Qin Shuying smiled gently. "Then allow me to give it a try, Old Madam. When we were in the South, my father suffered from leg pains every winter. My mother, distressed by his discomfort, searched far and wide for remedies, though none could provide a cure. Later, she heard of a massage expert renowned for treating such ailments. My mother sent someone to learn the techniques, practiced them herself, and would massage my father whenever his condition fred up. Surprisingly, it worked. The pain eventually stopped. Mother taught me as well. If you’re willing, Old Madam, I could give it a try for you."

  Massage? That was something physicians did, a practice considered beneath the dignity of noble families. In the capital, it was unheard of for a noblewoman to engage in such treatment, let alone learn it herself.

  As expected, Qin Yunyun interjected, "Seventh Sister, physicians belong to a lowly profession. While your filial piety is commendable, we mustn’t let people think the daughters of the Qin family ck proper upbringing."

  Qin Shuying had anticipated resistance and wasn’t surprised by Qin Yunyun's mocking remarks. Having lived another life, she knew engaging in pointless arguments would only make the elders see her as petty and narrow-minded. If she chose to contend, it would be to achieve her goal, not to waste time on futile disputes.

  With a composed smile, she turned to the Old Madam. "Old Madam, my mother began massaging Father when I was seven and continued for two years until he fully recovered. I neither diagnose illnesses nor prescribe medicine. I am not a physician. I’m simply a granddaughter who wishes to express her filial piety to you."

  Qin Yunyun was momentarily at a loss for words, infuriated but unable to refute. She hadn’t realized this seemingly demure sister had such a sharp tongue. Though she burned with resentment, she kept her face calm. Her mother had instructed her to endure for a few more days—there would be time to teach Qin Shuying a lesson.

  The Old Madam pondered for a moment. She was well aware of Qin Yunyun's thoughts and could understand Qin Shuying’s intentions. However, massage required consistent effort and some strength. At only thirteen, Qin Shuying might find it too exhausting. She gently dismissed the idea, saying, "Silly child, I’ve had this ailment for decades. Many doctors have tried and failed to cure it. I appreciate your kind heart, but don’t trouble yourself."

  Qin Shuying exchanged a gnce with Nanny Gu and said, "Old Madam, Father is no longer here. Let me take his pce and care for you."

  Nanny Gu's heart stirred. Over the past days, Qin Shuying had subtly tried to win her over with perfectly timed gestures, never overstepping boundaries or causing the Old Madam to grow wary. Nanny Gu chimed in, "Old Madam, why not allow the Seventh Miss to show her filial piety? If you end up growing too fond of her, I’ll be here to persuade her to rest."

  The Old Madam wavered, intrigued by the suggestion. It also presented an opportunity to observe Qin Shuying’s character more closely. “Alright,” she relented, “but if you get tired, speak up. Don’t overwork yourself.”

  Qin Shuying beamed and immediately called for Luye. Luye entered, carrying two small redwood massage tools. “Old Madam, with these doing the work, I won’t get tired. Besides, the doctor said I need to exercise more to strengthen my body. This is good for me.”

  The Old Madam chuckled. “You cheeky girl, so I’m your excuse for exercising?”

  Nanny Gu lowered her head, hiding a smile. She understood that the Seventh Miss’s words were meant to reassure the Old Madam. Massage wasn’t something that could be done casually with tools alone; otherwise, any maid or servant could manage it. What further tricks did the Seventh Miss have up her sleeve? After all, this was a task that required strength and a grasp of medical knowledge—not something to be taken lightly.

  Qin Yunyun smiled and said, “Exactly. Seventh Sister is using the Old Madam to earn favor. I can do that too. Seventh Sister, your so-called filial piety isn’t very sincere, is it? Don’t you think so, Old Madam?”

  This time, the Old Madam remained silent.

  Qin Shuying handed the massage tool to Qin Yunyun. “Sixth Sister, Shuying is clumsy and can’t think of a better method. Since you said you know how to do this, why don’t you show me and teach me a thing or two?”

  Qin Yunyun had no intention of doing that. Using so much strength every day would inevitably cause calluses on her delicate hands, which were meant for reading and pying the zither, not for manual bor associated with lowly professions. She ughed and said, “How could I take away your chance to show filial piety, Seventh Sister? With you here, we’ll just wait for the Old Madam’s leg to recover.”

  Qin Fangfang chimed in, “Exactly. With Seventh Sister’s skills, the Old Madam’s leg will surely heal soon.”

  Pretending not to catch the sarcasm in their words, Qin Shuying began massaging the Old Madam’s legs, while casually bringing up scriptures. The Old Madam enjoyed discussing scriptures and soon became engaged in conversation with Qin Shuying.

  After sitting for a while, Qin Yunyun and Qin Fangfang found it boring and excused themselves.

  Once their figures disappeared from sight, Qin Shuying sat on a stool, set the massage tool aside, and began massaging the Old Madam’s legs with her hands. Her strength was impressive, and before long, the Old Madam fell asleep.

  Nanny Gu quietly draped a bnket over the Old Madam and looked at Qin Shuying with admiration. In a hushed tone, she said, “Oh, my Seventh Miss, you’re amazing! The Old Madam hasn’t slept well since winter began due to her leg pain, but look at her now—sleeping so soundly!”

  Qin Shuying smiled faintly. Should she thank Madam Lu? Madam Lu also suffered from rheumatism. To win her favor, Qin Yaoyao had humbled herself and learned massage techniques from the common folk. Madam Lu’s strict demands forced Qin Yaoyao to spend two years perfecting the skill, but she never got the chance to use it before her tragic death in the fire.

  “Nanny, these are just minor skills, hardly worth mentioning. I only hope to lessen the Old Madam’s suffering so I can be at ease. Mother taught me this long ago, but I was too young back then to master it. Over the past few days, I’ve practiced with a few maids to refine my technique. Only now do I dare offer it to the Old Madam.”

  The massage sted a full quarter of an hour. Nanny Gu was amazed. If the Seventh Miss came every day… When the Old Madam woke up, she felt incredibly rexed and asked Nanny Gu, “When did the Seventh Miss leave?”

  Nanny Gu replied, “She left half an hour ago. Old Madam, you’ve been sleeping for nearly an hour.”

  The Old Madam was surprised. “I slept that long?”

  “Indeed. The Seventh Miss is truly thoughtful. I even felt sorry for her and tried to persuade her to rest, but she said the treatment needs to be done consistently for at least a quarter of an hour each day to be effective.”

  The Old Madam pondered for a long time without saying anything.

  A few days ter, in Yanfei Pavilion.

  Qin Yunyun compined bitterly, “Mother, that girl is practically stepping all over me! Why don’t you get rid of her already?”

  “What’s the rush? Haven’t I taught you patience? Don’t act until the moment is right. When we do, it will be decisive and final!” Madam Xu’s expression was equally unpleasant. Over the past few days, thanks to her massage skills, the Old Madam’s favor toward Qin Shuying had grown immensely, and the entire Qin household had taken notice.

  Qin Yunyun pouted indignantly. “Mother, didn’t the doctor say she was dying? How is she not only alive but more energetic than ever?”

  Madam Xu gnced at her spoiled youngest daughter and, after some thought, said, “Enough. Stop dwelling on useless matters. Be patient for a few more days. I promise you, she won’t escape her fate. You must listen to me.”

  Unhappy, Qin Yunyun muttered, “More patience? Mother, I can’t stand her anymore!”