Mad Queen Leaves the Palace

Just then, Xiao Lan rushed to Dingxiang Hutong and successfully met Xiao Mu'an. She smiled and handed him several sheets of paper, saying softly, "These are all important things!"

Xiao Mu'an curiously took the papers, his gaze instantly drawn to them. The papers were densely covered with the names of various rooms, but surprisingly, the handwriting on each paper was completely different!

He examined it carefully. The first thing that caught his eye was the paper with the names of the rooms on the first floor. The characters were written in a free and unrestrained style, like dragons and phoenixes dancing. It was obviously written in cursive script. Then, he moved his gaze to the paper with the names of the rooms on the second floor. The characters there were dignified, beautiful, and neat. They were standard regular script. Finally, when he saw the paper with the names of the rooms on the third floor, Xiao Mu'an couldn't help but be slightly taken aback. The characters on it were actually the ancient and mysterious small seal script!

Seeing Xiao Mu'an staring blankly at the names, Xiao Lan smiled slightly and explained softly, "Brother, this first floor is mainly for entertaining male guests and ordinary officials' wives. You see, these guests usually aren't too particular about details. So, the unrestrained and free-flowing style of cursive script perfectly matches their temperament! However, the second and third floors are different. They will be used to receive officials of higher rank or those with great wealth and their families. These ladies and young women lead refined and delicate lives, and their standards are naturally very discerning. Therefore, only the regular and dignified regular script with its precise strokes, and the small seal script with its graceful and flowing lines, full of charm and requiring profound skill, can truly show our respect and importance to them. But brother, don't be too impatient. There are still three whole days before it's officially opened. Just make sure you finish writing the characters within these three days."

"Don't worry, sister, I'll definitely finish it by tomorrow!" Xiao Mu'an knew that Xiao Lan's new shop was about to open, and her mention of a three-day completion time was probably because she was worried about him overworking himself. However, in reality, the building was only one story high, with only forty or fifty rooms. At his pace, if he sped up, he could probably finish the entire floor in half a day.

"Brother, please don't be in such a hurry. Our Wutong Residence won't be open for trial operation for another half month. I still need to go to the labor market later to carefully select some suitable maids and staff. So, brother, you can stay here in Wutong Residence and write at your own pace," Xiao Lan said with a smile.

Xiao Mu'an smiled slightly and said softly, "Then my sister, please go and attend to your own affairs. I will stay here in Wutong Residence and write in peace, waiting for your return. I will finish as soon as possible. If you feel there is anything inappropriate, please feel free to tell me, and I will certainly wield the brush again." He had his own plans in mind, thinking that he would finish writing as soon as possible, so that if the size was not right or other aspects did not satisfy his sister, he could leave some time to make corrections and adjustments.

At this moment, Xiao Lan smiled and replied softly, "Brother, three days is actually enough. Please don't push yourself too hard! You know, although I wouldn't presume to call your calligraphy the best in the world, it has been highly praised by Master Du! So, brother, please don't be so modest."

The brother and sister sat in the spacious and comfortable carriage, chatting and laughing all the way. Before they knew it, the carriage slowly came to a stop in front of the Wutong Residence.

At that moment, the sunlight shone brightly on the antique gate of Wutong Residence, casting a golden glow. Wu Yuyu and the couple Cui Sumu and Liu Yun had been waiting for a long time. When they saw Xiao Lan and his sister in the distance, a bright smile immediately bloomed on Wu Yuyu's face. Like a joyful little deer, she skipped and hopped towards them.

Wu Yuyu, dressed in a pink silk dress, her skirt fluttering in the wind, looked as beautiful and charming as a peach blossom in spring. She quickly came to Xiao Lan, reached out and tightly grabbed Xiao Lan's sleeve, saying coquettishly, "Sister, why are you only coming now? I've been waiting for you here for ages!" As she spoke, she gently shook Xiao Lan's arm, like a spoiled child.

Xiao Lan gently tapped Wu Yuyu's forehead and said, "Little girl, you're always talking nonsense. We were just studying together at the academy this morning."

Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Cui slowly approached, their faces beaming with smiles and their manners elegant. Upon seeing this, Xiao Lan and her brother quickly stepped forward and respectfully exchanged greetings with the Cui couple. After the formalities were completed, Xiao Lan raised her head, looking sincerely at Doctor Cui, and said, “Doctor Cui, back in Shaozhou, it was truly thanks to your superb medical skills and miraculous healing that my sister’s injured leg was cured. My aunt has been deeply grateful for this, and she specifically instructed me to invite you to our home to express her profound gratitude! Would that be convenient?”

Although Xiao Lan's words appeared to be inquiring, everyone present was perfectly aware of the situation—Cui Sumu had long since become Xiao Lan's subordinate. After all, everyone had witnessed the changes in their relationship and status over this period.

Therefore, when Xiao Lan uttered those words, regardless of the perspective—emotionally or logically—Cui Sumu would undoubtedly agree without hesitation and proceed to the designated location to complete the task as Xiao Lan requested. As Xiao Lan's subordinate, disobeying orders in such a situation would have consequences that few could bear!

Having just finalized the arrangements for Cui Sumu and Wu Yuyu to go to the General's Mansion, Xiao Lan immediately summoned her subordinates and instructed them to lead Xiao Mu'an to write the address plaque. After the arrangements were complete, Xiao Lan turned to Wu Yuyu with a smile and said softly, "As for Doctor Cui, I do have some things I need to explain to him in detail. So, Yuyu, you should go back to the General's Mansion first. Later, I will go to the General's Mansion with my brother, and we can pay our respects to our uncle then."

