Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Not giving Xu Yunqi a chance to refuse, Xun Yunhe reached out to grasp his daughter's wrist and led her towards the cabinet. In such a public setting, Xu Yunqi could not argue with him and thus followed along.

The cabinet was located east of the Meridian Gate, north of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and south of it were the six ministry offices and other government quarters. Upon entering, the place was bustling with officials of various ranks busily going about their duties. Many eunuchs also hurriedly moved about, each holding documents and looking preoccupied. It was a scene of hectic activity.

Amidst the continuous greetings of "Venerable Lord Xun," the father and daughter made their way through the halls towards Xun Yunhe's office deep within the third courtyard. At the same time, Han Lin and Silver Apricot were being escorted by a eunuch to a side room for a meal.

Xun Yunhe first led Xu Yunqi inside and personally closed the door behind them. Standing before the table, Xu Yunqi could already smell the delicate aroma of the dishes wafting in the air. Seeing that she had not moved, Xun Yunhe came forward to wipe his hands with a handkerchief before lifting the lid himself, revealing a lavish spread of seven or eight exquisite dishes.

A drum stool was already in place, with only one seat left empty.

Xun Yunhe handed her the damp handkerchief, saying, "My darling, eat something first."

Xu Yunqi glanced at his wrist. His palms were broad, and his fingers long and slender. The skin on the fingertips was slightly rough, and there was still a faint mark from the needle he received the day before. After a moment of silence, Xu Yunqi took the handkerchief to clean her hands and sat down to eat.

The scent of the dishes was crisp and refreshing, and the temperature indicated that they had just been cooked. This demonstrated that he had accurately tracked her movements and prepared lunch promptly.

Xu Yunqi ate in silence.

Xun Yunhe saw her reaction and smiled contentedly, slowly taking a seat in the armchair opposite her. His cough had not fully subsided, and he was afraid of disturbing his daughter's meal, so he endured it in silence.

His attention was fixed on her chopsticks as he tried to discern Xu Yunqi's preferences. Unfortunately, Xu Yunqi was not a picky eater; she tasted every dish on the table equally. Within a short tea-drinking interval, Xu Yunqi's hunger was sated. Xun Yunhe promptly offered her a cup of tea at that moment.

It was not advisable to drink tea immediately after a meal, and the cup was scorching hot. Xu Yunqi held it still, feeling the warmth seep through her skin and climb upwards. Lowering her gaze, she spoke softly, "Thank you."

Knowing that his daughter was not in the mood for small talk, Xun Yunhe decided to get straight to the point,

"Father met with Xu Ke today."

Xu Yunqi froze, finally looking at him. She asked, albeit tardily, "And then?"

Xun Yunhe continued, "I have given him an estate as repayment for providing you with shelter. From now on, you have no ties with the Xu family." Carefully observing his daughter's expression, Xun Yunhe feared that she would blame him for making decisions on her behalf.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi's brows gradually descended, her thick eyelashes concealing her eyes from view. Xun Yunhe could not read her thoughts.

With her hands clasped around the teacup, Xu Yunqi nodded again, "Thank you." Her tone was slightly softer this time.

She had never shared with anyone that she had no intention of visiting the Xu family, neither when she was young nor as she grew older. She was immensely grateful that her mother left her in the countryside, where she spent her happiest and most carefree times with her maternal grandfather. Xu Yunqi loved to wander the world, exploring rivers and mountains.

If not for searching for her maternal grandfather, she probably wouldn't have come to the capital.

However, Xu Ke had no blood relation to her, and he had treated her with kindness and consideration. She was grateful to him for providing her mother with a stable life, allowing her and her maternal grandfather to live without worries.

Xun Yunhe heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that she didn't resist.

"There's one more thing…" Xun Yunhe placed his hands on his knees, clearly nervous as he hesitated for a long time before continuing, "I'm sorry, Ningning. I really can't tolerate your name being recorded in the Xu family genealogy. That's why I've asked Xu Ke to remove you from it. I also plan to change it in the register at the House of Lineage. What do you think?"

After Xu Yunqi's marriage, her name was already under the jurisdiction of the House of Lineage, listed as Xu Ke's daughter. How could Xun Yunhe let this remain unchanged? Even if Yunqi refused to be registered under his name, she couldn't stay under Xu Ke's.

Upon hearing this, Xu Yunqi let out a helpless sigh. Upon catching the soft sigh, Xun Yunhe's expression tensed up. Just as he thought his daughter might be angry or even scold him, Yunqi slowly lifted her gaze, a faint smile in her eyes.

