Madam Sheng was also sacrificing her pride for the sake of appearances, and would by no means admit her lack of funds to Feng Jin.
She immediately called for a maid and ordered her to retrieve all the money from the mansion's treasury.
Feng Jin sat patiently on a chair, waiting leisurely. She pulled Ling Wan to sit with her, and even poured them both a cup of clear tea.
"Try it. The Sheng family's tea is quite good, though not as fine as ours at home. But it's drinkable. Once we get the money, we'll return home as soon as possible and won't linger here any longer."
"Yes, sister-in-law."
Ling Wan accepted the teacup with a smile and took a gentle sip, the faint aroma of tea lingering in her mouth.
Initially feeling inferior and guilty due to Madam Sheng's words, she now felt much better seeing Madam Sheng also looking flustered and unable to speak.
The tea in her cup cooled, so another was added. The maid sent to fetch the money had still not returned.
"Sister-in-law, why hasn't she returned yet?"
Worried that they might be late returning home and face punishment, Ling Wan tugged at Feng Jin's sleeve and asked softly.
"Perhaps..."
*Creak...*
Before Feng Jin could finish speaking, the closed door was pushed open from the outside. The maid who had left earlier returned and hurried to Madam Sheng's side, bowing and whispering a few words into her ear.
"Really?" Madam Sheng's expression changed abruptly, and she asked with a hint of sternness.
The maid nodded slightly, her expression filled with nervousness. She dared not say another word and stood cautiously beside Madam Sheng.
Madam Sheng stood up as if on pins and needles. She glanced at Feng Jin, cleared her throat, and said, "Young Mistress Ling, please wait here a moment. I shall return shortly."
"Sister-in-law, why did Madam Sheng's face look so terrible when she left?"
Ling Wan had truly seen Madam Sheng's expression; it wasn't just bad, it was extremely grim.
"Naturally, it was terrible. And it will be even more terrible when she returns."
Picking up her teacup and taking a sip of the clear tea, Feng Jin couldn't hide the smile at the corner of her lips. Collecting this money would likely deplete the Sheng family's entire fortune.
Ling Wan couldn't comprehend what Feng Jin meant. Her brow furrowed slightly, her eyes filled with confusion. "Sister-in-law, why is that?"
"It's understandable that you don't know. When I first treated Sheng Xubai, I knew the Sheng family wouldn't be able to afford the medical fees, and I didn't mention them. I had intended to befriend the Sheng family, but today, this Madam Sheng spoke too harshly. I must get my medical fees back, no matter what."
The thought of Madam Sheng's arrogant demeanor earlier made her feel uncomfortable all over, wishing she could pounce and scratch her face.
Today, she was determined to get her medical fees back. So much money couldn't be wasted on the Sheng family in vain; even if used to help beggars, it would sustain them for a long time.
"Sister-in-law, the Sheng family is a prominent lineage, with centuries of accumulated wealth. They shouldn't be lacking in such funds."
Ling Wan couldn't believe that the Sheng family couldn't afford that much money. A lineage of centuries should have some foundation.
"That's not necessarily true. The Sheng family has served as officials for generations, with no one indulging in corruption. Instead, they've used their wealth to aid the common people. Furthermore, ten years ago, the elder Mr. Sheng decided to divide the family property equally among his four sons. Although the current head of the Sheng family is Mr. Sheng, he doesn't hold much real power."
"Among his three sons, Sheng Xubai is the most outstanding, but his heart ailment is also his greatest concern. Thus, he has tirelessly sought renowned physicians to treat Sheng Xubai. It was only after Sheng Xubai had largely recovered that he urged Sheng Xubai to participate in the imperial examinations, all to strengthen his branch of the family."
She had already understood everything about the Sheng family long ago. The reason she wanted to collect the medical fees was her certainty that the Sheng family did not have the money.
"Then, if Madam Sheng doesn't produce the money, we won't have any recourse."
"That won't happen." Feng Jin smiled confidently, looking self-assured. "Someone as concerned with appearances as Madam Sheng would absolutely not do anything to be looked down upon. There's no need to worry; they'll send the money soon."
Just as Feng Jin predicted, not even a quarter of an hour after Madam Sheng left, she returned, followed closely by a servant carrying a large chest.
"All the medical fees are in here. Please count them."
Madam Sheng's face was extremely displeased. As soon as she finished speaking, she turned away hastily, unwilling to look at Feng Jin any longer.
"Open the chest," Feng Jin said to the servant as she walked to the chest.
The servant complied and opened the chest. Inside were piles of gold and silver, as well as gold and silver jewelry.
Feng Jin picked up a finely crafted white jade bracelet from the chest. "This bracelet is exquisite. Madam Sheng is truly willing to give this bracelet to me as medical fees."
"These items exceed the medical fees, and can be considered my additional gratitude for curing Xu Bai's heart ailment."
Madam Sheng took a deep breath and said. Although her tone was gentle, the displeasure on her face was still evident.
"Then I shall gratefully accept. Please have your servant help carry the chest to the carriage."
Feng Jin accepted everything without hesitation. Since it was her medical fees, her rightful compensation for her hard work, not accepting it would make her seem like a fool.
The white jade bracelet in her hand felt warm to the touch; it was indeed a fine piece. Feng Jin didn't put the bracelet back but instead fastened it onto Ling Wan's wrist.
"Sister-in-law, this bracelet is too valuable..."
Although she hadn't seen many such fine items, she immediately recognized that this bracelet was extremely valuable.
Feng Jin smiled and patted Ling Wan's hand, reassuring her. "This bracelet is yours now. Wear it with confidence; it suits you perfectly."
Madam Sheng looked at the bracelet on Ling Wan's wrist, her back molars aching with hatred. That was her dowry, and her most cherished bracelet.
After counting all the silver in the treasury, it was still not enough to cover the medical fees. She had no choice but to contribute half of her dowry to barely make up the amount.
Now, seeing the bracelet on Ling Wan's wrist, she hated Ling Wan, this shameless illegitimate daughter, the most. She ground her teeth in anger.
"Since the medical fees are sufficient, we shall not trouble you further. Madam Sheng, we shall take our leave. If you feel unwell, feel free to seek me out at the Ling family."
"No need. There are plenty of doctors in the world. I will never set foot in your Ling family's mansion again in this lifetime, and you are never to enter my Sheng mansion again."