Rice Fragrance Village, Hearing a Chorus of Jealousy

Fragrant Herbs Garden.

The head maid Ying Er carried a bowl of medicinal soup around the screen without a sound. As she drew near, she saw Aunt Xue lying on her back in bed, apparently sleeping soundly, and looked awkwardly toward Xue Baochai beside her.

Xue Baochai pointed to the low table by the bed and instructed softly, "Set it down first. I'll attend to Mother in a while."

Ying Er set the little earthenware bowl on the table, pinching her earlobes with both hands as she said, "This medicine can't be reheated, Miss. Be sure not to leave it too long."

After Xue Baochai nodded silently, she withdrew without a sound.

Nearly half a quarter-hour later, Xue Baochai rose and tested the temperature of the medicine. Then she removed the Cooling Towel from her mother's forehead, kneaded it a few times in the copper basin, wrung it dry, and laid it back in place.

The icy touch immediately drew a faint murmur from Aunt Xue in her sleep.

"Mother."

Xue Baochai took the opportunity to nudge her shoulder and called gently, "Get up and take your medicine."

Only then did Aunt Xue open her eyes. She first glanced at her daughter, then frowned and asked, "What time is it?"

"Just past ten in the morning."

Xue Baochai picked up the medicinal soup and spooned a little into her own mouth first. After tasting that it was neither too hot nor too cold, she supported the bottom of the spoon with her hand and brought it to her mother's lips.

But Aunt Xue braced herself against the bedboard and half sat up before lowering her head to meet the spoon.

As she sat up, two soft, snowy swells pressed out beneath the bedding. While attending to her, Xue Baochai could