"If doing this will make you happier, more at ease, and sever all ties with their couple, I have no objections."

I have no objections.

Looking at his daughter, who appeared calm and composed, something inside Xun Yunhe snapped with a loud thud.

Of course, he didn't delude himself into thinking that Xu Yunqi was forgiving or accepting him; she simply didn't care anymore.

A sharp ache, like a vine, coiled tightly around his heart, squeezing it relentlessly until he found it hard to breathe.

He would rather she scolded him, blamed him for his poor judgment, and hated him for abandoning her, rather than treating him as if he were of no consequence to her.

The tea had cooled down. Xu Yunqi took a gentle sip. "If you have no further business, I must be on my way..."

She set down the teacup and rose from her seat, turning to leave.

Xun Yunhe suddenly hurried around and blocked her path, almost colliding with his daughter. Xu Yunqi stepped back and looked up at him. Xun Yunhe appeared like a taut string ready to snap, his gaze fierce yet profound.

"Yunqi, you weren't like this before." He spoke with a hint of nostalgia. "You used to laugh when you were happy and cry when you were wronged, not like now, with no desires or needs."

Xu Yunqi saw through his thoughts.

"I know what you're hoping for," she said calmly. "You wish I'd berate you, resent you. Well, let me tell you, I've done that already. When I was four, five, or even when I was still naive at seven or eight, I resented you..."

"People grow up eventually, don't they?"

With these words, it was as if a sharp blade pinned Xun Yunhe against the wall, rendering him powerless and trapped like a caged beast. He covered his face with both hands, barely holding back tears.

Seeing his immense pain, Xu Yunqi sighed softly and consoled, "I've long moved on. Now, you need to do the same, slowly."

Xun Yunhe took a deep breath and composed himself. He couldn't help but ask her, "In those fifteen years, did you ever think of your father?"

Meeting his bloodshot eyes, Xu Yunqi pressed her tongue against her teeth and replied calmly, "You left too soon. I can't remember much anymore."

Xun Yunhe smiled bitterly. Yunqi was right; dwelling in the past served no purpose. He should focus on his daughter's future.

Noticing that her physician's cap had been knocked askew, he collected himself and reached out to adjust it, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. "Yunqi, your father has always thought about you, then and now."

After saying this, Xun Yunhe personally opened the door, acting like a father sending his child off, and spoke warmly, "Alright, our Yunqi can get back to work."

His tone carried the warmth and indulgence of the morning sun.

Xu Yunqi was momentarily stunned before stepping out of the threshold.

Exiting the cabinet, she returned to the Imperial Hospital. It was already late afternoon, and sunlight slanted through the courtyard, illuminating the main hall. A person carrying a pack stood there, and a junior official hurried forward to take the burden from them. Another person held up an official robe, symbolizing the rank of a Fourth Rank Imperial Hospital Director, assisting with dressing. As the person slowly fastened the collar, they turned around, revealing their face to Xu Yunqi.

This was an ordinary face, of average height, with a figure suggesting he was around fifty, his back slightly bent and not particularly straight. Most strikingly, a hint of melancholy lingered between his brows.

Upon seeing him, Han Lin immediately showed respect, rushing forward to greet him,

"Master, you're back."

Fan Ruji gave a faint nod. His gaze fell on Xu Yunqi, and noticing her unfamiliarity, a hint of curiosity flickered across his face.

At that moment, Doctor He led his people out to welcome them. Seeing Xu Yunqi and Fan Ruji standing at the entrance, he quickly introduced them,

"Doctor Fan, this is the lady Xu I mentioned earlier. She is exceptionally skilled in acupuncture. Yesterday, when you were not in the capital, she treated His Majesty's headache with acupuncture." He then informed Fan Ruji about the emperor's decision to allow Xu Yunqi to practice at the Imperial Hospital.

"The emperor even compared her to the former Doctor Liu, implying his hope that our Imperial Hospital can, under Doctor Xun's guidance, nurture more acupuncture masters!"

Fan Ruji's pupils constricted upon hearing this, and his brows knitted tightly together. Looking at Xu Yunqi again, his expression had changed.

"The emperor allowed a woman into the official compound to practice?"

"Mm, well..." Doctor He hadn't expected Doctor Fan to say such things in front of Xu Yunqi, practically showing no regard for her presence.

The atmosphere instantly became awkward.

Fan Ruji shot Xu Yunqi a cold glance before elegantly brushing off her sleeves and entering the palace compound.

