Chapter 30

Chapter 30

The carriage left the palace, heading south along Chongwenmen Inner Street.

Since Xu Yunqi stepped into the carriage, Lady Zhang held her hand tightly, comforting her daughter with patience,

"Don't worry, a good woman will never lack suitors. Look, you haven't even divorced, yet Madam Jiang heard the news and came knocking herself..."

Xu Yunqi knew that Lady Zhang was upset, so she smiled to reassure her, "I'm glad you came to fetch me, it made me feel better."

But Lady Zhang didn't understand the hidden meaning behind her words. She glanced at her daughter and said, "Silly girl, I won't let you live at the mercy of others. I've heard that Princess Xi is difficult to deal with, and I've been worried about you day and night. Today, my wish has come true."

Then, she started talking about the Jiang family, but Xu Yunqi listened quietly without responding.

In the past, she had genuinely considered the Jiang family a suitable match. But now, things were different. Her previous marriage would always be a thorn in the side of any future relationship, causing friction over time. She had seen such examples numerous times outside. Marriage wasn't the only path for her, and she saw no need to invite trouble upon herself.

After the carriage had traveled a while, Xu Yunqi lifted the curtain and instructed the driver,

"Head to Chengyang Medical Clinic."

Madam Zhang was slightly taken aback. "Why are you going to the medical clinic?"

Xu Yunqi replied crisply, "I left something there."

Madam Zhang didn't think much of it and started nagging about Xu Yunqi's reckless behavior in saving Yan Shaoqing the previous day. "You were far too impulsive. There were so many imperial physicians—why did you have to be the one? Next time, don't stick your neck out unless it's necessary..."

Silver Apricot sat on a cushioned stool below and attempted to explain several times, but Xu Yunqi simply smiled and nodded. "Mother is right, I'll be more cautious next time."

Just then, the carriage approached the intersection with Chang'an Street, a perpendicular thoroughfare. The rain suddenly poured down from the sky. One of the carriages had a broken axle, halting in the middle of the road and blocking their path.

Silver Apricot immediately lifted the carriage curtain to look outside. Before she could clearly assess the traffic situation, she recognized the carriage diagonally across from them. The driver was a middle-aged man in his forties with a black beard, dressed in a dark-blue robe, and a sturdy build. With his brows lowered, he gave off an intimidating aura.

Silver Apricot had been keeping tabs on the Xun family for a while now and immediately identified the driver as Xun Yunhe's. She promptly lowered the curtain and signaled to Xu Yunqi.

Surprised, Xu Yunqi lifted the corner of her own curtain and caught a glimpse of the opposite carriage's window rolled up. A person's arm rested against the window, revealing a snippet of a bright red sleeve.

Xu Yunqi guessed the reason and silently lowered the curtain.

Madam Zhang, seated behind her, also began discussing the dowry. "We don't need the dowry anymore. I've calculated that most of those items belong to their palace..."

Xu Yunqi suddenly turned around and embraced Lady Zhang, her voice soft and coaxing. "Mother, please don't say anymore. Don't say anything at all. I didn't pay attention to those things..."

Lady Zhang was startled. The tears she had held back all day finally broke free. She couldn't remember how many years it had been since her daughter had thrown herself into her arms like this, acting coquettishly. When had it been that she always greeted her with a smile as she arrived and bid her farewell happily? Gradually, they would go for a year or two without seeing each other, and she knew nothing about her daughter's preferences...

An overwhelming sense of guilt washed over her like a sudden downpour, a bitter ache that lingered in her heart but couldn't be expressed. Back when Yunqi was born, she and her husband had been overjoyed, doting on her like a precious pearl or jade. They had raised her to become a little tyrant known throughout the village.

The sound of rain grew louder, pounding against their minds like hammers, slapping their cheeks. Lady Zhang stifled her sobs, unable to utter another word.

The obstructing carriage was finally moved aside, clearing the road.

Xun Yunhe put down his book and looked up at the sky. The dark canopy seemed to be saturated with ink, and raindrops fell like needles, stinging his eyelids. He ignored the pain, only feeling resentment that the rain hadn't come sooner.

