Chapter 02: The Smell of Medicine

Fan Zhonghua, due to his reputation for being a husband-killer, was not as popular as other men in the capital. He had long been holding back his anger, and upon hearing Yao Mi's words, he couldn't help but let out a cold laugh, saying: "The facts are right before our eyes; am I not under the spell of the aphrodisiac you have administered?" As he spoke, he took a step closer, intending to reach out and pull Yao Mi.

Meihua said: "Miss Fan is currently making a fuss about wanting to end her life. The Third Young Master and the Fourth Young Master are afraid of alarming the elders, and knowing that you and Miss Fan are close, they have asked you to persuade her. However, I fear it may be too late; if someone inquires, it would be difficult to explain. I will just say that the Madam has invited you to go over to enjoy the moon and eat some fruit"

Fan Qing saw Gu Dongyu struggling to stand and could only reach out a hand to support her. Unexpectedly, as she extended her hand, her arm was firmly grasped by Gu Dongyu. Before she could break free, she heard Shixiu'er’s voice coming from the other end, saying: "Cousin, Miss Fan, you, you..."

I am at my wit's end; this unfortunate star not only wasted my good medicine but also caused me to inhale a few puffs of the powder. Yao Mi, caught off guard, had the powder splashed into her nostrils. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she vigorously rubbed her nose, trying to expel the inhaled powder, but the powder was too fine and had already dispersed into her breath, leaving no trace behind. How could she possibly get it out?

The men in this capital city all look down on others, believing that a woman from outside is only fit to be their concubine. This unfortunate star, who has caused the deaths of six fiancées, still thinks he has market value, that he is worth someone plotting against him. She now regrets it; had she known, she should not have come to the capital with her mother, but rather chosen to marry a commoner from the Jiangnan region. Now that she has arrived at her uncle's house, if she does not manage to marry off successfully, returning home would only lead to further devaluation, and finding someone else would be even more difficult. She now regrets it; had she known, she should not have come to the capital with her mother, but rather chosen to marry a commoner from the Jiangnan region. Now that she has arrived at her uncle's house, if she does not manage to marry off successfully, returning home would only lead to further devaluation, and finding someone else would be even more difficult.

How? Gu Dongjin noticed that Shi Xiuer seemed to want to say something but hesitated, which inevitably aroused his suspicion

"Give it back to me, that is life-saving medicine." Yao Mi anxiously wanted to retrieve the powder, hurriedly standing on tiptoe to snatch it back

Upon seeing the visitor, Yao Mi's expression changed dramatically; whoever gets involved with this person is bound to have bad luck

Yao Mi, regardless of whether anyone was watching her, hurriedly ran back to her room, anxiously instructing her maid Bao Zhu to prepare a bucket of cold water. After soaking in it for a while, her body gradually became less heated.

Before long, the two arrived at the lotus pond, clearly visible under the moonlight. Gu Dongyu's handsome face was flushed, panting as he tugged at Fan Qing, who was both welcoming and resisting, yet did not cry out.

In the previous ten years of turmoil and war during the Great Wei Dynasty, prominent families not only had their male members learn martial arts, but also required their female members to learn martial skills for self-defense. Although Yao Mi did not master advanced martial arts, she learned several self-defense techniques and skills for escape, which is why Fan Zhonghua, after pursuing her for a while, surprisingly could not catch up.

Fan Qing turned around and saw Shi Xiu'er and Gu Dongjin walking side by side. Suddenly feeling flustered, she instinctively released Gu Dongyu's hand and explained to Gu Dongjin, "Third cousin fainted, I helped him a bit"

Gu Dongjin was well aware that Gu Dongyu had a penchant for flirtation, but his own mother had already begun discussions about marriage with Fan Qing's mother. If things proceeded as expected, Fan Qing would become his wife, so how could Gu Dongyu act recklessly? A sense of unease settled in his heart, and he quickly stepped forward

Shi Xiuer, confident in her beauty and talent, has always sought a suitable husband. However, nowadays, families with daughters are troubled by marriage prospects. As the daughter of a sixth-rank official, she aspires to be the main wife while also seeking to elevate her status, which proves to be as difficult as ascending to the heavens. Consequently, like Yao Mi, she has also delayed her prospects, and she is now nearly fifteen years old.

"This is an aphrodisiac, an aphrodisiac, do you understand?" Yao Mi was extremely indignant. Is it really that difficult to marry someone? Do I also have to prepare an aphrodisiac to seduce at any time? Now, it's all well and good, the drug hasn't even been put to proper use, and both I and this unfortunate person in front of me have ingested some, one can only imagine what will happen next

Fan Zhonghua was enraged and immediately pursued him.

