Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Warm gusts swept through the woods and across the lake, gently displacing the loose strands of hair at Xu Yunqi's temples, revealing her exquisite features. With a serious expression, she supported Yan Shaoling's convulsing shoulders.

The bamboo splinter pierced his left back, dangerously close to his heart. The situation was grim.

The first priority was to cut the bamboo splinter before tending to the wound.

Assessing the circumstances, Xu Yunqi made a decisive call, "Three men, come here and hold his lower jaw, his chest, and his abdomen. Control his legs."

In the midst of chaos, her firm voice acted as a calming tonic for all, giving the Yan family's servants a sense of direction, and they promptly followed her instructions.

Stunned, Pei Mushan watched her composed sister-in-law take charge, slowly stepping aside in a daze.

Xinying quickly weaved her way through the crowd to Xu Yunqi's side. Swiftly unfolding her medical pouch, she revealed a leather satchel made from oxhide. Untying the straps, it split into two halves, revealing rows upon rows of tiny compartments, each holding various medical instruments.

Over a hundred pairs of eyes were fixed on her, filled with both curiosity and fear.

Xu Yunqi's gaze remained locked on Yan Shaoling's injury as she raised her fair palm, "Scissors."

Ginkgo swiftly retrieved a small silver scissors and placed it in her hand. The blade was thin and shimmering, reflecting a rainbow of colors under the bright sun. Before anyone could examine it closely, Xu Yunqi skillfully snipped the bamboo sliver with astonishing speed. So fast was her action that Yan Shaoling's body barely trembled.

Just then, one of Yan Shaoling's personal guards brought over a physician who had been stationed at the stables.

The doctor appeared to be in his thirties, drenched in sweat as he rushed over with his medical kit. Upon seeing a woman crouching behind Yan Shaoling, he froze in astonishment.

Without hesitation, the guard spoke up, "Madam, please step aside and let the imperial physician attend to my lord."

Xu Yunqi was entirely focused and didn't hear him. She requested again, "Scissors."

As Ginkgo handed the scissors to her young mistress, she turned her gaze coldly, scanning the crowd before fixing her eyes on a man dressed like a physician.

"Sir, the bamboo sliver has pierced near Young Master Yan's heart, and blood has pooled in his mouth, obstructing his airway. I dare ask, can you treat this condition?"

Doctor Yang was momentarily speechless. More shocked by Yan Shaoling's injury than being outdone by a woman, he leaned in to inspect the young lord's face, which had already turned deathly pale. His heart sank; such an injury might even be beyond the capabilities of Chief Physician Fan from the Imperial Medical Institute. He didn't engage in a dispute with Ginkgo but promptly instructed the medical apprentice standing by his side,

"Hurry and fetch Doctors Fan and He." The apprentice obediently left to carry out the task.

Yan Shaoling's guard, panic-stricken, rushed to Xu Yunqi,

"Madam, the royal physician is here. Please make way, for my young lord's life hangs in the balance and we cannot afford any delay..."

His words were interrupted by a stern voice from the crowd,

"How dare you! Madam Xu is a renowned acupuncturist; her skills are not to be questioned. Let her attend to him. If anything goes wrong, this prince will take full responsibility."

Pei Xun, in a hurry, grasped the eunuch's arm and hastened to the forefront of the scene.

Upon seeing the Twelfth Prince speak, the onlookers hastily stepped back.

Pei Xun could hardly contain his anticipation as he glanced at Xu Yunqi. The young lady had already taken up a pair of scissors, ready to cut away the clothing around the wound.

Upon beholding such a sight, all the ladies present drew in a collective gasp of cold air.

If I'm not mistaken, this lady is the newly wedded wife of the Third Prince from the Xi Palace, and she is, surprisingly, a physician?

A woman had actually brazenly inspected a man's body. Amidst the gasps of astonishment, everyone tsked disapprovingly, all except Pei Mushan, who remained standing. All the other female guests turned their backs and retreated from the scene.

Pei Xun gazed at her with a blend of intricate emotions etched on his face. He then instructed Doctor Yang, "Go assist her."

Dr. Yang pushed his way through the crowd and knelt down. One of Yan Shaoling's guards took over from an elderly servant, supporting Yan's body with both hands to prevent him from collapsing. Through his tears, he anxiously asked Xu Yunqi, "Madam Xu, do you have any confidence in this?"

