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“Gift? Why did they send a gift?” Qu Moying exclaimed in surprise. She couldn’t believe that the Duke Qi’s Mansion would still be sending gifts at this time. The chrysanthemum appreciation party they had mentioned earlier was just around the corner. Why would they send another gift now?

“I find it strange as well. The gift bearer claimed it was a return gift from the Duke of Qi’s Mansion. By chance, while talking to the gatekeeper, I overheard the mention of Lady. So, I had the carriage stop in front of the gate and listened to find out what it was about. That’s when I learned that the Duke of Qi’s Mansion had sent a gift for you.” explained Granny Yan.

“Who sent this return gift? And what is it?” Qu Moying asked while looking at the box presented by Granny Yan.

The box was small, indicating that it didn’t contain many items.

“It is said to be from… the First Young Master Qi.” Granny Yan replied, her expression somewhat peculiar.

“Why would he send me a return gift? It was directly sent to me?” Qu Moying paused, her hand hesitating to open the box, as she asked in astonishment.

She and First Young Master Qi were not actually acquainted. At most, they had encountered each other a few times in passing. Later on, he borrowed a music score from her, only to return it afterward. As for the incident when she initially intended to borrow a new score, it was merely another chance. But regardless of whether the First Young Master Qi noticed it or not, she hadn’t explicitly mentioned that it was meant for him.

Moreover, to express the sincerity of the gift, she intentionally changed the style of the original score to a different tone, emphasizing cheerfulness and naturalness. Older people generally prefer cheerful tunes, just like how elderly people enjoy seeing their granddaughters and daughters-in-law dressed in vibrant colors.

The original score was not a cheerful composition, and could even be considered somewhat melancholic. It required transforming the latter half of the piece from a somber melody to a cheerful one, seamlessly and without leaving any traces of the transition. This depended on the skill of the person continuing the performance.

Ji Hanyue’s music skills were exemplary, and she had unique insights into musical scores. She believed it was feasible to change a melancholic and serene piece into a lively one in the latter half.

The choice of this particular fragmented score was also due to its significance. Combined with the transformation from serene to cheerful, it would have a more profound impact compared to a standalone cheerful piece.

Whether Duchess Qi was skilled in playing the instrument didn’t matter, as they had a highly skilled son in the household. He could play it for Duchess Qi.

However, the current behavior of him was puzzling. If the gift was not intended for him, why would he give a return gift? Didn’t he realize this was an inappropriate gesture? Even if there was a reason, it should not have been sent directly to him. It would have been more appropriate to deliver it to her grandmother, who would then pass it on to her.

One couldn’t simply present such a gift themselves.

An unexplained sense of displeasure already began to arise.

Upon opening the box, Qu Moying indeed found a music score. Judging by the worn appearance of the book, it was apparent that this score was not something easily obtained. It might even be a rare and unique copy.

Upon flipping through it, Qu Moying immediately understood. It was indeed a unique copy, and an exceptionally rare one that had managed to survive through times of war. It could be considered the rarest of the rare.

Unlike the previous copy Qu Moying had received, which was incomplete and required her careful continuation based on her own skills, this one was complete and neatly organized. The musical scores inside evoked a sense of fascination.

If Qu Moying were still Ji Hanyue, she would undoubtedly be overjoyed at this point. She wouldn’t have cared about anything else and would have immediately taken the instrument to play, verifying its authenticity.

People with exceptional music skills all shared this passion. Ji Hanyue was no exception. In the past, when Pei Luo’an brought her a rare copy, she would play it for several consecutive days, reluctant to put it down. Compared to other valuable possessions like gold, silver, and jewelry, she had a particular fondness for music scores, especially rare and complete ones like this.

Perhaps she wasn’t the only one with such preferences. Everyone who loved playing had similar thoughts.

Now, after casually flipping through the score, a subtle wave of emotion flashed through Qu Moying’s eyes. She had seen the First Young Master Qi before, and he seemed to be a polite person, resembling a refined gentleman. Although she didn’t know him specifically, judging by his character, he didn’t seem like someone who would make impulsive moves.

So… what did this mean?

She gently tapped her fingers on the music score, and Qu Moying’s long eyelashes fluttered twice. Then she raised her watery eyes, revealing a hint of depth in their shimmering hues.

“What kind of person sent this over?”

“It was a lad servant who claimed it was a return gift from the First Young Master Qi. When I asked about it, the servant at the door mentioned that I was the lady’s attendant. Then the lad handed the gift box to me and left!” Granny Yan explained helplessly.

She had just returned from the palace and was concerned about Dowager Consort Qu’s well-being, so her reaction was a bit slow. By the time she regained her senses, the lad had already boarded the carriage outside the gate and departed.

“My lady, I took a careful look. It should be a servant from the Duke Qi’s Mansion. I had seen the attire worn by people from the Duke’s Mansion before, and the carriage also belonged to them.” Although Granny Yan was a little slow to react and didn’t talk to the lad, she still observed everything quite clearly.

So, was this truly the music score sent by the First Young Master Qi?

But what was his intention behind this?

Qu Moying furrowed her brows, unable to guess his motive for the moment. She decided to let Granny Yan take care of the music score for now.

Yu Chun entered with Granny Miao, and after greeting Qu Moying, Qu Moying turned to look at Yu Dong. Yu Dong understood and carefully took out the incense from her sleeve, presenting it in front of Granny Miao.