I just arrived and saw Cousin Yao talking to Cousin. Suddenly, Cousin Yao ran away, and Cousin fainted on the ground, not knowing why. Shi Xiuer pretended to be extremely anxious and said: "Sister Fan, take a look here, I will go ahead and call for help." Without waiting for Fan Qing to respond, she quickly ran off in another direction

As they were speaking, a knock was heard at the door, and another maid outside called out: "Miss, Sister Meihua from the big uncle's wife is here, please come out to speak with her."

Aunt Shi, like Madam Gu, was so anxious that she could not sleep at night. It was only after Lord Shi reminded her that she recalled there were still two unmarried young masters in the Gu family. She hurriedly took Shi Xiuer to the Gu family, using the excuse of celebrating Old Madam Fan's birthday and visiting relatives, intending to stay at the Gu family for a while until Shi Xiuer's marriage was settled

Fan Zhonghua took a step back, smiled brightly, and brought the powder to his nose to sniff, saying, "What a miraculous life-saving substance?" As he spoke, he suddenly sneezed violently, causing the powder in the paper package to spray out and scatter, splattering into his nostrils, with a few wisps flying out at an angle and landing in Yao Mi's nostrils

Upon hearing this, Yao Mi couldn't help but be greatly astonished. My goodness, Gu Dongjin and Shi Xiuer have captured Gu Dongyu and Fan Qing by the lotus pond? What on earth is going on here?

It is said that Yao Mi walked halfway and found a secluded spot, from which she took out a packet of powder from her bosom. Since Madam Gu was determined to have Yao Mi marry into the Gu family, in addition to various teachings, she also gave Yao Mi a packet of powder to keep on her person, instructing her to use it at a critical moment. Out of curiosity, Yao Mi had secretly opened it and sniffed it, even sprinkling a little in tea to feed a cat. As a result, the cat collapsed on the ground and remained motionless for quite a while, but by the middle of the night, it became lively again, meowing all night long, keeping her awake. The taste and effect of that packet of powder were fresh in her memory.

Yao Mi's delicate face was flushed with heat, and her heart was filled with a burning desire. Indeed, she wished to marry; she did not want to be forcibly matched by local officials. This was why she followed her mother to the capital, hoping to marry her cousin to avoid a calamity and resolve her parents' concerns. However, this did not mean she would settle for any man who came her way. Even if she were to use aphrodisiacs, they should be reserved for a worthy man, rather than someone like Gu Dongyu or Fan Zhonghua.

How does Cousin San feel? Fan Qing felt somewhat awkward, after all, there is a difference between men and women, this...

As for aphrodisiacs, Gu Dongyu has naturally used them before. He sighed, lamenting that his cousin Yao had been too heavy-handed, clearly using double the dosage, which left him enchanted and unable to move. Had the amount been less, he would have long been as light as a swallow, agile in movement, and found a place to be together with her.

Without a moment's hesitation, Yao Mi raised her hand and with a sharp "slap," she struck Fan Zhonghua across the face. Before Fan Zhonghua could react, she turned and ran away.

Yao Mi followed the plum blossoms out of the courtyard, only to find that the plum blossoms were not heading towards Madam Shi's courtyard. She was taken aback and asked, "Isn't my aunt going to see me?"

Yao Mi uncovered the powder, lifted a corner to her nose and took a sniff, her expression immediately changed. Indeed, just now her breath was hot and steamy, and she couldn't help but blow towards Gu Dongyu's face; the breath she exhaled carried that very scent. My goodness, what is happening? If Gu Dongyu misunderstands that she has used an aphrodisiac on him and spreads it around, who else could she marry if not him? There is another major issue: having lost her virtue before marriage, it would be impossible for her to become a legitimate wife, and she would only be reduced to a concubine. What should she do? No, even if she cannot marry, she does not want to be a concubine.

Gu Dongyu had now regained his strength. Seeing that Fan Qing did not assist him, he moved his limbs and struggled to get up. However, he stood up too abruptly and was unable to maintain his balance. He staggered for a moment and reached out, grabbing Fan Qing's arm in an attempt to steady himself

However, at present, Gu Dongyu is incapacitated on the ground due to an aphrodisiac. This situation could be significant or trivial; if handled appropriately, it could serve to push Yao Mi and Fan Qing towards Gu Dongyu, thereby providing oneself with the opportunity to obtain Gu Dongjin.

Shixiu'er bit her lip and said, "Cousin Si will know if he comes with me to take a look."

The person who came is a distant relative adopted by the family of the late Mrs. Fan, named Fan Zhonghua. Due to his obsession with collecting books, he has recently been staying at the Gu family to study. He is not particular about small matters and has met with Yao Mi and others, so they are somewhat familiar with each other. However, such a person is one that Yao Mi and others would prefer to avoid. According to rumors, this person has caused the deaths of six fiancées; any woman who becomes engaged to him is sure to die within three months. Any woman who spends more than fifteen minutes in his company is destined for misfortune. According to rumors, this person has caused the deaths of six fiancées; any woman who becomes engaged to him is sure to die within three months. Any woman who spends more than fifteen minutes in his company is destined for misfortune.

