"Lei Ying is grateful to Sister Xiuxiu for saving my life."

Lei Ying earnestly knelt down to express her gratitude. She had previously thanked the master, and she must also thank Zhong Xiuxiu.

"There’s no need to be formal. Get up, get up. We’re close sisters and fellow students, helping each other is only natural."

Zhong Xiuxiu felt a pang seeing how much thinner Lei Ying had become: "You must quickly regain your strength. The master said there will be opportunities to enter the palace."

"Yes, I understand, I will certainly strive hard."

The Imperial Palace, she was determined to enter!

Ever since learning she would enter the palace, Madam Lei had already changed her attitude towards her.

So, the only thing that can save you is your own diligence and hard work. Only by relying on yourself will you not be taken advantage of; only then won’t you be treated as an object and given away.

"By the way, you mentioned that your aunt has chronic knee pain?" Zhong Xiuxiu asked, "Haven’t we learned a lot about medicine? Why don’t you help your aunt with her treatment?"

Currently, Zhong Xiuxiu was practically the household’s physician. Even when Madam Zhong had a minor ailment, she would inform Zhong Xiuxiu and have her diagnose it.

Initially, Zhong Xiuxiu was hesitant to diagnose, yet Madam Zhong encouraged her.

"Silly child, if you never practice medicine, how will you know if you’re capable?" Madam Zhong lovingly advised her, "You must confidently treat and if uncertain, consult the master. The master will definitely value diligent disciples."

Her words awakened Zhong Xiuxiu, who bravely began diagnosing.

She found herself becoming increasingly confident in diagnosing illnesses within the household.

"It’s not that I didn’t want to diagnose; it’s because my aunt’s monthly allowance was deducted. In winter, there’s not even silver to buy coal for Aunt’s courtyard, so my monthly allowance must also support Aunt’s survival, leaving nothing to buy medicinal herbs."

The household had a storeroom, but most of its medicinal herbs were precious, and it was impossible for a concubine and mistress to access them.

Indeed, it’s hard to cook without rice.

"You should inform your Madam..."

Zhong Xiuxiu recalled making medicinal pills for Zhong Xiuyao, "Tell your Madam that these were taught by the master at the academy—they can nourish vitality and help sleep soundly..."

Once you have the medicinal herbs, what pills to make is up to you, and then you can treat your aunt.

"Sister Xiuxiu, you’re truly so clever."

"I’m not particularly clever, just a bit luckier than you. Our household’s madam is quite understanding and accommodating to my requests."

Back then when she proposed to make pills for Zhong Xiuyao, Madam Zhong promptly agreed.

Had it been Madam Lei, it probably wouldn’t have happened.

Zhong Xiuxiu also stood out for her wisdom, knowing how to leverage situations.

Chun Nuan was someone even distinguished ladies in the Capital struggled to connect with, yet they could see her daily. Whenever any trouble arose, the master would intervene.

Lei Ying was grateful beyond words for Zhong Xiuxiu’s guidance.

Indeed, upon returning home, Aunt came to accompany her.

"Aunt, your leg..."

"It’s nothing, just an old ailment."

Aunt softly said, "Second Miss, since you’ve been given this opportunity, study diligently and fulfill your duties. If you eventually marry into a good family, Aunt can rest in peace, even in death."

"Aunt, we won’t dwell on death. We’ll live well."

Lei Ying felt a twinge of bitterness: "Aunt, once I fulfill my duties, I’ll receive a monthly allowance, and I will certainly honor you."

"Good, good, Aunt’s happiness lies in your well-being."

Just as she was speaking, a maid announced the Madam’s arrival.

"Daughter greets Mother."

"Concubine greets Madam."

"Stand up," Madam Lei asked Lei Ying, "When will you enter the palace?"

Madam Lei, regaining her composure, wondered if Chun Nuan was deceiving her, offering a delaying tactic.

"The master said there are six more months of study, followed by six months of apprenticeship before entering the palace."

"Well then, among so many children in our house, you have the most promising future."

"It’s because of Madam’s excellent guidance," Lei Ying, heeding Zhong Xiuxiu’s advice, knew how to speak to please the matron.

"See, it’s important to learn more often. Look at Erya, previously she seldom spoke, but now she speaks so well."

Madam Lei smiled, speaking to the concubine standing nearby: "Your belly indeed was blessed, birthing such a well-behaved daughter."

"It’s all thanks to Madam’s excellent guidance—she’s Madam’s daughter."

Aunt didn’t dare claim credit.

No matter whose offspring it was, they had to call her Mother; she owned all rights to the children.

Concubines and chambermaids were mere servants without a fraction of their children’s dignity.