With a mischievous smile, Shi Fuxin portrayed an attitude of "go ahead and try" that caused both Shi Yuhua and Madam Shi to raise their eyebrows.
Old Madam Shi glanced at Shi Fuxin, reminded of the incident when the steward reported that the poison doctor, Gui Banxian, had nearly poisoned the entire Hongshan Inn. It was thanks to the timely presentation of an antidote by several grandchildren that the crisis had been averted.
Strengthening herbal pillows, herbal pouches, and antidotes—was it possible that someone in the second son's family possessed medical skills?
Driven by her curiosity, Old Madam Shi decided to ask, "Yue'e, do you and your children have medical knowledge?"
The matter of Shi Fuyin studying under the guidance of the old man from Tianchi was something well-known to Shi Zheng and the family. Their consensus was to keep this information strictly confidential.
Hence, upon hearing Old Madam Shi's inquiry, Jin Yue'e immediately knew how to answer without revealing too much. "Mother, it's like this. My family on my maternal side are mountain folk. They make their living by hunting and gathering herbs."
"We gather many herbs, and over time, we've picked up some basic knowledge of herbal properties. During our time on the border, to supplement our livelihood, I would sometimes take a few of the children into the mountains to gather herbs."
With that explanation, Jin Yue'e left out any further details.
Her response was not problematic on the surface, and neither Madam Shi nor the others found anything amiss. Only Old Madam Shi glanced at Jin Yue'e, perceiving that she hadn't directly answered her question.
By not providing a straightforward answer, Jin Yue'e neither confirmed nor denied their medical knowledge. It was up to the listener's interpretation.
However, silence can also be an answer in itself.
Old Madam Shi glanced at Shi Fuxin and her daughters but didn't press further. She took up her teacup and began to drink slowly, showing no intention of advocating for Shi Yuhua.
The way her daughter treated the second son's family could be described as terrible, and Old Madam Shi had no face to intervene.
As a mother to all the children, she hadn't forced her daughter to accept the second son's family earlier, so it wasn't reasonable for her to now ask the second son's family to disregard their past grudges.
Old Madam Shi's silence put Madam Shi and the others in a difficult position. They were uncertain about the extent of the benefits of the herbal pouches for the body. While the idea of health-enhancing herbal recipes seemed important, it wasn't necessarily a priority to them.
The room remained quiet.
Jin Yue'e understood her younger daughter's personality well. She had never been one to endure injustice quietly. Her tolerance in the face of the inn's guests, supervisors, and servants was nothing short of remarkable.
Now that her second aunt had come to them for a favor, she was likely to vent all the frustration she had accumulated.
To avoid further tension, Jin Yue'e promptly stood up. "Mother, there's no class today. Yinyin and her sisters want to explore outside. If things are settled here, we'll take our leave."
Old Madam Shi nodded in agreement. "Alright, go ahead."
Recognizing that there was no persuading Jin Yue'e and her daughters, Shi Yuhua didn't protest either. She watched them leave with a frown, feeling somewhat abandoned.
Once they were gone, Shi Yuhua turned to Old Madam Shi with a hint of complaint. "Mother, why didn't you say anything on my behalf? If you spoke to Yue'e and her family, they would listen to you, wouldn't they?"
Old Madam Shi glanced at Shi Yuhua. "Did you listen to me when I advised you to treat Yue'e's family well? My words aren't always effective."
Shi Yuhua was taken aback, and Madam Shi and the others bowed their heads in agreement.
Old Madam Shi continued in a calm tone, "Actions have consequences. Don't blame Yue'e and her family for not giving you face. You're facing this situation because of your own actions. Reflect on how you treated them before."
Shi Yuhua's face twisted in frustration. "Mother... I know I was wrong. Can you help me talk to Yue'e's family? I really need that herbal pouch."
Upon hearing this, Madam Shi spoke up. "Second sister, what's so special about that herbal pouch? The Wei family also has access to recipes for health-enhancing tonics."
Shi Yuhua hesitated before explaining, "Do you remember the eldest son of Second Uncle, Shao Bin?"
Madam Shi nodded. "Of course, he had health issues from birth and seldom appeared in public due to his frailty. What about him?"