Xu Yunqi was too preoccupied to respond, let alone spare the time.

She cut through the clothing while issuing instructions,

"Quickly prepare a basin of warm water and bring a long table with a cushioned stool. I need to place the patient on it."

"Toasted Almond, fetch the medical kit from the carriage and prepare some hemostatic powder."

Pei Xun raised his hand, signaling the guards to act.

As Toasted Almond was about to move, Pei Mushan's maid, Tao Qing, squeezed through the crowd, her voice choked with tears,

"Toasted Almond, if you tell me where the items are, I'll go get them for you."

She could tell that Toasted Almond was Xu Yunqi's right-hand person and couldn't be spared at this moment.

Toasted Almond promptly replied, "It's under the seat in the carriage, in the silver box."

"I understand. I'll go right away." Tao Qing took off running.

Over there, Lady Yan was already being supported, tottering over. Behind her were several princesses and the families of other high-ranking officials.

"Shaoling, Shaoling…" The old lady's voice trembled, tears welling up in her eyes.

Seeing this, Pei Xun quickly signaled, and Wen Ruyu, who had witnessed Yan Shaoling's tragic state, turned around to intercept the elderly matriarch. "Madam, please don't panic. Shaoling has been injured, but he now has…." Glancing at the figure deep within the crowd, Wen Ruyu gritted her teeth and continued, "A physician is attending to him. He will surely be fine, as fate has its way of protecting the righteous."

Upon seeing her son surrounded by a solid wall of people, leaving no gap, the old matriarch felt a foreboding sense of calamity.

"Let me through, let me see him…"

Wen Ruyu began to cry, filled with distress. "Please don't look, Madam…"

At that moment, Pei Mushan stepped out from the crowd. Like a rigid rock, she approached Lady Yan and bowed deeply. "Madam… Shaoling was injured while trying to save me… The wound is on his back, and it doesn't seem good." She choked back her sobs.

The old matriarch, sharp-witted, instantly understood that something grave had happened to her son. The light in her eyes dimmed, and her body swayed, collapsing into the arms of her maid.

The Xi Princess and the Princess of Qin arrived hastily. Seeing her daughter in a daze, the Xi Princess rushed forward, embracing her tightly, examining her from head to toe.

"My child, how are you? Where are you hurt?" She had almost lost her wits when she saw her daughter fall from the horse.

Pei Mushan shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I'm fine... It's Shaoling who was severely injured while saving me. He's now in critical condition."

With that, her eyes turned venomous as they shot towards the young princess not far away. The young princess knew she had caused a huge problem and hid in her maid's arms, sobbing without a sound.

The Princess of Xi's face paled in shock. She quickly pushed her daughter aside and leaned forward to see through the crowd. In one glance, she froze.

The guards hurriedly brought over a long table. A few people carefully lifted Yan Shaoling onto it. Four people supported his body, while two controlled his legs, exposing his back to Xu Yunqi. That usually dull-witted young daughter-in-law, dressed in plain clothing, calmly and methodically held her medical tools and began to clean Yan Shaoling's wounds.

She was calm and focused, her expression unwavering, like a meticulously carved female Guanyin statue, inspiring trust in others. This was a stark contrast to her usual cheerful and naive appearance.

The Princess of Xi couldn't believe her eyes, and her steps faltered, unable to move forward.

At this moment, the small gate between the Jinlou and the riding field opened. Pei Musheng led several imperial physicians, rushing over.

Amidst the blurry figures and buzzing noise, there was a clear voice, distinct from the women's sobs. It sounded as crisp as pearls, easily distinguishable from the rest.

"Acupuncture needle!"

"Kan needle!"

"Kun needle!"

"Qian needle!"

"Gen needle!"

As she drew closer, her voice grew clearer, and her face, radiant as a luminous jade, vividly captured his gaze.

Her countenance was flawless, her eyes fixed ahead, motionless as if frozen in time.

With each pair of words Xu Yunqi spoke, Xingye deftly handed her the corresponding silver needles. Long and straight, they landed in her delicate, fair palms, gripped by her slender fingers, and were precisely inserted into the five major meridians near Yan Shaoling's wounds, aiding in the cessation of bleeding and stabilization of his qi.

