Chapter 3: The Old Lady Has Please

Sīwǎn was carried over the high wall by Lìniáng from the backyard. The two sneaked into the back door of the small green garden. The eldest maid Zǐqí had been waiting anxiously for a long time. As soon as she saw her, she came over and held her hand.

"Hurry up, it's Shìshū who personally came. We've been waiting for almost two quarters of an hour, and she's already quite upset."

Sīwǎn hurried into the back hall, and Zǐqí brought water for her to wash up before she went to see Shìshū.

Shìshū was the head maid in the old lady's room. She had never been to the small green garden on weekdays. The old lady lived in the Rongyuan, she was over seventy years old, liked peace and quiet, and believed in Buddhism. She spent her days reciting Buddhist scriptures in the Rongyuan.

She rarely interfered in the affairs of the mansion on weekdays. The younger generation knew that the old lady didn't like to be disturbed, and they rarely went to pay their respects to her. They only went to pay their respects on festive occasions.

As an unloved illegitimate daughter like Sīwǎn, she had no qualifications to go there frequently. Even if she had the courage to take the path to the old lady, it was a pity that she might not be able to enter the Rongyuan, let alone see the old lady.

For someone like Sīwǎn, who was unloved and not favored, she only had the opportunity to see the family's matriarch from a distance during the family reunion meals on festive occasions.

Now it was neither the New Year nor a festival, why did the old lady suddenly want to see her, and even sent Shìshū specially? Sīwǎn felt uneasy.

After changing into a proper young lady's dress, she looked dignified and beautiful. There was no trace of her mischievous and playful appearance, as if she had become a different person.

Sure enough, Shìshū's expression was not very good. When she saw Sīwǎn, she didn't even greet her properly, "Third Miss, you are really a distinguished person. It's even harder to see you than to see the old lady."

Sīwǎn hurriedly smiled, "Shìshū, where did you hear such words? I went to the back hill to pick medicinal herbs. The weather is too hot, which can easily cause heat, so making some herbal tea can not only clear away heat and toxins, but also nourish and beautify the skin, and even treat heat-related illnesses."

Shìshū didn't believe it, "I didn't expect Third Miss to also understand medicine. I wonder which master you learned it from."

An unloved illegitimate daughter who hadn't even received an education, how could she possibly understand the principles of medicine?

Ignoring Shìshū's disdain, Sīwǎn pretended not to see it and said to Zǐqí, "Shìshū has been here for a while, have you treated her well? Quickly make a cup of the special flower tea I prepared for Shìshū to taste."

While speaking, Zǐqí had already made the tea and brought it over. Shìshū could smell a refreshing fragrance from afar, accompanied by the scent of tea leaves, jasmine, and a hint of honeysuckle.

After taking the tea, she saw a few beautiful flowers floating in the teacup. She took a sip and found it refreshing and sweet.

"It's really good tea," Shìshū praised, "but can this tea treat heat-related illnesses?"

"This tea does have its effects, but it's not as effective as Houttuynia cordata and wild chrysanthemum. Does Shìshū's family also have someone suffering from a heat-related illness?" Sīwǎn also took a sip and asked.

In fact, she had long known that Shìshū's mother was suffering from a heat-related illness, which was actually a gynecological inflammation.

In ancient times, women didn't know how to take care of their bodies, especially in hot weather, which made them susceptible to this illness. Usually, they would just drink some sugar water to alleviate it.

But Shìshū's mother's illness was a bit serious this time, so Sīwǎn deliberately mentioned the herbal tea.

Shìshū said, "I won't hide it from Third Miss, the servant's mother indeed has a heat-related illness. If Third Miss has the herbs to clear heat and toxins, please give some to the servant."

Sīwǎn smiled, "Please don't use the word 'give', Shìshū, as long as you're willing to take it, I have as much as you need."

Zǐqí had cleverly wrapped the medicinal herbs and even included a small amount of silver, which she handed to Shìshū.

Shìshū felt a little embarrassed, "Third Miss, giving the herbs is enough, as for the silver..."

"Shìshū, you're being too polite. It's a scorching day, and you came to invite me. I feel guilty in my heart, and I haven't been to the Rongyuan. I'm afraid the old lady might not recognize me. Having you lead the way makes me feel more at ease." Sīwǎn quickly held Shìshū's hand.

Listening to her words, Shìshū, as the head maid in front of the old lady, naturally had excellent insight and said with a smile.

"The old lady rarely interferes in the affairs of the mansion, but she cares about the young ladies. This time is a great opportunity for Third Miss. Just go, I guarantee you won't be disappointed."

A great opportunity? Sīwǎn was fifteen this year, which in ancient times was the age for marriage. Could the so-called great opportunity be about marriage?

As they spoke, Shìshū had already stood up, "Third Miss, you should hurry. Don't keep the old lady waiting."

Sīwǎn knew that Shìshū had reached her limit by saying this, and she wouldn't reveal any more information. If she leaked any information or spoke carelessly, it would be difficult for her to become a senior maid in the main house.