Shi Yuhua glanced at Fifth Madam Shi. "Ding Kai, Shao Bin's son, gifted the herbal pouch he received to my cousin, Shao Zhuo. After wearing the
pouch, Shao Bin's health improved gradually. At first, no one paid much attention, but a few days ago, on his mother's birthday, Shao Bin went out in a snowstorm and brought back a potted plum tree. It was then that everyone noticed his improved health."
"In the past, even a slight breeze would confine Shao Bin to his bed for ten days or more."
"My mother-in-law immediately summoned the doctor who had been treating Shao Bin. After examining him, the doctor exclaimed in amazement at his significant improvement."
"Do you know how poor Shao Bin's health used to be? The doctor had plainly told us that he couldn't marry or have children due to his condition. But now, the doctor says that as long as his health remains like this, he can marry and have children like any normal person."
Both Old Madam Shi and Madam Shi were visibly astonished, never anticipating the profound impact of the herbal pouch.
Madam Shi asked, "Shao Bin's health improved for certain due to the pouch?"
With reluctance, Shi Yuhua nodded. "The doctor confirmed it. The herbs in the pouch help regulate the body and promote longevity."
She looked towards Old Madam Shi.
"Mother, as you know, my husband has been wanting a transfer to the Ministry of Revenue. The Chief of the Ministry suffers from headaches. The herbs in the pouch can alleviate headaches. Please, Mother, you must help us."
Old Madam Shi gazed at Shi Yuhua. "Let me ask you, why is your second sister-in-law's family unwilling to give you the pouch?"
Shi Yuhua seemed somewhat uneasy and remained silent.
Old Madam Shi sighed, "Yuhua, if you want the pouch, you have to approach your second sister-in-law's family, not me."
Shi Yuhua frowned. "But, Mother, you saw how they treated me just now. They won't give it to me."
Old Madam Shi responded, "They won't give it because of your previous attitude. If you want something from them now, you'll need to repair the relationship you have with them first."
Annoyed, Shi Yuhua muttered, "Mother, it's just a simple matter for you to help. Why make it so complicated?"
Old Madam Shi's expression remained calm. "I've already given you my suggestion. How you proceed is up to you."
Seeing that Old Madam Shi wasn't going to intervene, Shi Yuhua left in frustration.
After her departure, the other members of the household also left, each returning to their respective courtyards.
Upon returning to the Yiming Hall, Madam Shi immediately had her maidservant summon a familiar senior doctor to the residence. She presented the herbal pouch that Shi Zheng and his family had given to them.
The senior doctor examined the pouch and his eyes lit up. "Madam, the herbs in this pouch are intricately blended. Wearing it regularly can significantly benefit the body and promote longevity."
Madam Shi eagerly inquired, "Can it aid in fertility?"
The senior doctor pondered for a moment. "The herbs mainly regulate the body. With improved health, fertility could naturally be enhanced."
Madam Shi's expression became complex upon hearing this. She hadn't expected her daughter's successful pregnancy to be attributed to the very pouch they had disregarded.
The senior doctor hesitated slightly before asking, "Madam, can you..."
Madam Shi quickly understood his implication and smiled apologetically. "I apologize, but this pouch was a gift from someone else. I don't have any extras."
The senior doctor's expression fell with disappointment. After a brief pause, he asked, "Could Madam possibly introduce me to the person who gifted the pouch? I'm quite eager to learn from them."
Madam Shi spoke evasively, "I can inquire, but I can't guarantee the outcome."
Seeing the senior doctor's sudden enthusiasm, a glint of understanding flickered in Madam Shi's eyes. She gained further insight into the efficacy of the herbal pouch.
Similar scenarios unfolded in the Fifth and Seventh Courts.
After receiving definite answers from the doctors about the preciousness of the pouch and the remarkable effects of its herbs, both Fifth Madam and Seventh Madam had complicated expressions.
They had initially thought the pouch wouldn't be of much value, only to discover its significance.
News of Shi Yuhua's request for the pouch quickly spread throughout the Shi household. The fact that the pouch given by Shi Zheng's family had such remarkable effects left everyone somewhat baffled.
Particularly for those who had initially declined the pouch, like Shi Fuxin, or those who had accepted it but deemed it unworthy and discarded it or passed it on.
