Those years when I was Cannon fodder

The Mysterious Addition to the dregs

"It lies in the backyard, hidden beneath the tree with purple leaves," Qingyu casually pointed out, curiosity piqued. "Why do you inquire about this?"

"The medicine jars already emit an unpleasant odor, so the remnants must be even more repulsive. My mother must have placed them together, far away from us," Chuyu replied, speaking in a childlike manner.

However, her true intention was to investigate the medicine remnants.

Certainly, the medicine jars were an option as well, but examining the remaining medicinal properties without any tools proved to be a more challenging endeavor.

Qingyu burst into laughter.

"Miss, Madam buries the medicine remnants underground, so their scent doesn't linger," she explained.

Chuyu remained skeptical. "I refuse to believe it. I wish to see it for myself."

With those words, Chuyu darted outside, determined to uncover the truth.

Qingyu hastily warned, "Miss, if you intend to play with the medicine remnants, remember never to consume them."

Chuyu's lips twitched. So, in the past two months, every time she plucked a blade of grass or plucked a leaf, Qingyu assumed she was playing pretend? Well, perhaps there was some truth to that.

She couldn't disclose that she was actually analyzing the medicinal properties of those plants. No one would believe her.

Successfully unearthing the medicine remnants beneath the purple-leaved tree, Chuyu found that they were buried quite deep.

Yet, with her keen sense of smell, she detected the familiar medicinal fragrance that she vividly remembered even after two months. After comparing them one by one, she sat on the ground with a somber expression.

The medicine remnants contained an additional ingredient not found in the medicine pills.

Coincidentally, it happened to be the detoxifying component.

Did her mother intend to harm her?

Chuyu decided not to jump to conclusions so quickly.

Carefully, she reburied the medicine remnants, disguising them to blend with the surrounding area as much as possible.

As she prepared to depart, a sudden realization struck her, halting her movements.

She changed her position and dug a small pit there.

Then she changed her position once more...

She repeated this process until the entire area was dotted with pits and depressions. Only then did she cease her actions.

Patting the soil off her body, Chuyu made her way to the kitchen.

Observing her disheveled appearance, Qingyu couldn't help but ask, "Miss, where did you gather herbs this time? You look quite disarrayed. Be cautious not to let Madam discover."

Chuyu appeared dejected. "I followed your advice and dug up the medicine remnants under the purple-leaved tree, but I found nothing."

Qingyu's lips twitched. "Perhaps Madam buried them deeper. Shall I assist you in digging?"

Waving her hand dismissively, Chuyu wrinkled her little face. "Aunt Qing, I wish to take a bath. I haven't finished my calligraphy practice today. If Mr. Mo discovers I haven't been diligent in my studies, he will surely scold me."

"Please keep this a secret from Mother."

"Just wait for a moment, there's hot water boiling in the kitchen. I'll help you bring it," Qingyu offered.

Chuyu fixed her gaze upon her companion.

Unable to resist her expression, Qingyu waved her hand, assuring her, "Fear not, I won't utter a word."

Before Chuyu could express her elation, Qingyu added, "If Madam discovers on her own,

do not blame me."

"She will never find out," Qingyu murmured to herself, a smile dancing upon her lips. She knew that Madam held the front yard's medicinal herbs in the highest regard, but she rarely ventured into the backyard. Even if she did, it was solely to dispose of failed medicinal materials and decoction remnants by burying them in a hole.

Madam would never suspect a thing.

...

Illuminated by the soft glow of modest candles, Qinglan Yuan held an early dinner. After Miss finished her meal and retreated to the study to practice calligraphy before darkness fell, Qingyu postponed her tidying duties. Instead, she made her way to the backyard kitchen to gather their daily necessities.

Suddenly, Madam called out, "Qingyu, did Xiaoyuer go to the backyard today?"

Qingyu's heart skipped a beat, and she composed herself to answer, "Madam, Miss did go to the backyard this afternoon..."

She proceeded to recount the entire incident.

Madam nodded in silence, her expression devoid of emotion, her eyes appearing dark and heavy, lacking the usual gentleness she displayed towards Miss.

An inexplicable fear began to well up within Qingyu.

"Retrieve the provisions first, then come to my chambers. I have accumulated some prepared medicinal materials. You can take them to Renxin Hall as usual and exchange them for other herbs," Madam instructed, handing Qingyu a prescription. "Simply hand this to them."

"Yes, Madam." Qingyu lowered her head, raised her hands, and carefully accepted the paper.

Without examining its contents, she meticulously folded it and concealed it within a secret pocket in her attire.

"Also, I've noticed that Xiaoyuer has taken a liking to bone broth. Go and purchase some more..."

Gradually, the fear within Qingyu's heart began to dissipate.

She silently acknowledged Madam's prowess. Her demeanor and authority were akin to that of Second Madam.

Qingyu had never met Second Madam.

Yet, since the passing of First Madam, Second Madam had assumed control of the City Lord's Manor.

...

Unaware of these occurrences, Chuyu visited Third Madam's chambers the next day, only to find them empty.

Third Madam nonchalantly explained, "I had Auntie Qing take everything to the medicine shop for sale. It will bring us some money."

"Mother, you're truly amazing. Did Grandfather leave behind any inherited medical books? I wish to learn from you," Chuyu exclaimed.

Third Madam regarded her with a peculiar look. "Your grandfather was merely a self-taught doctor. His knowledge was gained through trial and error. How could he have left behind any inherited medical books?"

"Moreover, I heard Mr. Mo mention that you've only learned 300 common characters. If I were to give you medical books, would you understand them?"

"Tell me, what schemes are brewing within that little mind of yours?"

Chuyu responded, "I heard Mr. Mo say that one becomes a doctor after experiencing a prolonged illness. Medical treatments cost a fortune, and since my health is fragile, it would be wonderful if I could learn to treat myself."

"Mother, you needn't exert yourself so much."

Third Madam gently stroked Chuyu's head. "Learning medicine isn't so simple, and you are the Third Miss of the City Lord's Manor. You needn't strive as diligently as your mother."

"Mother, I genuinely wish to learn. I am truly fond of the herbs you cultivate in the yard. How about you provide me with the prescriptions the old doctor gave me before? Perhaps I can glean some knowledge from them."

Third Madam chuckled. "A prescription alone won't reveal much to you. If you truly wish to learn, have your father procure some medical books for you first."

"If, after reading them, you still desire to learn, I will find you a mentor."

"Medical books are complex, far more challenging than the miscellaneous notes you've been perusing. You must commit everything to memory. At the very least, you cannot make a single mistake or omission."

"Otherwise, it becomes a matter of life and death."

"Mother, I understand. Just like the doctor who treated Xiaoyuer. If he were to prescribe the wrong medicine, Xiaoyuer would never see her mother again," Chuyu stared intently at Third Madam.

Observing those distinct black and white eyes, Third Madam was momentarily stunned before scolding, "Nonsense! Utter nonsense! What are you blabbering about? Xiaoyuer is nearly healed. She's no different from any other ordinary child. I forbid you from uttering such things in the future."

Chuyu persisted, "But the prescription..."

"I will find it for you," the Third Madam interjected, rising from her seat and speaking as she walked. "Doctor Xu, who is treating you, has returned from the imperial capital to care for his elderly parents. Rumor has it that he was born in the imperial hospital and has even attended to the emperor and empress. How could there possibly be any problems?"