After a joyous and lively New Year, spring quietly approached. In the Yu Residence’s courtyard at the foot of Dongshan Village’s West Mountain, there was a strong scent of medicine. Yingtao had already become the maidservant in charge of the pharmaceutical workshop. The sense of immaturity on her tender face had decreased quite a bit, and she appeared somewhat more dignified.   

Holding a jar of boiled herbal paste, she went through the moon-shaped door that connected the West Courtyard and East Courtyard. She greeted Madam Liu with a smile, and then walked straight into the backyard. 

The matrons, who were gathering early-ripening vegetables in the courtyard, all watched her until she disappeared around the corner. Ergou’s wife clicked her tongue and said, “Sister, is she the maidservant that the General’s Estate sent over to serve Xiaocao? Look at her appearance; she looks even more pampered than the daughter of a humble family in town. With how she looks, can she really work?” 

Auntie Fugui also curled up her lips, “I’ve seen that girl several times, and she’s always dressed up beautifully. She looked even more like a young miss than the young miss! Dahai’s wife, how exactly is that girl? There are...