Chapter 42: The Eminent Lady

The next morning, Tian Mi arrived early at the medical camp. Today, the three doctors’ apprentices were also present. The three of them emphasized the importance of hygiene, ensuring that all items touching wounds were clean and disinfenbcted.

They instructed the apprentices to wash the bandages with Tian Mi’s soap and then boil them in water.

Seeing the pile of cloth, Tian Mi realized one bar of soap wouldn’t suffice, so she handed over another.

With fewer wounded today, the doctors began asking Tian Mi for guidance instead of having her take the lead.

The injured soldiers, having rested for a day, appeared to be in much better spirits. Observing the treatment process, they noted how much steadier the doctors’ hands were after yesterday’s practice.

Jin Mingwen was already able to get out of bed. Tian Mi reminded him not to exert himself to avoid reopening his wound but encouraged gentle walking to prevent blood clots.

He had thought he was doomed before passing out. To his surprise, he was saved and heard that a Doctor Tian was teaching the army medics the art of suturing. Grateful, he made a point to visit her with his sister, Jin Wenwen, supporting him.

In the army camp, women weren’t allowed to stay overnight due to a rule set by Prince Ding. Jin Wenwen could only remain during the day to care for her brother because of his injuries.

That morning, she learned that Tian Mi had stayed overnight in the camp. “Brother, Doctor Tian is a woman, and she stayed overnight in the military camp. Doesn’t that mean these rules can be bent?”

Jin Mingwen sighed. “Wenwen, I know your thoughts. But it’s no use. After all these years, haven’t you realized? Even the Empress herself doesn’t meddle in Prince Ding’s personal matters. Do you think you could be the exception?”

Jin Wenwen lowered her head without responding. She knew she wasn’t.

She forced a smile. “Brother, you’re overthinking. I was just pointing out that even strict rules can have exceptions.”

If she had known earlier, she might have studied medicine herself. Then, as a military doctor, she could have stayed in the camp.

Jin Mingwen shook his head. “The army camp is full of men. It wouldn’t be good for your reputation. Doctor Tian staying here is different—she’s here to save lives, and she’s being cared for by an elderly woman Left Guard Zuo arranged from a nearby village.”

Jin Wenwen fell silent. Her brother wasn’t wrong, but his words confirmed that exceptions could be made.

When they arrived at the medical camp, they overheard Tian Mi chatting with the doctors and patients.

Doctor Zhang remarked, “Doctor Tian, you’re the first woman to stay overnight in the camp. Everyone is amazed by your medical skills.”

The wounded chimed in agreement.

“Indeed!”

“Left Guard Zuo even found someone to care for you. He treats you with great consideration.”

Tian Mi laughed heartily. “This entire camp is full of sweaty, smelly men. What woman would willingly stay here unless she was out of her mind?”

In this era, soldiers were nothing like the disciplined and refined soldiers of her previous life.

Her candidness sent the crowd roaring with laughter. It was true—what kind of woman would voluntarily remain in such a place?

Squinting her eyes like a detective, Tian Mi continued, “Unless… she’s a spy, here to charm you and extract secrets!”

Jin Mingwen and Jin Wenwen, just outside, froze. Their intention was to thank her for saving his life, but now they felt awkward and decided to return later. Jin Mingwen resolved to come alone next time.

The morning passed with light-hearted conversations. With all the wounded treated, Tian Mi decided to return home that afternoon.

At her quarters, the elderly woman had prepared her lunch—a simple meal of steamed rice and a stew that looked excessively fatty.

Tian Mi called out, “Madam, please fetch Left Guard Zuo for me.”

If she was leaving, she had to inform him.

She picked at her meal, avoiding the fatty parts of the stew and eating only the lean pieces with rice. She stopped after a few bites, leaving the stew untouched. She knew the woman wouldn’t waste it and would likely eat it herself.

Not long after, Zuo Zhengfeng arrived. Upon hearing that she planned to leave, he said, “His Highness has instructed that you see him before departing. He wants to discuss medicine procurement.”

