Chapter 51

Chapter 51

At the mention of "Doctor Xun," Xun Yunhe's heart pounded so fiercely that it felt like it would burst out of his chest. His eyes brimmed with tears, but he remained silent for a long time.

Hao Taiyi rose and approached Xun Yunhe to examine the prescription. He then turned to discuss it with Xu Yunqi and Doctor Liu. The three doctors soon gathered to analyze the situation. While they did this, Yunqi waited for the appropriate time to remove the silver needles from Xun Yunhe.

The emperor was astounded by Xu Yunqi's skills and asked curiously, "Xiao Heng's daughter-in-law, where did you learn such remarkable abilities at such a young age?"

Xu Yunqi had prepared an answer beforehand. "Your Majesty, my grandfather raised me since I was young. To support our family, he often went into the forest to gather herbs, which he sold in town for money. Through these interactions, I became acquainted with some doctors and medicine merchants. Influenced by their work, I developed a desire to heal people. My grandfather, who loved me dearly, didn't confine me to societal norms. He introduced me to some of his physician friends, allowing me to study medicine."

"I started accompanying local doctors to gather herbs and make medicine when I was five. Later, I met a skilled physician who saw potential in me and my willingness to endure hardships. He took me under his wing as his disciple."

"In truth, I've had more than one mentor. Whoever possessed knowledge, I would pester them to teach me. Over the years, I've treated countless patients and encountered all sorts of complex ailments. People outside the royal court are bold and adventurous with their prescriptions. If they succeed, they're hailed as divine healers; if they fail, they simply flee. This is unlike the grand physicians in the Imperial Medical Institute, who carry themselves with grace and dignity."

Hao Taiyi listened with a bitter smile. The Imperial Medical Institute catered to the royal family and high-ranking officials, so they dared not offend anyone. As a result, they tended to be cautious and overly deliberative in their actions. For example, he wouldn't dare to insert as many needles into the emperor as Xu Yunqi had just done. Yet, Xu Yunqi did so effortlessly. Sometimes, being a doctor required courage.

Xu Yunqi was intelligent and promptly responded with a smile, clasping her sleeves respectfully. "Therefore, I still wish to learn from the grand physicians of the Imperial Medical Institute. They come from prestigious backgrounds and have a deep lineage of knowledge, forming their own schools of thought. Unlike me, whose learning is scattered and disorganized. I truly need the guidance of experts like Doctor Fan and Doctor Hao to refine my skills."

Xu Yunqi's humility and understanding of propriety pleased the emperor.

"Learn from each other's strengths," the Emperor pierced to the heart of the matter. "But your greatest asset is your audacity, and that must not be diminished by the conservative teachings of the Imperial Medical Academy's old scholars."

Doctor He and the others quickly rose to their feet to apologize.

Upon hearing those words, Xun Yunhe felt as if he had ingested bitter almond, filling his heart with an unbearable bitterness.

The emperor and the others were more concerned about Xu Yunqi's tragic life story than the intricacies of her medical studies.

Were it not for that villain's machinations, she would be the esteemed lady of a high-ranking official's residence, blessed with such breathtaking beauty that she would likely be the most dazzling jewel in the entire capital city.

Xu Yunqi secretly heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing that the Emperor didn't insist on delving deeper into the matter.

Thereafter, Xu Yunqi and the others successively withdrew from the Fengtian Palace. Imperial Physician He and Liu Xiwen promptly led their retinue towards the Imperial Medical Institute, with Pei Moheng following closely behind, intending to escort Xu Yunqi. However, as they walked along, the two imperial physicians surrounded Yunqi, engaging her in ceaseless chatter, swiftly leaving him trailing behind.

Pei Muhang stood at the Danxi Pavilion, gazing at Xu Yunqi's departing figure in the distance. With a faint smile, he turned and made his way to the Ministry of Revenue.

In the Imperial Study, only Xun Yunhe and Venerable Minister Zheng remained.

By now, Venerable Minister Zheng was not merely envious of Xun Yunhe for having such an excellent daughter; he also envied the emperor's favor toward Xun Yunhe. Indeed, over the past decade and a half, Xun Yunhe had rendered significant services to the imperial court, but the emperor's favor towards him was by no means insignificant.

"Xun Yunhe, how do you plan to express your gratitude to the Emperor?"

