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墨書 Inktalez
Nangong Shuang took the account book, filled with dense numbers and item names, and examined it seriously for about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense before returning it to Madam Qian.
"Madam, please verify," she said.
Madam Qian raised an eyebrow. "Alright, tell me what the seventh item on the third line is, along with its cost price and selling price."
"Yunnan White Tea, cost price is eight taels and two qian per pound, selling price is twelve taels and five qian," Nangong Shuang replied calmly.
"And what about the fourth item on the eighteenth line?"
"Three bolts of Shu Brocade, cost price one hundred fifty taels, selling price two hundred twenty taels."
Madam Qian continued to ask seven or eight more items, and Nangong Shuang answered fluently without missing a beat. The maids in the room were astonished, their mouths agape, and a hint of appreciation flashed in Madam Qian's eyes.
"Miss, your memory is remarkable!" Madam Qian exclaimed. "To remember such complex accounts so effortlessly is impressive."
Nangong Shuang humbly replied, "I often helped my family with their business when I was young, so I became accustomed to it."
"Good, very good!" Madam Qian nodded in satisfaction. "My daughter may have a peculiar temperament, but she loves to read and appreciates those with talent. Your memory is just right for her. It’s settled then; from today onward, you will be the personal maid of Second Miss Qian Mansion."
"Thank you for your recognition, Madam," Nangong Shuang said as she bowed respectfully, though her heart felt a bit uneasy. Being hired so smoothly made her wonder if it was a blessing or a curse.
"Yao Jie'er, take her to meet Second Miss," Madam Qian instructed the head maid nearby.
Yao Jie'er pouted slightly, clearly displeased that Nangong Shuang had gained Madam's favor, but she still led the way. "Follow me."
After passing through several courtyards, Nangong Shuang was brought to a quiet yard. In the courtyard stood an old plum tree proudly; although it had passed its flowering season, it still exuded an air of elegance. A girl around fifteen or sixteen years old sat on a stone bench under the plum tree reading, with several books beside her.
"Second Miss, Madam has found you a new maid," Yao Jie'er announced loudly.
The girl did not look up but replied coolly, "Is this another arrangement from my mother? No need; send her back."
"This time it's different; this girl has an extraordinary memory and was personally tested by Madam," Yao Jie'er insisted.
Only then did the girl lift her head and scrutinize Nangong Shuang with sharp eyes. "Is that true? Let me test you."
She picked up a book from the stone table and casually flipped open a page before handing it to Nangong Shuang. "Look at this page and remember what you can."
Nangong Shuang took it and saw that it was a medical book detailing various difficult diagnoses. She read through it carefully before returning it to the girl.
"The book is back where it belongs; please test me, Miss."
The girl smiled slyly. "According to 'Bencao Gangmu,' what is the prescription for treating 'Bone Steaming Heat'?"
Nangong Shuang paused slightly; this book was not 'Bencao Gangmu' but an unnamed medical text. The girl was clearly trying to make things difficult for her.
"The young lady provided 'Qi Zheng Ou Fang,' not 'Bencao Gangmu,'" Nangong Shuang stated frankly. "The seventeenth page of that book records that for treating bone steaming heat, one should use one qian each of tortoise shell, earth bone bark, gentian, and peony root, boiled in water for consumption. If there is also a cough, add almonds and mulberry bark; if there are night sweats, add oyster shell and calcined dragon bone."
The girl's eyes lit up as she looked at Nangong Shuang in surprise. "You actually remembered? And recognized the book title?"
"Nangong Shuang has a slight understanding of medicine and has read many medical texts," she replied with a faint smile.
"Interesting!" The girl stood up and circled around Nangong Shuang. "My name is Qian Ruyi; you will follow me from now on. Yao Jie'er, take her to pack her things; she'll be staying in the Meiyuan West Wing."
"Yes, young lady," Yao Jie'er answered respectfully, turning to lead Nangong Shuang away.
On the way, Yao Jie'er wore a disdainful expression. "The Second Miss has a peculiar temperament; the last few maids were bullied by her until they cried and left. Don't think that just because you have a bit of cleverness you can win her favor; you'll have your share of troubles."
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