Phoenix Reborn: the Prime Minister's Scheming Daughter
Hearing Shen Ninghua ask for an explanation, Madam Zhang raised her slanted eyes, and looked at Shen Ninghua with contempt. “The most important characters of a woman are gentleness, politeness and thrift. You, on the other hand, is particularly eloquent.”
Shen Ninghua was not afraid of her gaze and looked back with clear eyes. “Aunt, you are right. It’s good for a woman to be gentle as water.
But being splashed a basin of dirty water onto her head plus being threatened to have her hands and feet chopped off is a different case. Although I’m good-tempered, I would not bear such injustice.”
Madam Zhang’s voice was stern. “Linghan heard you threaten Yun’er with her own ears to let her fingers rot. How dare you say you are wronged?”
“My younger sister heard that with her own ears?”
Shen Ninghua looked at Shen Linghan in surprise. “I only met cousin once at the party. There were so many young ladies there. Weren’t you talking to them at that time? How did you hear that?”
Even lying through the teeth should fit in with the occasion. When she was talking with Zhao Ruyun, her voice was very low. Shen Linghan couldn’t hear it.
Shen Linghan’s expression remained unchanged. She avoided Shen Ninghua’s question and frowned. “Elder sister, I thought those were just angry words, but I didn’t expect that you really poisoned our cousin. We are all sisters. Your actions are too vicious.”
“Younger sister, you really know right from wrong.”
At that time, Zhao Ruyun satirized that she was not Shen family’s blood and Shen Linghan didn’t say a word to defend her, and yet now Shen Linghan stepped out to fight for justice for Zhao Ruyun.
Shen Linghan cast aside her eyesight and looked heartbroken. “You are my elder sister. If you didn’t go too far, how would I expose your wrongdoing?”
Shen Ninghua looked up. Old lady Xiao was sitting in the top place and drinking tea as if the issue had nothing to do with her. Shen Dong and the first lady’s faces were gloomy and impatient. Madam Zhang sneered and Shen Linghan was faking sisterhood. None of these people wanted her to live in peace. Even old lady Xiao who wanted to use her as a weapon stayed indifferent to her on such an occasion.
“Why is it so noisy here today? Mother, I was late to pay my respects, please forgive me.”
Madam Su was dressed in an apricot-color dress embroidered with lake-green peonies and wore many jingling jewelry. She came in with a bearing that was even nobler than Madam Zhang. “Ah, Duchess Wei is also here. Greetings.”
Madam Zhang’s face changed color and froze, and the smile on her lips stiffened. “You are too polite. Come and have a seat.”
Madam Su looked up at Madam Zhang with a smile. “No, thanks. I’m here today to give presents to Ninghua.
Come on, hurry up and put them here.”
Although Madam Zhang was a duchess, she was far inferior to Madam Su in terms of family background.
In the beginning, Madam Su was engaged to Zhao Kun, Duke of Wei.
Later, the Su family broke off the engagement for unknown reasons. Soon after, Madam Zhang married Zhao Kun and became the current Duchess of Wei.
And Madam Su’s reputation was damaged due to the broken engagement and had to marry Shen Liang whose position was not as prominent as Duke of Wei. The couple, however, showed respect and affection for each other after their marriage.
Now it seemed that it was not simply a broken engagement. Maybe there was a handle in Madam Su’s hands that could be used against Madam Zhang.
Shen Ninghua’s eyes narrowed slightly. She looked up with a little surprise when she saw maids and old maidservants carrying two big boxes. “Auntie, these things…”
Madam Su had a brilliant smile on her face, as if she didn’t notice the tense atmosphere in the room. “You deserve them. If it wasn’t for your reminder yesterday, Mrs. Shao wouldn’t realize that she was pregnant.
She also said that she would have come to thank you in person if it weren’t difficult for her to move around.
So now I have to run errands for her. Quickly have a look. Are you satisfied with the gifts? If you’re not satisfied, I’ll help you ask for some better ones.”
The servant girls opened the boxes, and all the people in the room were stunned.
The box on the left was bigger. It contained colorful brocade and satin as well as two cases on top that contained all kinds of dresses and accessories. There were not many items, but the brocade alone was worth more than a hundred taels of gold.
