“Oh my, I almost forgot, we need to prepare for surgery.” She said, “Hu San, how’s the surgical table you made coming along?”
Hu San nodded quickly.
“No problem, it’s ready, and the surgical… lamp… is almost done too. Master, didn’t you say it needed to be bright and shadowless? Those craftsmen figured out a way and added bronze mirrors… but the effect still needs your approval, Master.”
“That’s not urgent. That’s mainly for emergency night surgeries. Yan’er’s procedure will be done during the day, so lighting shouldn’t be a big problem.” Qi Yue smiled, then looked at Coffin Boy, who was still deep in thought, “Hey, Little Coffin, I called you here today to ask how you’ve considered being my assistant?”
This person was always sensitive about his identity. After all, habits run deep, and it would indeed be difficult for him to change his thinking about doing such things overnight…
“Ah?” Coffin Boy looked up when questioned, “No problem, I’m of course willing.”
Qi Yue’s prepared speech went completely unused. She twitched her lips.
“That’s wonderful…” she said with a dry laugh, then looked at Liu Pucheng, “About the anesthetic…”
Liu Pucheng also nodded immediately.
“It’s all ready. I also did… experiments… on mice as you suggested,” he said, “Young Madam, please come with me.”
This involved secret formulas, so outsiders couldn’t enter. Of course, Coffin Boy wasn’t interested anyway—he remained immersed in the story of the sage Qi Yue had just told.
When Qi Yue returned home, A’Ru was carrying a cloth-covered cage.
“…Don’t grab it with your hands… and don’t turn your head away in fear while grabbing… let the servants do it… don’t get bitten…” Hu San followed behind A’Ru, chattering endless instructions.
“I know.” A’Ru said impatiently, glaring at him.
“Good that you know, good that you know. I’m just worried you’d be scared. What girl plays with mice?” Hu San laughed.
“Is this playing?” A’Ru snorted.
“Not playing, not playing.” Hu San quickly agreed.
“You’re working for the Young Madam, so be smart about it. The Young Madam trusts you, so conduct yourself properly. Don’t use that money to do things you shouldn’t.” A’Ru warned in a low voice.
“Am I that kind of person?” Hu San said aggrieved.
“Aren’t you?” A’Ru glanced at him.
Hu San laughed sheepishly again.
“I’ve changed, I’ve changed. I used to lack… security… Now I have Master to rely on, and Sister A’Ru to guide me. I stopped doing those foolish things long ago.” He said, patting his chest.
A’Ru gave him a sideways look.
“Really.” Hu San hastily reaffirmed.
A’Ru was about to say more when she turned and saw Qi Yue standing by the carriage, smiling as she watched her. Her face immediately flushed red. She quickly ignored Hu San and hurried over.
“Remember, don’t grab it with your hands.” Hu San called out another reminder from behind.
“Then grab it with my feet?” Qi Yue asked with a grin.
Hu San was stunned by the question.
“Master, you’re teasing me again.” He said with a bitter smile.
Qi Yue laughed heartily as the coachman cracked his whip and the horses galloped down the street.
Though Chang Yuncheng wasn’t home, Madam Xie’s lunch table still had a dish made by that cook, making Madam Xie feel grateful for a long time. Just after eating, Chang Yuncheng returned. Hearing that he came straight to her, Madam Xie was very pleased, watching the maids serve Chang Yuncheng as he washed his hands and face.
“You’re so thoughtful, having dishes sent to me even when you’re not home.” She smiled, looking at her son with gentle expression, “You don’t need to do this anymore. How could I stay angry with you? Put your mind at ease.”
Chang Yuncheng smiled upon hearing this, asking for sobering soup as his wine was wearing off.
Madam Xie was naturally happy to have it prepared, calling for maids to bring pillows and bedding for him to lie down and rest.
In the midst of this bustle, a maid outside reported that the Young Madam had come to pay her respects.
Chang Yuncheng’s face lit up with joy as he sat up. Madam Xie’s expression darkened.
“What perfect timing.” She said coldly, “The moment he walks in, she comes to put on her act?”
Chang Yuncheng felt somewhat embarrassed by these words.
“Yueniang really is coming to pay respects to mother.” He said hesitantly.
Madam Xie looked at him with a disdainful smile.
“What have you seen? You’re a man—how would you know these women’s little tricks? All their singing and acting is just to fool you men. How could you know their true thoughts behind the scenes?” She said coldly, “This woman says she’s paying respects to me, but she’s just putting on a show for you, to make you think she’s so filial. In the end, I’m the evil mother-in-law while she’s the wronged one, winning your sympathy.”
Chang Yuncheng felt even more embarrassed. Actually, she really is putting on a show for me, but I asked her to…
Seeing her son’s displeased expression, Madam Xie was more satisfied.
“…You have no idea about these women’s devious minds. Let me tell you, she didn’t come this morning. I was originally going to give her some face, but the moment you weren’t home, she didn’t come. This shows it wasn’t for my benefit.” She sighed and shook her head.
Chang Yuncheng was startled and sat up straight. Mother was originally going to give her face? But Yueniang, as agreed, why didn’t she come this morning? This made mother misunderstand even more!
This woman… was she really not taking it seriously?
Watching Chang Yuncheng’s expression, Madam Xie smiled slightly.
Wretched servant, no matter how you bewitch my son, it’s only temporary.