Dr. Yang, standing nearest, watched intently, excitement shimmering in his eyes. This unique method of acupuncture was truly remarkable. With the insertion of the fifth needle, the bleeding subsided rapidly, and Yan Shaoling's short, labored breaths steadied.

Pei Muheng held his breath at that moment, his steps halting. Images swirled in his mind.

"You understand the principles of medicine?"

"I'm quite proficient in pharmacology."

Back then, he found the young lady's words arrogant and lacking humility. Now, he realized that she was too modest. That flawless focus, her skillful and effortless acupuncture technique, and every movement displayed the demeanor of a great physician.

The smiling, obedient, and gentle face in his mind intertwined with the calm and resolute one before him, leaving Pei Muling somewhat dazed.

At this moment, he was unsure whether he felt more pride or curiosity and concern about the unknown aspects of her.

What else did he not know about her?

A fleeting, elusive emotion stirred within Pei Muling's heart.

As the saying goes, outsiders see only the spectacle, while insiders see the essence.

The court physicians pushed to get a closer look, mesmerized by Xu Yunqi's performance.

Young yet precise in her needle placement, her hands steady as a mountain—her skills were truly remarkable.

It was evident that she had been well-trained by a master and had ample experience in acupuncture.

Dr. He's anxious heart finally found solace.

Yan Shaoling was going to be saved.

In that single glance, the five royal physicians and six apprentices who had accompanied them all halted, watching without intervention or skepticism.

The protruding bamboo splinter still jutted from the wound, about an inch wide. Judging by the damage to the bamboo shaft, it must have penetrated two inches deep. Xu Yunqi surmised that the splinter was dangerously close to the heart. The first step would be to carefully remove it before attending to the wound and stitching it closed.

Her eyes remained fixed on the injury, never lifting her gaze.

"I need someone to help me remove the bamboo splinters. Can you do it?"

Doctor Yang was taken aback and pointed at himself, "Me?" His voice trembled, not because he lacked the ability, but rather due to the overwhelming shock of the day's events, leaving him momentarily dazed.

Xu Yunqi furrowed her brow and lifted her gaze, scanning the group of physicians who had just arrived. Her eyes landed on a man standing beside the Twelfth Prince – his demeanor regal, his appearance elegant and graceful. Xu Yunqi's gaze briefly rested on her husband before swiftly shifting to survey the others.

"Who will it be?"

Her tone was always so calm yet icy.

Today, the lead physician sent to rescue was Assistant Deputy Director of the Imperial Hospital, Doctor He. Skilled in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing remedies, he was not proficient in treating complex wounds. The other physicians were hesitant to step forward, leaving the situation silent for a moment until a young doctor, barely in his twenties, stepped out from the crowd with a medical kit in hand.

"I'll do it," he declared, his gaze clear as he met Xu Yunqi's eyes, admiration evident. "I'll assist Madam Xu."

Xu Yunqi nodded, her expression unreadable.

Ginkgo vacated her spot, holding the medical pouch as she retreated to Xu Yunqi's other side.

Doctor Han moved to sit beside Xu Yunqi, discussing the wound and potential treatments with her in hushed tones while pointing at the bamboo splinter.

Anxiously, Ginkgo waited for Tao Qing to bring the medical box.

Fortunately, Tao Qing didn't keep her waiting long. The young maid arrived, panting, carrying a medium-sized medical chest.

"I'm here, I'm here..."

The box was passed forward, and Ginkgo took it, noticing that the ground was covered with an ox hide rug. Kneeling beside Xu Yunqi, she opened the medical chest.

By then, Pei Xun had ordered that a screen be set up around Xu Yunqi and the injured, allowing only a few assisting doctors and attendants to stay within. Everyone else was kept outside the screen, while Pei Xun and Pei Muheng stood by the entrance. One turned outward to reassure the alarmed officials' families, while the other stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze never leaving his wife.

Dr. Han, under her guidance, knelt behind Yan Shaoling, gingerly starting to extract the bamboo splinters with tweezers. Xu Yunqi, with both hands on his knife, pressed down on the wounded flesh, blood continuously seeping out. Pei Xun averted his gaze, unable to bear watching, even the usually aloof Pei Muheng narrowed his eyes. Yet, Xu Yunqi's expression remained unchanged.

