Chapter 594: Chapter 586: This Daoist Doctor is So Rude!
Jiang Wenliu asked Qin Liuxi to see not an outsider, but his legitimate sister Jiang Wenyan, who married Qiao Ziling, the legitimate eldest grandson of the main branch of Duke Dingguo Mansion.
The Jiang Family too was a family of scholars, all members, regardless of gender, received education. Naturally, Jiang Wenyan was also educated. During her maiden days, she was known as a beautiful and elegant noble lady with talents. After marriage, the couple lived harmoniously. It was only after two years into the marriage that she conceived. However, during pregnancy, her temperament turned irritable and quick-tempered. Despite consulting an Imperial Physician to take her pulse, it is said that women often undergo emotional changes during pregnancy and would get better after childbirth.
Yet, Jiang Wenyan was not like that. After childbirth, her irritable temperament only worsened, frequently losing temper and she also suffered from women’s diseases. Despite treatment from a renowned gynecologist, the problems followed in cycles, consuming medicine all year round, which not only affected her vitality but her dissatisfaction with life also estranged the couple’s relationship.
"Does your brother-in-law have a concubine?" Qin Liuxi asked upon hearing this.
Jiang Wenliu bitterly smiled and said, "Among nobles, it’s rare for men not to take concubines, let alone in a household as large and wealthy as Duke Dingguo’s. Even before my sister married, Qiao Ziling already had concubines. However, because the legitimate wife had not yet given birth, the Duke Mansion still preserved her dignity. Only after my sister gave birth to a legitimate son, did they stop the fertility medicine for concubines and started raising them officially."
Qin Liuxi said, "In this way, your sister’s temper has turned even worse."
Jiang Wenliu nodded, "That’s right, but the concubines in her quarters are quite respectful and honest. One of them was even promoted by her."
"Isn’t your sister being foolish? Isn’t she afraid of raising tigers that could turn on her?" Qin Liuxi clicked his tongue.
Jiang Wenliu sighed, "Women in the inner courtyards sometimes lose their senses. Her back house isn’t exactly peaceful, but it’s not too scandalous either. It’s just her illness never really improves. Although the Imperial Physician in the palace is also an expert, women’s ailments ultimately aren’t as conveniently treated as by a real female doctor. It’s only because you came that I dared to ask this favor. I’m afraid her prolonged illness might damage her nature, risking her losing her husband’s love is one thing, but if she becomes estranged from her own real son, it’s truly a tragic break of human relations."
After listening, Qin Liuxi said, "It sounds somewhat like postpartum depression accumulating in her heart."
"Oh?"
Qin Liuxi explained, "Some women, once pregnant, undergo changes in their bodies that lead to emotional congestion, followed by irrational thoughts. If this congestion remains unresolved, it may, in severe cases, lead to hysteria and even suicidal tendencies."
Jiang Wenliu’s face paled slightly.
Is it that serious?
"So, be a good husband. The woman who bears and raises your children, handles your household, and whose children carry your surname deserves your appreciation. Do not resolve your loneliness while she’s pregnant, it would unjustly hurt your legitimate wife’s heart."
Jiang Wenliu felt his face heating up, he wanted to say he wasn’t married yet, but the other’s words were indeed a reminder.
"However, wherever there are women, there will certainly be strife. Your sister married into a high and mighty family, perhaps she fell into some scheme." Qin Liuxi added.
Jiang Wenliu’s gaze moved away from her hands; nonetheless, you speak as if you’re watching a drama, why bother cracking sunflower seeds?
Da Feng has three Dukes, all of whom followed the previous emperor in establishing the country, and their titles passed down through generations, with only Old Duke Dingguo still alive, a vigorous clan of four generations.
"Usually, scholarly families like yours are reluctant to marry into such noble families, right? If your sister had married a bit lower, her life might have been more peaceful," Qin Liuxi quietly asked Jiang Wenliu as he looked at the vast Duke Mansion.
Jiang Wenliu sighed, "She chose him herself."
Understood, because of love.
The one who came to receive the guest was Jiang Wenyan’s trusted steward, an elderly woman who respectfully performed a greeting before leading the way to the secondary gate.
Although Jiang Wenliu was a younger brother-in-law, visiting his sister and even bringing a reputable doctor to check her was understandable, but he was still an outsider and a junior, and the rules of the Duke Mansion were strict. From both a moral and rational perspective, he had to meet the elders first.
Upon reaching the secondary gate, he saw his brother-in-law, Qiao Ziling, who first introduced Qin Liuxi, letting Qin Liuxi go to his sister’s courtyard, the Begonia Courtyard, while he went with his brother-in-law to pay respects to the elders.
Qin Liuxi walked at an unhurried pace, and upon entering the Begonia Courtyard, he noticed the scenery of the courtyard. The servants all stood obediently to one side, speaking in hushed tones and even tiptoed when walking, showing the strictness of the rules.
There were two maids guarding the entrance to the main room, who announced their arrival inward upon seeing visitors approaching, and footsteps could be heard from inside the room.
Qin Liuxi stood at the entrance of the main room, looking up for a moment, his eyes slightly twinkling.
"Is it the Junior Temple Master who has arrived? My Granny invites you in," a maid dressed in a pink dress and hair styled in a maid’s bun greeted Qin Liuxi with a smiling bow.
Hearing from her uncle, she knew that this was a female crown, now famous in Shengjing and only possible to invite through connections.
Qin Liuxi returned a Taoist greeting to the maid and went inside.
Jiang Wenyan was sitting on an Arhat bed near the south window. Just earlier, she had seen Qin Liuxi’s face through the window, surprised by her young age yet handsome appearance. In truth, though wearing a green robe and pinning her hair with a jade hairpin, her elegance and demeanor still made the young maids in the courtyard blush and sneak peeks at her.
Jiang Wenyan felt inexplicably irritated. These frivolous girls, they can’t control themselves so easily.
Getting irritated, her face reddened slightly, and her body, weakened by lack of food, appeared more frail with scant flesh on her face, making her look somewhat sharp and unpleasant.
Jiang Wenyan felt annoyed and stifled.
Qin Liuxi quickly noted the layout of the outer room, then looked at Jiang Wenyan and smiled.
Jiang Wenyan forced a smile, stood up, and performed a greeting to Qin Liuxi. Despite her irritation, her upbringing taught her never to be rude.
"Junior Temple Master, thank you for making the trip. Please take a seat. Pearl, serve the tea."
Qin Liuxi gracefully sat on one side of the Arhat bed, took a sip from the tea handed to her by the maid, and said, "I came only at the solicitation of Mr. Jiang. There’s no need for Granny to be overly courteous."
Seeing Jiang Wenyan mention her brother, a rare smile appeared on her face. "He is thoughtful, and as his sister, I’m aware. But my illness has persisted for years without improvement. Alas, I wonder if it can ever be cured."
"What are you saying, sister? The Junior Temple Master is skilled in medical arts; she will surely cure you," Jiang Wenliu and Qiao Ziling walked in, lifting the curtain, and disagreed with her statement.
Jiang Wenyan’s eyes reddened slightly.
Seeing this, Jiang Wenliu said, "Junior Temple Master, please check my sister’s pulse."
Qin Liuxi put down her teacup with a smile and said, "No rush. Before checking the pulse, may I first have your permission to look around your bedroom?"
Everyone was stunned and looked at her strangely; inspecting the bedroom, wasn’t that a bit impolite?