The woman was staring into space once more.
Lin Zizi was once the most beautiful woman in Chang'an City, but now she was reduced to this because she had lost her most beloved youngest daughter.
Watching the woman make something in Jiang Ning's chest twinge.
Then two maidservants, Chun Lai and Xia Qu, walked over.
"Seventh Lady," The two of them bowed. "Your meal is ready. Are you going to eat here with Madam, or would you prefer to eat in your own courtyard?"
"Let's go back. There are some things I would like to ask you."
"Then, what about Madam..."
"I'll come back tonight."
When she returned to her courtyard, the table was full of food, but most of them were stewed vegetables and was very bland.
Although Jiang Ning didn't have much of an appetite due to her nausea, she was still hungry, so she took a steamed bun and ate it.
"Why aren't you eating the stew vegetables, My Lady?" Chun Lai gestured with a smile. "If the vegetables are not to your taste, you can try the chicken soup. It is not bad. This servant will fill a bowl for you to try."
The maid scooped and served a small bowl of chicken soup in front of her.
Jiang Ning's stomach churned at the smell.
She could feel something traveling quickly up her throat, and in panic, Jiang Ning threw the steamed bun away and turned her body away from the table just to retch a few times.
But because she hadn't eaten much, she only vomited a little bit of bitter water.
The maidservants were all frightened, and Chun Lai hurriedly came over to her side.
"My Lady, what's wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
"Is the food not to your liking?" Another maidservant asked.
"I don't know," Jiang Ning sat up straight and tried to calm herself down. "Bring the greasy meat down. I'll just have some porridge and some side dishes."
Although she had no appetite, she was still unbearably hungry. It was a frustrating combination. She forced herself to eat and managed to eat half a bowl of porridge and half a steamed bun.
The steamed bun was dry, but after chewing for a while, it still tasted sweet.
The young maidservants were all relieved that the young miss had finally eaten, but the few senior maidservants were concerned.
After the meal, Chun Lai brought a cup of tea over, "My lady, if you don't like the food or feel uncomfortable, you must tell this servant. You're our family's Young Lady. The Master sent this servant to serve you, so I'm your servant. Please don't hesitate with this servant." She implored softly.
Jiang Ning looked at her and said, "Sister Chunlai, I'm really not feeling well, but the doctor in the residence can't diagnose anything. I want to go outside and look for another doctor. Can you help me?"
"If the Young Lady wants to find a doctor, why do you need to go out?" Chun Lai pursed his lips, but as though she noticed her own sour expression, she was quick to put on another smile. "I'll ask the front yard's steward to invite him to the manor."
"That's fine too," Jiang Ning coughed lightly. "But I don't have any money now."
"Young Lady has just returned, and it is not time to give out the monthly allowance. This servant will go to Concubine Hua and ask her to help the young Lady withdraw a few months' allowances."
"Concubine Hua?"
"Yes. The Madam's health had been frail these past few years, and her spirit had been low. So in the meantime, Concubine Hua took over all of Madam's responsibilities and affairs. Concubine Hua is Fifth Lady's birth mother. "
"Oh... No wonder Fifth Lady is so domineering."
"Fifth Lady is intelligent and quick-witted. She is also more beautiful than the average ladies her age, and Master has always doted on her." Chun Lai smiled. "But it's different now that you're back, Young Lady."
"What changed?"
"You are Madam's only legitimate daughter, and you are also the most beautiful Lady of all the beautiful ladies in the land. The Master will naturally dote on you more."
Jiang Ning smiled shyly at the compliments.
"Then please rest, Young Lady. I'll go and withdraw the silver and have someone invite a physician into the residence," Chun Lai said fondly.
"I'll have to trouble you, Sister Chunlai. "
"Young Lady is still speaking to this servant like an outsider." Chun Lai said amusedly and turned around to leave.
Feeling a little more rest assured by the servant's kind help, Jiang Ning felt a little relieved as she waited for Chun Lai's return.
…
But who would've thought that not only Chunlai didn't get any silver and received a slap to the face too?
Concubine Hua and Jiang Yuan were eating bird's nest porridge when Chun Lai visited their quarters.
When they heard the purpose of the maid servant's visit, Concubine Hua was calm as she replied, "The cost of maintaining our residence is high and fixed. There is a reason why there are rules in place. If you came to withdraw some money for the Seventh Lady today, who's to say she wouldn't come again tomorrow with the same request? And if we continue to spend money for the young Lady, we won't be able to pay for Madam's care."