Pei Xun glanced at his nephew's intense gaze and then at the Hui Wangfei, whose face had frozen in concern outside the tent. He discreetly rubbed his forehead.

Just then, Yan Ping, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, stumbled towards them, jogging unsteadily. The all-conquering Prime Minister, rarely seen in a state of panic, gasped for breath as he called out,

"How is Ling'er? How is he?"

Everyone has their vulnerabilities, and Yan Shaoling was Yan Ping's. This late-born son had always been the apple of his eye.

Madam Yan observed her husband's rapid aging with a heart-wrenching pain. Sitting on a brocaded stool, she choked back tears as she said,

"Several imperial physicians from the Imperial Medical Institute have arrived and are attending to him. I've been here for so long without hearing any sound from Shaoling... I fear... I fear he might have fainted."

Yan Ping's eyes reddened, but unlike Madam Yan, he was well-versed in the workings of the Imperial Medical Institute. The most skilled physician in treating injuries was the head physician, Doctor Fan, but he was not on duty that day. With his son so severely injured, who could save him?

Bending forward, Yan Ping stepped towards the tent. As he did, he witnessed a stream of blood spurt out, followed by a slender and delicate woman swiftly pressing a prepared bandage onto the wound. Immediately after, someone scattered medicine powder to aid in clotting the blood. Others held down Yan Shaoling's convulsing body, all moving with agility and efficiency, maintaining a deathly silence throughout.

Yan Ping drew in a sharp breath, then gradually composed himself. He found Xu Yunqi's face vaguely familiar. Staring in shock and confusion at Pei Muhang, he noticed that the blood had stained the white collar of Xu Yunqi's robe, leaving a crimson streak at the corner of her hair. He was tempted to rush over and brush it away for her.

Prince Twelve, Pei Xun, hurriedly reassured Yan Ping,

"Esteemed Minister Yan, rest assured. Miss Xu must have been trained by a renowned master in the art of medicine. Her composure and decisive actions just now stabilized the situation, preventing unforeseeable consequences."

Yan Ping, seasoned by storms, had already noticed from the silver needles before Xu Yunqi that she was no ordinary person. Moreover, these court physicians, far from being fools, willingly followed her instructions. Even Doctor He was seated nearby, composing a prescription and instructing others to prepare the medicinal solutions, demonstrating their unwavering faith in Xu Yunqi.

Feeling a slight relief, Yan Ping silently nodded at Pei Muheng, who then turned to return the gesture.

From midday until sunset, the entire wound treatment took three hours. With dexterous and deft fingers, Xu Yunqi personally removed the rotten flesh, excised damaged organs, and sutured the wounds. Throughout the process, her expression remained unyieldingly focused but not at all panicked. From start to finish, she carried herself with an extraordinary calmness and maturity beyond her years.

Even Yan Ping, who stood high in the halls of power, couldn't help but feel admiration.

During this lull, Yan Ping had already inquired about the entire incident. With a chilly gaze, he cast a few looks at the young princess but didn't utter a single word.

Princess Qin never anticipated that her own illegitimate daughter would create such a calamity. Filled with remorse, she faced Yan Ping and Lady Yan with a guilt-ridden expression. She simply instructed her servants to bind the young princess and take her back, declaring that severe punishment would be administered.

Madam Yan didn't even spare Princess Qin a glance.

Yet, Princess Xi's expression was tinged with melancholy as she nodded to Madam Yan. "In the end, it's all for my daughter, Shan Shan. We, the Xi Palace, will forever be in debt to Shaoling for this kindness."

In no time, Prince Xi also arrived.

Today, he had been on an imperial assignment to inspect the southern camp. Upon hearing the news, he rushed back to the palace with urgency. The Princess Xi caught a glimpse of her husband's furious expression and recalled the scene in the tent. Veins throbbed on her forehead as she had no intention of explaining to him.

Instead, Yan Ping briefly narrated the incident, enraging Prince Xi so much that he turned around, his eyes glaring fiercely as he searched for the young princess.

His gaze seemed to devour her alive, causing the young princess to cower behind her brother in fear. To avoid an awkward situation, Princess Qin promptly took her away.

Pei Mushan watched her departure with a cold gaze. An idea crept into her mind like a vine, and after a moment of numbness, she called one of her father's guards to the rear of the tent.