The two carriages passed by each other, heading in opposite directions through the misty rain.

After a quarter of an hour, Xu Yunqi and her mother arrived at the Chengyang Medical Clinic.

A long shed was set up beside the clinic, where the doctors offered free medical consultations on the first day of every month to gain reputation.

Xu Yunqi helped her mother down from the carriage, guiding her through the side entrance and then along the eaves into the rear entrance of the clinic.

Proprietor Hu was absent, and the apprentice pharmacists were all engrossed in their tasks, so no one came forward to greet them. This wasn't Lady Zhang's first visit to the clinic; she didn't mind the lack of ceremony and casually scanned her surroundings before saying, "Quickly retrieve what you've left behind. The rain is getting heavier, and we should return sooner."

As Lady Zhang spoke, she noticed her daughter standing gracefully at the stairway entrance, her smile unwavering, but her hands hanging limply by her sides.

"Mother, forgive me, I have no intention of returning to the Xu family with you. Thank you for coming to fetch me today; I'm truly happy," she said.

Lady Zhang's expression changed upon hearing this. "How can that be? If you don't come back with me to the Xu residence, where will you go?" Realizing something, she surveyed the humble clinic. "Do you want to stay here? You're mad! Not to mention anything else, the Jiang family is still waiting for you outside. You know how Yuhe feels about you..."

Xu Yunqi interrupted her mother's words with a calm tone. "Mother, please don't decide for me. I understand my own affairs better than anyone. The reason I agreed to settle in the Xu family in the first place was to search for my maternal grandfather. If you wish to visit me in the future, feel free to come here anytime, but I won't be going back with you."

She lifted her gaze to the sky and, with concern in her voice, advised, "The rain is intensifying. You should leave quickly, my lord."

Tears slid down Zhang's cheeks once more as she reached out to pull her. "Nuan Nuan, the Xu Family is, after all, your home..."

A single endearing "Nannan" echoed in Xu Yunqi's mind, evoking a fleeting moment of nostalgia. This pet name was so distant, distant enough for her to have believed she would never hear it again in her lifetime. Many years ago, she had yearned for someone to softly call out this very phrase amidst the morning mist rising from cooking fires, or in the stillness of their bedside at night's deepest hour. Alas, it never came to be.

As her mother's hand reached out, she took a step back. "The Xu family is not my home; I have no home," she said, her tone turning chilly.

Upon hearing this, Lady Zhang froze in her tracks. A mixture of astonishment, bewilderment, embarrassment, and guilt etched deeply on her face, lingering for a long while. Tears brimmed in her eyes, like tender buds exposed after having their petals gently brushed aside, fragile and ready to shatter with the slightest touch.

Xu Yunqi dismissed the matter and turned to ascend the stairs.

The pristine white dress fluttered in the breeze, while the swift footsteps echoed rhythmically against her heart. Watching that resilient figure gradually fade from sight, Zhang's heart felt as if it had been hollowed out, leaving her in a daze and utterly disoriented.

On the second floor of the medical hall stood a spacious chamber. To the east were two rows of partitioned private rooms, usually used for patient consultations. On the west side, there was a cozy three-room suite, specially reserved by Master Hu for Xu Yunqi's residence. As Xu Yunqi ascended the stairs, she could hear the pained groans of an ailing patient coming from one of the private rooms. She entrusted her bundle to Xingyun and hurriedly followed the sound.

There were some patients who, due to their distant residences, needed to be seen day and night, so they simply took up residence here.

Xu Yunqi returned to the western courtyard after paying a visit to the ailing person. The maid, Silver Apricot, had already packed the medical kit and belongings, but she stood by the desk, her eyes visibly rimmed with red. Xu Yunqi poured herself a cup of tea and sipped it while asking, "Are you that upset?"

Ginkgo turned around, her expression puzzled as she asked,

"Miss, why did you say those words to Lady just now? You didn't see how grieved she was when she left."

