◎Better to keep three parts clumsy than show seven parts skill.◎

Lu Jia’an entered the room, shoulders slightly slumped, looking dejected. “Second Sister, I think I’ve caused you trouble.”

“What do you mean?” Chu Yufu asked, a bit puzzled.

Winter sunlight streamed through the diamond-patterned windows beside them, falling on the girl’s pure, clean profile. Seeing her obedient little sister looking confused, Lu Jia’an felt even more guilty. She stepped forward and took her hand, her voice heavy with regret: “It’s a long story…”

They sat by the charcoal stove as Lu Jia’an recounted the events one by one.

When she came to the capital, she had been attacked by bandits but was rescued by Zhao Chunheng and his guards. Later, they met again in the city and crossed paths several times, which made her a little intrigued. Knowing that Zhao Chunheng would also attend the Winter Banquet, she dressed carefully.

During the plum-viewing event, Chu Jinhe’s snow-themed poem drew praise from everyone, dazzling the crowd. Even the heir, Zhao Shizi, glanced at her a few times. After the plum-viewing, Zhao Shizi invited Lu Jia’an to see the ice lanterns, but Chu Jinhe forcibly inserted herself, turning it into a trio. During the outing, she discussed the historical anecdotes of the ice lanterns with the heir, creating a very harmonious atmosphere.

Lu Jia’an could hardly get a word in. She tried to change the topic but had nothing new to say. Remembering that Zhao Shizi had once mentioned his grandmother’s severe back pain, she clumsily spoke of her second cousin’s excellent medical skills. She explained that when she was seriously ill before, it was her second cousin who treated her. She wanted to ask about the old lady’s symptoms so she could consult her second sister later—perhaps she might know how to help.

Hearing this, Zhao Shizi became interested. He abandoned talk of the ice lanterns and instead asked about his grandmother’s condition, eventually hoping to invite Chu Second Miss to visit and examine her personally. Lu Jia’an could not refuse and had to agree.

“It’s my fault for being careless, speaking without thought, and having no sense of propriety…” Lu Jia’an muttered, head down, wringing her handkerchief.

Since arriving in the capital, this was the first time she felt regret—regret for not having studied diligently. When her cousin and Zhao Shizi discussed literature, she couldn’t join in, standing there like a wooden post, dazed.

She was not foolish. She could see that Chu Jinhe, like her, had feelings for Zhao Shizi. Indeed, Zhao Shizi was a talented, well-educated gentleman, and her cousin was a well-known, refined young lady in the capital. Together, they appeared perfectly matched—far more so than she, a girl from outside the capital with little learning.

When Chu Jinhe discussed the ice lanterns, she did more than just talk about lanterns. When excited, Chu Jinhe deliberately tried to involve her in the conversation. Unable to respond, she felt embarrassed in front of Zhao Shizi. After two or three exchanges, she became anxious and hastily brought up the matter of her second sister treating her illness.

If her second sister were to visit Zhao’s matriarch and successfully treat her, that would be wonderful. But if not—or if the old lady’s condition suddenly worsened—how could she bear the responsibility?

Biting her lip, she said, “Perhaps when the Hou family visits, you can say you’re ill, or you can just go take a look and say that the illness is beyond your skill.”

Chu Yufu saw her nervous expression and suddenly laughed, revealing a row of bright, white teeth.

Who said this was bad? It was like someone bringing a pillow when she was sleepy! A few days ago, she had worried how a young lady like herself could gain recognition in the capital and catch the attention of the Northern General. Now her cousin had conveniently taken on this task. If she could treat the Marquis of Mingxuan’s matriarch successfully, what worry would she have about being unknown?

“Cousin, don’t rush. Tell me more about the matriarch’s condition. It sounds somewhat familiar.”

“Zhao Shizi said his grandmother has had this condition for several years. It’s not severe in itself, but it’s very uncomfortable. Sitting or standing too long causes back pain. Only lying down eases it. If she catches a chill, the pain worsens. Recently, it has grown more serious, affecting not just the back but also the right hip and leg…”

Seeing Chu Yufu listening intently with wide eyes, Lu Jia’an could not help but ask, “Second Sister, could you really have a remedy?”

Chu Yufu pressed her lips into a smile. “There’s a rough outline, but the specifics need to be assessed in person.”

The matriarch could not be kept in the dark about the Winter Banquet. Lu Jia’an could not hide anything, nor did she try. The next day, Chu Yufu was summoned to the Cishou Hall, where Chu Lao Ye was also present.

Madam Wei sat leaning on her couch, fingers twisting a honey-wax prayer bead. Father and daughter were seated below her.

Amidst the serene sandalwood fragrance, the matriarch slowly spoke: “Yesterday’s incident—indeed, Jia’an acted rashly, but it was not entirely bad.”

Chu Lao Ye put down his teacup and responded gravely: “My son understands.”

The current emperor was advanced in years, and in recent years, ministers had debated intensely over the matter of succession.

The emperor had three sons: the eldest by Empress Wu, the second by Consort Wen, and the third by Consort Yun. The eldest and second princes were only a year apart in age, with the Duke of Jin and Marquis of Pingjin supporting them, while the third prince was still young and did not participate in the succession dispute.

