Ji Xingmi followed Grandpa Bi and Uncle Bi the elder into the study. Once everyone was seated, Grandpa Bi voiced the questions that had been troubling him.
"Xiao Xing'er, what did you notice just now?"
"Grandpa, you've been poisoned!"
"What?" Upon hearing this, Uncle Bi the elder shot up from his chair.
"Are you sure?"
Ji Xingmi nodded and continued, "Grandpa, the poison in you is similar to what Grandpa was afflicted with. Although it's not the same poison, the outcome is the same. It must be from the same person or the same sect."
"Your grandfather was also poisoned?"
"Yes, but it's been resolved! He doesn't know about this. Back then, his mental state wasn't good, and I was afraid he couldn't handle it, so I didn't tell him. I told Dad and Eldest Brother yesterday when I visited! Mom doesn't know yet!"
"Hmm, your mother doesn't need to know. Her worry is the best cover. Then why did you want to tell me?"
"I didn't want to! You asked yourself, didn't you?"
"Naughty child! Can it be resolved?"
"Yes, but it will take some time. Primarily, your body is weak now, so you need to recover first before we can treat it."
"What was the method of poisoning for this poison I have?"
"It's hard to say. The poison in you has accumulated over time. It's easier if it's ingested. We'll need to check your daily routine for any potential sources."
Upon hearing Ji Xingmi's words, Grandpa Bi glanced at his eldest son. Bi Fang understood his father's intention and nodded before leaving the room.
"Xiao Xing'er, why don't you stay at Grandpa's for a few days?"
"Okay, I wanted to look through the books in Grandpa's study anyway!"
The day after Ji Xingmi returned home, she was kept at the Bi residence, much to the displeasure of Ji xx. His sister had only just returned, how could she be tricked away by Grandpa! No, Grandpa had three older cousins there, so he had to go too. He needed to keep an eye on his sister and make sure she wasn't taken advantage of!
Ji xx grabbed his small suitcase and headed towards his grandfather's place. Of course, this was a story for later.
Around noon, the entire Bi family returned. Grandpa Bi solemnly introduced Ji Xingmi to everyone.
Uncle Bi the elder and Uncle Bi the second gifted Ji Xingmi with welcome presents. Her cousins were also very friendly.
After lunch, everyone dispersed. Grandpa Bi again took her nominal father into the study, and this time Ji Xingmi did not follow.
Instead, she headed to the kitchen, intending to make a nourishing soup for Grandpa Bi. However, before she could begin, she was intercepted by the family's housekeeper just as she reached the kitchen entrance.
"Little miss, what brings you to the kitchen?"
"I'm planning to make some soup for Grandpa. Zhang Ma, you don't need to worry about me!"
"Little miss, perhaps I should do it? I'm more familiar with the kitchen's equipment!"
"No, Zhang Ma. My mother just gave me a good ginseng and asked me to make ginseng chicken soup for Grandpa, instructing me to watch the heat myself. So, please let me do it myself! Oh, Zhang Ma, you're familiar with the kitchen~ Could you help me find a clay pot?"
"Certainly, please wait a moment while I look for it."
Zhang Ma then went to find a clay pot. Ji Xingmi wasn't in a hurry and started preparing the chicken. Once Zhang Ma brought the clay pot and washed it clean, Ji Xingmi placed the chicken inside, added water, covered it, and put it directly on a small stove to simmer.
"Zhang Ma, if you have something to do, please go ahead and don't mind me. I'll watch it here myself!"
"Alright, then I'll go and attend to other matters. Call me if you need anything!"
"Okay!"
Seeing that her help was not really needed here, Zhang Ma went off to attend to other tasks. Ji Xingmi found a small stool, sat in front of the small stove, and stared at the clay pot, lost in thought.
After the water in the clay pot had been boiling for a while and the aroma of chicken soup filled the air, Ji Xingmi wanted to open the lid and put in the ginseng. However, the moment she opened the lid, she caught a whiff of something. Her action of adding ginseng paused.
Just as she was trying to discern the smell, Zhang Ma walked in, interrupting her.
"Little miss, what are you doing?"
"Oh, I was checking if the chicken was ready. I wasn't paying attention and got some steam in my eyes."
She took the ginseng out of its paper wrapper, put it into the soup, and then closed the lid again.