Chapter 18: 018 Returns a Blow

 Chapter 18: 018 Returns a Blow

"Slap!" 

A heavy slap landed on the old woman's cheek with a crisp, resounding sound.

Chu Qianchen's series of actions flowed like a graceful dance, effortless and natural.

The surrounding servants and maids were all dumbfounded, some even secretly pinching their thighs. Liu Shi was also stunned, incredulously blurting out, "You... you dare!" She actually dared to fight back!

What was there to be afraid of? Chu Qianchen smiled faintly at Liu Shi.

In her past life, she had been obedient and docile, raised to be indecisive and always respectful and submissive to the "elders" of the Marquis family. But what had that earned her? Nothing but being thrown out like trash.

Later, he had told her: 

"Most people are cowards who fear the strong and bully the weak. Giving way doesn't earn you respect; it only makes them think you're easy to manipulate."

The smile in Chu Qianchen's eyes deepened, her beautiful phoenix eyes sparkling like a dazzling sun, full of brilliance.

Counting the time, he would soon return to the capital, and she would finally be able to see him again.

This time, there was still time!

Thinking of the person she longed for, Chu Qianchen felt the pressure of time and couldn't be bothered to waste any more energy on Liu Shi. She needed to hurry back to make her large concoction!

That was the crucial matter!

"Second Aunt," Chu Qianchen said calmly, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

She was graceful and composed, not waiting for Liu Shi to respond, and walked past her.

Hu Po quickly followed, her heart lifted with relief: Thankfully, the young miss wasn't at a disadvantage!

No one noticed that, as Chu Qianchen passed Liu Shi, a silver needle appeared in her concealed right hand. In the instant she walked by Liu Shi, she swiftly pricked the needle into her waist and quickly withdrew it.

All of this happened in the blink of an eye.

Chu Qianchen glanced back at Liu Shi from the corner ahead, a smile tugging at her lips, before disappearing out of sight.

Liu Shi was so angry that her chest heaved up and down, her face alternating between green and pale. She gritted her teeth and muttered, "That wicked girl, Chu Qianchen."

"Second... Second Mistress," the coarse servant woman, still covering her face, timidly looked at Liu Shi.

"Useless thing," Liu Shi spat bitterly.

In the past, she had thought that the second daughter of the Chu family, Chu Qianchen, was simple and dull, but it turned out she was a sly and treacherous woman, good at hiding her malicious nature. There was no decorum in her.

Liu Shi hated her so much that she gritted her teeth, wishing she could tear Chu Qianchen apart!

"Second Mistress, please calm down," Zhang Mama gently soothed as she patted Liu Shi's chest. "Our Madam is very protective of her own. The second young miss saved the fourth young master just yesterday and is in favor now. If you anger Madam, it might affect the matter with the physician..."

Although several physicians had declared that Chu Qianling would be left with a scar, Liu Shi couldn't accept it. She felt the physicians' skills weren't up to par. If they could invite a court physician for her daughter, there might still be hope.

However, even though the Chu family was a noble family in the Marquis mansion, court physicians were not easy to come by. Shen Shi, the legitimate daughter of Marquis Mu's family, had the privilege of easily summoning a court physician because of her family's standing. As long as she had the Duke's letter, it would be easy to invite a court physician to their residence.

Liu Shi, stubborn as always, gritted her teeth, "If it weren't for the court physician, I would make sure that little wench doesn't die a good death today."

"My elder sister-in-law really doesn't know what she's thinking. She's not even her biological daughter, yet she interferes with this business!"

"She's not even afraid of raising a thankless wolf!"

The more Liu Shi thought about it, the more upset she became.

"Zhang Mama, go back to the manor and urge my eldest brother. That matter, it must be settled quickly," Liu Shi said through gritted teeth. "Chu Qianchen, that little slut, does she think that by ruining Ling'er’s face, she can secure a place as the Second Prince's concubine?"

"I will not let her have her way!"

Hearing this, Zhang Mama smiled knowingly and asked, "Are you referring to the third young master of the Jingyong Marquis’s household?"

"Yes, that's him." Liu Shi nodded.

This was the "perfect match" she had carefully selected for Chu Qianchen.