And the smaller box on the right was even more amazing. As soon as it was opened, the glittering of jewelry came out.
There were bead hairpins, jade pendants and all kinds of gems… They were just such a feast to the eyes.
Madam Zhao’s face suddenly froze. These things were worth two years’ salary of Shen Dong.
Seeing the stupefied faces of the crowd, Madam Su seemed to think it was not enough. She ordered servants to remove the tray containing the jewelry, and a burst of golden color came out. Underneath the tray was a stack of gold ingots.
Judging by the height of the box, one could estimate the gold to be more than one thousand taels.
Shen Ninghua was shocked for a moment, and looked at Madam Su in surprise. She saw Madam Su blink at her and immediately felt warmth in her heart.
At least, this second aunt was really helping her now. If this aunt didn’t do anything to hurt her in the future, she would surely try her best to protect her.
“Are these gifts sent by Mrs. Shao to Ninghua?”
Shen Dong knew that Madam Su and Madam Shao were very close friends and therefore he was not surprised to see Madam Su give gifts on behalf of Madam Shao. He heard about yesterday’s event, but he didn’t expect that Madam Shao would give such lavish gifts to Shen Ninghua.
“Eldest brother, how could I lie about this?
Fortunately, Ninghua was there to help yesterday. Ninghua is simply so kind-hearted that anyone can bully her at will.”
Madam Su gestured to the maids to close the box and then answered Shen Dong, obviously referring to Shen Xuanlin’s offending Shen Ninghua.
These words sounded extremely harsh in the ears of Madam Zhang and others. After all, they came to make a punitive expedition against Shen Ninghua. How come they were described by Madam Su as a bunch of bullies?
Madam Zhao took her eyesight back from the gifts and said to Madam Su. “Sister-in-law, you are here right on time. We were just talking about what had occurred to Yun’er.
Ninghua, I believe that you were not intentional and your anger must have disappeared.
As long as you take out the antidote, I will plead for you.”
Madam Su raised her eyebrows and looked at Madam Zhao. “Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? Is someone framing Ninhua again? What is it for today?”
Madam Zhao was almost choked by this question. What did she mean by saying “someone framing Shen Ninhua?” This time, it was clearly Shen Ninghua’s fault.
Madam Zhao looked at Madam Zhang and expected her to say something, only to find the previously presumptuous Madam Zhang lost her arrogance and remained silent.
So Madam Zhao had to explain.
“Sister-in-law, you misunderstood the situation this time.
Look at Yun’er’s fingers. The fingers of her right hand are rotten.
In a few days, the empress will call her into the Palace. As you know, the empress likes to listen to her playing the qin. Now something is wrong with her fingers, and the empress will blame our family. What should I do?”
“Sister-in-law, I still don’t understand after all you said.
Madam Su took a sip of tea and frowned.
Shen Ninghua pursed her lips slightly. If the words came from her mouth, people would think she was quibbling. But Madam Su said it and the meaning was different. Today, she must express her thanks to this aunt no matter what.
As she was thinking about this, Qing Que slightly pulled her dress. Shen Ninghua’s eyes shined, and her smile became deeper. The real play finally began.
She took a small step forward and said,
“I’m also very curious. Cousin’s hand is so badly hurt, but no doctor was fetched for her in the first place. Luckily, I’ve asked Hong Ling to invite Doctor Zhang. Let’s give cousin a good treatment.”
Zhao Ruyun, who was interrupted by Madam Su, was set on fire again. “You think I didn’t see the doctor? But who knows what kind of dirty means you have used. All the doctors were unable to find what’s wrong with my fingers. Shen Ninghua, if you don’t give me an explanation today, I won’t let you get away! ”
Shen Ninghua ignored her and looked at the door instead.
As soon as Zhang Nian entered the door, he heard Zhao Ruyun’s clamor, and his face suddenly darkened. He was a serious and rigorous person and hated the unruly young ladies in the noble families.
“Greetings, old lady.”
“You are welcome, Doctor Zhang. We need your help today.”