In truth, Xiao Lan had already made up her mind; she didn't intend to tell Wu Yuyu about the series of events that were about to unfold. Currently, she needed to secretly investigate Wu De's situation, and this matter required the full cooperation of her brother. Therefore, Xiao Lan decided to keep it from Wu Yuyu for the time being to avoid any unforeseen complications.

Without the slightest doubt, Wu Yuyu boarded the carriage without hesitation and headed straight for the General's Mansion. Sitting in the spacious and comfortable carriage, she pondered what might happen next.

At the same time, Xiao Lan turned her gaze to Cui Sumu, who was standing to the side, and said softly, "Dr. Cui, please come with me. There are some things I need your help with." After saying that, she turned and walked in one direction, her steps light and firm.

Cui Sumu nodded slightly in agreement and followed closely behind Xiao Lan. The two walked along the path in the courtyard, surrounded by lush green trees and fragrant flowers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows and adding a touch of life and vibrancy to the tranquil scene.

After walking for a while, Xiao Lan suddenly stopped, turned around, and instructed Yunniang behind her, "Yunniang, go find Yue'er first. Tell her about the characteristics of a female physician's attire. I believe that with Yue'er's exquisite painting skills, she will be able to perfectly depict it." After saying that, Xiao Lan smiled slightly and continued to lead Cui Sumu forward.

Yunniang responded and hurriedly left. As she walked, she pondered to herself what unique style and characteristics the medical woman's attire possessed.

After Xiao Lan led Cui Sumu slowly up to the fourth floor, they arrived at a half-room separated from other areas. This was the space that Xiao Lan had specially set aside for Cui Sumu and his companions, so that they could focus on studying matters related to the pharmacy.

Stepping inside, one could see everything Xiao Lan had meticulously arranged. A spacious and bright pharmacy occupied a prominent position, with various medicinal herbs neatly arranged on shelves, emitting a faint herbal aroma. Adjacent to the pharmacy was a specially set-up research room, furnished with exquisite experimental equipment and a workbench for recording data. In addition, there were several comfortable and pleasant rest rooms for everyone to take a short rest when they were tired.

After Xiao Lan explained the layout and purpose of the area to Cui Sumu in detail, she carefully took out three prescriptions she had personally written from her bosom and handed them to Cui Sumu, explaining softly, "Dr. Cui, because those ancient medical books are old and made of fragile materials, I copied down the important prescriptions to avoid damaging the originals. Although we have a complete list of medicines, unfortunately, the ancient book does not clearly indicate the specific dosage of each medicine. However, based on my experience, I deduce that the medicine listed earlier in the prescription is usually used in relatively larger quantities. Therefore, I will have to trouble you, an expert, to take care of this matter."

After saying this, Xiao Lan noticed that Cui Sumu was staring intently at the prescription in his hand, seemingly lost in thought. Seeing this, she hesitated slightly, then continued, "Doctor Cui, we will be going to the General's Mansion together in a little while. There is another matter I would like to ask for your help with."

Cui Sumu bowed slightly and said to Miss Lan with a smile, "Miss Lan, if you need any help or instructions, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my best and will not let you down!" His sincere and earnest gaze was fixed on Miss Lan, as if he was ready to go through fire and water for her at any time.

"Here's the thing, a while ago a cook came to the General's mansion. After only a few days, my uncle, who is also General Wu, said she cooked well and promoted her to be the cook in his small kitchen. But one day my aunt discovered that she couldn't cook at all; the dishes she made were mediocre in both appearance and taste. So she suspected that she might have added something she shouldn't have to my uncle's food. However, since this cook's brother is a centurion under my uncle's command, we can't wrongly accuse her without evidence. So we'd like to ask Doctor Cui to help us see if my uncle's health is compromised."

Xiao Lan was truly perplexed; she didn't know how to articulate this matter clearly. Therefore, she didn't directly reveal Qin Rong's true feelings, but rather subtly expressed her concern that doing so might have adverse effects on Wu De's health. However, after a moment's thought, she decided to reveal more details to Doctor Cui.

Xiao Lan lowered her voice and said solemnly, "Dr. Cui, you're practically my colleague now, so I won't hide anything from you anymore. After this happened, my aunt immediately sent someone to investigate that woman. They discovered that she had a shady affair with a famous poison doctor in the martial arts world! That's why my aunt is suspicious and thinks she might be hiding some extremely potent poisons."

At this point, Xiao Lan paused, then continued, "And you, Doctor Cui, are trained in authentic healing arts, completely different from those quack doctors who specialize in unorthodox methods. Therefore, we've asked you to help with this diagnosis, hoping your superb medical skills can reveal some clues. Of course, if you can't find anything wrong, that's fine too, but in any case, this matter is currently only known to my aunt, you, and me. You absolutely mustn't mention a word about it to anyone else! Otherwise, if word gets out, it could cause unnecessary trouble or even danger. I hope Doctor Cui will keep this a secret!"

Cui Sumu quickly cupped his hands in a respectful bow and said urgently, "Miss Lan, please rest assured. I will keep this matter a secret and no one else will know the inside story!" His nervous and sincere demeanor suggested that he was afraid his guarantee was not strong enough.