Chapter 281: Peaceful Mindset
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
In ancient times, ordinary families upheld a tradition of maintaining silence during meals and slumber, a custom that extended even to the royal palace.
During the current meal, an atmosphere of hushed contemplation prevailed, with no one daring to break the silence.
This silence was largely attributed to the fact that each individual was deeply engrossed in their own thoughts. Furthermore, the Empress Dowager herself refrained from speaking, effectively dissuading anyone else from uttering a word.
As a matter of fact, the Empress Dowager had been discreetly observing Qin Zhenzhen. To her discerning eye, Qin Zhenzhen displayed none of the rustic qualities one might expect from a countryside upbringing. In fact, she exuded a grace and refinement that surpassed even those of young ladies born into prosperous families.
Unlike her peers, who either cowered in fear or vied for her favor, Qin Zhenzhen interacted with the Empress Dowager on her own terms. In all honesty, were it not for the fact that she was Jiang Fenglian’s granddaughter, the Empress Dowager might have developed a genuine fondness for her.
Alas, such was the irony of the situation.
Following the meal, the Empress Dowager dismissed the servants, leaving only
Qin Zhenzhen and her two trusted attendants.
“Have you added any particular ingredients to that painkiller of yours?”
“Your Majesty, I can provide a prescription to the Imperial Hospital. If the imperial physicians can source the required herbs, they can concoct the same remedy.”
The Empress Dowager found this response rather perplexing. This young woman did not seem like one who would readily negotiate or extend such generosity as sharing a prescription with the imperial hospital. It was clear to her that Jiang Fenglian must be making efforts to win favor.
“How long will it take to alleviate my migraine?”
“The Empress Dowager, your persistent headache has endured for quite some time. To observe noticeable improvement, you will need to undergo at least four acupuncture sessions. Afterward, a regimen of medicinal pills for six months will be necessary for a complete recovery.”
The Empress Dowager nodded thoughtfully. “Then prepare to stay in the palace for half a year.”
Qin Zhenzhen calmly stated, “Your Highness, I may not be able to remain within the palace for an extended period due to the scarcity of one essential herb required for the pills. It may become necessary for me to locate it personally.”
She couldn’t help but smirk inwardly; if they intended to confine her within the palace against her will, she certainly wouldn’t oblige by crafting those headache-relief pills.
There was a particular medicinal ingredient she had fabricated as part of the pill formula—a component that simply did not exist. No matter how many individuals they dispatched in search of it, they would undoubtedly come up empty-handed.
The Empress Dowager couldn’t help but snort inwardly. She could easily see through this as an excuse for Qin Zhenzhen to avoid a lengthy stay in the palace.
Hmph, let’s see who can endure it longer!
However, Qin Zhenzhen initiated a query, “Your Highness, I’m curious about your current condition.”
The Empress Dowager responded honestly, “My head is no longer aching, and I feel more invigorated than before.”
Qin Zhenzhen explained, “That’s due to the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment and the lingering effects of the previous medication.”
“As expected, I won’t suffer from a headache for the next two days.”
“I’ll make preparations to administer another acupuncture treatment on the third day,” Qin Zhenzhen added.
The Empress Dowager furrowed her brow. “Why wait until the third day? Can’t you perform it tomorrow?”
She was concerned that if the relief lasted for two days and then the pain returned on the third, it would be excruciating. Her previous headaches recurred every other day, and they were excruciatingly lengthy.
Truth be told, they were practically constant.
After experiencing a peaceful night’s sleep, the Empress Dowager had no desire to endure the torment of debilitating headaches that would rob her of sleep for days on end.
Qin Zhenzhen clarified, “Being too close won’t be effective.”
“If the Empress Dowager, you are concerned about the possibility of a migraine flare-up, you can consider using a painkiller as a temporary relief measure.”
“However, I possess only a limited supply of painkillers, and I strongly advise against excessive use, as it can have counterproductive effects.”
“So, my recommendation is that should a migraine occur, the Empress Dowager endure it for the time being.”
The Empress Dowager sensed a hint of playfulness in Qin Zhenzhen’s tone.
Just as she was about to voice her displeasure, Qin Zhenzhen continued, “Over the next two days, I encourage Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, to make every effort to keep calm and actively cooperate with the treatment. This approach will help mitigate the suffering..”