The Capital is like a circle; everyone is aware of any slight disturbance in any family.

On the surface, it seems harmonious, but secretly, people are watching for scandals.

The incident with Third Miss Zhong at the Zhong Mansion quickly became known.

"Sister Xiuxiu, did Third Sister Zhong really go to the Lin Mansion to become a concubine?"

The one close to Zhong Xiuxiu is the Second Miss from the Lei Mansion, who is also from a concubine line.

Moreover, her own mother is not favored. When the decision was made to send someone to the Chunshan Women’s Medical College to study medicine, Lei Ying immediately volunteered.

Her thought was simple: Since even the Empress Dowager is encouraging women to study medicine, perhaps some female doctors will be chosen to enter the palace.

The fate of a concubine’s daughter is usually to be married off as a concubine. Mothers from a concubine line are tormented by their mistresses all their lives; she did not want to live such a life even for a day.

To her, death would be better than being a concubine.

Therefore, when the well-renowned Zhong Xiuyao was sent to the Lin Mansion to serve an old man, all the concubine’s daughters in the Capital felt a tug at their hearts.

Even having a reputation couldn’t change her fate; on the contrary, it became a death sentence driving her to become a concubine.

"Sister Xiuxiu, I’m somewhat scared."

Lei Ying clutched Zhong Xiuxiu’s hand tightly: "Do you think, if that day ever comes, I could perhaps mix some medicine to end my life?"

"Don’t be foolish."

Zhong Xiuxiu was shocked: "Life is hard to obtain and even harder to live fully. Since we have been given life, we must make the most of it."

"Being someone else’s concubine, serving old men like Third Miss Zhong, how can one live well?"

"That’s why we must study medicine well, become female doctors who save lives, then perhaps... our fates won’t be as grim."

Zhong Xiuxiu said this because Madam Zhong truly isn’t a person with a wicked heart or cruel hands.

Just looking at the dowry properties she prepared for Third Sister shows she sympathized with her situation and paved a path for her to have an easier time at the Lin Mansion.

Moreover, she also strategized for her legitimate elder sister, helping her realize her wish to get pregnant. Both her legitimate mother and elder sister had promised to find her a good marriage prospect.

Although it wouldn’t be great, it definitely wouldn’t follow Third Sister’s old path.

"Sister Xiuxiu, do you think the palace will want female doctors to enter?"

"I’m not sure, but opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared. As long as we study well, maybe one day it will happen."

"Yes, Sister Xiuxiu, I will definitely study hard with the teacher. I aim to learn well; I want to enter the palace as a female doctor. I refuse to be a concubine, even if it means never marrying; I won’t endure such a living hell."

Zhong Xiuxiu noticed Lei Ying trembling at the thought of being a concubine, which piqued her curiosity.

"Your mother?"

"I..."

Tears welled up in Lei Ying’s eyes, but she dared not speak, only shaking her head repeatedly.

Zhong Xiuxiu was perceptive enough to realize at a glance that Lei Ying’s mother must be living a life worse than death.

Looking at Lei Ying’s delicate face, Zhong Xiuxiu had a bad premonition.

Indeed, having a pretty face is not an advantage for a concubine’s daughter.

Sure enough, within two months, Lei Ying suddenly stopped attending classes at Chunshan Women’s College.

She didn’t come for a day, and no notice was given.

For the second day, she still didn’t come... Thinking of her previous words, Zhong Xiuxiu began to worry about her.

"Xiuxiu, what’s wrong? Today you seem a bit absent-minded."

Chun Nuan noticed that among the group of official daughters, the most diligent were Zhong Xiuxiu and Lei Ying. Originally, she expected both to become outstanding students, but unexpectedly, Lei Ying hadn’t come for two days, and now Zhong Xiuxiu was also distracted.

"Teacher, I have something to report to you."

"Speak."

"Teacher..."

Seeing Zhong Xiuxiu looking around, Chun Nuan understood she had something private to discuss.

"Come to my study."

Upon entering the study, Zhong Xiuxiu knelt before Chun Nuan.

"Teacher, please save Lei Ying."

"What happened?"

"Teacher, about two months ago, Lei Ying told me she was afraid of being sent away as a concubine," Zhong Xiuxiu explained. "She once mentioned she would rather prepare medicine for herself to end her life than become a concubine, teacher..."

"Are you sure?"

"Teacher, both Lei Ying and I share the wish to study medicine well, to save lives," Zhong Xiuxiu replied. "Lei Ying even dreamed that if the palace ever needed female doctors, she could be chosen. She is determined to study medicine and would never skip class lightly."

The only reason to skip class would be if the Lei Mansion forbade her from studying.

"You’re right; the palace does intend to select a few female doctors."

Chun Nuan said, "Since you believe Lei Ying is in danger, go on my behalf. If there’s indeed a problem, I’ll step in then."

"Thank you, teacher."

Zhong Xiuxiu was deeply grateful.

"I’ve said before, since you’re my students, I will protect you."

Chun Nuan was all too aware of the predicament concubine’s daughters faced in the Capital.

They couldn’t control their fate; being born as a concubine’s child wasn’t their choice, yet they always ended up as sacrifices.