Old lady Xiao put down the teacup and said slowly.
Zhao Ruyun said arrogantly, “Does he have better skills than imperial doctors? Funny.”
Being recommended by Chen Yun didn’t mean he could befriend with noble families! He really overestimated himself!
Zhang Nian looked at Zhao Ruyun coldly and said, “Of course I can’t compare to imperial doctors. Which doctor did you see?”
Zhao Ruyun was more disdainful. “Doctor Hu Kewei from the imperial hospital.”
Zhang Nian looked at her with an emotionless face. “Hu Kewei wanted to be my student but I kicked him out. You did see the right doctor.”
Zhao Ruyun’s face flushed. “You are talking nonsense. How was it possible that Doctor Hu wanted to be your student?”
Madam Su was amused and said. “Miss, Doctor Zhang’s medical skills are praised even by Doctor Chen. Oftentimes, when the nobles in the Palace are ill and Doctor Chen is not sure, he would consult Doctor Zhang.
You’d better take out your hand and let Doctor Zhang see it. It would be bad if your injury got worse.”
Zhao Ruyun’s face was red with anger. She didn’t want Zhang Nian to see her hand, but she was also worried that the injury would be more serious. So she could only roll up her sleeve and show her fingers. But in her heart she wished to tear Shen Ninghua into pieces.
It was all Shen Ninghua’s fault. If her fingers could not heal, she must chop Shen Ninghua’s hands off!
“It’s nothing serious. Go back and wash the ointment off your hands, and then apply some clean green rosin ashes as a salve…”
“Quack.”
Hearing this prescription, Zhao Ruyun was more convinced that Zhang Nian’s ability didn’t match his fame.
Madam Zhang frowned and looked at Zhao Ruyun to stop her from saying more. “Doctor Zhang, what kind of poison was it that hurt her fingers?”
Zhang Nian’s voice became colder. “Poison? Where are so many poisons?
She just touched something that she shouldn’t touch.”
Hearing Zhang Nian’s casual tone, Zhao Ruyun could not hold her anger. “You quack! Shen Ninghua, you are really cunning. You colluded with this quack to cheat me. He told me to apply some clean green rosin ashes as a salve. It’s ridiculous.
Uncle, how are you going to punish Shen Ninghua today? If you don’t punish her, I’ll go to the Palace to see the empress at once. I don’t believe I can’t find justice everywhere.”
When was Shen Dong threatened by a little teenage girl who hadn’t grown up yet? His face suddenly became embarrassed. But thinking of empress Zhao in the Palace, he had to tolerate. “Doctor Zhang just said you are not poisoned.
So, Doctor Zhang, what did she touch?”
Zhang Nian sneered. “Miss Zhao’s character is so irascible. I thought she touched a poinsettia when she was angry.”
Shen Linghan suddenly looked up: poinsettia? Zhao Ruyun was angry that day and broke the poinsettia in her room. She was unhappy about that for a long time. Was it because of this?
Zhao Ruyun was also stunned. “You said poinsettia?”
“Yes.
Your injury wasn’t so serious in the beginning. There was just some redness and swollen skin. If you simply washed it well with water, it would be OK after a while.
But this wise doctor you found prescribed the wrong medicine, and now it ends like this.”
“This… this is impossible. How many bribes did you take from Shen Ninghua?”
Zhao Ruyun asked sharply.
“Totally incomprehensible!”
Zhang Nian did not have a good temper. Seeing that Zhao Ruyun was so unreasonable, he slammed the door and went out.
Shen Ninghua looked up at Zhao Ruyun and sighed. “Cousin, Doctor Zhang was recommended by Doctor Chen. I’ve seen him only twice. What abilities do I have to bribe such a medical expert like him?”
Zhao Ruyun bit her lips and looked at Madam Zhang with tears in her eyes. “Mother…”
Madam Zhang hurriedly hugged her. Naturally, she knew what Zhang Nian said was true, but the situation was already like this and she didn’t want to give up now.
For a moment, there was only silence in the hall.
Shen Ninghua stood by and slightly lowered her head. Shen Dong looked at her, only to find her eyes like an ink painting emitting with elegant beauty.