Shi Fuxin scoffed, "I don't believe Second Uncle's family can really produce anything worthwhile."
As her words fell, Fifth Court's fifth daughter, Shi Fuyi, spoke up, "The pouch does work. I hung it near my bed, and for the past two months, my face hasn't had any pimples."
Shi Fuyi was twelve years old now and her body was starting to change. She frequently had breakouts, leading to numerous visits to doctors and consumption of medicines.
Initially, she also disregarded the rough pouch. However, her father, Shi Yiming, was strict about rules and etiquette, especially when it came to his children.
No matter how much they disliked a gift from elders, the children in the Seventh Court never dared to casually discard it. They might leave it unused in some corner, but they never threw it away.
Shi Fuyi, in a spur-of-the-moment decision, hung the pouch near her bed, and to her surprise, it seemed to have worked.
The others turned to look, indeed noticing that Shi Fuyi's face was much smoother and more delicate than before.
Shi Fuxin snorted. "It might not necessarily be because of the pouch."
Shi Fuyi retorted, "For the past two months, I haven't taken any other medicine. The only difference is that the pouch is hanging by my bed." She glanced at her fourth sister, who also struggled with acne.
"Fourth sister, when you go back, try wearing the pouch. Then you'll know if it's truly effective."
Regardless of whether everyone believed it or not, privately, even if they didn't wear the pouch, they hung it by their bedside.
After a few days, the other effects hadn't become evident, but their sleep improved at night, and they felt more energized the next day. These two benefits were genuinely felt by everyone.
Consequently, those like Shi Fuxin, who hadn't accepted the pouch, regretted their decision.
Madam Shi and the others also verified the efficacy of the pouch. They started considering requesting pouches from the Yigui Courtyard as well.
Everyone had parents, and seeing the remarkable effects of the pouch, they all wanted to get one for their parents.
Even the elder brothers who were out working, like the Chief of the Ministry of Revenue, Chief of the Ministry of War, and Chief of the Ministry of Justice, all wanted one. However, due to their social obligations outside, they were being held back.
The pouch that could enhance health was evidently the perfect choice for gifts!
The group found their way to Old Madam Shi's presence, but she disregarded the matter and instructed them to seek out Shi Zhenghe themselves.
Seeing his eldest son and the others leave, Old Master Shi looked at Old Madam Shi with confusion. "You're really not intervening in this matter?"
Old Madam Shi snorted. "The task of dealing with Shi Zhenghe's family affairs has been tossed around by the eldest son and the others. It's about time they come and ask for help themselves."
Old Master Shi thought for a moment but didn't say much. He looked at the herbal pillow on the bed, surprise evident on his face. "I had the herbal pillow examined. It's indeed a fine item. You can barely find something like this outside. I never thought that Shi Zhenghe's family would come up with something like this."
Old Madam Shi fell silent for a moment. "Over this period, as I've interacted with them, I've felt that Shi Zhenghe's family..."
Old Master Shi glanced at her. "What happened with them?"
Old Madam Shi said, "I always feel like there might be some surprises from them."
While Shi Zhenghe and the others were considering how to approach Shi Zhenghe for the pouch, Shi Yuhua returned once more.
Failing to acquire the pouch, Shi Yuhua had been scolded by her husband when she returned. She privately consulted several doctors in an attempt to recreate the herbal mixture from the pouch, but none of the doctors were able to replicate it.
Madam Shi and the others weren't surprised that external doctors couldn't replicate the pouch's content. Upon seeing Xinyu's indifferent smile earlier, Madam Shi had anticipated this outcome.
On that day, as Shi Zhenghe returned from his official duties, he was promptly invited to the Yiming Hall by Shi Zhengmao.
"Zhenghe, I think this is your first time visiting Big Brother's courtyard, right? Your fifth and seventh brothers are both here. Let's have a good drink today; coincidentally, your second sister is also here."
Drawn to the table by Shi Zhengmao's enthusiasm, Shi Zhenghe was slightly surprised upon seeing the others at the table.
However, since Shi Zhengmao had said so, he decided to oblige.
Initially, the conversation revolved around whether Shi Zhenghe had adjusted to life in the capital, among other topics. Slowly, the discussion shifted to the pouch.