Han Lin and Doctor He exchanged a look, shaking their heads helplessly. They then took turns to explain to Xu Yunqi,

"Doctor Fan has a rather headstrong personality, but she has a kind heart. Don't take it to heart."

Doctor He instructed Han Lin to comfort Xu Yunqi before hurriedly following Fan Ruji to her office. Unfortunately, not long after, fierce arguing could be heard from inside. Han Lin's expression changed, and he immediately went over to mediate.

Xu Yunqi stood alone in the main hall, gazing in the direction of the inner offices.

Something was definitely off with Fan Ruji.

Well, at least now there was a way in.

Xu Yunqi's expression remained unchanged as she returned to her own office.

In Fan Ruji's office, the argument continued without cease.

"I'm afraid of him? What difference does it make if he's a Duke or the Prime Minister? Rules are rules, and I'm going to appeal to His Majesty right now!"

Doctor He was on the verge of kneeling down. Moreover, the other doctors also gathered at the entrance,

"What's gotten into you, sir? Lady Xun is of outstanding character and exceptional skill. Her presence in the Imperial Hospital is a blessing for us all. You weren't there when she even awed Prince Qi. Now, he's racking his brains to find a way to swallow his pride and ask for her medical consultation!"

"You've never been stubborn before. Why are you suddenly so concerned about gender boundaries? Don't you have women in your family? You yourself weren't born from a man!"

An elderly doctor, who had always clashed with Doctor Fan, scolded him relentlessly.

Poor Doctor He tried his best to persuade and soothe everyone, but it was a losing battle.

The dispute finally ceased late into the evening. Thankfully, the crowd managed to dissuade Doctor Fan from causing a scene in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

As the sun began to set, Xu Yunqi left the office punctually. Ginkgo asked, "Should we wait for Young Master at the Ministry of Revenue next door?"

Xu Yunqi shook her head. "Forget it. He's busy. Our visit would only hinder his official duties."

Exiting Zhengyang Gate, Huang Wei indeed caught up with her, informing her that the Emperor urgently needed to see Pei Musheng and had instructed Xu Yunqi to return home first.

Xu Yunqi had skipped her afternoon rest today. Upon returning to the palace early for dinner, she retired after digesting her meal. Her sleep was deep, and in the middle of the night, she was awakened by some disturbance. Opening her eyes, she found a single lustrous lamp lit in the room. The soft glow filtered through the red silk curtains, casting a gentle light on her cheeks, making her tender face appear as desirable as a piece of warm jade.

Pei Muheng's tall figure loomed over her.

Before Xu Yunqi could react, his large hand encircled her waist, lifting her up. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his shoulders, feeling the astonishing heat radiating from his skin.

Her face flushed instantly.

"It's almost the Mid-Autumn Festival; the weather is turning cooler. Why are you dressed so thinly?"

Pei Muheng wore only a thin shirt, and through the fabric, she could sense a warm humidity emanating from him.

His palm glided along her slender spine as he cleared his throat, his voice hoarse. "I have to leave the capital for a trip."

calloused fingertips brushed against her skin, sending a tingling sensation wherever they touched. Xu Yunqi's shoulders trembled slightly as she whispered, "Where are you going?"

Pei Muheng replied, "There's unrest among the barbarians in the Tanzhou region. They're protesting against the salt administration. The Emperor has ordered me to handle it personally."

Perhaps fueled by a sense of impending departure, Pei Muheng couldn't seem to let go. Not only that, his lips gently adhered to her plump, delicate lips, slowly devouring them. Unlike the last time, she didn't resist this time. Her beautiful eyes, like black obsidian, gazed softly at his chest, neither moving nor causing trouble. Her overly obedient demeanor stirred a fiery torrent within Pei Muheng's heart.

Noses entwined, a tickling sensation spread, and his breath grew heavier. He savored her softness, their intimacy inseparable.

He was like a confident hunter, proceeding gradually. The once fiery canopy fell silent unusually. She straightened, afraid to move, and he didn't require it. With light and firm pecks on her lips, he had once disliked such close contact, but now found her rosy lips akin to sweet petals, exuding endless fragrance. As moistened breaths intertwined, he slowly lowered her onto the bed.

Upon waking the next day, Xu Yunqi found no trace of Pei Muheng. Only Chen Mama entered to serve, informing her that Pei Muheng had left early for a distant trip. Xu Yunqi didn't give it much thought. Recalling Doctor Fan Ruji from the Imperial Medical Institute, she gathered herself, ready for whatever came.

For the first few days, Fan Ruji barely cast a glance in her direction. Not only that, he didn't assign any patients to Xu Yunqi.