"Round up a few people and beat her ruthlessly under the cover of darkness. Remember, don't leave any evidence," she instructed.

The guard glanced in the direction of Prince Xi and bowed to her. "Princess, rest assured, I know how to handle it."

Taking advantage of the distraction, he quietly slipped away from the stables.

Pei Mushan looked up at the darkening sky and wiped away tears from her chin. If this matter escalated to her grandfather, it would end with a few lashes and a scolding. Even if Yan Shaoling lost half his life, she wouldn't let Pei Wenjiao escape unscathed.

As for the aftermath, she neither had the time nor the desire to consider it.

By then, night had fallen, and the sounds of galloping horses echoed amidst the glow of torches held by hundreds of imperial guards, illuminating the entire stable area.

Prince Qin arrived, comforting the Yan family before turning around to fiercely reprimand everyone in his palace, even his own queen.

The Princess Qin was on the verge of being driven to fury. The concubine in Prince Qin's quarters, a troublemaker, had been indulged by him to the point of lawlessness. Now that something had gone wrong, he blamed it on her. In full view of everyone, the Princess Qin could only suppress her anger and silently admit her fault.

Outside the tent, the cunning foxes exchanged a series of subtle maneuvers. Both Prince Qin and Prince Xi coincidentally made their way into the tent. At that moment, the cold voice of Princess Xi rang out,

"You'd better not go in there."

Prince Xi paused, a look of surprise on his face.

Pei Mushan approached to explain,

"Father, you have no idea. Third Sister-in-law is like Guanyin Bodhisattva reincarnated. It was she who calmly treated Young Master Yan Shaoling's wounds, and that's when I realized she is none other than the renowned acupuncture master in Southern City, Madam Xu."

Prince Xi nearly choked on his breath. With this revelation, he was now even more determined to enter and see for himself.

Upon entering, he saw his obedient and clever daughter-in-law holding a knife, her delicate fingers swiftly removing infected flesh from the wound with an air of calm that resembled his own composure on the battlefield. Startled, he turned away, wiped his face, and thought he must have been mistaken. Dazed, he peered again. By then, Xu Yunqi had already put down the knife and was reinserting the needle for Yan Shaoling. Her meticulous expression and skilled technique made the Duke of Xi feel a twinge of self-doubt.

The Duke of Xi, still in disbelief, regained his composure.

This was his daughter-in-law.

He took a deep breath and slowly stepped forward. As he lifted his gaze, he met his wife's icy stare. Scanning the whispering women present, he felt a headache coming on.

How would they resolve the situation now that his daughter-in-law had become a female physician?

When the last bit of healing ointment was applied, Xu Yunqi rubbed her stiff arm and smiled at those around her.

"The wound is now patched up."

Everyone sighed in relief. The court physicians were utterly impressed, bowing deeply to her in admiration. Xu Yunqi returned their gestures.

One of Yan Shaoling's guards peered at the exposed wound. Previously, it had been a gruesome sight, covered in blood. Now, it was cleaned thoroughly, leaving only a narrow scar. Overwhelmed with disbelief and gratitude, tears welled up in his eyes as he exclaimed,

"Duchess, you're a deity... a deity..." The unrefined warrior, too overcome with emotion, struggled to find the right words.

Xu Yunqi smiled, leaning on the table to rise. After being immobile for so long, her body inevitably swayed. Fortunately, a pair of hands promptly supported her, speaking warmly, "You've worked hard."

Turning to meet her husband's clear gaze, Xu Yunqi grinned and shook her head. "It's alright."

Her smile was so captivating that it dimmed the lantern light, leaving Pei Muheng momentarily mesmerized.

Raising his hand, he offered her the warm tea he had prepared. Xu Yunqi, indeed thirsty, embraced the teacup and drank heartily. Xueying packed away her medical pouch, securing it around her waist before tossing the medicine chest to Tao Qing. With one hand free, she stroked Xu Yunqi's back, "Miss, please drink slowly. Don't choke."

Everyone chuckled.

The tense atmosphere from the day eased due to this smile.

Yan Ping entered and first glanced at his son lying on the long table. Yan Shaoling's face was as pale as paper, but his breathing had significantly stabilized. Heaving a sigh of relief, Yan Ping bowed deeply towards Xu Yunqi, who was still standing in a corner of the tent.

"Your grace saved our Duke's life. The Yan family will never forget your kindness."