He had always been cautious and meticulous in his official duties, never taking sides lightly, and rarely spoke on matters concerning the heir apparent. But as events unfolded, it seemed there was no way left to avoid involvement.

He did not consider himself fit to be a Minister of State; he would be content if, in his lifetime, he could merely hold the position of Vice Minister of Works. He did not aim to rise swiftly under the Crown Prince, but he also did not want a single wrong move to cause trouble. The Third Prince’s birth mother, Consort Yun, was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Mingxuan’s household. She maintained close relations with the Empress in the palace, effectively aligning herself with the faction of the First Prince. If one were to associate with the Mingxuan Marquis’s household, it would count as supporting the First Prince, yet without drawing too much attention—after careful consideration, it seemed the best choice.

The Chu family had no prior connection with the Mingxuan Marquis’s household. Yet yesterday, the niece’s sudden words provided a convenient stepping-stone.

Chu Yufu was unaware of what the two had in mind. After all, The Lady of the Marquis was just a romance novel, and the political situation at court was only sketched in as background. The intricacies were better understood by her father, who was in the midst of the real situation. She sat upright and listened as her father spoke.

“When you go to the Marquis’s residence for the consultation, remember the phrase ‘the physician heals the heart.’ I do not expect you to actually cure the old Madam. All I ask is that you observe proper etiquette and convey your sincerity.”

Old Madam Wei smiled at her. “Madam Jiang of the Marquis’s residence has an old illness, which has fluctuated over the years. Your father’s meaning is: when administering treatment or prescribing medicine, better to be modest than overconfident. Do not take risks during the consultation; even just taking her pulse as usual will suffice. Failure to cure is not a problem, but causing complications would be troublesome. What we seek is simply to show goodwill.”

Yesterday afternoon, after learning of this, she had sent Madam Yang to discreetly inquire and learned that Madam Jiang had suffered from a back ailment for nearly ten years. Not only had renowned healers outside the palace attempted treatment, but even the Imperial physicians had examined her, yet none had completely cured her; her condition could only be carefully maintained.

For such a stubborn illness, how much could a young girl like Fuyu really do? Although she had diagnosed Jia’an’s drug rash, Doctor Zhang had noticed it too. Madam Jiang’s condition was completely different.

Chu Yufu had been somewhat confused at first, but after Old Madam Wei’s explanation, she understood. Neither of them truly expected her to cure any major illness. She was simply to stroll around the Marquis’s residence, become familiar in front of Madam Jiang and the Lady of the house, and then, after taking the pulse, admit she could not cure the illness. This way, her intentions were clear without causing trouble. It was clever—but wouldn’t that foil her own plan?

The words “Maybe I can cure it” lingered on her tongue, but she swallowed them back. Batting her lashes, she obediently said, “Fuyu understands. Please rest assured, Old Madam Wei and Father.”

Her father gave a satisfied hum. Old Madam Wei said, “You are obedient, sensible, and act properly. I have no concerns about you.” She waved and had Madam Yang hand over a wooden box.

Chu Yufu opened the box to find a fine begonia jade hairpin inside. Old Madam Wei chuckled, “Tomorrow, wear your hair in a twin-knot bun with this hairpin. Be neat and elegant. Do not be nervous. I have met Madam Jiang; she is not a strict person.”

“Yes,” Chu Yufu nodded slightly, the fine hairs at her temples stirring.

After exchanging a few more trivial words, Old Madam Wei left the two of them, and Chu Yufu followed her father outside the Cishou Hall.

The original girl had never been close to her father; their relationship was respectful but lacked intimacy. Since arriving in this world, she had never spent time alone with her “temporary” father. They walked in silence, one ahead of the other, in a slightly awkward atmosphere.

Passing through the floral gate, her father suddenly slowed, as if about to speak. Chu Yufu’s mouth moved faster than her mind; instinctively, she frowned and said, “I heard Father has been busy with official duties, leaving early and returning late. Today, I see you’ve lost quite a bit of weight… Later, I will prepare some nourishing soup for you, shall I?”

Her father was momentarily stunned, then his expression softened. The usually tight lines of his face rarely relaxed, but now, a trace of warmth appeared.

Recently, officials in his department had been taking leave one after another. He had remained tense like a taut string, working through even colds and coughs without rest, often staying at his desk late into the night and only sleeping in the study when night fell. Among the family’s four children, he doted most on the Third Prince and eldest daughter, then the second and fourth daughters. Yet now, noticing his poor health, the first to show concern was unexpectedly his usually inconspicuous second daughter.

Remembering that it was also because of her recent care for Old Madam Wei that the Chu family gained a chance to connect with the Mingxuan Marquis’s household, his admiration for his second daughter grew. How had he not realized earlier that Fuyu was such a thoughtful and filial child? Looking into her anxious dark eyes, he felt a warm sensation in his heart.

He patted her narrow shoulders and said gently, “I am satisfied that you have such filial concern. You are physically weak, so take care of yourself.” He paused, then continued, “When you go to the Marquis’s residence, your every word and action represents the Chu family. Remember: listen more, speak less, and act prudently.”

Chu Yufu lowered her eyes and replied softly.

Returning to the Zhuyu Courtyard, she sat by her desk and thought for a moment, then picked up the medical book she had half-read last night. She turned to the page explaining “Bi syndrome” and resumed studying carefully.