Xun Yunhe had regained his composure and knelt on the ground, "Your Majesty's gracious favor is beyond my ability to repay."

The emperor waved his hand, "It's I who should thank you. You've raised an excellent daughter. It's been a long time since my head has felt this relieved."

Indeed, he had raised an excellent daughter, not just any daughter.

When Xun Yunhe returned to the cabinet, he held his forehead, struggling to regain his calm for quite some time. He was always meticulous, whether it was taking care of his wife and daughter in the past or now. Swiftly, he thought about where Xu Yunqi should dine and use the facilities in the official district. Without delay, he summoned his subordinates to make the necessary arrangements.

The Imperial Medical Academy was located within Zhengyang Gate, with the Ministry of Rites in front and the Ministry of Finance diagonally opposite. It was also close to Pei Musheng's residence, with the Board of Astronomy and the Board of Ceremonies to the north and the palace wall to the south. After Liu Xiwen announced the emperor's decree and presented the congratulatory tablet written by Doctor He, he left. As soon as he departed, the other doctors flocked to congratulate Xu Yunqi.

Given her heroic rescue of Yan Shaoling previously, no doctor in the Imperial Medical Academy dared to look down upon her, except for a few old scholars who sneered at the idea of a woman practicing medicine. The rest surrounded her, asking about her mentor and places she had visited. Among them, the young Doctor Han was the most delighted.

Doctor Han, aged twenty-two, was the standout among the younger generation of doctors in the academy and was being groomed as a successor by Doctors Fan and He. After the incident with Yan Shaoling, Doctor Han expressed his desire to learn acupuncture from Xu Yunqi, but Doctor He, considering the connection to the Xihua Palace, declined. Now that Xu Yunqi was here, Doctor He began to consider the matter differently.

In the Great Jin's Imperial Medical Academy, there was a rule that every medical consultation would be accompanied by two doctors. They would take turns to diagnose patients, discuss treatment plans, and supervise the preparation of medicine. Whether it was medication for the emperor or the empress, both doctors' signatures were required. Although the pairs often changed, over time, some developed a good rapport.

Thus, Doctor He introduced Xu Yunqi to Han Lin, whom she immediately recognized as the one who helped remove the bamboo splinter from Yan Shaoling during the training field incident. This man was brave, meticulous, calm, and agile – a promising talent.

Han Lin was also quite straightforward, bowing deeply to Xu Yunqi,

"I hope Doctor Xun will kindly offer your guidance in the future."

Xu Yunqi perceived Director He's intentions. There were not many in the Imperial Medical Institute who were proficient in acupuncture, let alone masters of the craft. Director He wished for her to groom Han Lin, and Xu Yunqi was naturally willing to pass on her skills. However, before she could thoroughly understand Doctor Fan's background, she would not easily display techniques like the Thirteen Needles.

"It would be presumptuous for me to claim the ability to guide, Doctor Han. I hope you will kindly look out for me."

Their temporary arrangement was thus settled.

Having become familiar faces with one another, Imperial Physician He intended to arrange a duty chamber specifically for Xu Yunqi, ensuring her daily routine and meals would be meticulously tended to as well. As he hesitated, an official arrived from the Grand Secretariat, having preemptively considered everything Imperial Physician He had pondered over, as well as additional aspects he hadn't yet thought of. Moreover, the official dispatched a junior eunuch specifically to attend to Xu Yunqi. Recognizing this as the thoughtful arrangement of Xun Yunhe, Imperial Physician He promptly carried out each detail accordingly.

As the evening approached, Xu Yunqi bid farewell to Apricot and returned to the palace. Upon arrival, he was promptly invited to the Jinhuo Hall.

The Imperial Prince Xi couple had evidently received some news. The two of them stared at Xu Yunqi with distinct expressions on their faces.

Xu Yunqi took a subtle glance at her mother-in-law's expression and softly recounted the day's events.

Empress Xia's mood was indeed far from pleasant. It was evident that Lady Hang's destiny did not lie in being a supportive wife and nurturing mother. Though she felt saddened, she was also well aware that she had no choice but to accept this reality.

The only solace was that she would now move about the inner palace as "Doctor Xun."

The Hui Palace's reputation had been preserved.

