My Husband Never Oversteps The Bounds Of Propriety - Chapter 11

Chapter 11: Dangerous Game

The ripples from that day in Qinmei Garden had passed, but the hidden clues and the faint hostility behind them forced Shen Jiuyuan to remain on guard. She knew clearly that the spilled wine was no accident; it was just that the opponent’s methods were still subtle, and the time for a total confrontation had not yet arrived.

Since the other party was still pretending, and believing in leaving a way out for everyone, Shen Jiuyuan acted as if nothing had happened. She continued her daily morning and evening respects at the Meditation Courtyard, her posture as submissive as ever, as if the sharp verbal thrusts and hidden dangers of the plum banquet had never occurred.

However, the pool of the Su Manor would not stop churning just because she remained silent.

One morning, when Shen Jiuyuan went to Baicao Hall to pay respects, she sensed an atmosphere unlike any previous day. Although the Old Madam still sat upright on the Luohan bed, moving her prayer beads, a layer of inescapable fatigue and pain shrouded her brow, and her complexion was paler than usual. When the Old Madam spoke with the crowd, she occasionally furrowed her brow imperceptibly, and her hand resting on the bolster appeared slightly bruised and darkened.

The female relatives in the hall clearly noticed this as well; they all held their breath, not daring to say much. Lady Lin’s brow was heavy with worry, and she hesitated several times to speak.

As the respects were about to conclude, the Old Madam finally waved her hand, her voice carrying a trace of unnoticeable weakness: “Disperse, all of you. My spirit is flagging today; I wish to rest in peace for a while.”

The crowd withdrew as ordered.

Shen Jiuyuan followed Lady Lin out of Baicao Hall. Not far away, the Old Madam’s most capable attendant, Matron Song, hurried after them, her face filled with anxiety as she spoke to Lady Lin:

“Madam, the Old Madam’s migraine has flared up again. The pain is severe. She just took her usual soul-soothing decoction, but it seems to have little effect.”

Lady Lin’s expression changed: “How can this be? Hasn’t she been using Physician Xue’s prescription for regulation? Quickly, send for Physician Xue again!”

Matron Song said with difficulty: “Physician Xue requested leave yesterday to visit relatives in his hometown; he won’t be back for three to five days. People have been sent to invite other famous doctors in the city, but the Old Madam’s symptoms came on so suddenly, I fear ‘distant water cannot put out a nearby fire’…”

Lady Lin was instantly flustered and at a loss. The Old Madam’s migraine was a chronic condition that caused splitting headaches; when severe, it led to vomiting and light sensitivity. Ordinary medicine rarely showed immediate results. Physician Xue was an old hand at treating this; with him gone, there was suddenly no one to take his place.

Shen Jiuyuan listened quietly, her mind racing.

Based on the symptoms, the Old Madam’s migraine seemed to be caused by “hyperactivity of liver yang” and “upward disturbance of wind-phlegm.” In her mother’s journal, there was a detailed record of such ailments, along with an emergency acupuncture method combined with specific acupoint massage that could temporarily alleviate the acute pain.

However, if she stepped forward now, the risk was immense. If she succeeded, she would further gain the Old Madam’s favor and even change her own situation. But if there was even a slight mistake, it would lead to total ruin.

Just as Lady Lin and Matron Song were anxiously discussing whether to request a senior imperial physician, Shen Jiuyuan took a step forward, performed a formal bow, and spoke in a clear, steady voice:

“Mother, Matron Song, Grandmother’s illness has flared up, and I am consumed with worry. I have a method that might temporarily ease Grandmother’s pain.”

Hearing this, both Lady Lin and Matron Song froze and looked at her.

“You?” Lady Lin’s brow furrowed tightly, her tone carrying deep suspicion. “What are you trying to do now? Even imperial physicians must handle your grandmother’s illness with caution; is it something you can interfere with recklessly?” After the incident at the plum banquet, Lady Lin truly did not want more complications.

Although Matron Song did not speak, her eyes were also full of doubt and disapproval.

