Chapter 17

Xia Qingqing and Xiao Suo worked tirelessly through the night, concocting a variety of medicines. They produced detoxification pills, ointments for external use, and even specialized skincare creams aimed at beauty and rejuvenation for women.

When Xiao Suo saw the table covered with jars and containers, she was utterly amazed.

“Miss, you’re incredible! Fifth Miss spends all her time reading, but all she does is read. Unlike you—you not only read but also create all these life-saving remedies!”

“Everyone has different goals when they study, so naturally, the results differ! Alright, tidy up and get some sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll be selling these medicines for silver!”

“Yes, Miss!”

The candle was extinguished, and the room plunged into darkness.

“Xiao Suo, once we earn some silver, I’ll give you half!”

Xia Qingqing spoke from her bed.

“Miss, I’m here to serve you. The more silver you earn, the happier I am. I just want our lives to get better and better.

It’s unfair that the master only gives you two taels of monthly allowance! Even Fourth Miss gets five taels. Second Miss and Fourth Miss receive twenty taels each!”

Xiao Suo grumbled, indignant on Xia Qingqing’s behalf.

“How do you know all this?”

Xia Qingqing asked curiously.

“I secretly asked Mama Xiong earlier today. She manages the kitchen and knows all the gossip! I used to help out in the kitchen, so I’m quite familiar with her.”

“Oh! It doesn’t matter. I can earn more than enough on my own. Begging Father for a mere two taels isn’t worth it. Alright, let’s lie down like corpses!”

Xia Qingqing pulled the blanket over her head and went to sleep.

Lie down like corpses?

Xiao Suo was startled by the phrase and dove under her own blanket, curling up tightly.

Her small bed was set up in a screened-off corner near Xia Qingqing’s canopy bed. Previously, they had shared a bed, so she hadn’t felt scared. But now, sleeping separately and hearing her mistress say such eerie things, she had to muster courage on her own.

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At dawn, after breakfast, Xia Qingqing packed the detoxification pills, skincare creams, and a jar of crickets before sneaking out over the wall.

She headed straight to the renowned Apricot Grove Apothecary to find Doctor Sun, the assistant manager.

Last time, the Uncle Sun Sun had told her to look for him directly if she came by again.

The apprentice at the front counter recognized her and allowed her into the courtyard without hindrance.

“Miss Qingqing, you’re here!”

Doctor Sun greeted her warmly.

A few days ago, the detoxification pills Xia Qingqing had provided proved remarkably effective. The young master’s poisoning had been reduced by a sixth, and with continued treatment over the next month, all toxins would be eliminated.

Doctor Sun’s father had been in constant worry, but now he could finally relax, all thanks to Xia Qingqing.

Xia Qingqing had quickly become Apricot Grove Apothecary’s most valued collaborator.

“Uncle Sun, I’ve brought more pills today! I’ve also developed some skincare products specifically for women with concerns like acne, freckles, pregnancy spots, or age spots.”

As she spoke, Xia Qingqing took the items out of her handmade backpack.

The backpack, sewn by Xiao Suo, was designed to be practical for outings. Back in the Great Hua dynasty, women had already started using such versatile carryalls. They came in a variety of colors and designs, crafted entirely by hand and more precious than any modern branded bags.

Doctor Sun excitedly opened one of the skincare jars and sniffed it. “It smells wonderful! This is far better than anything from a cosmetics shop!”

Xia Qingqing beamed.

“Women’s and children’s money is the easiest to earn. We solve their skin problems, and they give us their silver. Everyone wins!”

“Haha! You’re so young, yet you already understand business so well. Your studies haven’t been in vain!”

“Well, let me have my wife and daughter try these first. If they work well, I’ll buy the entire batch!”

Doctor Sun chuckled, thoroughly amused by her confidence.

He picked up a jar and headed into the inner courtyard to give it to his wife.

Madam Sun, his wife, had butterfly-shaped melasma on her face. Despite trying countless remedies, both internal and external, the results had been disappointing.

When her husband handed her the cream, she applied a small amount to her melasma while looking into a bronze mirror.

Their daughter, Miss Sun, also dabbed some onto her freckles, following her father’s advice.

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“Elder sister, did you bring the crickets?”

Xia Qingqing was teasing the crickets when she heard the innocent voice of the young master behind her.

“Young Master, I caught two just for you! Are you satisfied now?”

Xia Qingqing handed over the earthen jar containing the crickets.

“Great! Sister, you’re the best!”

The young master’s peach blossom eyes lit up as he eagerly examined the two large crickets inside.

“I’ve already named them—one is Golden Horn King, and the other is Silver Horn King!”

Xia Qingqing introduced them.

“Golden Horn King! Silver Horn King! Wow, you’re amazing at naming them!”

The young master exclaimed, joyfully using a blade of grass to tease the crickets. His radiant smile was as bright as the morning sun.

The middle-aged man accompanying him sighed quietly.

“Young Master, it’s time for your treatment.”

“No! I want to play a little longer!”

“But if you’re late, Doctor Sun’s father will be upset.”

“Oh no! If Grandpa Sun tells my grandmother, she’ll scold me! Let’s go!”

The young master thrust the jar back into the man’s hands and bolted toward the inner courtyard.

Xia Qingqing’s lips twitched, and she shook her head.

“For someone his age, he acts just like a child. What a big fool!”

“Qingqing!”

A strong, authoritative voice called out behind her. Xia Qingqing stiffened. Plastering a smile on her face, she turned to see the Old Madam.

Never speak ill of someone behind their back—it’s bound to backfire!

“Greetings, Old Madam!”

Leaning on her phoenix-headed cane, the Old Madam studied Xia Qingqing.

“I gave you a cloak, didn’t I? Why aren’t you wearing it on such a cold day? If you fall ill, who will make the detoxification pills? And what if you pass the sickness to my grandson?”

“About that… a dog snatched it away. But I’m wearing a padded jacket underneath—I won’t catch cold!”

Xia Qingqing patted her chest to emphasize her point.

“Hmph! It was probably one of your sisters who took it. You’re always covering for them! Anyway, there’s a chrysanthemum banquet at the palace tonight. You must attend!”

“Jian Qiu, give her an invitation.”

“Yes, Old Madam.”

The maid handed a golden invitation to Xia Qingqing.

Xia Qingqing stared at it, overwhelmed.

“I… I’ve never been to the palace or a banquet before. What if I make a fool of myself?”

“Nonsense! You’re a proper young lady—what’s there to fear?”

The Old Madam whispered with a smirk, “Didn’t you just take down ten thugs yesterday morning? What’s to be afraid of?”

Xia Qingqing froze, her face pale with shock.