Lin Wanqing stood in the dilapidated woodshed, carefully examining a few herbs she had secretly taken from the medicine room under the dim moonlight. She knew that tomorrow's family banquet was her golden opportunity to turn her fate around. She aimed not only to prove her medical skills but also to kickstart her medical makeover plan, transforming her ugly face and bloated body.
"Miss, are you really going to the banquet?" Xiao Cui stood beside her, her voice laced with worry. "The stepmadam and Miss Xue'er will surely make things difficult for you."
Lin Wanqing lifted her head, a flicker of determination in her eyes. "Xiao Cui, it's precisely because they'll try to trouble me that I must go. Tomorrow, I'll make everyone see that I, Lin Wanqing, am no longer the fool they can trample on."
Xiao Cui gazed at her mistress's newfound confidence, a warmth surging in her heart. Though she didn't understand where this resolve came from, she chose to trust her.
Lin Wanqing lowered her head again, focusing on the herbs. Combining her modern medical knowledge, she planned to concoct a simple ointment to condition her body, laying the groundwork for her future transformation. She knew that changing her appearance wasn't just for herself—it was a stepping stone to gaining a foothold in the family.
The night deepened, but the Lin residence was ablaze with lights. The next day was the family banquet, a grand annual event where clan elders, distant relatives, and esteemed guests gathered.
At dawn, Lin Wanqing stepped out of the woodshed in plain coarse clothing. Her appearance remained hideous—acne-covered face, sallow skin, distorted features, and an obese frame that made her pant with every step. Servants cast mocking glances, whispering, "Does this fool think she belongs at the banquet?"
Lin Wanqing ignored them, heading straight to the banquet hall. Inside, Lin Xue'er, clad in luxurious brocade, stood at the center of attention like a star. Spotting Lin Wanqing, she smirked disdainfully. "Sister, you dare show up looking like that? Aren't you afraid of embarrassing us?"
Lin Wanqing replied calmly, "Xue'er, the banquet is for family unity. Why shouldn't I come?"
Lin Xue'er snorted coldly, turning back to chat with the guests, though a sinister glint flashed in her eyes.
Halfway through the banquet, the atmosphere peaked. Suddenly, the clan patriarch, Old Master Lin, clutched his chest, his face turning pale as he collapsed.
"Old Master! Old Master!" The crowd exclaimed in panic as doctors rushed to his side.
"It's his old ailment, a heart attack. I fear it's more bad than good," a doctor sighed, shaking his head.
Lin Wanqing's heart stirred—this was her chance. She pushed through the crowd and knelt beside Old Master Lin. "Let me try."
The hall fell silent for a moment before erupting in laughter.
"A fool dares to practice medicine? What a joke!"
"She can't even read—how can she save anyone?"
Lin Xue'er stepped forward, sneering, "Sister, stop fooling around. This is Grandfather's life, not a game."
Unfazed, Lin Wanqing calmly pressed her fingers to Old Master Lin's pulse. With her modern medical expertise, she quickly diagnosed an acute heart attack requiring immediate action.
"Prepare silver needles and mugwort—now!" she commanded decisively.
Xiao Cui hesitated briefly before dashing off to fetch them. Lin Wanqing took the needles and expertly inserted them into key acupoints, then lit the mugwort to warm and stimulate the meridians.
The crowd held their breath, watching intently. Gradually, Old Master Lin's pallor gave way to a flush, his breathing steadying.
"He's fine now," Lin Wanqing said, wiping sweat from her brow as she stood.
Old Master Lin opened his eyes, astonished. "Wanqing, you saved me?"
Lin Wanqing smiled gently. "Grandfather, I know a bit of medicine. Luckily, I acted in time."
The room went silent, the earlier mockery replaced by stunned disbelief.
Lin Xue'er stood aside, clenching her teeth, jealousy burning within her. How did this wretch suddenly become so capable?
At that moment, a maid cried out, "Oh no! Miss Xue'er's jade pendant is missing!"
A sly glint flickered in Lin Xue'er's eyes as she feigned distress. "That pendant is an ancestral heirloom, priceless. I saw Lin Wanqing lurking suspiciously—could she have stolen it?"
Suspicious gazes turned toward Lin Wanqing, whispers spreading. "A fool daring to steal?"
Lin Wanqing sneered inwardly: Lin Xue'er, you're digging your own grave.
She spoke calmly, "Xue'er, you accuse me of theft. Where's your proof?"
Lin Xue'er smirked triumphantly. "I saw it with my own eyes. Hand it over now, and I'll let it slide."
Lin Wanqing shook her head. "I didn't steal it. You're welcome to search me."
Lin Xue'er waved a hand. "Search her!"
Several maids stepped forward, patting her down, but found nothing.
"Strange, where's the pendant?" Lin Xue'er frowned.
Lin Wanqing said coolly, "Xue'er, did you misremember? Maybe it's not lost."
Lin Xue'er gritted her teeth. "Impossible, I clearly saw—"
Xiao Cui suddenly reached into Lin Xue'er's sleeve and pulled out a jade pendant. "Miss Xue'er, isn't this yours? How did it end up here?"
The crowd gasped, murmurs rising as Lin Xue'er's face turned ashen.
Lin Wanqing stared at her coldly. "Xue'er, were you trying to frame me?"
Lin Xue'er stammered, "I—I don't know… Maybe I misplaced it."
Old Master Lin roared, "Xue'er, you've gone too far! Wanqing just saved me, and you repay her with malice. You're confined to your quarters for a month to reflect!"
Tears brimming, Lin Xue'er fled, her heart seething with hatred: Lin Wanqing, I'll never let you off!
After the banquet, Lin Wanqing went alone to the ancestral hall to pay respects to her mother. Kneeling before the tablet, she silently vowed, "Mother, I'll seek justice for you."
Suddenly, a warm sensation surged from her chest. Looking down, she saw her mother's keepsake pendant glowing faintly. As she touched it, a flash of light pierced her mind, followed by a sharp pain. Then, she realized she could see through people's hearts.
Testing it, she glanced at a nearby maid and saw a white aura above her head—kindness and honesty.
"Is this… a heavenly eye?" Lin Wanqing marveled.
Just then, Lin Xue'er slipped into the hall, unaware of Lin Wanqing's presence. Above her head loomed a dark mist, signaling malice and schemes.
Lin Xue'er rummaged around, muttering, "Where's that secret manual hidden?"
Lin Wanqing's heart tightened. A secret manual? Could it be a family secret?
She quietly slipped out, resolving to investigate further.
(End of Chapter)