old Madam Li provided a cushion. Now that Ouyang Ke has spoken, Old Madam Li furrowed her brows, saying, "Is she suddenly so delicate? I haven't asked her to rise, so let her kneel."

Ouyang Ke's face turned pale as he glanced at Ouyang Nuan and Doctor Wang sitting beside him, growing increasingly puzzled. What was going on?

Zhang Mama intervened, saying, "Second Miss Ouyang, why don't you sit over there for now? Old Madam and Madam have things to discuss."

Ouyang Ke had no choice but to sit down next to Ouyang Nuan, his expression clouded with increasing confusion. However, Ouyang Nuan remained calm, and Old Madam Li's face grew darker, making her hesitant to ask any questions.

No one spoke a word in the room, and the silence was unsettling. Even the maids and servants dared not breathe audibly. While having a cushion was preferable for Li Yiniang, Madam Lin knelt on the ground until her legs became numb and shaky. Finally, Ouyang Zhi entered the room and was taken aback by the scene.

"What's going on, Mother? What could be so serious to provoke you to such anger? The children are here too, and punishing Wanru like this... isn't it inappropriate?" he asked, bewildered.

Old Madam Li's gaze turned even darker as she sharply directed her attention toward Ouyang Zhi. In a calm but chilling tone, she said, "It's all in good timing. Let them see and hear. It's a good lesson for them. Doctor Wang, please tell your findings to our Master."

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