Qing Zhu was the best among them in TCM, so everyone greatly believed his words, sighing, "Truly worthy of being the Poison Elder's only direct disciple!"
Compared to the others, Qing Zhu actually thought further ahead.
The Valley Master of Medicine King Valley was always chosen based on merit. If the current trend continued, it wasn't impossible for Junior Uncle to succeed to the Valley Master's position.
However, these were matters for the future, and it was too early to ponder them now.
"Alright, everyone stay in the courtyard today and don't wander around," Qing Zhu finally instructed everyone, ending the conversation.
"Yes, Senior Brother Qing Zhu!"
After agreeing, everyone dispersed. Only Qing Zhu and Qing Yuan remained in the room. The painted doll sat on a chair, swinging her legs. Her soles brushed against the floor but didn't quite touch it. She was likely still growing, and ate a lot. She had already devoured most of the fruit on Qing Zhu's table.
She seemed carefree. Just moments ago, she had been trembling with fear, but now she was full of energy, eating and drinking. Qing Zhu looked at her and couldn't help but pat her head.
The painted doll frowned and batted away Qing Zhu's hand indignantly. She tidied the little pigtail on her head, afraid Qing Zhu would mess up her hair.
She was small, yet she was already paying attention to her appearance.
Qing Zhu remembered how she and Nan Yuan'er were admiring flowers and talking in the courtyard before Junior Uncle arrived. He worriedly instructed, "Yuan Yuan, stay away from Nan Yuan'er."
Qing Yuan's chewing paused. Her cheek bulged as if she had stuffed a qingtuan inside. Hearing Qing Zhu's instruction, she felt her senior brother was looking down on people again. She wasn't an idiot. After seeing the conflict between Junior Uncle and Nan Yuan'er today, would she go and befriend Nan Yuan'er?
"I know!"
Qing Yuan gave Qing Zhu a sidelong glance, her tone quite displeased.
"Remember it well!"
"Don't be tricked by a few words from her."
Qing Zhu was very unhappy with Qing Yuan's attitude. Before coming to Lin Yuan, he had already learned about the current situation there. It could be said that the entire Lin Yuan was in extreme turmoil. The struggle for the throne and power often led to decapitation. The Nan residence was at the center of this conflict. The young ladies and masters of the household had grown up in such an environment; their minds were naturally circuitous. Qing Yuan, with her simple mind and absentmindedness, would be sold and wouldn't even know it.
Especially Nan Yuan'er, who was not an easy person to deal with.
Qing Yuan felt insulted. She was just straightforward, not completely brainless. However, Qing Zhu's expression was stern and his demeanor was stern, so Qing Yuan dared not argue further. She lowered her head and said, "Don't worry, Senior Brother!!!"
Qing Zhu looked at her, still not entirely reassured.
No, they had to move out of the Nan residence as soon as possible!
...
Madam Wang's courtyard was so secure that not even a fly could get in. Nan Yuan'er had intended to tamper with the medicine, kill Madam Wang, and then frame Feng Luan. However, Nan Yu Jin hadn't given her the slightest opportunity.
After all, Nan Yu Jin was the eldest and legitimate son of Nan Chao Yin. Liu Shi's child was still young. Even though Liu Shi was favored, and Nan Yuan'er's fate was noble, at least on the surface for now, Nan Yu Jin was the primary heir. Therefore, at this time, even if Nan Yuan'er offered a fortune, no one dared to take the risk.
Liu Shi was furious, but helpless.
From fetching the medicine to decocting it, Nan Yu Jin stayed by her side. Only after personally handing the medicine to Madam Wang and personally witnessing her drink it did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Madam Wang held Nan Yu Jin's hand and shook her head at him.
"Son, you... you don't have to..."
Nan Shi Ying's actions today had not shown her any consideration. Seeing Nan Yu Jin kneel for her, Madam Wang felt as if her heart was being cut with a knife.
She gasped. Her body could barely form a complete sentence. Why should she abandon her dignity and kneel for someone just to prolong her life? Dying sooner or later was still dying.
"Mother, just consider it my filial piety."
Nan Yu Jin grasped his mother's hand. He knew what his mother wanted to say, but he was willing. He had failed to protect his sister back then, and now he just didn't want to have any more regrets.
"Even if it's just for half a year, Mother, stay with me a little longer."
Nan Yu Jin smiled, but his eyes welled up with moisture. If his mother passed away, there would be no one in this vast Nan residence who sincerely wished him well.
Madam Wang said nothing, and tears rolled down her cheeks like broken strings of pearls.