Chapter 9

With one reason after another, Father reclaimed shops, fields, and estates.

Within ten days, seventy percent of the assets in Aunt’s name were back.

Furious, she fell seriously ill.

Qin Wanrou came several times, hinting I had sowed discord and was cruel.

I didn’t answer. I watched coldly as her frantic anger became helpless rage.

Only the beginning.

A greater storm waited.

That afternoon, as I admired flowers, Mother’s attendant Matron Wang rushed in, looking dreadful.

“Miss! Your mother invited Doctor Sun from Hui’an Hall. She says since your banquet, your mind’s been unsettled and your behavior strange. She wants a thorough examination.”

My heart sank.

Hui’an Hall. Doctor Sun.

Of course I knew.

In my previous life, he was the capital’s most famous “doctor of madness.”

Countless women of inner households had received his label and been shut in sunless corners.

Qin Wanrou, how vicious.

Unable to act openly, she had turned to the shadows.

She wanted to make me mad.

07

Matron Wang’s words were icy water over my head.

My blood nearly froze.

Doctor Sun.

Qin Wanrou.

How thorough. How cruel.

This blow was harsher than any open pressure.

Once labeled mad, I couldn’t marry Zhao Heng.

I might never even leave this courtyard.

Confined for life.

I had seen too many women end that way before, because they disobeyed or obstructed someone.

One word destroyed their lives.

No.

I couldn’t panic.

Now, more than ever, I needed calm.

Taking a deep breath, I forced down the storm within.

Matron Wang was anxious. Yunzhou was white with fear.

I smiled slightly.

“Why panic? Mother’s only worried. Since she invited him, let’s meet him.”

Both stared at my composure.

“Miss…”

Yunzhou didn’t understand.

“Bring my saved Da Hong Pao tea. Brew it with the best spring water. And the sandalwood box from the bottom drawer of my dressing table.”

She obeyed at once, despite her confusion.

I arranged my clothes, took the head seat, and waited quietly.

Soon Mother entered with the others.

A goateed old man led them. Doctor Sun.

Behind Mother, as expected, Qin Wanrou looked worried, her eyes red.

Anyone who didn’t know would believe her concern.

“Yue’er.”

Mother hurried over and soothed me.

“Don’t be afraid. Let him take your pulse. It’ll be fine.”

“Yes, Sister. We only want what’s best for you.”

I rose and bowed slightly.

“Thank you for your concern.”

Then I addressed the old man calmly.

“Your reputation precedes you, Doctor Sun. Please sit.”

Composed, neither arrogant nor submissive. Nothing like an unsettled mind.

Surprise flickered in his eyes.

He sat and pretended to take my pulse, putting on seriousness and asking meaningless questions.

“Dizziness lately? Irregular heartbeat? Sleeplessness? Incoherent speech?”

I answered each calmly.

“No. I eat well, sleep well, and think very clearly.”

Qin Wanrou couldn’t resist.

“Don’t be stubborn. What you did and said at your banquet—wasn’t that foolish enough?”