Shen Jiuyuan met Lady Lin’s scrutinizing gaze without flinching. Her tone remained calm but carried a quiet confidence: “Mother, allow me to explain. This method of mine does not use medicine but stems from ancient acupuncture and massage. It focuses solely on specific acupoints to clear the meridians, calm the liver, and extinguish the ‘wind.’

There is no risk of invading the internal organs. I have used this method to relieve similar acute conditions in the matrons by my side. Grandmother is suffering right now; I am willing to try my best. If it is ineffective, I am willing to accept any punishment.”

By highlighting the words “ancient method,” “acupuncture and massage,” and “no risk of invasion,” she lowered Lady Lin’s resistance while making a formal pledge to show her determination.

Lady Lin was still hesitating, but Matron Song looked at Shen Jiuyuan’s eyes, which were as still as water. She remembered the startling effect when she treated Su-luo that night, thought that Jiuyuan did indeed know some medical theory, and heard the Old Madam’s suppressed moans from the inner chamber. Steeling herself, she whispered to Lady Lin:

“Madam, this old servant sees that the Eldest Young Grandmother is not one for empty words. Now that Physician Xue is away and it will take time for other physicians to arrive, the Old Madam is truly in pain… why not let the Eldest Young Grandmother try? I will watch closely from the side; if anything is amiss, we will stop immediately.”

Seeing that the Old Madam was indeed suffering terribly and that further delay would only be more agonizing—and seeing that Jiuyuan appeared certain and had proven herself not to be a reckless person over the past few days Lady Lin followed the suggestion:

“Very well, Jiuyuan. We will let you try to take a look, but you must be exceptionally careful. There must not be the slightest error.”

“Your daughter-in-law understands.” Shen Jiuyuan bowed, then said to Matron Song, “Please prepare a cup of clear wine, a clean white cloth, and fetch my red sandalwood medical box.”

The items were quickly gathered. After washing her hands, Shen Jiuyuan opened the medical box. What she took out were not pills, but a small sheepskin roll. When unrolled, it revealed dozens of gold needles as fine as cow hair, shimmering with a cold light. She also took out a box of crisp-scented ointment.

Inside the inner chamber of Baicao Hall, the brocade curtains were lowered, and the light was dim. The Old Madam lay on the couch, her eyes tightly shut, cold sweat drenching her forehead. She was pressing her temples hard with her fingers, letting out suppressed gasps. Shen Jiuyuan dismissed the unnecessary people, leaving only Lady Lin and Matron Song by her side.

She approached the bedside and said softly: “Grandmother, your granddaughter-in-law Jiuyuan is here to perform acupuncture to relieve your pain. There may be a slight soreness; please relax.”

The Old Madam opened her eyes slightly in her pain, glanced at Shen Jiuyuan, and then closed them weakly in a sign of permission.

Shen Jiuyuan stilled her mind and steadied her breath. Her fingertips picked up a gold needle, passed it through the flame of the wine lamp, and focused on the Old Madam’s Baihui, Fengchi, and Taiyang points on her head, as well as the Hegu point on her hand. She inserted them steadily, accurately, gently, and quickly.

Her series of movements were like flowing water, carrying a strange sense of rhythm as if she had practiced them thousands of times. Lady Lin and Matron Song were so nervous they didn’t dare to breathe, staring intently at every move she made. With every insertion of a gold needle, the Old Madam’s body trembled slightly.

Shen Jiuyuan’s fingertips either twisted or flicked the needles, using the special techniques recorded in her mother’s journal to clear the stagnant blood and qi. Afterward, she applied the ointment and massaged the meridians of the Old Madam’s head and neck with just the right amount of pressure.

Time passed slowly. The inner chamber grew so quiet that only the light breathing of the people could be heard. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the Old Madam’s tightly furrowed brow actually began to relax, her hands clutching her temples gradually loosened, and her breathing became steady and long. Although she had not fully awakened, the obvious signs of agony had mostly subsided.

“This… it’s truly effective?” Lady Lin spoke in disbelief, the look in her eyes toward Shen Jiuyuan changing completely. Within them was shock, suspicion, and awe.

Matron Song was even more moved, her eyes turning red as she said: “The Buddha protects us! The Old Madam looks much better!”

