Chapter Sixty-Two: Is This My Irreconcilable Nemesis?

Lin Qing was settled into a small wooden and bamboo lodge not far from Chunhui Hall. Aside from the maid she had brought with her, named Sang’er, Lady Song also assigned two sturdy old servant women to assist her.

Lady Song had originally intended to send a few more maids to attend to her, but Lin Qing preferred quiet, disliking the bustle of too many people around her. She was already accustomed to the solitary company of Sang’er and politely declined the offer.

Lin Qing did not have many trunks or belongings; her clothing consisted of just a few simple outfits. Apart from a medicine chest, she had only a handful of precious medical books—her luggage could be called minimalist.

While Sang’er busied herself arranging their things, Lin Qing sat by the window on a luohan bed, resting her chin in her hand as she gazed absentmindedly at the emerald bamboo outside.

“Miss, would you like to rest for a while?” Sang’er came over and asked respectfully.

Lin Qing turned and smiled. “No need. Fetch me the medical book I was reading earlier today so I can continue, then you can go and rest. When the Dowager returns, we’ll need to pay our respects.”

“I’m not tired. I’ll make you some tea,” Sang’er replied.

Lin Qing patted her head fondly. “Be good, go take a rest.”

Sang’er nodded and left. In a moment, she returned with a tray set with fragrant tea and a small plate of pastries. She placed them on the table by the bed, fetched the medical book, and handed it to Lin Qing. Only then did she sit down at Lin Qing’s feet, leaning against the luohan bed, and fell asleep almost instantly.

Lin Qing was left speechless at the sight, but said nothing to urge her away. She simply stroked Sang’er’s hair and turned to her book.

…

Lady Song, having seen off her eldest sister-in-law from her family, pursed her lips as she examined the prescription in her hand, then handed it to Madam Fang.

“Madam Fang, I want you to personally fetch the herbs and prepare the decoction yourself.”

Madam Fang took it, hesitating. “Madam, do you really wish to take this prescription?”

In the past, Lady Song had tried many remedies in hopes of having another child, but none had worked. If this too was in vain, wouldn’t it only add to her disappointment?

Lady Song nodded. “It’s worth a try. These are all tonics for my health—there’s no harm. Doctor Lin also gave a few medicinal recipes; we’ll try them as well.”

“It’s just that—”

“I know what you mean. You’re simply afraid it will be all for nothing again. But after so many years, I’m used to it. If nothing comes of it, so be it. If something does, then it’s a pleasant surprise. Don’t you agree?”

Madam Fang smiled. “That’s true. I’m not as clear-sighted as you, Madam.”

Lady Song gave a rueful sigh. “Clarity comes with long years of disappointment.” She did not dwell on the subject, but said, “Go and make the preparations. The Dowager and the others should be home soon.”

Madam Fang bowed and went off to make the arrangements.

At that moment, Song Ci had just left a dressmaker’s shop, ready to take her granddaughters back home, when someone called out to her.

“Old sister, it really is you!”

Song Ci turned. Her maids stepped aside as an elderly lady approached, dressed in dark blue with a gold hairpin and a jade-beaded necklace, leaning on her maid’s arm and smiling warmly.

Yet another face she did not recognize.

Song Ci glanced at Madam Gong, who was about to prompt her when Song Ci asked, “Is this an implacable enemy or a friendly acquaintance?”

Madam Gong smiled and whispered, “A friend. This is the Dowager from the family of Lord Wei, the Assistant Minister of Works.”

Relieved, Song Ci broke into a broad smile and went to greet her. “Dear sister, it’s truly me! What a coincidence. How have you been?”

Dowager Wei hesitated at the odd greeting. Wasn’t there something strange about this salutation?