Therefore, the fact that the Xiao Mansion and Zhao Mansion have no concubines and no children born from them is truly a blessing.

Zhong Xiuxiu received instructions from her teacher and specifically had the carriage head to the Lei Mansion after school.

Mr. Lei’s official rank is one level lower than Mr. Zhong’s. Although he wasn’t pleased with Zhong Xiuxiu’s visit, he had no choice and had to politely invite her into the mansion.

"Miss Lei?"

In front of Lei Ying, Zhong Xiuxiu could hardly believe her eyes. The previously vibrant and youthful girl had completely changed: "What happened to you? Are you ill somewhere? The teacher sent me to check on you."

"Sister Xiuxiu..."

Seeing Zhong Xiuxiu, Lei Ying had a thousand words she wanted to say to her, but with the maid sent by her stepmother beside her, she didn’t dare utter a single word.

"Are you ill? Let me check your pulse."

"Why are you so weak, haven’t you eaten?"

"Miss can’t eat," the maid Hong’er said with red eyes: "Miss hasn’t eaten for two days, hasn’t drunk a drop of water, nor eaten a grain of rice."

"I can’t tell what illness it is," Zhong Xiuxiu said: "You should go study medicine tomorrow, the teacher is so skilled, she can definitely save you."

Upon hearing Zhong Xiuxiu’s words, Lei Ying widened her eyes.

"The teacher specifically asked me to check on you; she said if there’s an illness I can’t resolve, she’d personally diagnose you, otherwise it would tarnish her reputation."

Zhong Xiuxiu’s words held hidden meanings, Lei Ying understood the nuances but couldn’t believe such happiness existed.

Would the teacher really intervene for her?

Moreover, this is Lei Mansion’s family affair, how could the teacher intervene?

"Should you go for a consultation with the teacher tomorrow?"

"I’m sorry, Fifth Miss Zhong, my young lady is weak and can’t leave the house."

"So, does this mean the teacher needs to come personally to diagnose Miss Lei?"

Upon hearing the maid’s obstruction, Zhong Xiuxiu understood the situation.

This old maid, truly vile!

"If your teacher is willing to come, that would be even better."

Listen, how despicable this old maid is.

"We’ll see if Lei Mansion has such capability," Zhong Xiuxiu said coldly: "My teacher treats people in the Capital, all of them are nobles from the palace. It seems that Lei Mansion’s doors are as noble as those of the palace."

"Certainly not, this old maid didn’t say that."

Upon hearing, this old maid knew something was wrong.

Meaning that Lei Mansion was overstepping.

Lei Mansion’s female members dared to receive treatment like those in the palace.

She wouldn’t admit to such a thing even if beaten to death.

"Miss Lei is a student of the Academy, students getting sick, it’s natural for the teacher to diagnose them," Zhong Xiuxiu looked sarcastically at this fool: "I tell Miss Lei to visit the Academy tomorrow for a consultation, yet you say she can’t leave the house, isn’t it just wanting the teacher to visit in person?"

"No, the old maid’s meaning is our Second Young Lady isn’t so noble, not worth troubling the teacher."

"How is she not noble?" Zhong Xiuxiu looked at this old hag, thinking the Lei Mansion truly lacked discipline. If such a troublesome servant appeared in the Zhong Mansion, she could directly give twenty lashes before informing the stepmother: "She is the Second Young Lady of Lei Mansion, she’s also the first class student of Chunshan Women’s Medical College, the teacher’s first batch disciple, the teacher regards each disciple as her own daughter, now you say noble or not?"

"The nobility of Miss Lei is beyond what someone of your status can compare to," Zhong Xiuxiu said: "I was sent by the teacher to see Miss Lei. If you don’t send her to Chunshan Academy tomorrow, then you must explain yourselves to the teacher."

Zhong Xiuxiu was certain Lei Ying’s poor health was caused by her refusal to eat, and the teacher said she’d intervene.

Everything waits for tomorrow.

Yet, the next day, Lei Mansion didn’t send Lei Ying out.

"Teacher, the situation is this..."

Zhong Xiuxiu was anxious, if this drags on, Lei Ying might die, either beaten to death by Lei Mansion or starved.

She didn’t want to lose such a good sister.

"Someone, prepare the carriage, I’m going to Lei Mansion personally."

"Teacher, thank you for your life-saving grace."

Zhong Xiuxiu was moved to tears, how fortunate, finally there’s someone in this world who regards them as human.

Yes, their concubine mothers might feel empathetic and love them, but due to their low status, they couldn’t protect them.

Yet the teacher is different, she’s the physician most trusted by the palace nobles.

Someone who navigates close to palace nobles can surely save Lei Ying.

"Student pays respects to the teacher."

Lei Ying had been starving for three days, already feeling dizzy and faint.

When she saw Chun Nuan arrive, she could hardly believe her eyes.

But she truly saw her teacher come.

"Don’t stand on ceremony, lie down quickly."

Chun Nuan checked her pulse and knew it was indeed due to not eating.

This child, how foolish, using her own body to bear the errors given by others.

"Go prepare some rice soup for your young lady, add a bit of salt, then get another bowl with some broth."

Two bowls of rice soup consumed.