Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Are You Satisfied?

[I want it!]

[Of course I want it!]

Since birth, Madam Cui had been weaker than others. When she lived in Clear River, she was only a distant branch member, rarely receiving good medicines. Later, she plotted carefully to marry Duke Qi, only to discover the Duke’s household was merely an empty shell.

Everything changed when Sheng Zhi Wan married into the family.

Madam Cui finally tasted true comfort. Her health improved greatly ever since.

Sheng Zhi Wan smiled faintly, “Mother, do you believe your improved health was entirely thanks to Imperial Physician Song?”

[Wasn’t it?]

Madam Cui stared intently at her.

As if reading her mind, Sheng Zhi Wan leaned close and whispered gently, “Of course not.”

“Those prescriptions from Imperial Physician Song were, in fact… created by me. The reason your health improved was because I performed pressure techniques daily to clear your meridians. Otherwise, why would your health have worsened day by day, despite taking the same medicines?”

Sheng Zhi Wan spoke slowly, carefully, word by word.

Madam Cui’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Her throat gurgled unintelligibly.

Sheng Zhi Wan continued, “Last time, I already told you—it’s impolite not to reciprocate. The generous midnight gift you sent me—I’ve received it. I wonder if you’re satisfied with this gift of mine in return?”

Sheng Zhi Wan straightened slowly, her eyes curved enchantingly. Yet, to Madam Cui, the beauty only looked sinister.

“You… you…” Madam Cui struggled, as though choking.

“You guessed right. Madam Tao was indeed the first part of my grand gift.”

“As for the other part…” Sheng Zhi Wan leisurely pulled out silver needles one by one from Madam Cui’s head. “I’m afraid, for the rest of your days, Mother, you’ll only be able to spend them lying here on this bed.”

Sheng Zhi Wan sighed gently, pretending sympathy.

Madam Cui shuddered from fury and terror, but no matter how hard she tried, only the right side of her body twitched slightly.

Sheng Zhi Wan was satisfied.

She could hear, she could feel—but she could neither speak clearly nor get up.

“Oh yes, you said earlier you weren’t feeling well—was it due to some shock?”

“Could it be because Father brought home a pregnant concubine? But that can’t be right… I clearly remember when the heir brought back Concubine Meng, you said it was a joyous event for the Duke’s household.”

“You even mentioned that I could have a child without enduring pregnancy or childbirth myself—how wonderful a thing was that?”

“Now, this wonderful thing has come to you, Mother. Why then have you fainted from anger?”

As Sheng Zhi Wan spoke, she admired Madam Cui’s twisted expression while slowly gathering up the needles. Then she stood and called to the outside, “Mother is awake. The Heir can enter now.”

The moment she finished, Qi Shu Xian rushed through the door.

Seeing Madam Cui awake, his eyes brightened—but soon he noticed something strange.

The left side of Madam Cui’s mouth dribbled uncontrollably, while her right side twitched grotesquely.

He hesitated and glanced toward Sheng Zhi Wan. “What happened here…?”

Sheng Zhi Wan sighed gently, “A stroke. If only you’d come to me earlier. Though I’ve managed to wake Mother, it’s too late. From now on, she can only remain bedridden.”

“How… how could this be?” Qi Shu Xian staggered backward, unable to believe it.

Meng Yang suspected Sheng Zhi Wan had secretly harmed Madam Cui. Why else would she send everyone away?

“Heir, since Mother is awake, perhaps we should summon Imperial Physician Li again? He might know how to treat this.”

Meng Yang believed if Sheng Zhi Wan had done something sinister, Imperial Physician Li would surely discover it.

Sheng Zhi Wan merely raised an eyebrow, silent.

Qi Shu Xian immediately sent someone to call Imperial Physician Li.

Imperial Physician Li, barely having left the mansion gates, quickly returned. Seeing Madam Cui awake, he was astonished.

“Imperial Physician Li, can you help my mother?” Qi Shu Xian urgently asked.

After carefully checking her pulse, Imperial Physician Li shook his head. “Her pulse is faint and rapid. Clearly, the Duchess has suffered a stroke brought on by sudden anger.”

Meng Yang was unwilling to give up. “Could it have been caused by something else?”

Imperial Physician Li cast her an irritated look. “If this lady knows medicine, why not diagnose her yourself?”

Meng Yang paled and fell silent.

Sheng Zhi Wan chuckled softly, “Concubine Meng suspects I’ve harmed Mother?”

“No—I was just asking,” Meng Yang quickly denied.

“Better that you weren’t,” Sheng Zhi Wan sneered and glanced at Qi Shu Xian. “Heir, do you also suspect me?”

Before Qi Shu Xian could reply, Imperial Physician Li exclaimed excitedly, “The Duchess’s awakening was thanks to the Princess? May I know how the Princess accomplished this?”

Sheng Zhi Wan gently explained, “I learned some pressure-point techniques before. Since marrying into the Duke’s household, I’ve performed them daily on Mother. The last time she fainted, I awakened her this way, so I tried it again.”

“So that’s how!” Imperial Physician Li nodded enthusiastically. “I previously thought pressure techniques merely improved circulation. I never imagined they’d help stroke victims!”

“Hngh—!” Madam Cui’s eyes bulged frantically, deeply agitated.

Imperial Physician Li regained his senses and gave Meng Yang a critical glance. “Heir Apparent Qi truly shouldn’t doubt the Princess! Clearly, the Princess has always cared deeply for the Duchess. Without genuine devotion, how could she have revived her from a stroke?”

“If she hadn’t awakened, I fear the Duchess wouldn’t have survived today. See? The Duchess herself is rebuking you!”

His words filled Qi Shu Xian with shame.

Madam Cui vigorously gurgled her agreement.

Sheng Zhi Wan wore a gentle smile.

Only Meng Yang’s face grew darker.

She had wanted to expose Sheng Zhi Wan but ended up humiliating herself.

Qi Shu Xian looked remorseful, “Zhi Wan, you’ve once again helped us greatly.”

“It’s fine, as long as you remember what you promised me,” Sheng Zhi Wan replied calmly.

Qi Shu Xian nodded.

Sheng Zhi Wan turned to Meng Yang, smiling softly, “Concubine Meng cares so deeply for Mother, fearing I might harm her. Surely from now on, you’ll personally care for her yourself?”

Imperial Physician Li had just finished another check and agreed, “She can move only half her face. Her right leg and fingers barely respond, and she can’t speak clearly. She truly needs someone’s close care.”

Meng Yang was speechless.

Qi Shu Xian glanced at her expectantly.

Meng Yang struggled to smile, “Princess is joking. Naturally, I’ll arrange servants to care for her.”

“Servants aren’t like family,” Imperial Physician Li interjected. “If close kin care for her personally, it might ease her spirits, possibly improving her condition.”

Meng Yang gritted her teeth, forcing out the words, “I understand—I’ll take care of her myself!”