Chapter 74: The Deal

Healed my grandson’s leg? Who would have thought that Madam Xu, having grown older, would become even more arrogant? The way she spoke—expecting that I would simply comply—was nothing short of presumptuous. She always believed that force could bend anyone, but that tactic would never work with me. I only yield to gentleness, never to threats or bullying.

“What if I refuse to heal him?” I casually picked up a chair and sat, my phoenix-like eyes slanting toward Madam Xu, a cold smile curling my lips.

“How dare you!” Madam Xu, hearing my words, snapped her eyes open, glaring furiously. Her broad palm slammed down on the table with a resounding thud.

She assumed that since Leng Yiyun had managed to bring me here, I must have been appeased or persuaded. Who knew that the person she relied upon had failed so completely, leaving her humiliated? No wonder she was so displeased.

For years, in the Prime Minister’s residence and even among the Lu clan, Madam Xu had wielded her authority, relying on her son’s high rank and her own noble title. She was always domineering, her word law, never challenged. Yet, I had stood against her again and again, giving her a sense of defeat. The more she looked at me, the more her anger grew.

Now, I sat before her utterly unconcerned, unaffected by her presence, playfully teasing my little fox. She was nothing to me—not even worth the regard one might have for an animal.

Of course, Madam Xu could not know that very few people ever reached the threshold of being considered “human” in my eyes.

I found it amusing that this arrogant old woman should accuse me of being disrespectful. Years of pampered living had made her forget whose world it was outside the Prime Minister’s estate.

“I am indeed disrespectful, Madam Lu. What can you do about it?” Seeing her almost ready to devour me with rage, I felt immensely satisfied.

Arrogance, when spoken from my lips, carried a different flavor—for I had the means to back it up, unlike her, a paper tiger frightening only on the surface.

“You—” Madam Xu’s chest heaved, her hand trembling as she pointed at me. This wild girl—she would be the death of her.

Lu Xueqing, seeing trouble, hurried to her grandmother, soothing her. Madam Xu, over sixty, could not afford to be overly agitated. A sudden shock might well cause her to lose consciousness, never to awaken again.

Lu Xueqing had grown wary of me, fixing her beautiful eyes on me but not daring to provoke. She had endured enough mental torment at my hands this morning; if not for her strong mind, she might have broken down entirely.

Yet she could not let anything happen to Madam Xu. If her grandmother fell, her backing would be gone. Thinking quickly, she signaled a servant to fetch Leng Yiyun.

“Madam Lu, healing your grandson’s leg is possible,” I said, my starry eyes flashing, “but I have a condition. Would you care to hear it?”

Madam Xu calmed herself, scoffing inwardly at the mention of “conditions.” Surely, this was just about money. She saw me as nothing but a greedy wild girl, hiding behind a pretense of justice to extort a fortune.

“Name your price!” she said, taking tea from Lu Xueqing, her face full of disdain.

In her mind, a poor physician from a humble family would ask for a few hundred taels at most—a trifling sum for the Prime Minister’s household.

I could not help but laugh aloud. Did she really believe I, heir to the An family, lacked silver? What a joke. The wealth I inherited from my father could purchase half the lands under the crescent moon. Would I stoop to bargain over a few taels?

Just then, a little maid returned to whisper in Lu Xueqing’s ear. Her face froze—the news that her mother had fainted again, and coincidentally after riding with me? That damned girl must have done something.

“Anran, what did you do to my mother? Why did she faint for no reason?” Lu Xueqing, seeing Madam Xu repeatedly bested by me and Leng Yiyun fainting without explanation, could not hold back her anger.

Madam Xu was puzzled as well. Leng Yiyun had seemed fine when she left; how had she suddenly collapsed? Suspicious eyes turned toward me.

“What does the Prime Minister’s wife fainting have to do with me?” I replied innocently. “Believe it or not, I did nothing. Perhaps you should ask whether she’s done too many shameful deeds and scared herself into fainting?”

I could easily guess why Leng Yiyun had fainted. I had warned her enough; she ought to have realized. Perhaps she suspected, but could not believe it—imagining herself haunted by vengeful spirits. Such terror would naturally lead to fainting.