Half a month ago, when she heard that the household was selecting a concubine for the Second Prince from among several young ladies, she realized that the fox-like Chu Qianchen was her daughter’s biggest obstacle. So, she had returned to her natal family and asked her brother and sister-in-law to find a suitable match.

Her elder sister-in-law suggested the third young master of the Jingyong Marquis’s household.

"How foolish of me to have been soft-hearted..." Liu Shi said coldly.

The third young master of the Jingyong Marquis’s household had a good family background and a handsome appearance. His parents dared not control him, only urging him to marry and have children, after which they would no longer interfere. Even if he grew dissatisfied and later left, they had no objection. So, he agreed to marry.

But as a noble son of a marquis, he could not marry just anyone; he needed to find a lady from an equally good family.

Liu Shi’s elder sister-in-law was a distant relative of the Marquis, and the marquis’s wife had entrusted her to arrange this match.

At this moment, Liu Shi deeply regretted not having settled this matter a few days ago. If she had done so, her daughter’s face would not have been ruined.

Liu Shi coldly tugged at the corner of her mouth, "Have someone bring me a pouch that Chu Qianchen has used."

Now, the entire household was hoping to marry Chu Qianchen off to the Second Prince. If they didn't have some "evidence" to back up the claim, the old lady would never agree to the marriage.

"I want to see, when the third young master of the Jingyong Marquis’s household comes to propose with the pouch, if my good sister-in-law will still stand up for this illegitimate daughter of hers." Liu Shi’s eyes gleamed with cold light. Only in this way could she vent her frustration.

"Understood, Madam," Zhang Mama immediately responded.

She knew that if the second young miss didn’t bear the surname "Chu" and wasn’t her own daughter’s cousin, Liu Shi would not have given her such a seemingly advantageous marriage, for fear it might affect her own daughter’s prospects.

Liu Shi absentmindedly brushed her sleeve, feeling a little relieved.

"Go now..." Just as she spoke, Liu Shi suddenly felt some discomfort in her back. She rubbed her lower back, furrowing her brow in pain.

"Madam, are you alright?" Zhang Mama asked nervously.

"My back hurts," Liu Shi frowned. "Probably from overwork these past few days..." She had been fine just moments ago, but perhaps she had been standing too long.

At that moment, Liu Shi recalled Chu Qianchen's earlier words: "You see, you were walking just fine and suddenly fell. Perhaps your waist and legs aren’t in good condition. You should see a physician, don’t avoid it. Delaying treatment will only make it worse."

Liu Shi cursed softly, "A jinx!"

"Have someone go to Huichun medical hall," Liu Shi said, forcing herself to endure the pain. "Bring physician Zhang’s wife. A couple of acupuncture needles should do the trick."

Her frown deepened, and beads of sweat formed on her forehead as the pain in her waist became sharp, making it impossible for her to straighten up.

Before long, she could no longer stand, leaning on the nearby handrail. Her face turned a pale white.

"Second Madam!"

"Quick! Call for a physician!"

The servants were in a panic, running around in confusion, their voices rising in alarm.

Not long after, physician Zhang, who had just left the Marquis residence, was called back. Upon learning about Liu Shi’s condition, he quickly ordered someone to fetch his wife.

Men and women should not touch each other. As Liu Shi’s condition was related to her waist injury, she needed massage and acupuncture, which required his wife’s assistance.

Meanwhile, in the second courtyard, they were preparing to carry Liu Shi back on a sedan chair. The noise was overwhelming. As soon as Chu Qianchen returned to Wanyan Courtyard, a few sharp-eared maids quickly ran to report the news to Hu Po.

While Chu Qianchen was busy preparing herbs for her nine-steaming and nine-drying concoction, Hu Po excitedly relayed the news as though it were some amusing gossip.

Finally, Hu Po sighed, "Miss, you were right. The Second Mistress's waist and legs are indeed in bad condition. I heard that she couldn’t even walk just now. They had to carry her back on a sedan chair. All the way back, she kept crying out in pain."

Hu Po looked at Chu Qianchen with admiration, feeling her young miss truly had an uncanny ability to foresee things.

(End of Chapter)