The other doctors in the Imperial Medical Institute could see that Fan Ruji was deliberately excluding Xu Yunqi, attempting to force her out.

Han Lin was deeply troubled. Taking advantage of the noon hour when Fan Rujì was absent, she quietly sought out Xu Yunqi.

"Han Lin, since the Duke is not here, why don't you go and consult Lord Xun? He might be able to mediate in this situation," she suggested.

Xu Yunqi shook her head. "I have a plan. Don't worry, persistence wears away even stone. I'll eventually persuade Doctor Fan to change his mind."

She was determined to see what Fan Rujì had in store for her.

In the blink of an eye, it was Mid-Autumn Festival. Duke Xi hosted a grand lunch banquet at the palace with his entire household, and they all returned to their respective mansions for family dinners that night. With Pei Musheng's departure, the atmosphere at the Duke's palace dinner was rather subdued. The Duke's wife worried about her son, Xu Yunqi was preoccupied with her own concerns, and Pei Mushan, recently coerced by her mother into embroidery for her dowry, seldom ventured out. The family hastily finished their evening meal before retiring to their rooms.

Unbeknownst to her, Xu Yunqi was abruptly stirred from her slumber by Nurse Chen in the dead of night.

"Nanny Chen, what's wrong? Wake up, something has happened," the elderly woman whispered urgently.

Xu Yunqi, still half-asleep, blinked groggily. "What's occurred?"

Nurse Chen hastily lit a lustrous glass lamp and fetched Xu Yunqi's outer robe. As she helped her put it on, she explained, "Someone from the palace has arrived. Tonight, His Majesty hosted a few elder princes for dinner in the Heavenly Praise Hall. Prince Qi, the Elder Prince, overindulged in sweets and has now fainted there. The Emperor has issued an imperial summons – you're needed at court immediately!"

Xu Yunqi's focus sharpened.

The Emperor had summoned her; he must have also summoned Fan Rushi.

In no time, Xu Yunqi, accompanied by Yinxing, left Qinghui Garden, dressed in neat attire.

Prince Xi was personally waiting for her in the main hall. Seeing the lingering fatigue on her face and her slender figure wrapped in a silver cloak, he felt a pang of guilt.

"Dear child, it's been tough on you. Circumstances are dire, and the heir of the old Prince Qi's palace has come personally to fetch you. For the sake of His Majesty, I beg you not to hold a grudge against Prince Qi and prioritize saving the person's life."

Xu Yunqi acknowledged with a bow.

The Duke of Xi escorted her out, waiting until she boarded the imperial carriage before returning to his quarters.

In the depths of night, the moon shone like a silvery veil across the vast expanse of the sky. The streets were nearly deserted, save for a few mansions still hosting lively banquets. Entering the East Imperial Gate revealed an entirely different scene: the entire palace was illuminated, with guards pacing back and forth. The distant sounds of chatter indicated a bustling crowd, likely gathered at the Temple of Heaven.

Anticipating Xu Yunqi's slower pace, the emperor had arranged for a palanquin to be carried by the guards. They hastily transported Xu Yunqi to the Temple of Heaven. Poor Xingyin, however, had no such luxury and ran breathlessly alongside. Concerned for her wellbeing, Xu Yunqi took over her medical kit. It wasn't until they reached the foot of the Temple of Heaven that the guards finally allowed Xu Yunqi to step down.

The leading captain of the Imperial Guards wiped his sweat and took the medical box from Xu Yunqi's hand, guiding the mistress and servant up the steps.

"No one except His Majesty has ever been carried into the Temple of Heaven. Duchess, you are the first."

Xu Yunqi chuckled. "His Majesty is too gracious, and I am unworthy of such honor."

Inside the Temple of Heaven, the lights were blazing, and the hall was packed with people, their voices echoing continuously. Upon entering, Xu Yunqi saw the emperor sitting solemnly on his throne. Not far from his feet, a screen partitioned off a corner where several court physicians were crowded. Behind the screen, the old Prince Qi must have been situated. The palace was also filled with royalty and officials, among them Xun Yunhe.

Spotting his daughter, dusty from her journey, Xun Yunhe hurried to greet her.

"Yunqi."

Xu Yunqi glanced at him and nodded slightly before approaching the emperor to pay her respects. The emperor, clearly shaken by Prince Qi's condition, held his forehead, looking extremely exhausted. He merely gestured towards the screen, indicating that she should go there. Xu Yunqi promptly led Silver Apricot around the screen.