A faint fragrance wafted out. Even without lighting the incense, there was still a subtle scent. It wasn’t as strong as when it was lit, but the aroma was undeniably present.

Granny Miao took it and sniffed; her expression immediately changed. She looked at Qu Moying and asked, “Miss, did you smell it?”

“I did catch a hint of something, but I couldn’t be certain. That’s why I wanted Granny Miao to take a look,” Qu Moying nodded and spoke frankly, “The scent is very faint, blending in with the fragrance. If Granny Miao hadn’t warned me beforehand, I might not have noticed it at all.”

Granny Miao had mentioned this medicinal herb before and explained it in detail. However, Qu Moying had thought it unlikely to exist in the capital, so she hadn’t paid much attention to it. Now, after catching a whiff, she still couldn’t confirm its identity.

“It is indeed very subtle, but if it were lit, it should become much more potent, right?” Granny Miao whispered, her face serious, as she smelled it once again.

“Yes, it becomes quite strong, especially considering Dowager Consort Qu’s delicate health. The palace attendants said she shouldn’t be exposed to fresh air, and even the windows were partially closed. In such conditions, the scent becomes even stronger,” Qu Moying nodded. She had noticed that the environment at that time was almost sealed off, which wouldn’t do Dowager Consort Qu any good.

“What did they say her illness was?” Granny Miao inquired further.

“They said it was something like food accumulation, with some damp-heat and so on. Initially, I thought it wasn’t a serious ailment, but it dragged on without improvement. When I visited today, the dowager consort had no spirit left, appearing completely resigned to death. It’s evident that the delay has taken a toll.” Qu Moying contemplated and replied.

She recounted in detail the condition of Dowager Consort Qu that she had witnessed.

After explaining the sequence of events, Granny Miao was almost certain that someone had schemed against Dowager Consort Qu.

“Is what you’re saying… true?” Granny Yan, who had been listening attentively, couldn’t help but tremble. With her intellect, she clearly understood the underlying reasons. She spoke with a quivering voice.

“The incense used by Dowager Consort Qu was mixed with something that worsens her condition. It may seem harmless, but it reacts adversely with some of the medicines used to treat this condition. The more she’s treated, the more harm it does, worsening her condition, and eventually, it could cost her life.” Granny Miao paused briefly and candidly addressed Granny Yan.

Granny Yan trembled all over, her hand pressing against the corner of the table, filled with anger. “Who… who would plot against the dowager consort? She has peacefully coexisted in the palace for so many years, without any conflicts or disputes. Who can’t tolerate her?”

Dowager Consort Qu didn’t have children or heirs. She was simply an unnoticed old consort, and there was no need for her to vie for power. The only difference was her lack of offspring, but that alone wasn’t a reason for others in the palace to be intolerant. After all, having such a senior consort in the palace still benefited their reputation to some extent.

Now that there was no Empress Dowager, this old consort could receive filial piety from the palace concubines and the empress, showcasing their respect for elders and earning a good reputation.

Who wouldn’t be willing to do that?

Qu Moying fell silent. From this perspective, it seemed that Dowager Consort Qu had nothing that could attract someone’s scheming. However, the presence of this incense in front of the dowager consort was not something that could be explained away.

“Why didn’t the physicians notice? They examine the dowager consort several times a day.” Granny Yan forced herself to restrain her grief and anger as she asked once again.

“This is a method used among the tribes of the North, and it is not accessible to ordinary people.” Granny Miao sighed deeply, appearing much older. There were certain matters she could discuss with the lady, but she didn’t want to share them with Granny Yan. Those were her own heartbreaks. Although both of them were trusted confidantes of the young lady now, Granny Miao preferred not to dwell on the subject.

“Is there any hope for a cure then?” Granny Yan asked anxiously. She genuinely worried about Dowager Consort Qu. Although she initially served under the Empress Dowager, she didn’t receive much recognition in the Empress Dowager’s palace. On the other hand, after she began serving Dowager Consort Qu, it was a considerable improvement compared to being with the Empress Dowager, who had a peculiar temper and a consistently overbearing demeanor.

“The incense should no longer be burned. Once the incense is removed, the dowager consort’s health should improve. The imperial physicians can handle it well. According to the lady’s observations, Dowager Consort Qu’s overall condition is still manageable.” Granny Miao explained.

If it were an ordinary elderly woman, she would likely be experiencing constant dizziness and difficulty recognizing people by now. In that case, it would truly be a hopeless situation.

“Should I inform Her Highness about this immediately?” Granny Yan asked, feeling restless.

“Granny Yan, don’t go now. It would startle the guards unnecessarily. What we need to do at this moment is to gradually investigate the matter thoroughly. Rest assured; Consort Dowager’s health is stable for now. Furthermore, I have already cautioned her to refrain from burning incense, lighting it, or keeping the windows closed. The situation isn’t as dire as it seems.” Granny Miao reassured her.

Qu Moying interrupted Granny Yan and gave her additional instructions. Then, he turned to Granny Miao and said, “Please prepare some medicinal powder with several different ingredients. Next time Granny Yan enters the palace, she can bring it to Dowager Consort Qu.”

Preparing the necessary medicines by grinding them into powder would make them more convenient to consume. This was a method of medicinal administration commonly used in the North.

“Very well. I’ll make the preparations now.” Granny Miao nodded and left.

Granny Yan wanted to gain more knowledge about these matters and was about to follow, but Qu Moying stopped her and said, “Granny Yan, can you tell me about the palace maid named Han Yu who serves the Dowager Consort Qu?”