After settling their silly dog at home, Liu Shimei followed Miao Linglong into the main house of the inner courtyard to pay respects to Madam Miao.
Madam Miao wasn't very old, having given birth to two sons before Miao Linglong. She was probably between 35 and 40 years old.
Her age was similar to Zhang Miaozhen's mother, Madam Jiang, but Madam Miao appeared much older, her complexion paler, and her spirits lower. Clearly, she had been tormented by illness for years.
"I'll take Madam Miao's pulse first," Liu Shimei said, sitting on a round stool in front of the bed.
Madam Miao was evidently experienced in seeking medical help; she extended her wrist to Liu Shimei for pulse diagnosis, showing the ease of someone who regularly consulted doctors.
After carefully assessing the pulse, Liu Shimei asked Madam Miao, "Where do you feel uncomfortable?"
Madam Miao looked embarrassed and hesitated to speak.