"Aphrodisiac?" Fan Zhonghua felt a change within himself, his breathing quickening. When he looked up, he noticed that Yao Mi's pretty face was gradually turning red. Realizing the situation was dire, he opened his mouth and said: "Even if you can't get married, there's no need to ruin yourself like this, is there?"

Feigning illness now, is it persuasive? ... Yao Mi weighed the pros and cons, shook her head, and thought: If Gu Dongyu really reports it, and Shi Xiuer testifies for him, then, then... Hmph, then I will deny it to the death, only saying that I saw them meeting in private and hurriedly ran away. As for the matter of Fan Zhonghua, I will deny it even more resolutely.

Among the two unmarried young masters of the Gu family, Shi Xiu'er is somewhat fond of Gu Dongjin. However, as Gu Dongyu mentioned, Gu Dongjin's mother and Fan Qing's mother are biological sisters, so Gu Dongjin will certainly follow his mother's wishes and marry Fan Qing. Therefore, she and Yao Mi can only set their sights on Gu Dongyu. Since Gu Dongyu's mother, Madam Shi, is Shi Xiu'er's own aunt, she naturally favors Shi Xiu'er. However, Gu Dongyu's father and Madam Gu share a deep sibling bond, yet he is partial to Yao Mi, which complicates the situation.

"What do you mean? Do you think I am standing here sniffing drugs to set a trap for you?" Yao Mi was furious. This unfortunate star thought he was someone special? Knowing full well that he had caused the deaths of six fiancées, did he really think she would not be afraid of death and would try to marry him?

Fan Zhonghua saw that the powder in the paper bag had been scattered by his sneeze, and he couldn't help but smile apologetically, saying, "What is this? I will compensate you!"

Gu Dongyu felt uncomfortable, yet was secretly pleased. Who would have thought, who would have thought, that cousin Yao had even prepared aphrodisiacs. However, she was clearly a novice, unaware of the situation, and carelessly spilled the drug, only to be caught by Shi Xiuer who came over. Now she has run away, leaving herself to Shi Xiuer, how foolish!

Gu Dongjin has arranged to meet Fan Qing to admire the moon tonight. On the way, he unexpectedly saw Shi Xiuer hurriedly passing by, who suddenly turned back and said: "Fourth cousin, Qing sister and third cousin, he..."

Recently, Mei Hua has gained quite a few benefits from Madam Gu and also wishes to do a favor for Yao Mi, thus discreetly sharing the matter.

Upon seeing this, Shi Xiu'er also closely followed.

Shi Xiuer was playing the zither when she suddenly heard footsteps approaching from the other side. She looked up and recognized the figure of Fan Qing. In a moment of urgency, she said, "Cousin, I cannot support you by myself. Let me call someone else to help and assist you back to your room." As she spoke, she stood up and called out to Fan Qing, "Sister Fan, come quickly, Cousin has fainted!"

Shi Xiuer's thoughts turned quickly; seeing that there was no one around, she was also afraid that if she left, Gu Dongyu would be able to move, thus ruining her plans. For a moment, she was lost in contemplation and indecision

What happened? Fan Qing, with her delicate and innocent nature, lacked the cunning of Shi Xiu'er. For a moment, she was unsuspecting and ran over in a few steps. Upon seeing Gu Dongyu lying on the ground, she couldn't help but exclaim in shock: "How could this happen? Why did he faint?"

Seeing things develop as she had anticipated, Shi Xiuer was extremely satisfied, yet she spoke with a sense of grievance, saying: "How could they do this? If others find out, what shall we do?"

Fan Qing was in a daze when she heard Gu Dongyu from below moan softly and say: "Cousin Fan, lend me a hand."

A little later, Baozhu came in and said: "Miss, it is serious. Young Master Fan accidentally fell into the lotus pond and has caught a chill. A doctor is being summoned to examine him." After hesitating for a moment, she whispered: "I heard from the maid that Miss Shi and Miss Fan had a quarrel!"

Meihua paused, looked around to see no one, and leaned down to whisper: "Miss Biao, something extraordinary has happened!"

The girl outside the door replied: "It is said that the wife of the elder uncle finds the moonlight beautiful and invites the young lady to enjoy the moon and eat fruits, urging the young lady to go quickly!"

"What is it?" Yao Mi's heart skipped a beat, feeling somewhat guilty

"Miss Yao, what are you hiding here to eat?" A voice suddenly sounded from behind Yao Mi. Before Yao Mi could react, a figure had already circled to her front, snatched the paper bag from her hand, and held it high above her head, saying: "Eating alone won't make you fat!"

"It's so late, do you know why she is asking for me?" Yao Mi's eyelids twitched, she hastily adjusted her clothes, tidied her hair in front of the mirror, and asked.