When Prince Hui inquired about the emperor's condition, Xu Yunqi answered each question in detail. He was astonished to learn that his daughter-in-law had stabilized the emperor's illness in one visit. As far as he knew, only the late Doctor Liu from years past possessed such skills. No one was more aware of how Doctor Liu had met his end than Prince Hui himself.

Prince Hui's face darkened for a brief moment.

But quickly, his usual warm expression returned, and he laughed heartily. "Well done, Third Princess Consort. You've brought honor to our palace."

"You must be tired. Hurry back and rest."

Xu Yunqi hastily took her leave.

After she left, Princess Hui glared at her husband. "Why are you so pleased? Now that she's become an imperial physician, what will we do in the future... Pay some attention and stop spending your days idly drinking and watching operas."

In the past, Prince Hui would have surely comforted his wife, but today, he lacked the inclination. With a few hasty words, he left Jinhua Hall and returned to his study in the front courtyard.

As night fell, lanterns along the corridors were lit one by one. The voice of the butler echoed from outside,

"Third Master has returned to the residence..."

A mere wall separated him from the main hall, where he could discern the voices of Pei Muheng conversing with the butler, with Xu Yunqi's name being mentioned in their discussion.

The Duke of Xi sat alone by the dim window, taking a deep breath. Flickering light filtered through the gauze curtains, illuminating a corner of his robe and revealing the vague outline of a menacing dragon pattern. The serpentine claws seemed to sway gently with the wind, akin to a lurking beast in the darkness, ready to awaken at any moment.

For thirty years, he had considered giving up countless times. He often told himself that being shunned by the emperor was, in its own way, a form of protection. He could contentedly live out his life as a duke, fighting in battles when called upon and enjoying familial bliss during peaceful times. It wasn't an undesirable existence.

But with Xu Yunqi stepping into the Imperial Medical Bureau, she might very well suffer the same fate as Doctor Liu from years ago. The threat was now imminent, leaving him no choice but to intervene.

The Duke of Xi abruptly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and resolute.

"Someone! Attend!"

A shadow leaped down from the rafters of the back room.

How could the former commander-in-chief of three armies truly be an idle drunkard?

He issued his command in a solemn voice, "You must personally journey to Western Zhou..."

Thirty years ago, Imperial Physician Liu met his demise due to Prince Xi. At that time, the prince had been spared by the Empress Dowager. Many years hence, he embarked on a campaign against the Great Wu and, while passing through Western Prefecture, paid a visit to the Liu clan. Lady Liu, still deeply haunted by her husband's death, naturally held a grudge against Prince Xi. The prince felt a profound sense of remorse and thus lent his support to the Liu family's medicinal trade in Western Prefecture. Later, upon rendering a significant service, the Emperor asked him what reward he desired. Prince Xi then requested that Western Prefecture be granted as his fiefdom.

If Yangzhou could be considered the stronghold of Duke Twelve Pei Xun, then Western State was the foundation of Prince Xi.

The Chancellor of the Xi Wangfu now stands in for the Xi Prince, presiding over the Western Province.

*

On this day, Pei Muheng returned to his residence earlier than usual, anticipating that Xu Yunqi would be troubled by the events of the day and harboring an intention to console her. However, upon stepping into the eastern antechamber, he found Xu Yunqi engrossed in examining the medical records she had brought back from the Imperial Medical Bureau, accompanied by Ginkgo.

"Behold this prescription," said the physician, "prepared for the five-year-old princess within the palace walls, who suffers from a persistent cough accompanied by high fever and nasal congestion. Initially, it comprised twelve ingredients: Lianqiao, Chaihu, Niuhuang, Jinyinhua... Despite three days of administering these remedies, her symptoms showed no signs of abating. Thus, several more drugs were added, not only increasing the dosage but also the variety. It is truly pitiful to see one so young subjected to such a profusion of medication. Her delicate organs must surely struggle to bear the strain, as her illness has now persisted for a full month."

"What could be the reason for that?" Ginkgo asked curiously.

Xu Yunqi flipped through a few more pages and noticed that the young princess fell ill once a month. "If I'm not mistaken, this little princess is suffering from indigestion, with a strong stomach but a weak spleen. Every time she catches a cold, she would have high fever and coughing fits. The medicine seems to address her symptoms, but it doesn't treat the root cause. Naturally, her recovery is slow... If we were to administer Pearl Amber Baboon Date Powder while reducing her fever, her illness would subside more quickly."