“It’s all just a misunderstanding. Now that everything’s clear, nothing would come between us.
Ninghua, you are tired too. Go have a rest.”
Madam Zhao didn’t expect Shen Dong to help Shen Ninghua out. Her eyesight suddenly sharpened.
But before she said anything, Shen Ninghua went to the center of the room and looked at Zhao Ruyun coldly. “Cousin, shouldn’t you give me an explanation now?”
Chapter 27: Shouldn't You Give Me an Explanation?
Shen Ninghua was not afraid of her gaze and looked back with clear eyes. “Aunt, you are right. It’s good for a woman to be gentle as water.
But being splashed a basin of dirty water onto her head plus being threatened to have her hands and feet chopped off is a different case. Although I’m good-tempered, I would not bear such injustice.”
Madam Zhang’s voice was stern. “Linghan heard you threaten Yun’er with her own ears to let her fingers rot. How dare you say you are wronged?”
“My younger sister heard that with her own ears?”
Shen Ninghua looked at Shen Linghan in surprise. “I only met cousin once at the party. There were so many young ladies there. Weren’t you talking to them at that time? How did you hear that?”
Even lying through the teeth should fit in with the occasion. When she was talking with Zhao Ruyun, her voice was very low. Shen Linghan couldn’t hear it.
Shen Linghan’s expression remained unchanged. She avoided Shen Ninghua’s question and frowned. “Elder sister, I thought those were just angry words, but I didn’t expect that you really poisoned our cousin. We are all sisters. Your actions are too vicious.”
“Younger sister, you really know right from wrong.”
At that time, Zhao Ruyun satirized that she was not Shen family’s blood and Shen Linghan didn’t say a word to defend her, and yet now Shen Linghan stepped out to fight for justice for Zhao Ruyun.
Shen Linghan cast aside her eyesight and looked heartbroken. “You are my elder sister. If you didn’t go too far, how would I expose your wrongdoing?”
Shen Ninghua looked up. Old lady Xiao was sitting in the top place and drinking tea as if the issue had nothing to do with her. Shen Dong and the first lady’s faces were gloomy and impatient. Madam Zhang sneered and Shen Linghan was faking sisterhood. None of these people wanted her to live in peace. Even old lady Xiao who wanted to use her as a weapon stayed indifferent to her on such an occasion.
“Why is it so noisy here today? Mother, I was late to pay my respects, please forgive me.”
Madam Su was dressed in an apricot-color dress embroidered with lake-green peonies and wore many jingling jewelry. She came in with a bearing that was even nobler than Madam Zhang. “Ah, Duchess Wei is also here. Greetings.”
Madam Zhang’s face changed color and froze, and the smile on her lips stiffened. “You are too polite. Come and have a seat.”
Madam Su looked up at Madam Zhang with a smile. “No, thanks. I’m here today to give presents to Ninghua.
Come on, hurry up and put them here.”
Although Madam Zhang was a duchess, she was far inferior to Madam Su in terms of family background.
In the beginning, Madam Su was engaged to Zhao Kun, Duke of Wei.
Later, the Su family broke off the engagement for unknown reasons. Soon after, Madam Zhang married Zhao Kun and became the current Duchess of Wei.
Now it seemed that it was not simply a broken engagement. Maybe there was a handle in Madam Su’s hands that could be used against Madam Zhang.
Shen Ninghua’s eyes narrowed slightly. She looked up with a little surprise when she saw maids and old maidservants carrying two big boxes. “Auntie, these things…”
Madam Su had a brilliant smile on her face, as if she didn’t notice the tense atmosphere in the room. “You deserve them. If it wasn’t for your reminder yesterday, Mrs. Shao wouldn’t realize that she was pregnant.
She also said that she would have come to thank you in person if it weren’t difficult for her to move around.
So now I have to run errands for her. Quickly have a look. Are you satisfied with the gifts? If you’re not satisfied, I’ll help you ask for some better ones.”
The servant girls opened the boxes, and all the people in the room were stunned.
The box on the left was bigger. It contained colorful brocade and satin as well as two cases on top that contained all kinds of dresses and accessories. There were not many items, but the brocade alone was worth more than a hundred taels of gold.