Years ago, Leng Yiyun’s crimes were heinous: with Lu Anrong, she destroyed the General’s estate, murdered my father, brother, kin, even flayed her own son. Surely those restless faces haunted her dreams, demanding retribution nightly.

“Don’t try to deny it, you venomous witch!” Lu Xueqing, feeling guilty, stepped forward, her face pale, pointing at me.

She knew her mother had committed many misdeeds for her brothers’ sake—why were there so few daughters from the second and third wives, and why was the fourth wife’s son so timid? All thanks to the Prime Minister’s wife. She would frighten and torment them, causing miscarriages and madness. Normal people could not withstand such treatment.

I found it amusing—wherever I went, I was branded a witch. If so, then they must abide by my rules.

“Sorry, Madam, you’re mistaken. I want nothing from the Prime Minister’s residence—not a single tael. I’ve changed my mind; the condition must be negotiated with the Prime Minister himself.”

Having grown tired of playing with them, I decided to get straight to business. Once the deal was struck, I could plan further.

Not for money? She looked at my modest attire—how could it not be about money? Madam Xu, confused, stepped closer, staring at me. “What is it you want? What are you after?”

As she reached out, her hand brushed my clothing. The fabric seemed ordinary, but it was smoother than silk, cool to the touch. Madam Xu was startled—such material must be delightfully cool in summer, yet she had never seen it before. It was far more precious than the finest silks worn by her household.

“Madam, do be careful. If you fall, Lu Xueqing might throw blame at me yet again.” I brushed off the spot she had touched, as if disliking her contact. My garments, rare and exquisite, were offerings to the royal family of Night Moon; I happened to possess a few bolts. They did not gleam like silk, but were unmatched in comfort.

“You…” Lu Xueqing was choked by my retort, her cheeks flushing crimson, unable to utter a word.

Madam Xu was stunned—my understated attire was actually luxurious. If not for money, then what? If she knew my true purpose was to sow chaos and destroy her family, she might well cough blood and faint on the spot.

“Enough, Madam Lu. It’s getting late—either send someone to take me to see the Prime Minister, or I’ll be on my way.”

By now, Lu Anrong should have returned to the estate—no doubt scheming in some corner.

“Anrong is busy with affairs of state; he has no time for your games. If you want to negotiate, I’ll do it with you!” Madam Xu waved her sleeve, refusing coldly.

Affairs of state? Wasn’t that giving him too much credit? All he did was plot in the shadows.

“You?” I stepped back, my tone icy, utterly blunt. “You’re not qualified.”

Madam Xu looked as though she’d heard some fantastic tale, eyes wide, trembling with rage. Before she could respond, I pressed on: “If healing Lu’s second son’s leg is so trivial, why invite me at all? Any charlatan could do it; why threaten me with airs and attitude?”

I spat contemptuously. The old woman believed herself above all, but I would never acknowledge her authority. Self-important fool.

“Fanner’s legs were ruined by you; I’ll go to the city magistrate and have you locked up for life!”

Madam Xu, despite her age, still tried to muster her old force. If it were so easy, the magistrate would have arrested me long ago—Lu Anrong would never let me roam free. How naive!

“Madam Lu, since we can’t come to terms, I’ll take my leave. May you live a long life!” I stroked my fox and bid her farewell. From my lips, even well wishes could make her spit blood.

My intent was simple: only with her long life could she witness her children and grandchildren die without burial.

Just as I turned, I saw Lu Anrong standing at the entrance to the hall. He wore dark-blue casual clothes; his square face bore traces of age, but his spirit was bright, his eyes sharp and filled with hatred as he looked at me.

“Weren’t you eager to see me? I’ve just arrived, and now you’re about to leave?”

His steady voice cut through the quiet hall. He adjusted his robe and strode in, passing me by, greeting Madam Xu.

I could not help but sneer. This was the hypocritical Lu Anrong—no matter the circumstances, he placed “filial piety” first, which Madam Xu clearly appreciated.

“Father, she…” Lu Xueqing tried to speak, but Lu Anrong raised his hand to silence her.

Madam Xu was confused; why had he returned? She thought he had long since ceased to care about Lu Junfan.

