After these days of hardship, Shi Yuanyuan's life under that renowned teacher was truly miserable.
The tutor was renowned for his scholarship, but even more famous for his strictness towards his students. Many wealthy families had invited him to teach, but in the end, they all sent him back for various reasons. The reason was simply that his teaching methods were too peculiar. For example, practicing the character "一" (one) required him to practice it a thousand times a day, and it had to be perfectly beautiful, otherwise he would be punished with a ruler; similarly, when reading aloud, an article had to be read with emotion, otherwise he would be punished by standing for an entire day.
Everyone admired this tutor's knowledge and considered it an honor to have him tutor in their household. But later, only admiration remained. Most who had hired him never asked him a second time, and of course, they never mentioned his teaching methods, only saying they were too advanced for their children to keep up. Therefore, despite his reputation, this tutor lived in somewhat dire straits. Xiang Wan extended an olive branch to him, which conveniently solved his immediate problem and allowed him to use his skills freely. This gentleman was also stubborn, and he truly indulged Shi Yuanyuan in his own way.
Oh, by the way, this interesting gentleman is named Su Donglai, which means "purple aura coming from the east." She didn't know about this Mr. Donglai originally; it was only after she specifically instructed Xiaotuan to invite the best tutor that this silly girl was persuaded to invite the most 'famous' tutor. And indeed, he perfectly suited her taste.
The servants, who had previously envied Shi Yuanyuan, all fell silent after witnessing Mr. Su's teaching methods.
With Shi Yuanyuan no longer able to cause trouble, Xiang Wan focused most of her energy on arranging affairs within the manor. Shi Liefeng helped her with the accounting every day, but there was no progress yet. These two hadn't seen each other for over ten days, and if she were to stir things up between them, she wondered who would get burned—she was quite looking forward to it.
After everyone left, Shi Liefeng made an excuse to go out. Xiang Wan didn't stop him, but deliberately gave him a shy smile before he left and said, "Liefeng, come back early after you're done. I'll be waiting for you."
Shi Liefeng nodded stiffly, turned and walked out. Fu Quan hesitated for a moment, glanced at Xiang Wan, and quickly followed after her after she nodded.
Shi Yuanyuan hid outside the courtyard gate, taking in everything. The anger in her eyes was almost tangible.
See? See? The angrier they are, the better. Xiang Wan had already noticed Shi Yuanyuan, but she didn't point it out. She took Xiao Yuan and Xiao Tuan to Master Li's place.
Xuan Yuanlan was taking Li Yuanwai's pulse when she saw Xiang Wan coming over. She nodded to her and then prescribed medicine for Li Yuanwai.
"Dad, how are you feeling?"
Xiang Wan helped Master Li sit down at the table and poured him a cup of tea.
"Your father is in good health, what could possibly happen to me?"
"That's right. With Master here, Father will definitely be alright."
"You silly girl, you never come here unless you have a reason. So, what do you want?"
"Oh my, Dad, you're like a mind reader, you know everything I'm thinking."
"Go away, you're never serious."
"But this time, I'm not looking for you. I need to borrow my master for a while. Father, you don't mind, do you?"
"What are you talking about? She's your master. If you want to find her, go find her yourself. Why are you nagging me?"
“Hehe,” Xiang Wan grinned and said, “Then I’ll take Master away.”
"Go away, go away. You don't even tell your father what's wrong. I've raised you for nothing."
"Father, your daughter is going to do great things, how can she ask you for help with everything? Don't worry, I won't tear down the Li family mansion."
Master Li shook his head with a wry smile, watching Xiang Wan and Xuan Yuanlan walk out hand in hand, looking remarkably like a mother and daughter.
"What am I thinking?" Master Li slapped his forehead, realizing how absurd his thoughts were. He immediately got up and went to the ancestral hall to burn incense for his deceased wife.
Xiang Wan pulled Xuan Yuanlan to the corner, looked around, and asked mysteriously, "Master, do you have that kind of medicine?"
"Which kind? Poison, tonic, or a drug that makes life worse than death?"
"Huh? Master, you have medicine that makes life worse than death?"
Xuan Yuanlan slapped Xiang Wan on the head and said irritably, "I am a doctor, not some crooked practitioner. You girl, you really dare to ask for anything."
Xiang Wan touched her head, looking somewhat dejected, and said, "I thought there would be a pleasant surprise, but it turned out to be a disappointment. How sad."
"Don't be so sentimental, just tell me, what do you want?"
Xiang Wan glanced at Xuan Yuanlan and asked in a slightly embarrassed voice, "That's right, Master, do you have any medicine that makes men lose interest in everyone?"
"Inability to achieve erectile dysfunction?"
"Mmm." Xiang Wan nodded hurriedly, her eyes shining as she looked at Xuan Yuanlan.
"It's that simple?"
Xiang Wan was taken aback, but immediately realized what she meant and added, "If there were a medicine that could make someone burn like fire, that would be even better."
Xuan Yuanlan just looked at Xiang Wan without saying yes or no, which made Xiang Wan quite embarrassed.
"Hehe, Master, if you have any, give me some, and I'll definitely pay you back later."
"Pay back? Can you afford to pay back? These medicines of mine are all unique; no one but me can make them."
"Then—" Xiang Wan checked her index finger and said cautiously, "How about I make it for you after Master teaches me?"
With a "smack," Xiang Wan received another tap on the head, making her wince in pain.
"You little rascal, you're getting the benefits and you're still acting innocent."
Upon hearing this, Xiang Wan thought that Xuan Yuanlan would not agree to her request. Just as she was about to speak again, she heard her say, "Fine, you're the one I like. I'm afraid I won't find any other disciples in this lifetime. However, if you slack off while learning medicine from me, don't blame me for using you as a guinea pig."
"Yes, I definitely won't slack off," Xiang Wan promised confidently.
A glint flashed in Xuan Yuanlan's eyes. She turned and went into the house. When she came out, she handed two porcelain bottles to Xiang Wan and explained to her how to use them and the dosage.
Xiang Wan was extremely excited. After saying goodbye to Xuan Yuanlan, she took the porcelain bottle and returned to her room to start planning for the evening.
Just as Shi Liefeng was about to enter, Xiang Wan realized that Xuan Yuanlan, who prided herself on being a doctor, would have these two kinds of medicine. Could there be some hidden story behind this? She didn't have time to think about it. She instructed Xiao Tuan to bring over some wine and dishes and sat down at the table to wait for Shi Liefeng to arrive.
Shi Liefeng arrived late and, upon entering, saw Xiang Wan staring intently at him. He walked over without changing his expression.
Xiang Wan poured him a glass of wine and said, "Lie Feng, it's been quite a few days since we've had a drink together. How about we have a few drinks today?"
Shi Liefeng looked at Xiang Wan, but neither took the wine glass nor answered.
"Lie Feng?" Xiang Wan called him again.
Shi Liefeng chuckled and said with a hint of amusement, "My dear wife, are you planning to get me drunk?"
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