In Xu Yunqi's character, displays of anger were exceedingly rare, and he never resorted to harsh words with others. It was a first in eight hundred years that he would speak to Madam Zhang in such a manner.

Xu Yunqi grasped the meaning behind Silver Apricot's actions. Setting down her teacup, she wrapped her arms around the young lady's shoulders and said, "My dear, naive girl, if I don't express it this way, she'll keep worrying about me. She'll constantly try to arrange my marriage, hoping that I'll settle down in the capital alongside her."

"But consider this: if the Xi Palace minds its daughter-in-law making public appearances as a physician, wouldn't the Xu family also have concerns? Can the Jiang family truly be indifferent? The Xu family aspires to become part of the elite in the capital. I don't wish to burden them."

Xu Yunqi's gaze drifted past her to the window lattice outside. "Once we've avenged Auntie Fatty and Fatty Girl, we'll return to Jingzhou. From then on, with the vastness of heaven and earth, our encounters will only become fewer. By doing this, she'll let go of me even more. In time, she'll forget about me completely."

Ginkgo had served alongside her mistress for over a decade and understood her character all too well. She nodded, sniffling. "I see." But the ache in her heart grew more intense.

Footsteps hurried up the stairs at that moment, followed by Hu Shopkeeper's urgent cry,

"Madam Xu, come quickly! This pregnant woman is in trouble. She's been here all day and the baby's position is now abnormal, with an unstable pulse! Please save her!"

Xu Yunqi's expression turned grave upon hearing this. Without hesitation, she picked up Ginkgo's medical bag from the table and hurried toward the main hall.

Ginkgo watched her swift departure, brushing away tears from her chin.

It turns out that having parents doesn't necessarily mean having a home.

Unaware of the little maid's worries, Xu Yunqi entered the examination room ahead with the medical bag. Hu Shopkeeper directed the helpers to place the dying pregnant woman on the bed. The family members were all weeping, surrounding the woman. Among them, the old lady kept bowing to Xu Yunqi and Hu Shopkeeper,

"Please, Doctor, save my daughter. That wretch of a son-in-law wants to abandon his mother for the child. I won't allow it. This is my beloved daughter, carried in my womb for ten months. How can I just let her go? I, this old hag, dared to snatch her back and bring her here. I've heard that Madam Xu is like Guanyin Bodhisattva, saving those in distress. Please, both of you, save my daughter."

Xu Yunqi had already washed her hands and changed clothes. She emerged from behind the screen, gesturing for everyone to step back as she began diagnosing the patient.

Proprietor Hu, while urging the family members out, comforted them with patience, "Madam, please rest assured. We'll do our utmost to save both the mother and child. Kindly wait outside for a moment to give our Lady Xu some space."

The elderly lady wiped away her tears and nodded repeatedly before leading the others out.

Proprietor Hu closed the door and assumed a serious expression. Rolling up his sleeves, he went to wash his hands at a side, "I'll assist you."

In addition to the two of them, there were also two female apothecary apprentices in the room.

Well-coordinated, they started preparing without any chaos.

Xu Yunqi assessed the patient's condition and determined that a Cesarean section was necessary. She passed her medical pouch to Proprietor Hu. The young maiden sat on a high silk stool, her eyes shining with determination,

"Hasn't Brother Hu always been curious about the Thirteen Needles? Today, you'll have your chance to witness it!"

Proprietor Hu's face lit up upon hearing this. He had witnessed the technique once before when he met his master, Elder Master Zhang, in Huizhou. However, due to the different illness back then, only seven of the thirteen needles were used, leaving him with a lingering regret. Now, with the pregnant woman's life hanging by a thread and childbirth involving the entire body, all thirteen needles might be required.

"Very well, let me witness the Thirteen Needles, known to bring the dead back to life and mend broken bones!"

A streak of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by thunder rumbling down. The heavens poured down a heavy rainstorm.

Pei Muheng barely had time to take a sip of his porridge before he stepped out of the Meridian Gate with an umbrella in hand. A carriage was already waiting on the side, manned by covert guards. He folded his oil-paper umbrella and placed it on the carriage's yoke.

