"Jing Lingyu has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, even managing to get hold of this medicine."

Ashui couldn’t tell if Qiann Yan was praising or criticizing; her tone was so calm, it felt like she was merely stating something ordinary.

Could it be that the Princess Consort is not only clever but also well-versed in pharmacology?

In that case, Jing Lingyu is truly unfortunate.

According to the information received, Jing Lingyu proposed to marry the Princess Consort suddenly because he resented Jing Yunzhou for marrying Wenn Qiuyu. Now, having married a hot potato, he hasn’t had a single good day.

Judging by the Princess Consort’s words earlier, Jing Lingyu has become a eunuch?

Recalling that Jing Lingyu was seriously ill before his wedding and hasn’t appeared outside since, having been sick for so long without any intention of going out—perhaps only such an injury could take so long to heal?

Ashui’s face displayed a faint, indifferent smile. Unexpectedly, Jing Lingyu stumbled on such an issue, funny enough to kill someone, it must be karma.

Qiann Yan repackaged the medicine and handed it to Ashui, "Keep it safe."

Ashui held the medicine package, somewhat puzzled, "Does the Princess Consort need me to do anything?"

"Not for the time being."

"Doesn’t the Princess Consort plan to repay him in kind?" Based on recent observations of the Princess Consort, Ashui thought she was that kind of person.

This situation made it hard to comprehend.

Or is it still not enough understanding of her?

Qiann Yan continued eating, "You know martial arts, right?"

Ashui wanted to deny it, but her mouth honestly replied, "Yes."

On second thought, the Princess Consort is so mysterious and well-versed in pharmacology; she might also excel in martial arts and have long seen through her depth, so hiding seems useless. Staying by the Princess Consort’s side is the only chance to find evidence.

The other party likely noticed something was off from the start, purchasing her to keep close, probably for close observation.

Ashui’s mind surged with waves as she realized Jing Lingyu was not unjustly defeated by the Princess Consort.

"What instructions does the Princess Consort have?"

Qiann Yan: "Not at the moment."

"I don’t care what you’re planning to do, but you were bought for six thousand taels. Although you sold your skills, not your body, you signed a death contract."

Ashui: Is that it?

"Do what you need to do, but you still have to cook." Qiann Yan added.

Ashui’s hand trembled lightly—after all this, it’s still about cooking?

Ignoring talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, just thinking about cooking all day long, truly different.

Doesn’t the Princess Consort feel she is wasting great talent?

The next day after breakfast, Qiann Yan locked herself in the room. This time she wasn’t practicing martial arts but was fiddling with those medicinal herbs.

Jing Lingyu wants to ruin her appearance, quite the vicious heart.

Though not particularly concerned about her looks, this body was indeed born well, and having someone want to ruin it stirred a bit of dissatisfaction.

Giving back will surely be necessary, but not with Jing Lingyu’s medicine package.

The medicine he brought out, he’s sure to have the antidote for.

At most, it would make him suffer briefly and soon be over, not giving him a long-lasting lesson.

Better to personally concoct some medicine, just with the same effect as Jing Lingyu’s medicine package, so that without her releasing the antidote, it would be hard for Jing Lingyu to recover.

If he can find someone to concoct the antidote, it would be his good luck.

"Has the Princess Consort been inside all along?" Ashui asked Wu Liang, who was standing at the door. The two brothers usually took turns guarding the door, consciously dividing the work.

They had even requested Qiann Yan to let their sister work here once she recovers, to do whatever she could manage.

In this era, it’s hard for women who have fallen into the brothel to find a good family.