Outside the courtyard, a small figure slipped away furtively, hoping to evade her father’s notice. No chance—I would not let Lu Xueqing’s life be so easy.

“Miss An, I am here. State your terms directly.” Lu Anrong, indifferent, sat below Madam Xu, flicked his sleeve, and took tea from the maid.

I turned, a cold smile on my lips, the evening glow casting a faint beauty on my face.

“Prime Minister Lu, would you not speak with me in private?” I glanced at Madam Xu and Lu Xueqing, hinting, “Too many ears; you may regret it later.”

As he sipped his tea, his hands paused, the cup hiding his momentary panic. Whenever he faced me, my words unsettled him deeply.

“I have nothing to hide. Speak openly.”

Seeing his righteous facade, I found it laughable. If he were truly upright, why pretend at all?

“Putting on airs.”

“You—” My words struck him speechless. He knew well how many sordid deeds he had committed, and my attitude suggested I knew plenty.

“Have I struck a nerve?” I asked, my gaze cold and mocking. When he looked at me, I silently mouthed words with my bright, even teeth.

“Fine, with no one here, speak.” Stirred by my words, he hurried out of the hall, heedless of Madam Xu and Lu Xueqing’s curiosity.

I looked at the newly dug lotus pond, filled with water lilies swaying in the breeze, feeling somewhat relaxed. I remarked sarcastically, “This pavilion, surrounded by water, is quite a spot.”

“Enough nonsense. What do you want?” Lu Anrong, unwilling even to look at me, grew uneasy in my presence.

Seeing his impatience, I met his gaze, my demeanor serious. “Hand over Lu Xuexin, and I’ll heal Lu Junfan’s crippled legs at once.”

At the mention of Lu Xuexin, he stepped back in shock, staring at me as if trying to see through me.

Lu Xuexin’s name was taboo in his household, rarely spoken even by Leng Yiyun. Years ago, he witnessed Lu Junchen’s death, yet could not bear to let Nanny Gu crush Lu Xuexin, saving her instead. Now, he could not say why.

“Who are you? How do you know about her? What else do you know?” His eyes narrowed, gaze sharp and murderous. He decided: I could not be allowed to remain.

Seeing his ferocity, I scoffed inwardly, stroking my fox and speaking softly, “Snowball, someone’s secret has been exposed; now he’s enraged and wants to kill.”

The little fox squeaked twice, and I laughed.

“Don’t worry, your sister would never let anyone bully you.”

My gaze chilled, two icy blades directed at Lu Anrong.

“All who know of her must die.”

He would never trade Lu Xuexin for his son’s recovery. If exposed, all his past deeds would come to light, years of effort wasted.

He attacked suddenly, aiming a palm at my face.

“Despicable!” I shifted left, lightly moving behind him, nimble fingers producing several silver needles.

Within the small pavilion, our robes whipped through the air as the fight raged. I remained composed, while Lu Anrong grew exhausted, breath ragged.

After half a cup’s time, I had bested him, single-handed.

“Sit and talk properly; perhaps we can reach an agreement.” I shoved him aside, sat with my fox.

Lu Anrong, unsteady, retreated several steps, face red with humiliation. He had underestimated me, thinking me only ruthless—never expecting my martial skill. He grabbed the nearest chair, his eyes fierce. “Who are you? Why do you want her?”

This wild girl, barely fifteen or sixteen, could not possibly be connected to Leng Yiyan. Years ago, the Leng clan was exterminated, three branches wiped out, six collateral lines exiled to the frontier. Fifteen years had passed; most were dead, surely no survivors. Who was she?

“We happened to meet, happened to get along, happened that your son needs healing, and happened that I like Lu Xuexin. So many coincidences—do you understand, Prime Minister?”

I would never tell him who I was. If I did, I might as well kill him outright.

“No need to deliberate, Prime Minister. Once Lu Xuexin leaves your estate, she will have a new name and identity, no longer tied to you. All your past crimes will be forgotten, your son’s crippled legs healed. Isn’t this deal worthwhile?”

I smiled like a demon risen from hell—sinister and terrifying. I spoke the truth: with a new identity, the old matters would fade. But given my knowledge, would it really disappear?