Pei Muheng looked at his wife and realized that his worries were unnecessary.

The next day, Xu Yunqi had to report to the Imperial Medical Institute, so she went to bed early. In the past, when Pei Muheng had to attend court, he would wake up before dawn, and Xu Yunqi would do the same. However, on this morning, when Pei Muheng woke up as usual, Xu Yunqi was sound asleep, motionless. As August approached, the lingering heat of late summer gave way to cooler temperatures.

One of Xu Yunqi's hands was exposed, and Pei Muheng gently tucked the blanket around her before softly calling out to her.

"Yunqi."

It was far too early for Xu Yunqi to be awake, and she frowned in displeasure, turning away. Her delicate body shifted, and her jade-like foot kicked at his knee, as if to push him away.

Pei Muheng had never seen her refuse to get out of bed before. He found the sight both amusing and frustrating.

Just as he was about to lean over to rouse her, his body barely leaning forward, Xu Yunqi seemed to have sensed something and sprang up without warning.

"Is it already late?" Her head popped up suddenly, colliding right into Pei Muheng's eyebrow.

"Ouch!"

The pain was sharp and deep. Realizing she had caused the mishap, Xu Yunqi quickly apologized, "Third Master, I was careless. Are you alright? Does it hurt a lot?"

Pei Muheng clutched his left eye, stars dancing before his vision from the pain. He was momentarily speechless.

After a moment, the couple hurriedly got out of bed. Xu Yunqi fetched a cold, soothing ointment from the medicine cabinet and applied it to his eyebrow, reducing the redness, though the pain would persist for some time.

Xu Yunqi observed her husband's apologetic expression.

Pei Muheng still wore that snowy white inner robe, its sash loosely tied around his waist, leaving his chest partially exposed, showcasing his toned muscles. He rubbed his temples gently before lowering his hand. His tall and slender figure leaned against the dressing table with an air of nonchalance, exuding a carefree charm.

"Yunqi, I might not be presentable today," he said with a tone of casual helplessness.

Xu Yunqi was probably accustomed to his well-dressed and refined appearance, as this was her first time seeing him disheveled and indifferent. She couldn't help but admit that Pei Muheng's statuesque figure and handsome looks, combined with his melancholic expression, resembled that of a wandering traveler. Unconsciously, Xu Yunqi found herself captivated.

Noticing Xu Yunqi's lack of response, Pei Muheng focused his gaze. The eastern sky revealed a hint of dawn, casting a soft light into the room, just enough to discern the surroundings and her face. Her eyes were wide, revealing a naive and tranquil innocence, her clear pupils fixated on him without blinking.

Pei Muheng's heart skipped a beat. He reached out to embrace her waist, gently placing her on the dressing table.

"What are you looking at?" he asked.

Xu Yunqi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shook her head slightly. "Nothing," she replied. Seeing Pei Muheng's intense gaze, Xu Yunqi hurriedly reminded him, "Alright, it's getting late. We should hurry to the office."

Pei Muheng's chiseled back arched backward, bending at the waist, his thick eyelashes drooping as his eyes darkened, gazing at her intently.

Their eyes met for a moment, and Xu Yunqi understood his intentions.

Smiling, she looked around the room, finding it empty. Without hesitation, she planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. It was a fleeting touch, as delicate as a dragonfly skimming the surface of a tranquil lake, leaving ripples that soon dissipated.

Once those ripples settled, Pei Muheng released her, allowing her to stand on her own.

He couldn't tell if her kiss was an expression of affection or simply casual; with others, he might have been able to read the signs, but Xu Yunqi was known for her indifferent nature. He had no idea what could stir emotions in her heart.

For a brief moment, he considered probing further, but then dismissed the idea. Revealing too much emotion between spouses could only lead to complications for himself.

Fortunately, the Xihua Palace was not far from the imperial walls, and the couple quickly made their way to the Zhengyang Gate.

Official after official crossed the white marble bridge, heading inside.

Xu Yunqi, now dressed in the green robe of a sixth-rank imperial physician, entered the palace grounds. Just as she stepped through the Daming Gate and was about to turn towards the Imperial Hospital, she spotted a familiar figure by the palace wall outside the Ministry of Rites.