And the smaller box on the right was even more amazing. As soon as it was opened, the glittering of jewelry came out.
There were bead hairpins, jade pendants and all kinds of gems… They were just such a feast to the eyes.
Madam Zhao’s face suddenly froze. These things were worth two years’ salary of Shen Dong.
Seeing the stupefied faces of the crowd, Madam Su seemed to think it was not enough. She ordered servants to remove the tray containing the jewelry, and a burst of golden color came out. Underneath the tray was a stack of gold ingots.
Judging by the height of the box, one could estimate the gold to be more than one thousand taels.
Shen Ninghua was shocked for a moment, and looked at Madam Su in surprise. She saw Madam Su blink at her and immediately felt warmth in her heart.
At least, this second aunt was really helping her now. If this aunt didn’t do anything to hurt her in the future, she would surely try her best to protect her.
“Are these gifts sent by Mrs. Shao to Ninghua?”
Shen Dong knew that Madam Su and Madam Shao were very close friends and therefore he was not surprised to see Madam Su give gifts on behalf of Madam Shao. He heard about yesterday’s event, but he didn’t expect that Madam Shao would give such lavish gifts to Shen Ninghua.
“Eldest brother, how could I lie about this?
Fortunately, Ninghua was there to help yesterday. Ninghua is simply so kind-hearted that anyone can bully her at will.”
Madam Su gestured to the maids to close the box and then answered Shen Dong, obviously referring to Shen Xuanlin’s offending Shen Ninghua.
Madam Zhao took her eyesight back from the gifts and said to Madam Su. “Sister-in-law, you are here right on time. We were just talking about what had occurred to Yun’er.
Ninghua, I believe that you were not intentional and your anger must have disappeared.
As long as you take out the antidote, I will plead for you.”
Madam Su raised her eyebrows and looked at Madam Zhao. “Sister-in-law, what are you talking about? Is someone framing Ninhua again? What is it for today?”
Madam Zhao was almost choked by this question. What did she mean by saying “someone framing Shen Ninhua?” This time, it was clearly Shen Ninghua’s fault.
Madam Zhao looked at Madam Zhang and expected her to say something, only to find the previously presumptuous Madam Zhang lost her arrogance and remained silent.
So Madam Zhao had to explain.
“Sister-in-law, you misunderstood the situation this time.
Look at Yun’er’s fingers. The fingers of her right hand are rotten.
In a few days, the empress will call her into the Palace. As you know, the empress likes to listen to her playing the qin. Now something is wrong with her fingers, and the empress will blame our family. What should I do?”
“Sister-in-law, I still don’t understand after all you said.
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If people have their fingers hurt, they should see the doctor. What’s the use of going to Ninghua? Besides, you asked Ninghua to hand over the antidote. This made me more curious. Ninghua is just a little girl living in the boudoir. Where could she possibly get the poison?”Madam Su took a sip of tea and frowned.
Shen Ninghua pursed her lips slightly. If the words came from her mouth, people would think she was quibbling. But Madam Su said it and the meaning was different. Today, she must express her thanks to this aunt no matter what.
As she was thinking about this, Qing Que slightly pulled her dress. Shen Ninghua’s eyes shined, and her smile became deeper. The real play finally began.
She took a small step forward and said,
“I’m also very curious. Cousin’s hand is so badly hurt, but no doctor was fetched for her in the first place. Luckily, I’ve asked Hong Ling to invite Doctor Zhang. Let’s give cousin a good treatment.”
Zhao Ruyun, who was interrupted by Madam Su, was set on fire again. “You think I didn’t see the doctor? But who knows what kind of dirty means you have used. All the doctors were unable to find what’s wrong with my fingers. Shen Ninghua, if you don’t give me an explanation today, I won’t let you get away! ”
Shen Ninghua ignored her and looked at the door instead.
“Greetings, old lady.”
“You are welcome, Doctor Zhang. We need your help today.”
Old lady Xiao put down the teacup and said slowly.
Zhao Ruyun said arrogantly, “Does he have better skills than imperial doctors? Funny.”