Behind the screen, several palace lanterns illuminated the small space brightly. Lying stiffly on a soft couch was the elder Prince Qi, whose expression suggested he was on the verge of death. Fan Rusi was crouched in front of the couch, taking his pulse. Upon seeing her, Doctor He made way for her immediately, "Doctor Xun, please take a look."

Xu Yunqi approached, and Fan Rusi didn't spare her a glance. She sat beside him and whispered softly,

"Doctor Fan, what is your diagnosis?"

Doctor Fan's brows were deeply furrowed. "A blood clot has formed, and the situation is critical."

The elder Prince Qi's face had taken on a bluish tinge, indicating that his life was hanging by a thread. Xu Yunqi promptly said, "Step aside, I'll administer acupuncture."

Upon hearing this, Fan Rusi looked at her sharply, with a sharp glint hidden deep in his eyes. A hint of fear could also be discerned if one looked closely.

Before Fan Rusi could react, the emperor's cold voice echoed from outside the screen,

"Minister Fan, let her treat him."

Lady Fan swallowed hard several times, her gaze fixed on Xu Yunqi with utmost caution, her movements frozen in hesitation. At this juncture, Imperial Physician He and Han Lin could no longer afford to delay. They swiftly moved in from either side, lifting him away. Undeterred, Xu Yunqi stepped forward without a word, instructing Ginkgo to make the necessary preparations. The mistress and servant duo then proceeded to administer acupuncture in their desperate bid to save the patient.

Over there, Doctor He, fearing that Doctor Fan might undermine Xu Yunqi, hastily tugged at his arm and whispered words of reassurance.

"Prudence is crucial, Your Excellency. The Old Prince Qi's ailments have always been under your care. Should anything untoward happen to him in the Heavenly Praise Hall today, you would undoubtedly bear some responsibility."

Fan Rujun proved more composed than he had anticipated. He replied in a low voice, "I have long informed His Majesty about the ailing Old Prince Qi. The Emperor is well aware of the situation; he has no reason to blame me."

Doctor He choked on his words, "Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. If someone were to die here, His Majesty would surely be enraged."

Fan Rujì was utterly deaf to every word, his cracked eyes fixated intently on Xu Yunqi. He watched those delicate jade-like hands calmly pick up a long needle and steadily aim it towards the heart of the elderly Prince Qi.

One, two, three...

In the upper position, there is Qian, symbolizing heaven, and in the lower position, Kun, representing earth. The I Ching trigram Xun hangs below, gentle as the spring breeze, yielding and adapting to the wind's flow. Zhen pierces through, expelling stagnated blood, while Lei and Huo intertwine, bringing resurrection from the brink of death.

Thirteen Needles!

How could it be thirteen stitches!

Fan Rujì was struck as if by lightning, his complexion draining of all color. He even forgot to tremble, sweat beads surfacing layer upon layer in the palm of his hand.

Thirty years had passed, and the Thirteen Shadow Needles had reappeared in the world.

It felt like an eternity before he realized Xu Yunqi's hands were swaying before his eyes like the elusive Shadow Needles, intertwining with the deepest recesses of his memory.

Suddenly, the elderly Prince Qi convulsed, then began spewing clots of dark blood, alarming the court physicians present. Doctor He rushed forward, pressing on the prince's arm while looking anxiously at Xu Yunqi.

"What's happening?" he asked.

Xu Yunqi explained calmly, "He's expelling the stagnated blood!"

Just then, the emperor, along with Xun Yunhe and others, flooded into the room, surrounding the screen. Before the emperor could inquire, Fan Rujì abruptly pulled out the five needles she had inserted into the old prince's chest and swiftly snapped them in half, holding them in his palm as he pointed at her, enraged.

"How dare you! Are you trying to kill the elderly prince?"

Xu Yunqi stared at him, surprise and suspicion flickering in her eyes. She slowly rose to her feet. "His body is clogged with stagnant blood—it must be cleared first…"

Before she could finish, Fan Rujì turned to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, it's not like that. My method just now can save the Elder Prince's life. I have already administered a potent medicine, and if Doctor Xun were to proceed with acupuncture, it might cause his qi and blood to surge chaotically, resulting in the Elder Prince suffocating to death..."

One was the most renowned director of the Imperial Medical Academy, a trusted confidant for many years, while the other was a decisive and skillful granddaughter-in-law who excelled in acupuncture. The emperor was momentarily unsure whom to believe.

Xu Yunqi looked at the needle in Fan Rujì's palm, seeing how he had driven it deep into his flesh, blood dripping down his palm along the lines of his skin.

He had ruined her needle, preventing her from using the Thirteen Needles technique. What was he afraid of?