Xu Yunqi accepted his gesture with dignity.

She was accustomed to such scenes and felt no emotional upheaval within.

Even if that person was the current prime minister.

After finishing her tea, she turned to Doctor He and the others, saying, "I'm sure all of you are more familiar with what comes next. I'll take my leave now."

The couple exited the tent one after the other. Xu Yunqi looked up at the dark sky and asked, "What time is it?"

Pei Mushan's gaze was fixed ahead, lost in thought. He didn't answer her right away. When his wife looked over, he replied, "It's three quarters past the sixth hour. Are you hungry? Let's have our meal at the canopy."

Xu Yunqi had gone beyond the point of feeling hunger, so she said, "Let's eat in the carriage." It would soon be the ninth hour, and she needed to return early to rest.

Outside the tent, the ladies had already started to leave. A few palace servants were packing up the cushions and stands. Only Pei Mushan stood outside the tent with Lady Yan, waiting to pay respect to Xu Yunqi.

"Your Highness, your great kindness, this old woman will never forget. Once Lingle gets better, we will visit to express our gratitude."

Xu Yunqi noticed that the elder lady's breathing was unstable and feared that she might have heart weakness. Thus, she took out a small bottle from her pouch, poured out a brown pill, and gave it to her. "This is a heart-protecting pill. Take one, and it should alleviate your discomfort."

Then, she spoke to Pei Mushan, "His life has been saved. After a few months of recuperation, he will be as good as new." Her tone shifted as she continued, "Are you coming back with me?"

Pei Mushan lifted his chin slightly, a wistful look on his face. "I just want to see him one more time."

Xu Yunqi made no further comment and walked out of the riding field with Pei Muheng.

Upon reaching a colorful pavilion, they saw Empress Xi and Prince Xi seated inside. Upon noticing them, the prince waved hastily, "Accompany your mother to the carriage first. I'll go fetch Shan Shan right away."

Concerned about his daughter's distress, he couldn't rest easy.

The couple stopped at the foot of the stairs, where Empress Xi, supported by Nurse Hao, had already risen from her seat.

Empress Xi's eyes seemed frostbitten, looking at Xu Yunqi with a darkened gaze. Recalling the hushed whispers among the ladies just now, her heart twisted in pain, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Xu Yunqi, who exactly are you? Where did you learn such remarkable medical skills?"

She staggered forward, descending the steps to stand before Xu Yunqi. It was the closest they had ever been as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law.

Xu Yunqi didn't back down. Initially confused, she gradually composed herself and replied coldly, "I learned it from a wandering physician."

Her grandfather had strictly instructed her never to mention his name, so she simply referred to him as a wandering physician, as he had advised.

Xu Yunqi took her words to heart.

The Xi Wangfei was amused despite the anger. She wiped away her tears with her sleeve, shaking her head continuously. Her headache threatened to burst her skull, but she endured, speaking deliberately,

"I will indeed be grateful for your actions today. Thanks to you, Shan Shan has been helped. However, I must also tell you that as the wife of an esteemed prince, being a prominent female physician who exposes herself to the public is a disgrace. Have you considered...?"

"Mother!" Pei Muheng sternly interrupted her, then turned to instruct the attendants, "Help the Wangfei into the carriage and return to the mansion for rest."

Granny Hao and the others dared not defy his command and tried to persuade her gently, "Wangfei, this is in public. Let's discuss matters further when we get back..."

Princess Xi recalled her accomplished son, the most outstanding youth in all of the capital, yet he had married such a wife - it was like a precious pearl covered in dust. A heavy stone weighed on her heart, accompanied by an unyielding sense of despair that lingered in her chest. Xu Yunqi's bravery today was commendable, but what about her own son?

Princess Xi returned to her residence with a heart as cold as ashes.

Xu Yunqi truly had not anticipated such a strong reaction from Princess Xi.

In a life-or-death situation, she could not and would not stand idly by; it was her duty as a physician.

Silent, Xu Yunqi did not move. She had seen countless people express gratitude towards her in her lifetime, but this was the first time someone had shown disdain for her medical skills. She had underestimated the impact a female physician could have on the royal family.

Pei Mucheng's expression was inscrutable, revealing neither joy nor anger. Gazing at his gentle and refined wife, he reached out to take her hand. "Let's return to the carriage first."