A eunuch from the Meridian Gate hurried after him,

"Duke, where are you going?"

Pei Muheng stood on the carriage's yoke, turning back to recognize the eunuch as Liu Xiwen's adopted son from the Temple of Heaven, "What's the matter?"

The young eunuch raised his hand to shield himself from the rain and shouted, "His Majesty is urging you to come to the Temple of Heaven."

Pei Muheng's gaze sharpened, but he ignored the eunuch, turning to climb into the carriage. The covert guard cracked the whip, and the hooves splashed through the shimmering puddles as they raced southward.

Huang Wei rushed over with a food box, leaped onto the carriage, and passed it through the curtains,

"Third Master, have something to fill your stomach."

There was no response from inside the carriage for a while.

Perhaps hunger might clear one's mind, making him realize that his path lay in entering the palace, retrieving the imperial edict, and then separating ways, each going their own direction without needing to compromise for the other. Yet, his legs seemed to have a will of their own, defying his intentions.

The pitter-patter of rain, the crisp sound of horsewhips, and the bustling noise of hurried pedestrians on both sides of the road all echoed in his ears.

A distinct voice pierced through the barriers, dispersing the intricate haze to convey a message to him.

That was his wife, the one he, Pei Muheng, had lawfully wed—Jiang Yuhe.

The carriage arrived at the darkened Chengyang Clinic, where water flowed like rivers down the streets. The bluestone tiles in front of the clinic were soaked, with a few fallen petals floating on the surface, shimmering in the watery glow.

A covert guard hastily jumped into the puddle, placing a stool beneath it. Ignoring the umbrella, Pei Muheng stepped on the stool and ascended the steps. As he lifted his gaze, a figure dressed in pure white stood right in front of the clinic's entrance, blocking his path.

The man had an elegant appearance, donning a wide-sleeved robe with one hand behind his back, exuding the demeanor of a noble gentleman.

Pei Muheng didn't recognize him. His gaze casually lingered on the man's face for a moment before he continued walking without pause.

The man bowed respectfully, addressing him with a grand gesture,

"I, Jiang Yuhe, have the honor of meeting Third Young Master."

Pei Muheng's footsteps paused slightly, narrowing his eyes as he softly replied, "Pleasure." Then, without further ado, he proceeded inside.

Before Yunqi could approach, Jiang Yuhe strode forward again, and the two figures drew dangerously close. Pei Muheng disliked strangers invading his personal space, and his handsome brows knitted slightly as a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Jiang Yuhe didn't back down but instead raised his sleeves once more and pleaded sincerely,

"Third Prince, let go. You're a noble Duke towering above all, while she's just an ordinary village physician, as common as they come. In terms of status, she's worlds apart from you. Why not use this opportunity to cut ties and set each other free?"

Pei Muheng didn't look at him, his deep gaze fixed on the entrance. Somehow, the rain that had just fallen seemed not to have touched him at all. He stood regally on the steps in his dark red duke robes, with his back to the wind and the light, casting a gloomier shadow over his face.

"What right do you have to speak to me like this?" he asked.

Jiang Yuhe laughed, though it was unclear if it was out of anger or self-mockery. His gaze passed over Pei Muheng's shoulder and landed on the misty rain beyond. He spoke each word like a dagger, "On the basis that she should have been my wife."

Those words pierced Pei Muheng's heart like knives, and an uncontrollable rage flared up, creasing his forehead. Only then did he lift his gaze to meet Jiang Yuhe's, replying calmly, "Let me remind you, she is now my wife."

Jiang Yuhe scoffed, his pent-up anger bursting forth, "If not for the imperial edict, what would Third Prince have to do with this?"

"Oh, is that so?" Pei Muheng responded with a smile, his tone cool and composed. Looking sidelong at Jiang Yuhe, he said, "If that's the case, why didn't you appeal to His Majesty back then?"