“Lu Anrong, stop scheming,” I warned. “You have no choice but to agree. Don’t imagine you can kill me and sleep soundly. If anything happens to me, the city will be abuzz with rumors of ‘Prime Minister Lu Anrong deceiving the throne, criminal against the emperor.’ Your entire family would be executed.”

I had planned to take Lu Xuexin later, but her emotional turmoil, fed by lies about her mother’s survival, had grown urgent. I needed to keep her by my side, under my care.

“You…” What a formidable girl, able to read my mind—I had indeed been plotting her demise.

“Once you take her, you’ll leave. But how can I trust you won’t sabotage my son’s legs again?”

He was no fool. I had evaded the maids’ notice once, causing the parasite to grow in Lu Junfan’s leg. Surely, I could do it again.

“Don’t you have a trusted Imperial Physician? Call him; I’ll instruct him, and he can apply the treatment. That should suffice.”

I had already conceded—so long as Lu Xuexin could be taken away, all would be well.

If my guess was right, the blood-tethering poison in Lu Xuexin was Leng Yiyun’s doing, and I had happened to save her. Once Leng Yiyun learned I had taken Lu Xuexin, she would surely send assassins to silence us, never allowing her past crimes to be exposed. For Lu Xuexin’s safety, the best course was to send her to Night Moon, where she would be protected.

Lu Anrong weighed my words carefully, his cunning eyes flashing before settling into calm. He looked at me, expressionless.

I laughed. This was the Lu Anrong of old—emotionless, calculating endlessly. Pity, I knew him too well; he was destined to fall into my hands.

“Prime Minister, be decisive. This deal is a bargain; miss it now, and you’ll not have another chance.”

“Chirp, chirp—” Suddenly, my fox grew restless. I became alert. Snowball must have sensed danger, warning me.

Lu Anrong had a backup plan after all! The despicable wretch.

“Fine! Agreed!” He stood abruptly, his tall form blocking the last rays of twilight, his face shadowed with frost and anger.

He agreed so easily? Had his assassins been withdrawn?

I snorted, and in an instant, I was gliding over lotus leaves to the pond’s edge, leaving behind a warning in the air: “Don’t play tricks, or Lu Junfan won’t even leave a corpse behind!”

Lu Anrong watched my slender figure disappear, his thoughts inscrutable beneath his false face. He waved behind him, and the soft rustle of movement faded into silence.

I returned to my quarters, diving into the medicine room, emerging only at dawn. Though I had worked all night, I showed no sign of fatigue.

“Miss!” Wanxia had not entered the medicine room, but kept vigil at the door, sleepless. When I emerged, she was instantly alert.

“Prepare water at once. I want a bath.”

“Yes!”

Xier, outside the courtyard, immediately headed for the kitchen. She had no martial skill, spent the night feeding mosquitoes and fighting sleep, but at Ying’er’s command, she ran swiftly.

“Miss, you came back so late last night—Wanxia nearly went to the Prime Minister’s estate for you!”

Wanxia had disliked the Lu family from the start. In her world, anyone who mistreated her mistress deserved death—no quarter given.

“No need to worry. The little Prime Minister’s estate couldn’t keep me trapped.” I stepped inside, unconcerned.

Wanxia knew I had martial skill, but not its extent. She had only seen me fight minor skirmishes, so had no real sense of my abilities. Yet, from my breathing, she could tell I was a master among masters.

“By the way, Miss, Doctor Sang came yesterday, hoping to discuss medical arts with you. Since you weren’t here, Grandpa Yue chatted with him for an hour about acupuncture.”

Oh? I hadn’t expected that old Sang to visit; we were mere acquaintances.

In the realm of medicine, only mutual discussion, support, and cooperation foster progress and deepen experience. I approved of Yue and Sang’s exchange.

“Wanxia, later I’ll go to the Prime Minister’s estate to treat the little dog’s leg. You…”

I soaked quietly in the bath, eyes closed, explaining my plan to Wanxia.

Wanxia was shocked by the changes in me—her mistress transformed for the sake of someone she barely knew. She began to speculate about the true relationship between Lu Xuexin and me, even daring to wonder what connection I had to the entire Prime Minister’s estate.

