Chapter 23: The Typical White Lotus

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Gu Feichi slowly savored the floral tea handed to him by Xiao Yanfei, his expression calm.

He had intended to buy more medicinal herbs for military use from Xiao Yanfei, but before he could mention it, she unexpectedly brought it up herself.

A faint smile played on the corners of Gu Feichi’s lips as he observed Xiao Yanfei chatting away.

In all of the capital, it was hard to find someone who could be so composed in his presence.

How did she develop such a temperament?

Recalling their first meeting in the scripture repository, Gu Feichi suddenly felt a trace of curiosity about the girl before him.

He was personally raised by his father, who taught him martial skills, educated him, instructed him in military strategy, legal cases, and how to read and understand people—his father invested a lot in him.

But this girl, confined to and raised in a boudoir, never personally traveled through this vast world, never witnessed the myriad things in the world. How did she become the person she is now?

Who did she learn medicine from?

She was truly intriguing, with countless mysteries surrounding her.

A faint smile crossed Gu Feichi’s eyes. After taking a few more sips of tea, he set down the teacup and asked, “What do you want in exchange?”

“Gold and silver, or something else…”

Xiao Yanfei smiled at Gu Feichi, her pair of clear and bright eyes more captivating than the spring sunshine.

Just as she was about to speak, Gu Feichi turned his head and looked towards the door curtain.

Shh!

Gu Feichi gently pressed his slender index finger to his lips, gesturing for silence, and conveyed through lip movements, “Someone has arrived.”

Almost instantly, the voice of Hai Tang sounded outside the small study: “Miss, the eldest young lady has arrived and is waiting for you in the main hall.”

“You go attend to the eldest sister; I’ll tidy up and come over.” Xiao Yanfei skillfully used her mind to retrieve amoxicillin from the first aid kit, carefully placing twenty pills on a piece of silk: “Consider these pills as samples; you can test their efficacy on more soldiers with fever.”

With a composed expression, she added, “But remember, every medicine has its risks. A small number of people may experience discomfort, such as rashes, asthma, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Those individuals must stop taking the medicine immediately.”

“The most severe reactions might lead to death; approximately one in a hundred thousand people may face this. If any patients show adverse effects after taking the medicine, please send someone to find me immediately.”

Explaining the concept of “allergic reactions” to people from ancient times was challenging for Xiao Yanfei. She could only vaguely use “every medicine has its risks” to deflect, as traditional Chinese medicine often incorporated a degree of toxicity.

“I’ve noted it,” replied Gu Feichi succinctly.

There were no elixirs in this world. Medicine could be both a remedy and a poison.

On the battlefield, soldiers fought to the death with their flesh and blood. However, those whose wounds festered and fevers persisted often faced certain death.

But this medicine could provide a glimmer of hope in their dire situation!

Even if one person in a hundred thousand might die, if it meant nine out of ten could survive, it was a worthwhile risk.

Gu Feichi’s expression gradually became composed, his eyes bright like stars, radiating a profound and divine aura.

Xiao Yanfei wrapped the pills in silk, handed them to him, and smiled, “I have guests on my side; I won’t detain the young lord. Please feel free to go about your business.”

She rose and smoothed her dress before hastily leaving.

Passing through two sets of door curtains, Xiao Luanfei stood in the center of the hall, adorned in a crimson dress. Her tall and stunning figure radiated beauty as she gazed at the painting of “Guanyin Lying on a Lotus.”

Hai Tang and Ding Xiang were serving by her side.

Upon hearing the movement, Xiao Luanfei turned around, smiled enchantingly, resembling a luxurious and charming peony.

“Younger sister, this Guanyin painting is truly exquisite. Graceful and compassionate, the divine appearance is splendid. I really adore it,” she exclaimed.

“I heard Ding Xiang say that during the twelfth month, Yiniang Cui personally painted this for you to pray for blessings. Is that true?” Xiao Yanfei looked at the Guanyin painting and nodded, “It was Yiniang Cui who painted it.”

During the twelfth month, the original owner had also suffered from a severe cold, continuous high fever, and persistent cough. Concubine Cui never visited the original owner but sent this painting when she was recovering, claiming she meticulously painted the “Guanyin Lying on a Lotus” for her well-being. Thankfully, Guanyin Bodhisattva’s blessings led to her recovery.

At that time, the original owner was deeply moved and hung the painting in the hall.

“Concubine Cui truly cares for you, younger sister,” Xiao Luanfei sighed, her bright and clear eyes full of emotion.

Xiao Yanfei smiled, neither confirming nor denying it.

“Elder sister, did you look for me for something?” she casually redirected the conversation.

Xiao Luanfei approached with a charming smile, linking arms with Xiao Yanfei, “Mother called you to have dinner in the main courtyard, and I happened to be on my way, so I came to find you and go together.”

Xiao Yanfei glanced at the hourglass; it was almost time for her scheduled meeting with Madam Yin.

She followed Xiao Luanfei out of the Moonrise Pavilion. As they crossed the courtyard gate, she couldn’t help but turn around and glance in the direction of the small study, thinking, “Gu Feichi should have left by now.”

