Blossom in Adversity

C50. Shao Yao Diagnoses.

Chapter 50: Shao Yao Diagnoses

Returning to her own courtyard, Hua Zhi dismissed the attendants and left Ying Chun alone, "Did you find out?"

"Yes," Ying Chun replied in a low voice, "The people in Old Madam's room are tight-lipped. After some probing, I found out that Old Madam has been coughing severely recently. Suyun Mama takes some things to the small kitchen every day to burn them. I've assigned a young maid to keep an eye on it. Once the trash from Old Madam's room is cleared out, she will inform me so I can check if there are any handkerchiefs or similar items."

"Be more discreet about it."

"Yes, I won't let Old Madam find out."

"Grandmother already knows. I need to prevent others from finding out." Hua Zhi gestured for her to leave and sat there, unable to calm her mind. So she decided to go to the desk and practice writing for a while.

They say a person's handwriting reflects their personality, but she didn't believe in superstitions. She practiced a very delicate and exquisite small regular script, which she usually used when meeting people. It made her appear incredibly obedient and well-behaved, just like her usual demeanor. Only her grandfather knew how flamboyant her handwriting was in private.

After venting through writing, most of the frustration in her heart dissipated. Hua Zhi then called for someone to bring water and serve it.

Ying Chun, as usual, went to burn the waste after collecting it. However, this time, she heard the young lady instruct, "Keep it."

"Yes."

"Has Lin Mama returned?"

"She has. She came over earlier to report that she brought back all the medicines, and Old Madam Zhu instructed her to bring back more. I didn't let her disturb as I saw you were busy."

"The medicines?"

"They are in kept in Fu Dong's care."

"Have her brew the medicine following the prescription and personally take it to Grandmother."

"Yes."

"Also, go to the back door and instruct them to keep an eye out. If Shao Yao arrives, immediately bring her in."

"Don't worry, eldest Miss. Miss Shao Yao is easily recognizable." Niàn Qiū wrapped a towel around Hua Zhi's hand and gently wiped it, "Does eldest Miss want Miss Shao Yao to diagnose Old Madam?"

"I trust Physician Chu's diagnosis, but following a person of high status at such a young age, Shao Yao's skills must be impressive. Who knows, she might have other methods?" Hua Zhi stood up and walked towards the door, gazing at the gloomy sky outside.

It was going to rain.

After a bout of autumn rain, the weather suddenly turned cold. Unprepared, four children in the family fell ill. Even after Physician Chu's visit, Hua Zhi couldn't relax. In a world where even a minor cold could turn fatal, she couldn't afford to be complacent.

After tending to her grandmother and making her take the medicine, Hua Zhi expressed her decision, "I want to hire a martial arts instructor. Although the Hua family has a long tradition of literary pursuits, having a stronger physique would be beneficial. It might reduce the impact of illnesses."

"The idea is good, but with our large family, we can't just invite anyone into our home. If Mr. Mu isn't reliable, I wouldn't feel at ease having him here either."

"I will go seek help from my maternal grandfather. Those under his watchful eye won't be lacking in any way."

The old lady was still reluctant in her heart. Thinking about the reputation of the women in the Hua family, she didn't want another stranger in the house. However, her granddaughter's suggestion was not unreasonable.

"Moreover, the security personnel in the house are too sparse. I want to select a few people to train with them, so they can accompany me to the Northern region without lagging behind."

The old lady almost voiced her objection but swallowed it back. Indeed, a stronger physical presence would be needed if traveling to the North. They needed to ensure they could protect Zhi'er throughout the journey.

"Then I'll trouble my in-law."

Liu Xiang came in from outside and whispered a few words to Ying Chun. Ying Chun nodded slightly and approached Flora softly, "Miss, Bao Xia has arrived. Miss Shao Yao is with her."

Finally, they had arrived. Hua Zhi instructed, "Go and welcome them for me. Bring Shao Yao here."

"Yes."

"Is Shao Yao your friend? Grandmother doesn't want to see any guests in her current state. You should handle it yourself."

"She is a Physician." Hua Zhi didn't elaborate further.

There was a strange understanding between the grandmother and granddaughter regarding the old lady's condition. They didn't bring it up, but they both knew what was going on in each other's minds.

Shortly, footsteps could be heard outside. Hua Zhi stood at the door, waiting. Shao Yao came in, still dressed as before, but she removed her cap upon entering. Although she didn't want to startle anyone, she understood basic courtesy. This was her friend's grandmother. She couldn't cover herself up and risk making an unfavorable impression, even if taking off her cap might make her more repulsive.

A young maid whispered in the room, causing the old lady to jump slightly. However, she composed herself quickly, not showing any difference from usual. Just like Suyun Mama, who was also taken aback but quickly understood, she dismissed the extra people in the room.

"Grandmother, this is Shao Yao, my friend from the Zhuangzi." Ignoring everything, Hua Zhi held Shao Yao's hand and warmly introduced her, "Shao Yao, this is my grandmother. I invited you here to help diagnose her illness."

Shao Yao appreciated Hua Zhi's straightforward attitude. It wasn't something to hide or be ashamed of. She liked that her friend didn't beat around the bush. Thinking happily, she patted her chest and said, "Count on me."

The old lady understood why her granddaughter held this disfigured girl in such high regard. In their family, people with such character were rare to come by.

Not distrusting her just because she was an unknown female physician, the old lady extended her wrist willingly, smiling kindly, "I'll trouble the physician lady to take a look."

Being sensitive to emotions, Shao Yao noticed the genuine smile on the old lady's face and felt a little happier. Sitting on the stool beside the bed, she carefully began taking the pulse.

Seeing Shao Yao increasingly serious expression, Hua Zhi knew something was amiss. Subtly, she lightly pressed Shao Yao's back, causing her to look up at Hua Zhi. Her expression gradually relaxed, and after a moment, she said, "Grandmother, you suffered an injury to your body many years ago, didn't you?"

The old lady was taken aback. She hadn't connected her current illness to events from many years ago. "Yes, I did have an incident. It was due to my carelessness. I had a miscarriage after eight months of pregnancy. It took two years to fully recover. How is this related?"

"The root of the illness is still lingering in your body. A trigger brought it to the surface again. Could you show me the prescription you've been using recently?"

Taking over the conversation, Hua Zhi said, "The prescription is with Fu Dong. I'll have her show it to you later. Can the illness be treated easily?"

It wasn't about whether it could be treated, but about how well it could be treated. Keeping in mind the hint from her friend earlier, Shao Yao left room for interpretation in her words, "Some illnesses stem from the mind rather than the body. When the mind is at peace, pains and ailments can't find a foothold. It appears that the Liver Qi of the old lady is stagnated, most likely due to her worries and anxieties. As long as she can let go of her burdens and continue with the medication, her body will improve. All medicines in this world aim to heal the body, but if they can't cure the mind, I hope the old lady can adopt a more positive outlook."

She longed to release herself, but her temperament had been ingrained for decades. Changing it wouldn't be easy. The old lady chuckled bitterly, "I'll do my best."