After breakfast, I packed my medicine chest, carried Snowball, and headed for the Prime Minister’s estate. Wanxia went her own way.

When I arrived, Lu Anrong had just returned from court, bringing the Imperial Physician. Seeing He De, I couldn’t help but sneer—Lu Anrong trusted me so little that he’d summoned the head of the Imperial Medical Academy. His influence was certainly great.

“Prime Minister Lu, is your second son’s leg no longer in pain?” I stepped forward deliberately, speaking loudly.

The bystanders turned to stare at Lu Anrong, their eyes filled with complicated emotions. It seemed they could not accept his failure as a father.

Lu Anrong’s face fell, and he glared at me, then led He De into the estate, leaving me behind.

I snorted inwardly, but followed with a smile, in excellent spirits. My smile nearly stunned the gatekeepers—so she could smile, after all.

Madam Xu, having suffered enough humiliation at my hands yesterday, had tossed and turned all night, her mood sour and appearance worse than usual.

Aunt Bi, attending her, worried she was ill. “Madam, you don’t look well today. Perhaps you should rest? Shall I fetch a doctor?”

Madam Xu shook her head, gritting her teeth. “Who knows what terms that witch and Anrong agreed on yesterday? His mood at dinner was different; I fear he’ll consent to some shameful demand for his useless son.”

She overestimated Lu Anrong, viewing him as too noble. The moment he stopped caring for Lu Junfan, he truly abandoned him. His life was calculated, never leaving weakness for enemies. Lu Junfan was a stain—he’d never risk his reputation to save him.

Besides, he had a promising heir and a favored daughter; he was content. Had he found a suitable opportunity, he would have ordered my death already. Yet the estate’s troubles placed him under scrutiny; now was not the time.

“Has the witch arrived?” Madam Xu’s face was grim, hatred simmering, as she sipped bird’s nest soup.

“She’s just arrived, gone with the doctor to the second son’s quarters.”

“Mm…”

“Qing’er, greetings to Grandmother!” Lu Xueqing had risen early, her spirits restored, entering with a bright smile.

“Come here, child,” Madam Xu’s mood improved at the sight of her granddaughter. She instructed the maid, “Serve the young lady a bowl of blood bird’s nest soup!”

Madam Xu’s affection for Lu Xueqing was genuine, keeping her close to her heart. Beautiful and charming from childhood, Lu Xueqing always delighted her grandmother, and as the legitimate daughter, she was especially cherished.

“Thank you, Grandmother!”

The old lady’s bird’s nest was the finest—none of the other wives or daughters enjoyed such luxury. Thanks to a pleasant dream last night, she rose early, refreshed, and was rewarded.

After breakfast, the pair went to Fanner’s residence, determined to watch as I treated Lu Junfan, ensuring I had no chance to cause harm.

As I strolled toward Fanner’s residence, I saw Leng Yiyun and Nanny Gu arriving as well. Without so much as lifting my eyelids, I passed them by, utterly disregarding their presence—a slap in the face to the Prime Minister’s wife.

Leng Yiyun, furious, wanted to lash out but was held back by Nanny Gu, who urged restraint.

After fainting yesterday, Leng Yiyun had slept through the night, waking groggy and dazed, seeing ghosts everywhere. Lu Anrong had visited her twice, worried by her mental state, and had Nanny Gu return to Lan Court to care for her.

Nanny Gu, now restored to her former status thanks to Leng Yiyun, regained her proud position.

After settling Leng Yiyun, Nanny Gu quietly went to Lotus Breeze Garden to check on Lu Xuexin, suspecting she was near death. But the creaking door and the night wind unnerved her, and she retreated without entering.

Supporting Leng Yiyun, Nanny Gu followed me into the residence, whispering nervously. Leng Yiyun, startled, recovered and nodded. Nanny Gu hurried away.

As He De examined Lu Junfan’s leg, he was nearly frightened unconscious by the occasional crawling parasite. The poisoner was ruthless, causing the bone to soften and decay. He glanced at me, playing with my fox, and wondered how such a pretty girl could possess such a cruel heart.

Though I did not look at He De, his gaze irritated me. “Are you finished, Imperial Physician? The second son’s injury wasn’t caused by me—it’s his own fault for eating what he shouldn’t. I did nothing wrong.”