Jiang Yuhe was furious, "Does Third Prince not know the reason behind that marriage arrangement? His Majesty doesn't favor Duke Xi, and he didn't want to see you allied with the Xun family, which is why he separated me from Yunqi."

Pei Muheng heard the words "Yunqi and I," and a murderous aura instantly filled his chest. His gaze was light and indifferent, tinged with danger. "Young Master Jiang, we merely exchanged betrothal gifts, not finalized the marriage. You need not flatter yourself. If you couldn't win her favor back then, there's no need to pretend now."

Jiang Yuhe found the royal family's behavior utterly irrational. They were the ones who had imposed their will and now claimed superiority. But he knew it was pointless to provoke Pei Muheng further. He suppressed his anger and spoke patiently,

"At that time, circumstances were forced upon us. Today, the stars align in our favor. The Emperor has given his consent. Why not go with the flow, Third Prince?"

"She didn't have an easy life in the palace, did she? Ask yourself, did you never look down on her status? Did your mother never treat her with disdain? In our Jiang family, we will cherish her like a treasure..."

His voice softened when he mentioned the word 'treasure.'

"Let go, Third Prince," Jiang Yuhe pleaded again.

Pei Muheng's composed expression finally cracked, darkening gradually.

He owed Xu Yunqi too much, but letting her go was beyond his capacity.

"CLEAR THE WAY," he said coolly, maintaining his composure.

Jiang Yuhe gazed at that flawless face and could hold back no longer. "Third Prince, your aspirations, I might have guessed a thing or two. You and she are not meant to walk the same path..."

Pei Muheng's icy gaze swept over him as he took a menacing step closer. "Since you know of my ambitions, you should be aware that I'm not someone you can afford to offend. If I say I won't let go, even the gods themselves couldn't stop me. Or do you dare to pit the hundreds of lives in the Jiang residence against me?"

Jiang Yuhe's words were suddenly choked back, his gaze fixated on Pei Muheng for a long while. The latter's expression remained unchanged, causing Jiang Yuhe's handsome figure to tremble with anger. "You have your world, she has her stage. You shouldn't hold her back... Pei Muheng, if you truly care for her, you should even less restrict her..." Each word that left his lips was laced with pain.

Pei Muheng saw no need to continue the argument. "How do you know she doesn't have freedom with me?"

He strode past Jiang Yuhe and entered the clinic. Inside, people came and went, some seeking shelter from the storm, others anxiously purchasing medicine, and still, there were calm and composed doctors with unreadable expressions. The covert guards pushed their way through the crowd, pointing upstairs. Pei Muheng quickly ascended the stairs.

In contrast to the bustling first floor, the second level was much quieter. To be precise, a clear and melodious voice echoed softly, piercing through the complexities of the world.

"Human beings possess twelve meridians, the Lung Meridian of the Hand Taiyin, the Stomach Meridian of the Foot Yangming... These twelve meridians are interconnected, forming an integrated network. Where they intersect lies a vital point, commonly known as the Thirteen Vulnerabilities. Our Thirteen Needles technique is like setting up an array and divination on the human body. Yin represents earth, Thunder signifies thunder... The Eight Trigrams and Five Elements interact, mutually supporting and restricting each other."

"A healthy person's meridians flow unobstructed; where there is no obstruction, there is no pain. Master taught that, in any situation, once these thirteen knots are untangled, all ailments can be relieved..."

"The child within this woman's womb seems to be in distress. An upper needle to stabilize the qi, a lower needle for the blood. Yin and yang entwine, transforming into the four directions. From these, myriad phenomena emerge, fostering continuous life and vitality..."

Pei Muheng stepped into the hall and sat down at the table opposite the secluded chamber. Behind a door, he listened to her composed tone, devoid of softness, yet firm and elegant. His inner restlessness was gradually soothed.

Through the sheer window veil, he saw her slender swan-like neck tilt slightly. With a swift motion, knife in hand, she soon held a newborn in her arms.

This was an unprecedented delivery, one that left Master Hu astounded. He had only read about such miraculous skills in ancient medical texts attributed to Hua Tuo. Today, he had witnessed it firsthand.