Shen Jiuyuan gently removed the needles and wiped the fine sweat from the Old Madam’s brow with the white cloth. Only then did she straighten up and whisper to Lady Lin and Matron Song:

“Grandmother’s meridians are temporarily cleared, and the ‘liver wind’ has stilled slightly. The pain will be eased for a couple of hours. She still needs quiet rest. When the physician arrives, let him use medicine to consolidate the progress.”

Shen Jiuyuan’s voice was calm, but her forehead was covered in a thin layer of sweat from her intense concentration, and her face was somewhat pale. This set of acupuncture techniques was extremely draining on the spirit.

Lady Lin glanced at her, appearing to have much to say but not knowing where to begin. Moreover, in front of Matron Song, she did not want to show too much emotion. She merely said flatly: “You have worked hard. Go back and rest; we will take care of things here.”

Shen Jiuyuan withdrew as ordered, her steps steady as she walked out of Baicao Hall alone. Upon returning to Yuanlan Pavilion and dismissing her attendants, she allowed herself to lean against the soft couch and let out a long breath. Her back was actually soaked with cold sweat. That moment just now was no different from dancing on the edge of a blade.

However, Shen Jiuyuan knew she had made the right move.

Sure enough, before noon, the news that the Old Madam had awakened and her headache was greatly relieved spread throughout the Su Manor. Along with it came a subtle shift in the attitudes of each branch.

The gift of thanks sent by the Second Mistress, Lady Wang, was even more generous. Even the Third Mistress, Lady Zhao, sent someone with a box of precious red bird’s nest. When the servants saw Shen Jiuyuan, they bowed even deeper, their eyes filled with awe and curiosity.

More importantly, at dusk, Su Jin stepped into Yuanlan Pavilion once again.

He was still dressed in dark, casual clothes, tall and aloof. But this time, Su Jin did not stand at the door; he walked inside, his gaze landing on Shen Jiuyuan as she read by the window, his expression deep and difficult to read.

“Regarding today’s matter, thank you.” Su Jin spoke. His voice was still flat, but it lacked the deliberate detachment of the previous times, replaced by a measure of scrutiny and inquiry.

Shen Jiuyuan set down her book and rose to bow: “Husband overstates. Fulfilling filial piety for Grandmother is my duty.”

Su Jin took a few steps closer. As the distance closed, Shen Jiuyuan could more clearly smell the crisp scent of gladiolus on him. His gaze lingered on her face for a moment, as if he wanted to see through her calm eyes to find out what kind of person she truly was.

“You understand medical theory and are skilled in acupuncture. Did the Shen family actually teach these things?” Su Jin asked suddenly, his tone unreadable.

Shen Jiuyuan’s heart tightened slightly, but she showed no change on her face. “In reply to Husband, my mother was frail for many years. ‘Long-term illness makes a doctor’; I attended to her while she was ill and learned a little through what I saw and heard. As for acupuncture, it was by chance that I was taught by a traveling matron. I only learned some basic emergency methods and dare not claim to be skilled.”

She attributed everything to her mother and a traveling matron logical and leaving no room for suspicion.

Su Jin was silent for a moment and did not press further. He merely said: “Regarding Grandmother’s matter, everyone in the manor is grateful to you. In the future, if you have difficulties, you may send someone to the study to find me.” Having said that, he gave her a deep look and turned to leave.

Does this count as… recognition?

Shen Jiuyuan watched Su Jin leave, her fingertips lightly brushing the pages of her book. She knew that from this moment on, her situation in the Su Manor had changed. She was no longer that substitute bride who could be ignored or despised at will; she had used her own ability to pry open a crack.

However, “fortune is where misfortune hides.” The medical skills she revealed today were a protective talisman, but they could also become a death warrant. Su Jin’s words, “you may send someone to the study to find me,” seemed to offer convenience, but weren’t they also placing her in an even more prominent position?

Shen Jiuyuan walked to the window, looking at the wax plums in the courtyard that appeared even more tranquil in the twilight. Gold needles can cross over disasters, but they can also invite trouble. She knew that everything could be a double-edged sword, and some crises could come knocking at any time. Therefore, she could not afford any negligence.

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