C6 Drink Medicine
"I see this maid is strong and healthy, while the County Princess is often sick and frail. It seems unlikely there's any connection between them. I will investigate further. Since the Princess fell into the water, let's ensure she doesn't suffer any lasting effects. Someone, escort the Princess back home and have a doctor accompany her for a thorough examination."
With the Queen's decision final, it was clear she wished to avoid further complications. Even if there were doubts among the people, no one dared to oppose her, and they soon dispersed.
After the doctor checked Ruan Qingge's pulse, he carefully wrote a prescription and left it behind. A maid then brewed the medicine and brought it to her.
Previously, the two maids by Ruan Qingge's side, Wenxuan and Wenrong, were arranged by Mrs. Sunn and were loyal to her, often causing trouble in secret.
Ruan Qingge took the teacup, and the pungent smell of the medicine made her frown. Having practiced medicine for years and familiar with herbs, she immediately sensed something was off.
She had caught a slight cold from the water, nothing serious, but the medicine contained ingredients meant to cool and clear heat, which would only worsen her condition.
Whether Wenxuan and Wenrong had tampered with the medicine or the doctor had done so intentionally, she couldn't be sure. But drinking it would surely make her sick.
"Oh, it's so bitter!"
Ruan Qingge furrowed her brow and hurled the medicine bowl to the ground. The liquid splattered everywhere, and the delicate porcelain shattered into pieces. She turned her face away, shaking her head defiantly. "I'm not drinking that medicine. It smells awful. I won't do it!"
"Oh dear, Princess..." Wenxuan, the maid, dressed in a light green dress embroidered with butterfly flowers, had a long face and delicate eyebrows, giving her a simple elegance. Seeing the broken bowl, she quickly crouched down to pick up the pieces. "How can you get better if you don't take your medicine? I'll prepare another bowl. If it's too bitter, a little honey date will help."
"Come on, Sister Xuan," Wenrong, standing nearby, frowned and shot a displeased glance at Ruan Qingge. She was more striking than Wenxuan, wearing the same maid's outfit but with a trendy green vest adorned with floral patterns and a double fish knot at her waist.
"We're already unlucky enough to serve this fool. Why should we put up with her tantrums? We go through all the trouble to make her medicine, and she can't even show a little gratitude. If she doesn't want it, fine. It's not our problem if she gets sick!" Wenrong huffed, pulling Wenxuan towards the door. "Why bother with her? I heard she upset the eldest lady at the palace today. Her aunt will have something to say about that later."
"Who even called who good-looking?"
Ruan Qingge rolled her eyes. Having no one to attend to her was just what she wanted. Luckily, she had already freshened up. Looking in the mirror, she noticed that even at night, those two maids would apply makeup to conceal her features.
She washed off all the cosmetics, changed into comfortable clothes, and sprawled out on the bed. She slept soundly until late morning, and as expected, Wenxuan and Wenrong left her alone. Ruan Qingge rubbed her eyes, hearing a commotion outside.
"Where's Ruan Qingge?"
"The princess is still asleep. Why is Mrs. Sunn here now? Should I wake her up?"
It was Wenxuan speaking, suddenly nervous at the sight of Mrs. Sunn, worried that her neglect of Ruan Qingge would be discovered.
Mrs. Sunn was strikingly beautiful, maintaining the allure of someone much younger despite being in her thirties. She wore an elegant embroidered dress with a light blue skirt, her hair styled in a high bun adorned with gold hairpins. Her appearance was more like that of a lady of the house than a concubine.
Standing beside her, Ruan Yueer looked simple, dressed in a moon-colored gown with cloud-patterned trim, wearing no makeup. Her eyes showed a hint of fatigue, likely from worrying about yesterday's events at the palace all night.