"The pouch you all gave us is truly remarkable. We're wearing them."
Seeing that Shi Zhengmao and the others were indeed wearing the pouches around their waists, Shi Zhenghe felt pleased and said with a smile, "To craft these pouches, I stayed up several nights. Your appreciation means a lot."
Shi Zhengmao glanced at Shi Zhenghe and chuckled. "Fourth Brother, do you have any pouches left? Just so you know, Big Brother, who holds the position of Assistant Minister of War, has some hidden ailments from his time dealing with bandits down south. This pouch can regulate the body. Big Brother would like to have one."
Knowing that his younger daughter's concoctions were all of high quality, Shi Zhenghe understood their desire and didn't mind. He just replied, "As for whether there are any pouches left, I'm not sure. I'll have to ask Xinyu when I get back."
Upon hearing this, Shi Yuhua couldn't help but speak up, "Fourth Brother, isn't it your responsibility as the head of the family? How could you need to ask Xinyu for such a small matter?"
This statement wasn't well received, and Madam Shi anticipated the impending issue.
Indeed, Shi Zhenghe's smile vanished. "Second Sister, I don't know how things work in your family, but in ours, children can be involved in both major and minor family matters."
Shi Yuhua, sensing that Shi Zhenghe was intentionally mocking her, grew impatient. "If Xinyu says there are no more pouches, does that mean there really are none left?"
Originally meant as a sarcastic remark, Shi Zhenghe surprisingly nodded earnestly. "Yes, if Xinyu says they're gone, then they are."
Seeing the situation escalating, Shi Zhengmao quickly intervened. "Alright, let's not talk about this now. Let's eat first."
Shi Zhenghe refrained from picking up his chopsticks and turned to Madam Shi. "Sister-in-law, if you wanted the pouches, have you not approached the Jin family?"
Madam Shi responded, "We did, but Fourth Brother's younger sister said there were no more pouches."
Shi Zhenghe continued, "If Jin Xinyu said that, then the pouches are indeed gone. Initially, we made the pouches based on the number of people in our family; there were no extras."
Shi Yuhua grew anxious. "If the pouches are gone, can't we just make more?"
Shi Zhenghe looked at Shi Zhengmao and the others, understanding that they truly wanted the pouches. After a moment of consideration, he said, "The pouches can be remade, but the herbs inside are gone."
Shi Yuhua was about to respond when Madam Shi, fearing she might say something inappropriate, spoke first. "It's alright if the herbs are gone. Tell us what they are, and we'll buy them from outside stores."
Shi Zhenghe shook his head with a smile. "You can't find most of these herbs in the outside stores."
Shi Yuhua asked, "Why can't they be found?"
Shi Zhenghe patiently explained, "Most of these herbs were gathered by the children in the Tianshan Mountains. You won't find them in the pharmacies outside."
Shi Yuhua frowned. "Are you so sure they can't be found outside?"
Shi Zhenghe responded, "You all have the pouches. Simply open them and ask a doctor to replicate the contents. Then you'll know whether they can be replicated."
Upon hearing this, Shi Zhengmao and the others exchanged glances.
Madam Shi chuckled and said, "Fourth Brother, is there truly no way to remake them?"
Shi Zhenghe shook his head.
Now genuinely anxious, Shi Yuhua couldn't hold back anymore. She was the reason they had initially declined the
pouches. Now, with her husband urgently needing the pouch for his transfer to the Ministry of Revenue, she couldn't justify not retrieving them.
"Fourth Brother, this pouch is beneficial for all of us. Could you make a trip to the border and gather more herbs from the Tianshan Mountains? This is a favor we're asking of you; we're grateful for your understanding."
Upon hearing this, both Shi Zhenghe and the others were taken aback.
They all exchanged puzzled looks.
Shi Zhenghe took a deep breath and suppressed his discomfort. "Sister, I'm really sorry. I have official duties now, and I don't have the time to go to the border."
Shi Yuhua raised her voice, "When did you find an official position? Don't lie to us all just to avoid this!"
Shi Zhenghe's expression turned stern. "I've been working at the Ministry of War for quite a few days now. If you don't believe me, you can ask around at the Northern City Office."
