Nan Yuan'er's reputation had plummeted.
In the Nan Residence, the study.
Nan Chaoyin sat behind the desk, while Nan Yuan'er stood before it, her head bowed in silence.
The atmosphere in the room had frozen over like frost. The flickering candlelight cast Nan Chaoyin's shadow long and uneven, and the shadows of the swaying curtains resembled tentacles stretching out from his silhouette. Nan Yuan'er held her breath, afraid to even exhale.
"Father..."
Nan Yuan'er bit her lip. As soon as she spoke, Nan Chaoyin glanced at her, and her voice immediately cut off, as if an old record had suddenly jammed!
She dared not say another word!
"Listen to what they're saying outside!" Nan Chaoyin's face was ashen, his stern voice laced with mockery. His suppressed anger was far more terrifying than any outburst.
"Yuan'er, you've truly brought honor to your father!" The words, spoken neither too softly nor too loudly, struck Nan Yuan'er like a thunderclap, shattering her soul!
The events that transpired at the Willow family's winter banquet quickly spread throughout the capital. The words of Feng Luan, the direct disciple of Medicine King Valley, scolding Nan Yuan'er, also reached everyone's ears, making Nan Yuan'er the biggest joke in the entire capital.
Nan Yuan'er clenched her fists, not even noticing her nails digging into her palms. Whenever she recalled the humiliation she suffered today, a sense of shame and fury, like ants crawling all over her body and gnawing at her soul, consumed her. This feeling was like a raging inferno, burning and stinging every inch of her skin.
She wished she could flay Feng Luan alive, tear him limb from limb, and cut him into a thousand pieces!
Facing Nan Chaoyin's reprimand, Nan Yuan'er suddenly knelt on the ground. Her hair cascaded down, falling to her ears. She tilted her head slightly, and before she could speak, tears began to fall. "Father, Yuan'er truly didn't mean it that way, but that Feng Luan, that Feng Luan is simply too arrogant! This isn't just slapping your daughter's face; it's slapping Father's face, it's slapping the Nan family's face!"
Nan Chaoyin let out a cold laugh.
How could he not understand Nan Yuan'er's intentions? It was one thing to act, but she was foolish enough to be seen through and have her schemes exposed publicly, losing face. All these years, he had taught her through word and deed, but she had learned few of his skills, instead picking up vulgar mannerisms from her mother. Whether Madam Wang lived or died, what impact would it have on her? In recent times, Madam Wang had managed the household affairs, and what was the result? Was she not suffocated by Madam Liu, falling gravely ill due to suppressed anger and frustration!
However, she was right about one thing: Feng Luan's humiliation of her was not just disrespect to her, but disrespect to their Nan family.
"So, what do you intend to do?" Nan Chaoyin clasped his hands on the desk, his gaze fixed on Nan Yuan'er. He was eager to hear what brilliant plan his daughter had!
A cold glint flashed in Nan Yuan'er's eyes. Even her tears seemed to be poisoned: "Father, I heard Feng Luan has a pharmacy in the capital!"
Nan Chaoyin remained silent, gesturing for her to continue.
"A pharmacy, treating the sick and saving lives. It's possible they've treated a few people to death. Once someone dies, their family will undoubtedly be overcome with grief, their minds will snap, and they'll become impulsive!"
As she spoke, the corners of her lips could not stop curving upwards.
Nan Chaoyin's eyelids drooped. He didn't want to see Nan Yuan'er's current expression. He felt a profound sense of exhaustion. His daughter, whom he had nurtured and guided by his side with great care, was actually no match for a hidden guard!
"Get to the ancestral hall!"
He suppressed the rage in his heart, controlling the urge to hurl the inkstone on his desk.
"Father!"
Nan Yuan'er had no idea what she had said wrong!
"Get out!"
Nan Chaoyin roared.
Nan Yuan'er bit her lip fiercely, hot tears streaming down her face. If it were before, Nan Chaoyin would have been heartbroken. But now, her crying did not even earn her a glance from Nan Chaoyin.
At some point, her father had changed.
He no longer doted on her and loved her unconditionally!
Nan Yuan'er slowly stood up, bowed to Nan Chaoyin, and turned to head towards the ancestral hall.
Nan Chaoyin tapped his fingers on the desk. A figure appeared in the study.
"Go and guard Madam Wang's bedside. Do not let anyone approach Madam Wang today!"
"Yes!"
The figure disappeared. Nan Chaoyin turned, took a book from the bookshelf, and opened it. Tucked within the pages was a letter, its paper already yellowed.
...
Li Wan Pavilion.
"What, Yuan'er was punished to kneel?"
Upon hearing the news reported by a servant, Madam Liu sprang up, shouting that she was going to the study to find Nan Chaoyin.
"Madam!"
The maid immediately stopped Madam Liu. Had Madam not yet seen the situation clearly these days? Ever since that little slut Nan Shiying gained influence, the master's attitude towards Madam and Miss had clearly changed. How could Madam think that the master would still indulge her tantrums as before?
The logic that they could all understand, why couldn't Madam comprehend it!
"Madam, since the master has already punished Miss, if you go and make a scene with the master, won't you be slapping the master's face? At this time, if you anger the master further, won't Miss be the one to suffer? Furthermore, my lady, the most critical issue now is not Miss, but Madam Wang!"
"This servant heard that Feng Luan even saved Lord Liu, who was already on the brink of death. If Madam Wang recovers, Madam, do you think she will easily return the household management?"
"If she continues to hold onto the household management, it's inevitable that some foolish individuals will switch their allegiance. At that time, you will have something to worry about!"
"So, Madam, let's put Miss aside for now!"
The maid's words reminded Madam Liu. That damned Feng Luan was going to visit Madam Wang to treat her tomorrow. If she truly cured her, wouldn't all her recent forbearance be in vain?
"Yes, you are right!"
Madam Liu sat down again. She pondered for a moment and then suddenly asked, "Who brewed Madam Wang's medicine today?"
The maid replied, "Qiu Yue!"
"I remember your maternal grandfather was a barefoot doctor?"
"Yes, Madam!"
"Then..."
"Madam, my throat has been a bit uncomfortable lately. A while ago, I went home and got some herbal medicine from my grandfather. This herbal medicine is quite interesting. Some herbs are life-saving remedies when mixed together, while others become deadly poisons."
Madam Liu responded with an "oh," then smiled and praised, "I didn't expect you to understand this!"
"This servant does not understand; Miss told this servant before!" The maid dared not claim to understand. Who would want to keep a maid who understood pharmacology by their side? If she betrayed them one day, it would be like harboring a viper!
Madam Liu's eyes lit up. Smiling, she took the maid's hand. "Since your throat is a bit uncomfortable, you shouldn't be serving me. Go and prepare some medicine, drink it, and rest."
"Thank you, Madam, for your concern!"
"Then this servant shall take her leave!"
The maid bowed to Madam Liu and turned back to her room, picking up a small packet of herbs and heading towards the kitchen!