Just as the maid was pouring the tea, Sang Wan personally held out the cup and offered, "This is Young Master’s favorite pre-rain Longjing tea, please have some, Young Master!"
"Enough!" Shi Fengju’s inner irritation suddenly surged, and in a fit of anger he waved his hand, but inadvertently knocked over the tea cup, spilling scalding tea onto Sang Wan’s hand. Sang Wan let out a cry too late to let go, and in an instant, her left hand and slender, spring bamboo shoot-like fingers turned bright red.
"Madam!" The maids exclaimed in shock and hurried forward to support her.
Shi Fengju was also stunned, feeling a pang in his heart at the sight of Sang Wan’s red hand and her trembling delicate form. He quickly stood up, holding her hand and said, "Does it hurt? Why are you still standing there? Quickly get the ointment, what are you waiting for!"
Xingzhi quickly agreed and rushed to the inner chamber to get it. Mrs. Li hurriedly instructed someone to fetch cold water and a towel, and Liu Ya supported Sang Wan, her heart aching for her, inevitably giving Shi Fengju a covert glare.
"Miss Wan, I—" Shi Fengju wanted to apologize, but the words "I’m sorry" reached his lips and he couldn’t say them. He gently held her hand, "Does it hurt a lot? It’s all my fault!"
"It’s alright! It will be better once it’s treated with medicine," Sang Wan gently pushed his hand away, and forced a smile, "It was Miss Wan’s own carelessness, it has nothing to do with the Young Master! Hong Ye, serve another bowl of tea for the Young Master. You sit first, Young Master; I’ll go apply some medicine." Saying this, she went with Liu Ya into the warm pavilion, and Xingzhi, who had gotten the ointment, and the little maids with cold water, all went in as well.
Shi Fengju’s gaze grew cold and tense, his heart filled with both pain and anger! The tears were turning in his eyes, his face going white without any sign of temper, still the same demeanor! What exactly is she trying to do!
"Young Master, please have some tea..." Sensing the danger unconsciously, Hong Ye cautiously offered the tray.
Shi Fengju abruptly stood up, his cold, low voice commanded, "Get out!"
Hong Ye was startled and quickly bowed her head and retreated to the side, not daring to make a sound, and all the little maids held their breath and were silent.
Shi Fengju forcefully parted the curtains and entered the warm pavilion, where Mrs. Li was instructing Liu Ya to wipe Sang Wan’s hand with a wet towel. The ointment was placed on the bedstand; it had not yet been applied.
"Everyone, leave!" Shi Fengju said coldly.
All at once, everyone stiffened, glancing between Shi Fengju and Sang Wan, uncertain of what to do.
"Wet nurse," Mrs. Li had just begun to speak with a smile but was interrupted by Shi Fengju, "All of you, leave!"
"But Madam’s hand hasn’t been treated with the medicine yet! The servant will leave after applying the medicine to Madam," Mrs. Li said with a smile.
"Leave, I said!" Shi Fengju was unyielding.
"You all go ahead! I’m no longer in pain, please go!" Sang Wan hurriedly exclaimed with a smile.
With no other choice, everyone withdrew.
What on earth are these two quarreling about now? Mrs. Li couldn’t help but worry and gave Sang Wan a glance before she left the warm pavilion. She shooed all the maids out into the main hall, and along with Liu Ya and Xingzhi, they stood guard outside the pavilion, ready to enter promptly should there be any disturbance inside.
Shi Fengju, with a stern face, sat down in front of Sang Wan, and took her hand that was burned bright red. Several blisters had formed on her delicate fingers, and some parts of her hand had peeled skin. Her slender, white jade-like hands appeared extremely pitiful with the pinkish flesh.
Sang Wan gently struggled but in vain, and had to let him hold it as she lowered her head.
"Does it hurt?" Shi Fengju asked softly.
How could it not hurt? If it didn’t hurt, then why don’t you try! That sharp, burning sensation was still sending throbbing waves of pain. How could it not hurt?
He actually treated her in front of a room full of servants, hurting more than just her hand! She, as the Madam, had turned into a laughing stock!
The feeling of injustice surged up, and in a flash, her eyes misted over. Sang Wan said nothing, her head down.
Shi Fengju sighed softly, "I really didn’t mean to, and you too, why didn’t you dodge faster!" He gently picked up some of the white jade-like ointment, and applied it gently to her hand, rubbing it lightly with his fingertips, "I’ll be careful, if it hurts you, tell me."
Sang Wan still made no sound, letting him apply the medicine. The cool sensation spread across her hand, sweeping away the burning sting, and involuntarily Sang Wan’s whole body slightly relaxed.
Shi Fengju felt it and smiled, "It’s not too serious, apply the ointment again tonight and it should be better in a couple of days."
"Miss Wan, can you say something to me?" Shi Fengju smiled helplessly.
"Thank you, Young Master!" Sang Wan withdrew her hand, "It’s just a minor accident, I don’t blame the Young Master, you need not feel bad or blame yourself."