Shi Zhengmao and the others were greatly surprised.
"Fourth Brother, you've really found an official position?"
Shi Zhenghe nodded. "Yes."
Shi Yuhua questioned, "Then why didn't anyone at home know about it?"
Shi Zhenghe replied, "I intended to tell them, but I never found the right opportunity."
Shi Yuhua clearly doubted this. "You couldn't find the right time to say a few words? How is that possible?"
Shi Zhenghe, pushed to his limits by Shi Yuhua's interrogation, stood up abruptly. "Sister, you're being too overbearing."
Shi Zhengmao quickly intervened and gave Shi Yuhua a stern look before pulling Shi Zhenghe back to his seat. "My sister has this kind of temper. Don't take it to heart."
Shi Yuhua tried to soften her tone. "Fourth Brother, my apologies for my harsh words earlier. Your younger brother-in-law really needs the pouch. Could you please help us out?"
Shi Zhenghe furrowed his brow. "Without the necessary herbs, even if I wanted to help, I couldn't."
After a moment of silence, Shi Yuhua said with a more subdued tone, "Second Sister's words were too blunt just now. But this duty of yours isn't extremely crucial, right? If you help your brother-in-law this time, he'll surely find you a better position when you return."
At this point, Shi Zhenghe couldn't hold back anymore and stood up again, looking at Shi Zhengmao, then at Madam Shi. "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, I'm tired after patrolling all day. I won't accompany you for drinks. I'm going back."
With that, he left directly.
Seeing him leave this way, Shi Yuhua shouted after him, "Fourth Brother, we're all begging you. Can't you consider our sibling relationship?"
Shi Zhenghe turned back to glance at Shi Yuhua. "Have you considered it?" He left without another word.
"Second Sister, what should I even say about you? You've managed to offend Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law completely. Let's just forget about the pouch."
Seeing the accusatory gazes from everyone, Shi Yuhua was filled with anger. She stormed out of the Yiming Hall and went to the Yixiang Hall to find the Old Madam.
Yigui Courtyard.
Listening to the news that Cui Zhu had inquired, Shi Fuxin smiled and handed her a silver melon seed. "So, Second Aunt went to see Grandmother?"
Cui Zhu nodded. "Second Madam entered the Yixiang Hall in a huff."
Shi Fuxin smiled as she looked at the others in the room. "Brother, Sister, how do you think Grandmother will handle this?"
Shi Fuyin glanced at her. "Why do you care about what Grandmother does?"
Shi Fuxin laughed. "Of course, I don't care anymore. Here, no one's words matter."
Shi Fuyin and Shi Dingxuan exchanged a helpless glance. "Then why are you asking?"
Shi Fuxin continued to smile. "Just curious."
Shi Dinghao leaned in beside Shi Fuxin. "Sister, if Grandmother actually comes to you, won't you give in?"
Shi Fuxin shook her head. "I won't."
Shi Dinghao persisted, "What if Grandmother asks your parents to persuade you? Would you still refuse?"
Shi Fuxin shook her head again. "I won't."
Shi Dinghao wondered aloud, "Will this strain the relationship too much?"
Shi Fuxin responded, "When we returned to the estate, none of the Shi family members were concerned about maintaining a good relationship with us. Now that the situation has changed and they're seeking our favor, why should I care? I'll do as I please."
Shi Dinghao observed her closely. "Sister, I think you're retaliating against them."
Shi Fuxin looked at him and laughed. "Did you figure that out?"
Shi Dinghao nodded. "It's quite obvious."
Shi Fuxin admitted openly, "When we first arrived, we relied on others for many things. So, we had to tolerate their mistreatment. Second Aunt embarrassed our parents twice in public; the dishes we ordered were given to other courtyards; when we attended classes, the people in the estate intentionally or unintentionally excluded us; when the Li family came, everyone flocked to them, leaving us behind."
"These things might not be significant on their own, but they're enough to disgust a person. Before, others held the power, and we could only endure. Now that the situation has flipped, and they're begging us, I naturally want to vent my frustration."
"If the Shi family had considered us more in the past, I would have given them a few pouches without hesitation. But either they looked down on us or ignored us. How can I not feel wronged? Now I want to confront them head-on, and they need to think twice before treating us in the future."