Master Hu gingerly took the newborn from her arms, his face filled with emotion. He gently cleaned the child and patted its tiny bottom, prompting a loud, clear cry that pierced through the gloomy sky. A new life had arrived.

Outside the private room, the anxious family members wept with relief.

"A baby is born! A baby is born!"

"Doctor, how is my daughter?" asked the old lady, tears streaming down her face as she peered through the window.

Master Hu handed the infant to a young apprentice and called out towards the door, "Rest assured, Madam Xu is attending to her."

Upon hearing this, the old lady's tense heart eased slightly. Her hunched body slid down the door frame as she exclaimed emotionally, "Madam Xu must be a reincarnated bodhisattva. The court physician just said there was nothing more they could do, yet she saved my granddaughter."

Before long, the baby was brought out, and everyone eagerly gathered around, expressing their gratitude to Master Hu. He waved them off with a smile. "Thank Madam Xu, not me. If not for her performing a Cesarean section, both mother and child would have perished."

At the mention of a Cesarean, all present were stunned into silence. Master Hu explained further. Fortunately, the old lady was understanding. Wiping away her tears, she said, "As long as she's alive... everything will be fine... everything will be fine."

Pei Muheng sat quietly to one side, witnessing this scene unfold. The purple sand teapot on the table was boiling hot, so he poured a cup, letting it cool for her.

Though the child had been delivered, the most crucial part was yet to come. Xu Yunqi worked tirelessly from noon till late afternoon, meticulously cleaning the placenta and suturing the wound. By the end of it, her legs had gone numb, and her neck ached. She shook her neck slightly, instructed Yinxing on how to care for the new mother, then pushed open the door to exit.

Amidst grateful cries and sobs, someone knelt before her, bowing their head in gratitude. Xu Yunqi smiled wearily, about to speak when she noticed a figure sitting by the eastern window. The person sat elegantly in an armchair, holding a teacup in hand. Their gaze, distant as if through mountains and waters, carried an enigmatic chilliness.

Sending the divorce papers by messenger would have sufficed, why risk the downpour to come personally?

Her face clearly showed signs of exhaustion, and her voice was even somewhat hoarse. Pei Muheng knew she was tired, and his anger inadvertently subsided.

Xu Yunqi's eyes swept around him. His hands were empty, and there were no belongings on his two attendants either. Confused, she asked again,

"What brings you here?"

The rain outside gradually ceased, and the sky began to clear, casting a faint ray of light through the dark clouds, illuminating his profile with a sharp clarity. Pei Muheng stood up, his dark gaze fixed on her, extending a hand,

"Come home with me."

Xu Yunqi was utterly stunned, staring at him blankly without moving for a long moment.

Pausing for a moment, she said, "Third Young Master, you must understand that I won't change myself for you." Her tone remained as calm and resolute as always.

Pei Muheng's gaze deepened, and his hand moved closer.

"I'll say it again: come home with me."

The distinct, icy aura of a man pressed upon her, causing Xu Yunqi's delicate brows to furrow slightly, adding a touch of helplessness.

"You should pay a visit to the palace. That way, we'll both be free from each other, and no one will hinder the other..."

Her words echoed those of Jiang Yuhe, stirring a tempest in Pei Muheng's heart. Fueled by anger, he took a step forward, firmly enveloping her slender figure before him. Xu Yunqi was forced to retreat, her body colliding with a long table filled with medical cases. Pei Muheng's hands propped up, trapping her between the table and his chest. He gazed into her translucent eyes, demanding,

"To you, marriage is about coming together when it suits and parting ways when it doesn't, isn't it?"

Each word fell with the weight of a thousand jin.

"To me, marriage is a commitment, a vow to never leave or forsake."

The words "never leave or forsake" reverberated in her mind, leaving Xu Yunqi momentarily stunned.

Seeing no response from Pei Muqing, he hesitated several times before refraining from forcefully taking her hand. His tone softened considerably as he said,

"Let's go home."