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The interior of the Shou An Tang was meticulously arranged, with a carved rosewood armchair at the center, its back adorned with a dragon motif, exuding an air of grandeur. Seated in the chair was an elderly woman with silver hair, the Dragon Family Matriarch. She wore a dark purple brocade robe and a headdress embellished with pearls and silver hairpins. Despite being over seventy, she appeared vigorous, her demeanor commanding respect.
On either side of the armchair were lower seats. To the left sat Lord Long, around sixty years old, dressed in a dark green robe, his beard neatly trimmed. To the right was Lady Long, clad in a lotus pink brocade robe and adorned with jewels; her expression was dignified, though her eyes revealed a hint of coldness and sharpness. Three concubines also occupied lower seats, each observing the new Second Young Mistress with curious gazes.
Standing nearby was a girl of about fourteen or fifteen, dressed in a light pink robe, her features delicate and refined; she was the Fourth Miss Long Wanwan. Su Yuntang scanned the room and noticed one person missing—Third Young Master Long Jin—presumably at school.
"Long Xi" assisted Su Yuntang in stepping forward and properly knelt to pay his respects. "Grandson Long Xi brings his new wife Hu Shi to greet Grandmother, Father, and Mother."
Su Yuntang quickly followed suit, kneeling and bowing her head as she said, "Granddaughter-in-law Hu Shi greets Grandmother, Father, and Mother. May Grandmother enjoy longevity and health, and may Father and Mother be in good health."
The Old Matriarch raised her hand to signal them to rise. "Get up. Let me have a look at my new granddaughter-in-law."
Su Yuntang slowly stood up, maintaining a humble posture. The Old Matriarch scrutinized her for a moment before nodding in satisfaction. "Indeed a beautiful girl, with proper manners as well. I’ve heard that daughters of the Hu Family are well-versed in literature; is that true?"
Su Yuntang respectfully replied, "In response to Old Matriarch, I have followed the family’s female teacher since childhood to study poetry and literature; however, I am not talented enough to claim proficiency. Due to my frail health as a child, I often suffered from headaches and learned some medical principles from doctors; perhaps I can relieve some worries for the elders of the family."
Lady Long scoffed coldly at this: "Medical knowledge? This is the first time I've heard that a daughter of the Hu Family understands medicine."
The Old Matriarch seemed intrigued. "Oh? Knowing medicine is good! I have been unable to sleep well lately; if you truly have skills, you might take a look for me."
Su Yuntang felt a surge of joy and quickly responded, "If it’s for calming the mind, I know a little. For simple insomnia, one can use sour jujube seeds, polygala root, or dragon bone to soothe the spirit; if it’s due to excessive heart fire, then adding coptis or gardenia can clear the heart; if it’s liver qi stagnation transforming into fire, then one should soothe the liver and resolve stagnation. May I ask what symptoms Old Matriarch usually experiences?"
A glimmer of appreciation flashed in the Old Matriarch's eyes. "Well reasoned; it doesn't sound like nonsense. Wanwan, don’t you often complain about headaches? Let your second sister-in-law take a look."
Long Wanwan bounced over eagerly and took Su Yuntang's hand affectionately. "Second Sister-in-law, do you really understand medicine? That’s wonderful! I’ve been having pain around my temples lately; can you help me?"
Su Yuntang smiled and nodded. "If you trust me, come to my courtyard another day; I’ll examine you closely."
Long Wanwan instantly beamed with joy. "Second Sister-in-law is so kind!"
Seeing this exchange, Lady Long's expression darkened further. "Hu Shi, since you claim to be well-read in literature, are you familiar with 'Nü Ze' and 'Nu Jie'? As a woman of the household, virtue is most important."
Understanding that this was an examination of her knowledge of women's virtues, Su Yuntang respectfully replied, "In response to Mother, I studied 'Nü Ze' and 'Nu Jie' during my youth."
Lady Long narrowed her eyes. "Is that so? Then recite a passage from the 'Concentration' section of 'Nu Jie' for me."
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