Being recommended by Chen Yun didn’t mean he could befriend with noble families! He really overestimated himself!
Zhang Nian looked at Zhao Ruyun coldly and said, “Of course I can’t compare to imperial doctors. Which doctor did you see?”
Zhao Ruyun was more disdainful. “Doctor Hu Kewei from the imperial hospital.”
Zhang Nian looked at her with an emotionless face. “Hu Kewei wanted to be my student but I kicked him out. You did see the right doctor.”
Zhao Ruyun’s face flushed. “You are talking nonsense. How was it possible that Doctor Hu wanted to be your student?”
Madam Su was amused and said. “Miss, Doctor Zhang’s medical skills are praised even by Doctor Chen. Oftentimes, when the nobles in the Palace are ill and Doctor Chen is not sure, he would consult Doctor Zhang.
You’d better take out your hand and let Doctor Zhang see it. It would be bad if your injury got worse.”
Zhao Ruyun’s face was red with anger. She didn’t want Zhang Nian to see her hand, but she was also worried that the injury would be more serious. So she could only roll up her sleeve and show her fingers. But in her heart she wished to tear Shen Ninghua into pieces.
It was all Shen Ninghua’s fault. If her fingers could not heal, she must chop Shen Ninghua’s hands off!
“It’s nothing serious. Go back and wash the ointment off your hands, and then apply some clean green rosin ashes as a salve…”
“Quack.”
Hearing this prescription, Zhao Ruyun was more convinced that Zhang Nian’s ability didn’t match his fame.
Madam Zhang frowned and looked at Zhao Ruyun to stop her from saying more. “Doctor Zhang, what kind of poison was it that hurt her fingers?”
Zhang Nian’s voice became colder. “Poison? Where are so many poisons?
She just touched something that she shouldn’t touch.”
Uncle, how are you going to punish Shen Ninghua today? If you don’t punish her, I’ll go to the Palace to see the empress at once. I don’t believe I can’t find justice everywhere.”
When was Shen Dong threatened by a little teenage girl who hadn’t grown up yet? His face suddenly became embarrassed. But thinking of empress Zhao in the Palace, he had to tolerate. “Doctor Zhang just said you are not poisoned.
So, Doctor Zhang, what did she touch?”
Zhang Nian sneered. “Miss Zhao’s character is so irascible. I thought she touched a poinsettia when she was angry.”
Shen Linghan suddenly looked up: poinsettia? Zhao Ruyun was angry that day and broke the poinsettia in her room. She was unhappy about that for a long time. Was it because of this?
Zhao Ruyun was also stunned. “You said poinsettia?”
“Yes.
Your injury wasn’t so serious in the beginning. There was just some redness and swollen skin. If you simply washed it well with water, it would be OK after a while.
But this wise doctor you found prescribed the wrong medicine, and now it ends like this.”
“This… this is impossible. How many bribes did you take from Shen Ninghua?”
Zhao Ruyun asked sharply.
“Totally incomprehensible!”
Zhang Nian did not have a good temper. Seeing that Zhao Ruyun was so unreasonable, he slammed the door and went out.
Shen Ninghua looked up at Zhao Ruyun and sighed. “Cousin, Doctor Zhang was recommended by Doctor Chen. I’ve seen him only twice. What abilities do I have to bribe such a medical expert like him?”
Zhao Ruyun bit her lips and looked at Madam Zhang with tears in her eyes. “Mother…”
Madam Zhang hurriedly hugged her. Naturally, she knew what Zhang Nian said was true, but the situation was already like this and she didn’t want to give up now.
For a moment, there was only silence in the hall.
Shen Ninghua stood by and slightly lowered her head. Shen Dong looked at her, only to find her eyes like an ink painting emitting with elegant beauty.
“It’s all just a misunderstanding. Now that everything’s clear, nothing would come between us.
Madam Zhao didn’t expect Shen Dong to help Shen Ninghua out. Her eyesight suddenly sharpened.
But before she said anything, Shen Ninghua went to the center of the room and looked at Zhao Ruyun coldly. “Cousin, shouldn’t you give me an explanation now?”
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