Her hand was held in the warmth of his palm, a comforting energy seeping through her skin and into her muscles. Xu Yunqi turned to face him. The flickering lamplight danced across his elegant features, yet despite his composed demeanor, she keenly sensed something different about him.

After a quarter of an hour, the couple climbed into the carriage together. A food basket was already placed on a small table. Xu Yunqi took a few bites to satisfy her hunger, while Pei Mucheng accompanied her with some himself. Throughout the meal, they exchanged no words.

Finished eating, Pei Mucheng personally tidied up the food box, lifted the carriage curtain, and passed it to Huang Wei waiting outside.

The carriage rolled steadily towards the palace, the imperial city in the distance illuminated by a myriad of lights. The towering city gates, adorned with various hues, appeared less solemn and majestic under the glow.

Xu Yunqi observed for a while before hanging the curtains on the bronze hooks, allowing the gentle evening breeze to flow in. She sat calmly on the couch, enjoying the wind, then after a moment of silence, she turned her gaze towards Pei Muheng.

"I apologize for not realizing that this matter caused you so much distress. I didn't intentionally keep it from you."

"On New Year's Eve last year, when you sent me to the clinic under the heavy snow, I thought you would understand."

Pei Muheng gazed at her quietly, his deep eyes reflecting a mysterious and indiscernible glow. "This has nothing to do with you. It's my fault as a husband for not being attentive enough to your needs."

She had clearly been open about her proficiency in medicine, yet he misunderstood, unaware of her extraordinary skills. He had always assumed he was a decent husband to her, but today's events served as a harsh reminder that he had not been nearly considerate enough towards Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi smiled wryly. As a couple forcibly united by imperial edict with no emotional foundation, she was already content with Pei Muhang's actions.

Gazing at him with a slight curve of her eyes, she inquired, "Did I embarrass you?"

Pei Muhang felt a mix of emotions, but he promptly shook his head, saying, "No, I'm very grateful to you. If not for you, my sister would have fallen into immense suffering, and the course of her life would be unpredictable. Besides, your abilities impress me."

"Mmm," Xu Yunqi smiled again gently, "I will continue to act this way in the future. Can you accept it?"

Her tone remained soft and gentle as she held her husband's gaze, not missing any nuance of his expression.

This time, Pei Muheng fell silent.

Ever since he became involved in the struggle for the throne, he had a clear idea of the kind of wife he needed: someone from an illustrious family, dignified, graceful, and a paragon of virtue among noble ladies.

The emperor's arranged marriage disrupted his plans. Initially, he was displeased, but after half a year of living together and witnessing his wife's gentle demeanor and open-hearted generosity, he realized he didn't need a prominent wife to aid him. Someone like Xu Yunqi, who could stabilize their household with ease, was enough to satisfy him.

However, if his wife were to pursue the path of a female physician, frequently venturing into the city to treat others, that was something he could not tolerate.

Knowing that his wife had just undergone a tiring medical consultation, it was not the right moment to discuss this. Pei Muheng resolved to find an appropriate opportunity to explain his concerns to her later.

"You must be tired. Let's go back and rest for now," he said, his tone as gentle as ever.

Xu Yunqi withdrew her gaze and gradually understood. She interlaced her hands on her knees, then released them. Raising her eyes to the window, she saw the flickering lights in hidden corners, the smoke rising from one household's chimney in the east, the boisterous banquet in another courtyard to the west, and even heard a wife scolding her husband in a raised voice.

The myriad of lights gradually receded into the fading glow.

Such scenes were not uncommon in her life.

She had lost count of how many days and nights she had spent accompanying her maternal grandfather, riding horses during the day and sailing at night, simply observing the blossoming flowers, the shifting clouds, and the passage of time.

She would never allow anyone or anything to halt her journey.

The Xi Palace might not be able to accept it, but she wouldn't force the issue. Technically, she had already broken the agreement on their wedding night. She was stepping away.

The wind tousled her hair, and Pei Muheng saw once more the frozen crimson stain at the edge of her hair. He raised his arm, his slender and fair fingers reaching out. Just as he was about to gently remove the blood crust for her, that exquisite face turned back to him, her eyes still holding a hint of a smile.

"Third Noble Son, let's part ways."

Pei Muheng's hand froze in mid-air.