Tian Mi’s interest was piqued. “Alright,” she replied. “Lead the way.”

Bai Mucheng was currently drilling his soldiers. A group of muscular, energetic men were shirtless and fully immersed in their training. Tian Mi, hearing their shouts, stretched her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of what these soldiers of this era looked like. Unfortunately, her current position offered no view.

Zuo Zhengfeng, knowing she wouldn’t be able to see from there, took her to Bai Mucheng’s barracks and sent a guard to call him over.

At that moment, Tian Mi’s eagle flew down from the sky, landing steadily on her outstretched arm. She had left it stationed in the valley as a lookout.

“Hey! Yanzu, what are you doing here? Is everything fine in the valley?”

This eagle was Tian Mi’s first pet, so it had to have a name so cool and likable that anyone hearing it would fall in love.

The eagle squawked insistently at her small satchel, clearly asking for food.

Tian Mi was exasperated. She set it down, took out a porcelain bottle from her bag, and soaked some meat chunks in spiritual spring water for it to eat.

Zuo Zhengfeng observed this harmonious interaction between human and bird with amazement. He’d seen people raising eagles at the border for herding and scouting, but capturing and training one was no easy feat. He couldn’t help but ask, “Doctor Tian, did you train this eagle?”

Tian Mi replied with a smile, “Yep! I left it to keep watch in the valley, but it got greedy and came all the way here to find me.”

Zuo Zhengfeng’s eyes widened with excitement. “What can it do?”

Tian Mi wasn’t an expert bird trainer. She had only seen videos about training dogs before. She had simply taught Yanzu to find items and signal when it spotted something suspicious while standing guard.

“Not much,” she said casually. “It looks for things in the mountains and alerts us when strangers approach the valley.”

Bai Mucheng arrived just in time to hear this. He had just finished training, and his sweat-soaked face glowed with the flush of exertion.

He looked at the majestic eagle feasting on its food and then at Tian Mi, who seemed completely unaware of how extraordinary the bird was.

Zuo Zhengfeng saluted him, and only then did Tian Mi notice him.

This man was truly striking—his features both regal and finely sculpted, like a masterpiece carved by the heavens.

Beads of sweat trickled from his forehead, down his neck, past his prominent Adam’s apple, and finally disappeared beneath his clothing.

Tian Mi’s thoughts wandered to the night she had accidentally seen his Adam’s apple moving rhythmically from her vantage point. That scene had been so brimming with masculine charm that it was downright lethal. If only he were a regular person without all the complications, she’d have already decided to keep him as her boy toy.

Even if it was expensive, she’d manage!

But it was all just wishful thinking. She still remembered how he had once hunted her down. This was not someone she could afford to provoke.

She quickly reeled in her thoughts and offered him a polite bow.

Bai Mucheng said, “Let’s talk inside.”

The three of them entered his barracks, where a guard served them tea.

Bai Mucheng got straight to the point. “Doctor Tian, how much of those medicinal supplies and cleansing soaps do you have? Our army will take all of them.”

Generous. See? Handsome men always come with style.

Tian Mi replied calmly, “Your Highness, we’re currently staying in the valley, and resources are quite limited. The quantities of medicine and soap we’ve made are not very large. You can send someone to the valley to pick them up in a few days.”

Bai Mucheng noted her straightforward demeanor. Unlike other women, she was neither affected nor bashful—an absolute pleasure to deal with.

“We don’t carry much when we go on expeditions. I’ll have a receipt drawn up for you, and we’ll settle the payment later,” he said.

Oh, no wonder he was so bold—it was credit!

Tian Mi froze in surprise, and Bai Mucheng couldn’t help but chuckle at her dazed expression. He reassured her, “Don’t worry; the court won’t shortchange you. By the way, Doctor Tian, could I borrow this eagle of yours for a while?”

He was currently gathering intelligence on Qinghe County’s layout and preparing to take action.

Tian Mi flatly refused. “No way. It’s protecting our valley.”