Chapter 135

In the apocalyptic era, pickled vegetables were what Li Xia ate most often from her stockpile. Having grown tired of them, these were now her least favorite foods. She preferred fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits.

"The young miss didn't have much appetite this morning, so I specially prepared a pickled vegetable bun. Who would have thought the second miss would be so lucky?" Dan Mo remarked with a smile.

"More like unlucky," Li Xia grumbled, though she didn't waste food and gulped it down in two bites. She accepted the tea Qiu Ling offered and took a few sips to wash away the taste.

"After we finish eating, let's go see Third Sister," Li Xin said, turning to instruct Dan Mo, "Grandmother sent some bird's nest the other day, prepare some of that."

Li Xia disagreed with sending such delicacies to Li Shan. "We're not sure if she can even eat bird's nest in her current condition. Send her some high-quality white fungus instead. It's vegetarian, so there's no worry about allergies."

Li Xin considered this and agreed, "Dan Mo, go to the storehouse and find two packages of premium white fungus."

Dan Mo acknowledged and left with a young maid to fetch the white fungus.

Li Xia waited for Li Xin to finish breakfast and change clothes. The two then went together to Li Shan's courtyard. As they approached the door, they heard the sound of things being smashed inside.

Cui Ming, standing outside the door, looked embarrassed as she saw Li Xin and Li Xia. "First Miss, Second Miss, please don't be upset. My young miss hasn't slept all night due to her allergies."

"Has a doctor seen her? Did they prescribe any medicine?" Li Xin inquired about the situation in detail.

"Yes, a doctor came and prescribed medicine," Cui Ming replied softly.

Li Shan heard voices outside, "Who's out there?"

"Miss, the First Miss and Second Miss have come to see you," Cui Liu, standing at the door, curtsied to Li Xin and Li Xia while answering to the room.

There was no response from Li Shan, but soon objects came flying out of the room in quick succession. Li Xia quickly pulled Li Xin back. Qiu Chan and Li Yu stepped forward to catch the thrown items. They saw pillows, teacups, and steaming hot tea. Li Xin's face paled, and Li Xia's expression darkened as well.

Mrs. Lu looked at Aunt Wang with a severe expression. "Shan'er has a rash. For the next three months, she is to rest in her courtyard and is not allowed to leave the estate." This was tantamount to house arrest.

"Madam..." Aunt Wang wanted to object.

"Madam is wise," Auntie An said gleefully.

Mrs. Lu turned her stern gaze to Auntie An. "It's not wrong for Third Young Master to care for his brothers and sisters, but Third Miss's allergies were caused by the food he brought back. As punishment, Third Young Master will copy the 'Disciple's Rules' ten times."

Auntie An's joy faded as her own son was also punished, though it was just copying text. Compared to Li Shan's three-month confinement, it was bearable.

After dismissing the two concubines, Mrs. Lu took Li Xin's hand and examined her carefully.

"Mother, we're fine. This wet hair isn't from being splashed with tea," Li Xin said, feeling a bit embarrassed. Li Shan had indeed thrown tea at them, but Li Xia had pulled Li Xin out of the way. The wet hair was intentionally dampened with water to support their story.

"Don't go to Third Miss's courtyard anymore," Mrs. Lu said, concerned for Li Xin.

"Yes, I won't go there again," Li Xin promised with a nod.

Back in her own courtyard, Qiu Chan had already changed her clothes. The scalding tea had left her hands red. Li Xia took out some burn ointment and applied it to her hands. "Next time, don't be so rash," Li Xia said, confident she could have dodged without Qiu Chan shielding her.

"Miss, this is my duty," Qiu Chan replied with a proud expression, leaving Li Xia at a loss for words. She could only instruct Qiu Kui to prepare some delicious food and gave Qiu Shui some money to buy more treats.

After throwing it, Li Shan regretted her action, but Li Xia's unkind words made Li Shan both angry and annoyed. Unable to control herself, she smashed more porcelain pieces onto the floor. When Aunt Wang returned, she was met with the sight of shattered porcelain scattered everywhere. Li Shan lay on the bed, crying inconsolably.

Aunt Wang greatly disliked Li Shan's habit of breaking things when angry. She had mentioned it several times before, but clearly Li Shan had not taken her words to heart.

Seeing Aunt Wang enter, Li Shan immediately cried, "Auntie, you must avenge me!" She completely failed to notice the scratch marks on Aunt Wang's face and her slightly disheveled hair. Li Shan's mind was entirely focused on her allergic reaction ruining her appearance. She couldn't let Li Zhong off the hook, and even less so Li Xia.