Xu Ke had been stopped by a fellow classmate from the Ministry. After exchanging greetings, the Ministry official entered the building first, while Xu Ke intended to follow the palace wall inward, as the Ministry of Works was located north of the Department of Ceremonial Affairs. The road between the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Hospital led straight there.

Taking just a few steps, she heard a crisp voice behind her.

"Father."

That one word from Xu Yunqi's lips sent a chill down Xu Ke's spine.

He spun around to see a green-robed official walking closely behind him. The clothes were clearly oversized and ill-fitting, but Xu Ke still recognized Yunqi at first glance. Scanning his surroundings, he was relieved to find no one nearby. He quickly stepped aside and whispered,

"Yunqi, why are you here? And in such attire?"

Xu Yunqi, accompanied by Yingxi, bowed respectfully and briefly explained the situation.

Xu Ke immediately rubbed his forehead. This was the first time they had met since the incident at Qingshan Temple. From Xu Yunqi's unwavering use of "father," her attitude was clear. At first, Xu Ke felt a sense of relief; his daughter was grateful for his care and remembered him as her foster father, showing her kind and obedient nature. But then, a cold sweat trickled down his spine.

He would have preferred she didn't call him "father" or discard her identity as a Xu family daughter, treating him with disdain.

Xu Ke hesitated to speak, but Xu Yunqi smiled warmly and asked first, "How is Mother doing lately?"

Xu Ke managed a strained smile. "She's well, don't worry."

Xu Yunqi sensed Xu Ke's discomfort and likely guessed the reason. Not wanting to put him on the spot, she quickly bowed again and, with Yingxi, headed towards the Imperial Hospital.

Xu Ke gazed at her departing figure, wiping the sweat from his brow twice in quick succession.

Unbeknownst to them, Xun Yunhe, who had just followed his daughter's footsteps into the palace through the Great Ming Gate, stood beneath the towering city walls.

It was his daughter's first day at work, and he couldn't help but accompany her all the way, intending to give a word of caution to the Imperial Medical Institute, lest anyone mistreat her. To his surprise, he overheard her conversation with Xu Ke.

The warmth on his face vanished instantly.

He didn't dare to hope for forgiveness from Nannan, and had even prepared himself for a lifetime of estrangement from her. However, he would never tolerate anyone else taking the place of her father.

Xun Yunhe coldly lifted his kneecloth and strode down the palace path towards the cabinet.

Every day, countless official documents needed the cabinet's approval, and the Ministry of Works was no exception. Lately, aware of Xu Ke's awkward position, the officials there had tacitly avoided involving him in their trips to the cabinet or the Ministry of Personnel, even taking on extra tasks for him. However, on this very afternoon, after a brief rest, while Xu Ke was still troubled by Xu Yunqi's situation, the door was pushed open, and the Vice Minister of Works entered.

Spotting his immediate superior, Xu Ke hastily stepped out from behind his desk, folding his sleeves in a respectful gesture.

"Minister Su, why are you here? Do you have any orders for your subordinate?"

Su Ziyan, the Vice Minister of Works, was barely in his early thirties. He was the queen's nephew, and with the crown prince, the queen's son, soon to ascend to the throne, Su Ziyan had become a highly sought-after figure. Many secretly speculated that upon the ascension of Prince Pei Xun, the twelfth king, Su Ziyan would inevitably be appointed to the cabinet as a prime minister.

Thus, Su Ziyan held more sway in the Ministry of Works than even its Minister himself.

Xu Ke had always shown him utmost respect.

Su Ziyan exuded the elegance of a Southern scholar, with his striking features and refined demeanor. He looked at Xu Ke with pity, patting his arm and saying,

"I just came from the Cabinet. They've withheld your Water Bureau's financial records for the first half of the year. Today, I personally sought out Viceroy Xun to appeal on your behalf. He said that the official responsible for this matter should present their case in person at the Cabinet."

Cold sweat broke out on Xu Ke's forehead.

Xun Yunhe wanted to see him.

What he had been dreading was finally happening...

Xu Ke closed his eyes in despair, slowly exhaling a breath of stale air. "In that case, I'll go to the Cabinet to meet with Viceroy Xun."