The Midwife's Portrait

"Mother, I'm taking Miss Xi to my place. You should take a walk and rest early," the First Madam asked the Old Madam.

"Alright." The old lady watched Lady Zhu and Xu Xi leave, sighed deeply while gazing at the sky, patted Matron Jin's hand and said, "Help me back to my room to rest."

The First Madam led Xu Xi back and dismissed all the maids and servants in the courtyard, leaving only Matron Zhou.

She said to Xu Xi, "It's been a long time, and I was also quite confused at the time, so my impression of her isn't very deep. It might be difficult for us to draw her while trying to recall her."

"It's alright, take your time," Xu Xi said with a smile.

She wouldn't draw based on the memories of the First Madam and Matron Zhou, but rather on the descriptions given by the system. Even if the resulting portrait wasn't a perfect likeness, it would still be eight or nine parts similar.

With Matron Zhou as the main narrator and the First Madam occasionally adding a few words, the two recalled and described the scene, Xu Xi drew it based on their descriptions.

"... Her face was a bit round, her eyes were neither too big nor too small; her nose was also quite ordinary, not very straight, but not flat either, just average." This was Matron Zhou's description.

If Xu Xi were to draw a person based on her description, she would have absolutely no idea how to begin.

For example, Matron Zhou and Matron Li both have ordinary appearances, but the reason why people can recognize them at a glance and not mistake them for each other is naturally because they have their own differences and characteristics.

But in Matron Zhou's description, the two of them might look exactly alike.

The system's description is as follows. "Her round face is similar to Madam Xie's, but her forehead is slightly longer, and her chin isn't as round. Her eyes are somewhat similar to Madam Chen's, but slightly thinner, and there are a few wrinkles at the corners of her eyes..."

Xu Xi reminded her, "They are drawing a younger version of the midwife. You can't judge her based on her current appearance. You need to deduce from her current appearance to her younger self. After I draw the younger midwife, I will draw an older version based on your description."

Based on the descriptions of Matron Zhou and the First Madam, she ended up drawing an elderly version of the midwife's portrait. Wouldn't that arouse suspicion? So this matter really can't be resolved overnight.

Taking a few more detours and putting in a little more effort is never a bad thing.

Thus, with Matron Zhou's stumbling and very vague description, the First Madam's occasional misunderstandings, and the system's precise corrections, Xu Xi finally finished drawing the portrait of the young midwife before nightfall.

"Yes, yes, that's her, that's her!" Matron Zhou exclaimed in surprise as she looked at the portrait Xu Xi handed her. "I knew it! That's exactly what she looks like!"

Xu Xi gave a wry smile.

What does "just looks like this" mean? If we follow Matron Zhou's description, she definitely drew someone else.

"Is this the midwife from fourteen years ago? As people get older, their appearance changes. For example, they might become a little plump, their eyelids might droop a bit, their mouths might turn down, and they might have some wrinkles around their eyes..." Xu Xi began to consciously guide the conversation.

The First Madam looked at Matron Zhou: "Yes. That midwife is about the same age as Matron Zhou. Matron Zhou's appearance has changed somewhat since fourteen years ago."

Matron Zhou touched her face and remained silent.

She felt she was still very young and shouldn't have changed much... right?

Xu Xi also carefully examined Matron Zhou, nodded, and said, "Let's go inside. With this as a base, I can quickly draw a portrait of the midwife's current appearance."

"Isn't it too late?" the First Madam asked hesitantly.

"It's not too late. It'll be quick." Xu Xi waved her hand.

The First Madam then went into the room and had Matron Zhou light several lamps, illuminating the room brightly.

Xu Xi quickly laid out the base image and then drew another portrait based on the previous one and the supplementary information provided by the system. This portrait was of great importance, so she put in extra care. By the time she finished the painting, almost half an hour had passed. Matron Zhou had even taken a nap, and Lady Zhu's eyes were almost closed.

"Alright." She handed the painting to the First Madam, and seeing that the First Madam had instantly regained her senses, she added, "I think that midwife couldn't have just vanished into thin air. She must have had some connections to go somewhere; she wouldn't just run off to a strange place for no reason. After all, she has a family to support. Aunt, if you want to investigate her, why don't you find out what relatives she has, and then take this portrait and search in the direction of her relatives? Even if she changed her name, she can't change her appearance. Investigating this way might be easier to find clues."

"Don't worry, I'll dig three feet into the ground to find her," the First Madam said as if making a vow.

After handing the portrait to the First Madam and receiving that reminder, Xu Xi knew she couldn't interfere any further. Otherwise, even if the midwife was found, the matter wouldn't be resolved due to suspicion directed at her, and she would have wasted her time.

Whether we can find it or not is up to fate.

After washing up at the Tea Tasting Residence, she quickly finished painting Master Kang's portrait before going to bed.

The next morning, she went to pay her respects to the old lady. The old lady specially invited her to stay for breakfast. While eating, the old lady seemed to want to ask about the portrait but hesitated, probably because she wanted to. Xu Xi pretended not to notice and buried herself in her food. After finishing, she pushed her bowl away and said, "Old lady, I'm going to the academy. I still have homework to do today."

The old lady had no choice but to let them go. "Go, be careful on the road."

Xu Xi arrived in Beining County by carriage. Just as she entered the academy, before she could even greet the gatekeeper, the maidservant of Master Kang, whom she had met the day before, came forward. "Miss Xu, my master has sent me to request your painting."

Xu Xi: "..." This old man is too impatient, isn't he? Luckily, she finished the drawing last night, otherwise she wouldn't be able to hand it in today.

She took out the painting tube and handed it to the maid. "Thank you for your help, sister."

The maid thanked her and hurried away with the painting tube.

Xu Xi walked inside for a while, and as she approached the teaching building, she saw another old woman hurrying over. Upon closer inspection, she recognized her as the old woman who served Madam Cui. Xu Xi immediately understood her purpose.

She had originally planned to go to Madam Cui's place at noon to give her a reply, but unexpectedly, Madam Cui couldn't wait any longer.

Xu Xi quickly went to greet her, and before the old woman could speak, she asked with a smile, "Granny, is Teacher Cui already at the academy? I was worried she hadn't arrived yet, and I was just planning to go find her at noon. It's so good that she's at the academy now."

The old woman was taken aback, then a smile appeared on her face. She said, "What a coincidence! My mistress is also looking for you, young lady. If you have nothing else to do, please come with me to see my mistress."

"It's nothing, there's still plenty of time before class starts." Xu Xi said, turning and heading towards the courtyard where Madam Cui was.

As the old woman entered the house, Xu Xi saw Madam Cui sitting by the window looking at something. Hearing the noise, she turned around, and Xu Xi quickly bowed to her, saying, "Xu Xi greets Teacher Cui."