"My cousin was sent to the palace by her mother, and the Empress said she wanted to keep her for a few days, but she doesn’t like to stay in the palace," he said. "She wanted me to ask if Grandmother could come up with a way to get her back early?"
The old lady slapped her thigh upon hearing this and said, "That’s easy, just tell them I’m sick, and as the eldest granddaughter, she must come back to see me."
Gu Youyou: "..." Silently, she gave the old lady a thumbs up, simple, crude, and effective.
"Fine, I’ll immediately write you a critical illness notice."
About to go to the palace to administer acupuncture to the Empress Dowager, Gu Youyou was very uneasy as she entrusted Abao to Xiang Chun, who took on the task with trepidation.
"Miss Cousin, please make sure to come back soon."
Anyone would feel intimidated by such a large dog, especially Xiang Chun, who was just an ordinary maid.
Gu Youyou said, "After I leave, you just shut the courtyard gate, everyone who’s scared of dogs leave, and don’t let anyone who isn’t from my courtyard in before I return."
"Also, remember to feed Abao."
"No problem, Miss Cousin."
"And, it eats raw meat, so it would be best if you could get a few live chickens from Grandmother’s courtyard and toss them into the yard."
Yue Rujing had told her that this was how he had instructed people to feed Abao in Lingnan to maintain its wildness.
"Yes, Miss Cousin..." Xiang Chun was close to tears.
Gu Youyou patted her shoulder and sighed, "If it gets too much for you, just find a sturdy house servant to take care of it and say that I ordered it."
Tears welling up, Xiang Chun nodded and, holding the dog’s leash, watched Gu Youyou leave the Lin Residence.
She had never felt so reluctant to let go.
Lin Qianqing had been waiting at the palace gate from early on and approached Gu Youyou as soon as she entered.
"How about it, Cousin, is it possible?"
Gu Youyou replied, "Come to the Empress Dowager Palace later, and I’ll say that Grandmother is sick. The Empress Dowager herself is an old lady and will most understand the feeling of wanting to see relatives when ill. As long as she nods, the Empress won’t say anything."
"OK, OK, I will definitely go later."
The process was the same as the day before, Cui Xilan assisted the Empress Dowager with the massage, and Gu Youyou observed her completing a set before starting to apply the needles.
With each needle inserted, Gu Youyou shared all sorts of key points with Doctor Cui, who diligently took note of them.
After the set of acupuncture was done, the Empress Dowager asked with a smile, "Doctor Gu, you’re so generous with your knowledge, have you taken Doctor Cui as your disciple?"
Gu Youyou answered, "The Cui Family has its own distinguishable medical skills, and Doctor Cui is an outstanding figure among the Cui Family. How could I dare to presume to be her master? We’re merely exchanging knowledge. However, Doctor Cui’s niece does want me to take her as my disciple."
Doctor Cui looked at Gu Youyou with a smile and gently nodded as thanks.
Without a doubt, Gu Youyou had given her much respect with her words.
The Empress Dowager glanced at Doctor Cui and then smiled and nodded, saying, "It’s rare for someone your age to have such skill and yet be so humble. I was told yesterday that Doctor Cui’s niece wants you as a mentor, and Jiujiu does too, is that right?"
Quickly, Gu Youyou bowed respectfully and said, "Taking Princess as a disciple is something I approach with great trepidation, and I hope the Empress Dowager will think it over."
Truth be told, from the moment the Ninth Princess fussed about becoming Gu Youyou’s disciple, it was no longer up to her to accept or not.
It all depended on the Empress Dowager’s intentions.
The Empress Dowager paused for a moment, sighed, and said, "Since she wants to learn, go ahead and teach her."