Old Mrs. Ning grew anxious. She had only been the matron of an official family for a short time and had yet to enjoy many of its blessings. She couldn't bear the thought of being inexplicably harmed by that venomous woman.
The more she thought, the more panicked she became. Forgetting all about her dignity, she nervously grabbed the old doctor's hand, startling him so much he wanted to fling it away.
"Madam, please show some self-respect! Unhand me. This is damaging to my good name."
The attendant at his side grew frantic as well. The master's wife had repeatedly instructed him to be especially mindful of his master maintaining propriety between the sexes. How was he supposed to explain this when he got back?
Without a second thought, he lunged forward to pry Madam Ning's hand away. "Don't touch my master! If you have to grab a hand, grab mine!"
The old maidservant standing by was stunned. 'It's just a medical consultation, what is all this drama about?'