The idea only flashed through her mind as Xiao Luanfei excitedly continued, “In a few days, there will be the Qianfang Banquet. The palace should soon send out invitations. Younger Sister, when the time comes, you should come with me.”

“The Qianfang Banquet?” Xiao Yanfei pondered, trying to recall where she had heard of it.

As the sun set, casting a soft glow on both figures, Xiao Luanfei’s eyes sparkled as she explained, “Every spring, the Empress hosts the Qianfang Banquet, inviting noble maidens who have come of age in the capital to the Qinghui Garden in the western suburbs for flower appreciation and leisure.”

“If anyone is fortunate enough to receive praise from the Empress during the Qianfang Banquet, it would be immensely beneficial.”

Xiao Luanfei expressed it subtly but with clear implications – a maiden who gained the Empress’s favor would benefit in terms of marriage.

The Empress’s Qianfang Banquet? A certain switch in Xiao Yanfei’s mind was triggered.

Yes, today, Liu Chaoyun mentioned at the Jiangyun Pavilion that she intended to showcase her musical skills during the Qianfang Banquet.

So, was this an ancient-style matchmaking event?

Xiao Luanfei’s smile was radiant as she continued, “Tomorrow, Jin Yu Pavilion will deliver the jewelry Mother had specially made for us. We can try them on together.”

“I heard the peony flowers in the Qinghui Garden are extraordinary. Mother had the craftsman make us peony-shaped golden hairpins. I’ve seen the sketches sent by Jin Yu Pavilion, and they are stunning…”

“Wait, Younger Sister, isn’t that Concubine Cui over there?”

Xiao Luanfei suddenly stopped in her tracks, simultaneously grabbing Xiao Yanfei and pointing to a graceful figure in a moon-white cloak standing in the purple wisteria-covered corridor to their right.

Concubine Cui draped in the cloak had lush dark hair loosely tied, and a few strands scattered across her cheeks. As the wind blew, her hair puffs up, making her appear even more delicate, as if she would float away with a gentle breeze.

She was gazing in the direction of Xiao Yanfei and Xiao Luanfei, her eyes like autumn water.

Xiao Yanfei: “…”

Xiao Luanfei spoke gently, “Second sister, have you not visited Yiniang Cui for a long time?”

Xiao Yanfei remained silent, and Xiao Luanfei took it as her agreement.

Sighing lightly, Xiao Luanfei continued, “Yiniang Cui has been troubled recently. I saw her this morning at grandmother’s place, and her complexion was not good, as if she’s unwell. Yiniang Cui has always treated you well. When you were sick, she personally drew a Guanyin painting for you, prayed and fasted. There was nothing but maternal love between you two. If there’s any misunderstanding, resolve it quickly, don’t let it deepen.”

As Xiao Luanfei spoke, Concubine Cui adjusted her cloak, hesitated, took a few steps toward the sisters, then stopped, unable to hide her uneasiness.

“Second sister,” Xiao Luanfei released Xiao Yanfei’s arm, gently pushing her towards the flower corridor, “I’ll go in first. We’ll wait for you to join us for the meal.”

As Xiao Luanfei reached the main courtyard’s entrance, she glanced back at Xiao Yanfei. She saw Concubine Cui approaching slowly from the flower corridor, and with warmth in her voice, Concubine Cui called, “My Yan’er, are you upset with Yiniang?.”

The soft and gentle tone, like the flow of a spring, was so tender and lingering that it stirred the heart. Xiao Luanfei immediately withdrew her gaze and continued walking, her skirt fluttering like butterflies in the dusk breeze.

In the main courtyard, Xiao Luanfei was like half of the mistress, not needing reports from the servants. She smoothly reached the Western Warm Pavilion.

“Mother.” Madam Yin, sitting on the arhat bed, saw her daughter and smiled. Then, she looked behind Xiao Luanfei, “Where is your second sister?”

Xiao Luanfei walked lightly to Madam Yin’s side, sat beside her, and affectionately leaned her small face on Madam Yin’s shoulder.

“We just met Yiniang Cui on the way. Second sister, feeling sorry for Yiniang Cui wearing thin clothes, went to talk to her.” Xiao Luanfei twisted a handkerchief in her hands, her eyes filled with tenderness. “Second sister has always been filial to Yiniang Cui, placing her above all else. Although there was some unpleasantness between them due to Mama Sun’s matter, today they looked extremely close, seemingly better than before.”

Mama Zhao, serving tea on the side, frowned upon hearing this. She couldn’t help but feel unfair for her mistress. Second Miss was truly ignorant. Her mistress had strained her relationship with the Marquis for her sake, yet Second Miss easily turned affectionate with Concubine Cui again!

All the genuine concern from her mistress seemed wasted!

Xiao Luanfei delicately furrowed her brows, hesitated, and then said, “Mother, I heard that Yiniang Cui has arranged a marriage for Second Sister. It’s been causing tension between you and Father, and I can sense your discomfort. However…”

“But what if Second Sister is willing?” She bit her lip, “Mother, why put yourself through this unnecessary distress?”

Xiao Luanfei’s words ended with a heartfelt sigh, gently advising Madam Yin with empathy.

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Translated By: Allthingsfluff