Chapter 990: The Peasant Girl’s Splendid Manor
Chapter 990: Confrontation (3)
County Princess Fuyun had not expected that on the matter Mo Yan had deliberately concealed, her words would seem so sincere that she couldn’t help but lend them some credence. “To be conferred the title of County Princess by your imperial elder brother—you truly are extraordinary! Not only did you produce high-yield rice to benefit the people, but you also practice medicine. If your master can confidently send you here, your medical skills must rival, if not equal, those of the imperial physicians at the Imperial Medical Office. Now tell me, what exactly is Ping’an’s condition?”
Though her words appeared to heap praise upon Mo Yan, they were nothing more than a trap. The physicians of the Imperial Medical Office had all been carefully selected through numerous trials, and even if they were not the very best in the land, they far surpassed the abilities of most civilian doctors. Should County Princess Fuyun’s words spread, Mo Yan would be in serious trouble.
Mo Yan maintained a calm expression and replied candidly, “Your Highness, you flatter me. I have been practicing medicine for less than a year and have only learned how to take pulses. I haven’t even progressed to prescribing medications independently. How could I possibly contend with the imperial physicians in skill?”
By openly admitting her inexperience, Mo Yan deftly deflected the princess’s calculated snare. She hadn’t anticipated that County Princess Fuyun’s mind was so narrow; just by coming to treat Cui Ping’an in the Cui residence—even without any personal enmity—she managed to set such an elaborate trap. Her heart went out even more to Cui Ping’an.
County Princess Fuyun had not expected Mo Yan to admit in front of Old Madam Cui and the other Cui family women that her skills were lacking. If she were indeed so unskilled yet still ventured out to treat patients, wouldn’t that risk making a hash of the treatment and incur the wrath of the Cui family? Then again, she recalled that this young woman was not only a County Princess but also destined to have an exceptionally promising husband. Such recklessness could very well embolden her.
As though perceiving Fuyun’s thoughts, Mo Yan gave a sly smile. She deliberately restrained herself, although a trace of arrogance still shone in her eyes. “Originally, my master intended for another physician to come, but Hejia was so curious about Young Master Cui’s condition that he took over the matter. I only ask that neither the princess nor Old Madam Cui hold my inexperience against me.”
Being young and only recently having begun her study of medicine, Mo Yan was already presumed by County Princess Fuyun to be lacking in skill. Now, with every word she uttered, she seemingly dispelled any pretense of deceit. Fuyun truly believed Mo Yan wouldn’t dare lie before her. In her mind, that simply confirmed her suspicions: someone so young without a proper upbringing—who rose suddenly from a lowly farmer’s daughter to a County Princess and secured an ideal husband—had naturally become haughty.
Convinced by these words, County Princess Fuyun finally relaxed and feigned sincerity as she said, “If your master is willing to relent, then he clearly trusts you. There is no need for you to belittle yourself.”
Playing along to the very end, Mo Yan feigned being astonished by the princess’s compliment, then forced a modest expression. “Your Highness is too kind. Compared to my master, I am far from reaching his level.”
This act not only deceived County Princess Fuyun but also aroused suspicion in Old Madam Cui. Only Cui Qingrou discreetly dabbed her face with a handkerchief, anxious that her barely concealed smile might be noticed by the princess.
Inside the spatial compartment, Xue Tuanzi rolled on the floor laughing. In Mo Yan’s consciousness, he remarked, “Yan Yan, I never imagined you had a flair for acting. In your past life, if you had entered that so-called entertainment circle, your acting could have earned you a little golden statue.”
For an instant, Mo Yan’s expression stiffened before she answered smugly, “Isn’t it because I was forced into this? But I didn’t expect my acting skills to be so superb—I even managed to fool myself, haha!”
“Hmph, you start showing off as soon as you get a little praise. If you can’t even handle this old woman, then both your lives have been a waste.”
Mo Yan felt a surge of irritation, itching to put Xue Tuanzi in her place immediately. However, in the presence of County Princess Fuyun, she had no choice but to control herself so as not to reveal any slip-ups.
(End of Chapter)
.png)
No comments: