Chapter 11: Falling Face

"The ointment should still be used according to the previous method. His Highness Jin's diet should be light for the next few days. You are clear about the other precautions, there's no need for me to explain," Doctor Yang said, then changed the subject, "I heard that a woman has entered the mansion after being listed on the imperial decree. I wonder where she is now?"

Zhong, the steward, subconsciously turned his head and looked in the direction where Jiu Qing was.

Jiu Qing walked over and calmly said, "I am she."

"I am she."

Three words, without any unnecessary additions.

Doctor Yang frowned and looked at the woman in front of him with an unfriendly gaze – yes, she was a rude and uncultured woman.

In his eyes, this woman did not reveal her true self, but instead covered her appearance with a veil, which was one form of rudeness.

In the presence of an older physician, especially one who was a court physician, she did not even utter a word of respect, which was another form of rudeness.

In the presence of an elder of higher status, especially a man, she did not refer to herself as a young lady or a servant, but directly as "I," which was another form of rudeness.

Even in front of a man, she showed no feminine etiquette. This was not just rudeness, but a complete lack of manners.

Without delving into other aspects, just these three points had greatly diminished Doctor Yang's impression of this woman.

"Young lady, have you ever received any education in etiquette?"

Etiquette?

Jiu Qing looked at him calmly and said, "No, I have not."

Doctor Yang choked a bit, his expression instantly turning unpleasant, and a hint of disdain appeared in his eyes. "Where do you come from? What is your background?"

His tone was not very pleasant, carrying a sense of superiority and undisguised contempt and skepticism.

This made Zi Mo's expression also not very good. She couldn't help but glare at him several times.

How could he look down on her mistress like this?

He was blind.

"Doctor Yang," Jiu Qing's tone was calm, almost serene, "My duty in the mansion is to treat Prince Jin's illness. The imperial decree this morning did not specify the need to disclose one's background, nor did it require that only those who have received etiquette education can treat the prince's illness."

Doctor Yang's face turned extremely unpleasant upon hearing this. "You..."

"Furthermore, although I have not received etiquette education, I understand the principle of maintaining a proper distance between men and women. Therefore, Doctor Yang's direct questioning at this moment is actually unreasonable," Jiu Qing spoke frankly, "Since Doctor Yang has already treated Prince Jin's injuries, please return to the palace and report to the emperor. Zi Mo, please see Doctor Yang off."

"Yes, miss," Zi Mo readily complied, taking a few steps forward and gesturing to Doctor Yang, "Please, Doctor Yang."

She emphasized the word "old," which made Doctor Yang's already unpleasant expression turn livid with anger.

The other three court physicians were dumbfounded, and even Zhong, the steward, was unusually stunned for a moment.

The tone in which the mistress and her servant spoke was as if they were the true masters of this mansion, which was just too...

As the head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Doctor Yang was used to being flattered due to his superb medical skills and his ability to treat various difficult and complicated illnesses, which earned him the emperor's favor.

The only person in the palace who could make him bow and obey was the emperor.

Even the concubines in the palace treated him with great respect. Today, he was humiliated by a young woman. It was easy to imagine how angry and unpleasant he felt.