I glanced at Lu Junfan’s food—daily intake of ingredients that conflicted with my medicines, no wonder parasites grew. But that was exactly what I had intended.

I lowered my voice, cold and threatening, startling He De.

He examined the leg and found healing medicines, but wondered how the bone could harbor insects.

Lu Junfan, lying on the couch, glared at me with murderous intent. If looks were poisoned arrows, I would have been riddled through.

Lu Anrong sat opposite, drinking tea, expressionless. I glanced at him, the corners of my lips curling into a cold smile. The old fox was surely plotting—once He De assisted me in treating Lu Junfan’s leg, he would try to trap me in the estate.

From Lu Junfan’s perspective, my smile was sinister, chilling him to the bone. He had never seen anyone so terrifying—a demon, a scourge, a witch.

“Miss, the wound is clean now,” He De said, having worked hard to clear the crawling insects.

I turned slightly, expressionless, and declared, “There are still insects.”

“Ah?” He De looked again, and sure enough, a larger parasite emerged, its translucent antennae and beady eyes glistening. It wriggled out of the bone, quickly crawling away.

He De felt sick, his stomach turning. Before he could recover, I instructed, “Now rinse the wound twice with medicine, then apply powdered dragon’s blood, frankincense, myrrh, purplegrass, borneol, and calcined gypsum. Change daily, and in a month, he’ll be able to walk.”

I finished, raised my teacup, paused briefly, then drank.

Lu Anrong, seeing me drink the tea without suspicion, felt a surge of triumph—soon, this damned witch would disappear without trace, and peace would return.

He De quickly prepared the medicine, grinding and mixing with spirit wine, applying it layer by layer.

As soon as the medicine was applied, Lu Junfan’s tense expression eased; the cool sensation replaced the bone-deep pain. His leg would recover—he would walk again! When he did, he vowed to kill this witch.

I saw the twisted hatred on his face, sneering inwardly—he was far too weak to threaten me.

When He De finished bandaging the wound, I stretched lazily, my back aching from sitting so long. The Imperial Physician was too cautious, slow and old, wasting much time.

“Prime Minister Lu, your son’s leg is healed now. Don’t go back on your word—or tomorrow, rumors may reach the emperor’s ears!” I packed my medicine chest, holding Snowball, and spoke a warning only he could understand.

Lu Anrong paused, but quickly regained composure. “Rest assured, Miss.”

“That’s best.” I left, and at the door, saw Lu Xueqing supporting Madam Xu on the right, Leng Yiyun on the left, all three pairs of eyes filled with hatred.

I met their gaze, smiled coldly. “Madam, there are chairs inside. At your age, standing so long might be dangerous.”

“You…”

I had expected Leng Yiyun to wait outside, but was surprised to see Madam Xu as well—clearly wanting to enter but lacking the courage.

Madam Xu glared at me, wishing she could tear me apart. This foul-mouthed girl had cursed her twice now—infuriating.

Lu Xueqing stared, lips moving, but unable to utter a single rebuke, concentrating on soothing Madam Xu.

Leng Yiyun watched silently, calculating how to eliminate me. Since my arrival, she had suffered sleepless nights, unable to eat—she’d had enough.

I turned to look at Leng Yiyun, my gaze piercing, making her shiver. My eyes were colder than winter snow, chilling to the bone.

“From now on, bridges are bridges, roads are roads. Don’t step into my estate again; you have no further connection to us!” Leng Yiyun straightened, declaring loudly. She never wanted to see me again.

I smiled, the expression blooming into a blood-red poppy—beautiful and menacing.

“Very well.”

I nodded, satisfied, and walked toward the gate. Once Xuexin left the Prime Minister's estate, I would care nothing for it.

Lu Anrong stood at the courtyard gate, watching my light, unhurried figure leave, wondering: I had drunk the tea—why had the poison not taken effect after an hour?

PS: Recommended—Xiao Mingzi's palace intrigue novel, “Rebirth: Even a Concubine’s Daughter Can Be Arrogant”; and Hong Shao Jianjian’s cultivation novel, “Defiant Maiden: Scornful Onmyoji.”