Chapter 33: The Plot Thickens (Part Two)
"Should I politely refuse the visitor?" Wanxia asked softly, a barely perceptible hint of murderous intent emanating from her. If the Lu family truly meant to trouble the young mistress, she would never let them go unpunished.
"No need. Since they've already come, refusing now would offend the Qin family and Consort Zhen, perhaps even incur the emperor's displeasure. They've sincerely invited us, and if we decline, we'll only give others reason to say we're ungracious, won't we?" Anran replied leisurely. "Whether we go or not isn't up to us, and whether we can cure the illness is also uncertain, isn't it?"
Anran patted the soil from her hands, her demeanor unhurried and calm, as if she was heading not to the grand Qin household, Consort Zhen's family, but merely to visit an ordinary farmer.
Wanxia thought it over and realized everything was as Anran said. The invitation only asked the mistress to come for a consultation; whether she could heal was not within their control. Even if Consort Zhen wished to lay blame, she could do nothing!
Anran changed into fresh clothes and tidied up Snowball before stepping out, carrying her bamboo basket. Snowball nestled in her arms, drawing frequent sidelong glances from the servant who had delivered the invitation. The girl was delicate and charming, and the chubby little creature was irresistibly adorable.
Anran was long accustomed to such scenes; whenever she brought Snowball or Snow Velvet out, people's gazes were inevitably filled with admiration and affection. The little ones sensed the goodwill and were delighted.
The servant led Anran through a side gate, where the steward, Qin Fu, was already waiting. Qin Fu was around forty, but his vigorous spirit belied his age.
Qin Fu straightened his clothes and stepped forward, scrutinizing Anran with a mix of emotions. Fifteen or sixteen, she looked gentle and lovely, yet who would have thought she was reputed to be so ruthless?
Recovering himself, Qin Fu said, "You must be the famed healer? What airs! Even the imperial physicians who tend to the lady aren't so tardy. To keep Consort Zhen and our lady waiting for you alone—can you bear the blame if her illness worsens?"
Anran glanced at the steward before her; there was a defiant edge to her expression, and her words carried a hint of authority. The lady of the Qin family had been sick for a long time—was the master already deceased? With so many lords and ladies in the house, how could they tolerate a steward bullying others under the guise of power?
"As you say, Steward Qin, the lady has always been treated by imperial physicians. I merely happened to save the child and do not deserve the title of 'miracle doctor.' My skills are rough, my knowledge shallow. For fear of delaying the lady's illness, I doubt I can bear this responsibility. Please report this to Consort Zhen on my behalf," Anran replied unhurriedly.
Qin Fu was choked by Anran's words and grew visibly angry. "If you're told to see the patient, then do so! Why put on such airs? Allowing an unknown doctor to treat the lady is already a sign of Consort Zhen's kindness, and yet you speak nonsense here. Beware—I might report you to Consort Zhen and have you punished, barred from practicing medicine for life!"
Ah, now he remembers his master.
As Qin Fu spoke, he reached out to push Anran, but before his hand touched her, the little fox in Anran's arms stood up and brushed his hand with its damp saliva. Qin Fu recoiled instantly, his face turning pale until he saw his fingers were unharmed and finally relaxed.
His expression darkened, and he shook his finger as he shouted, "Someone come! Kill this little beast!"
ps: Recommended reading from a friend—"Defiant Daughter, Proud Yin-Yang Master," an excellent cultivation novel. If you like it, please add it to your collection!