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Shen Yu’an and Bai Miaqing, who were strolling in the ready-made clothing shop, were completely unaware that the owner of Yan Zhi Perfumery had personally delivered the rouge and face powder they had chosen back to the Bai Mansion. He had even embellished the story, making it sound as if the two young ladies had been ‘mistreated.’
He had originally discussed this with the master of the Bai Mansion, but coincidentally, Bai Mingxi had just returned and overheard it.
Upon hearing that Shen Yu’an had come to the shop and that she and Bai Miaqing had been mistreated outside, Bai Mingxi immediately wanted to go out and find them.
The shopkeeper, seeing the young master so angry that he was about to rush out, could only smile awkwardly and add, “The two young ladies haven’t really been wronged. In the end, that Miss Qi left in a hurry.”
Bai Mingxi was somewhat skeptical but still wanted to go out and bring the two back.
Just as they were talking, they heard the voices of women coming from the courtyard.
Their faces lit up, and they went outside. Sure enough, they saw Shen Yu’an and Bai Miaqing walking back side by side, chatting and laughing. Behind them, a servant was carrying loads of items.
Bai Mingxi cleared his throat and walked calmly to them, greeting Shen Yu’an. He asked, “These days, you’ve been causing quite a commotion.”
Shen Yu’an smiled and replied, “I apologize for any trouble I may have caused in the past few days.”
Bai Ji smiled as he ushered them inside and said politely, “Miss Shen, your presence to accompany Miaqing, this little girl, is truly a delight for us. We can’t consider it a bother at all.”
He playfully teased Bai Miaqing, saying, “Miss Shen may not know, but Miaqing is always grumbling about boredom, and she’s been wanting to visit you. If it weren’t for her recent acquisition of two shops, she might have flown to find you by now.”
Shen Yu’an smiled in response, and together, they entered the main hall. The shopkeeper of Yan Zhi Perfumery had completed his task and hurried back to his shop.
As they all settled down, just when Bai Mingxi was about to inquire about the truth behind what the shopkeeper had said, he was once again interrupted.
A servant arrived with a message, saying, “Master, someone from the General’s Mansion has arrived, requesting your assistance to examine an illness.”
While the Bai family was not known for medical expertise, they had resident physicians in their employ. Bai Ji hadn’t personally conducted examinations in a long time.
Upon hearing the report, Shen Yu’an and Bai Miaqing exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s thoughts.
Hearing that it was a request from the General’s Mansion, Bai Ji stood up in alarm and asked, “Has something happened to the General? If that’s the case, we need to quickly send for my younger brother, Bai Wu. After all, it’s been many years since I’ve conducted an examination myself, and I might be a bit rusty. Bai Wu is more proficient in these matters.”
General Xiangnan holds a significant position, so it’s only natural that people are concerned about his well-being, isn’t it?
The servant who had come to deliver the message, seeing his master’s initial alarm, quickly clarified, “It’s not the General, but the General’s Mansion’s young lady.”
He continued, “She’s developed a rash for some unknown reason and has had several reputable physicians from the city summoned. The messengers from the General’s Mansion are still waiting outside.”
Upon learning that it wasn’t a problem with General Xiangnan, Bai Ji’s worry subsided. He casually asked, “Do we know which young lady it is?” He hadn’t forgotten the incident where the General’s Mansion’s Third Miss had accused and mistreated his Miaqing and Miss Shen.
The servant replied, “The people sent by the General’s Mansion claim to be in service of the Third Miss.”
Bai Ji became even less inclined to go. He said nonchalantly, “Just have one of the resident physicians from the pharmacy accompany them. A simple rash doesn’t require so many physicians from the city.”
The servant’s description of the situation seemed too simplistic, and he believed that it was likely Qi Yiran overreacting by calling in so many physicians. His disapproval of the Third Miss grew.
As they were talking, a stern voice from outside interrupted, “What, can the General’s Mansion not even request the services of a single physician?”