C19 Mockery

"How often does he usually bathe? Does he like spicy food? Or have you given him ginger tea?"

Chiyan was initially absorbed in Xuanniang's bold actions but quickly snapped back to attention when she asked the questions.

"Mr. Nangong has been really busy lately, often out and about. As soon as he gets home, he falls asleep right away, so there's no time for bathing. It's probably been over two weeks since his last bath. As for ginger tea, we've been giving him a bowl every night before bed, thinking his persistent cough might be due to catching a chill. So, we used ginger tea to ward off the cold. Why? Is it bad for someone injured to drink ginger tea?"

Xuanniang silently cursed in her mind, trying to calm herself.

"No big deal, but let's stop the ginger tea for now. Also, remind the kitchen to skip the chili peppers and anything spicy when cooking. Avoid chicken or carp in his meals. These wounds are already infected, and I need to clean them out. If you can't handle it, Mr. Chiyan, you might want to step outside. I'll call you when I'm done."

Of course, Chiyan didn't leave. Just in case, he wanted to watch the whole process. Seeing Xuanniang fight the infected wounds with a calm expression, his initial nausea from the smell subsided into a sense of calm.

After what felt like an eternity, Xuanniang blinked her tired eyes and rubbed her sore arms, finally noticing that it was pitch black outside. Night had long since fallen.

Chiyan, sitting nearby, stifled a yawn, eyes watering as he asked Xuanniang, "Doctor, aren't you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"

Xuanniang glanced at the table beside her, where the food was still steaming, though it was clear it had been reheated multiple times. The household staff had really gone out of their way.

However, the room was filled with the metallic scent of blood, and having just finished scraping away the decayed flesh, the remnants still piled in a basin, Xuanniang had no appetite.

She just wanted to head home immediately; otherwise, the townsfolk would start gossiping again. "What time is it now?"

"It's just past 9 PM."

Xuanniang did a quick mental calculation, realizing it was still early enough to make it home. She just needed to be a bit cautious.

"I'll head back now. There shouldn't be any major issues from here on. When the official wakes up, make sure to give him the next dose of medicine. Also, remind him to bathe daily. The wound needs to stay clean, or it'll keep flaring up."

Xuanniang washed her hands and prepared to leave.

But Chiyan, being thoughtful, arranged for a carriage to take Xuanniang home, even passing along specific instructions to the driver.

Xuanniang thought that returning home late at night would avoid any gossip, but she underestimated those who thrive on spreading rumors. No matter what she did, people always found a reason to criticize her.

When Xuanniang arrived home, it was nearly midnight. Hearing the carriage outside, Mrs. Sunn hurried to open the door. A woman dressed in a blue outfit, looking weary and posing as a doctor, stepped down from the carriage. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Xuanniang.

Mrs. Sunn began her mocking:

"Oh, look at Xuanniang, she must be exhausted from serving others. May I ask which esteemed household this carriage belongs to? Our Xuanniang is truly fortunate to have such connections. This carriage certainly belongs to someone wealthy or noble. Could the driver kindly inform us? While your master may not care about reputation, our Xuanniang does. When will the proper matchmakers come to take her away? Even if she’s to be a concubine, there should be a formal engagement.

Pick an auspicious day to carry Xuanniang through the back door. What is this unclear situation supposed to be?"

Mrs. Sunn's voice was loud, and soon the neighbors were awakened by the late-night commotion, each stepping out in their nightclothes to witness the scene. Mrs. Sunn claimed to be seeking justice for Xuanniang, but in truth, she was sarcastically implying that a widow like Xuanniang was involved with another man.

Xuanniang spent the entire afternoon tending to Nangong Han's injuries, so exhausted that her eyes could barely stay open. She was used to Mrs. Sunn's antics and had no interest in engaging with her. Xuanniang tried to slip past her, but Mrs. Sunn blocked the door.

"Xuanniang, aren't you going to say something? After all, you're my daughter-in-law, practically like a daughter to me after all these years. I'm standing up for you today. Let's see if they have the nerve to send a carriage for Xuanniang without giving us an explanation.

If they truly have an interest in our Xuanniang, at least let me play matchmaker and collect some dowry. I'll dress Xuanniang up and personally escort her back. From now on, Xuanniang and I will consider this our family."

Even though Xuanniang was extremely tired, she understood clearly that Mrs. Sunn was trying to extort them. She was being foolish, not considering who she was dealing with. Given the official's temperament, if he heard Mrs. Sunn's sordid demands, he would surely put her in her place.