Chapter 47

The afterglow had faded, the sky was gradually darkening, and the lamps outside the corridor had not yet been lit. The room was dimly lit, as if shrouded in a layer of misty clouds.

That handsome face slowly magnified in front of her; the eyes were pitch black, with deep currents surging within. Xu Yunqi didn’t have time to think as his lips pressed down, gently touching the edge of hers.

Xu Yunqi was stunned for a moment. In the past, Pei Muheng had never kissed her on the lips. She thought he probably didn’t like this kind of intimacy, and she also didn’t like exchanging saliva.

The rough palm had somehow already covered her cheek, and the warm, damp palm pressed her upwards. He increased his strength, forcing Xu Yunqi to stand a bit straighter, her slender body tensing up.

He was probably going to do it again here. Xu Yunqi didn’t stop him but instead took the opportunity to glance at the long table and move some books aside while he pecked at her lips.

Pei Muheng noticed her movements and suddenly found it amusing. Not pleased with her distraction, he gently bit her soft lips. Xu Yunqi was shocked, her eyes wide open as she looked at him. His thick eyelashes were close at hand, and his eyes shone as if trying to see through her. Xu Yunqi was a bit angry, though this anger had no impact on Pei Muheng. He caught her restless hands, hugged her slender waist, and lifted her onto the long table.

She liked it, so she went along with it.

As the two moved closer, Pei Muheng found a comfortable position to kiss her, supporting the back of her neck with his palm, deepening the kiss.

The wet touch instantly covered her, and even her breath was taken away. Xu Yunqi’s eyes flickered, her thick eyelashes fluttering, not knowing how to react. The air was filled with a haze, and the evening breeze gently brushed her cheek. The sound of their intertwined breaths grew heavier and heavier.

Pei Muheng kissed for a while without letting go. Her quiet demeanor made her easy to bully, and he couldn’t help but want more. His tongue pried open her soft lips and pressed against her teeth. His thin lips issued a command, “Open up.”

His voice was hoarse and intense, with a vaguely indistinct tone that lightly tapped at her heart. Xu Yunqi didn’t know how to respond and instead bit down harder, refusing him with her gaze. As her attention focused ahead, her fingers relaxed, allowing Pei Muheng to hold her slender, boneless fingers easily. He intertwined their fingers and softly coaxed her, “Are you scared?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head.

Pei Muheng paused, then released her. Looking into her pure, innocent eyes, he propped himself up beside her and took a deep breath, asking, “Why?”

Xu Yunqi wiped the moisture from the corners of her lips with her sleeve and awkwardly explained, “This isn’t very good.”

Pei Muheng, though inexperienced, had never heard this explanation before and asked, ‘What do you mean?’

Xu Yunqi cleared her throat and began to explain, “The exchange of saliva is actually quite unclean. It can transmit diseases to each other…”

Pei Muheng looked at the overly serious girl, who was somewhere between innocent and mature, and helplessly said, “Do I have a disease?”

“No…” Xu Yunqi brushed her flushed cheek, realizing that explaining to Pei Muheng was difficult.

“What I mean is that many diseases start from minor things, and we might not notice them beforehand. But being intimate like this makes it easy to transmit them to each other…”

Pei Muheng wanted to go straight to the point; she didn’t really like kissing.

It was the first time Pei Mcheng saw Xu Yunqi so flustered, and he didn’t tease her further, “I understand.”

Xu Yunqi carefully observed her husband’s expression. Seeing no anger, she quietly breathed a sigh of relief and slowly showed an apologetic smile.

Pei Muheng, having no means to handle her, gently tapped her forehead, inwardly cursing: What a mood-ruining little woman.

As the lanterns lit up, Nanny Chen stood outside the corridor, reporting that Princess Consort Xi invited them to dinner.

Following the custom, Yan Shaoling stayed at the prince’s residence for dinner tonight.

After the banquet, everyone sat in Jinhe Hall, drinking tea. Outside, a steward whispered a few words to Yan Shaoling, who then signaled to Pei Mushan. The two left the doorstep one after the other.

Princess Consort Xi saw this and curiously asked, “What’s all the commotion about?”

The steward stood at the door and respectfully replied, “The attendants of Young Master Shaoling bought some fireworks from the street. They are newly made by the Imperial City Bureau and can be held in the children’s hands. The two young masters of the residence have already gone outside to play with them.”

The fireworks that could be held in the hands were indeed rare, and they felt uneasy. The two couples from the first and second households couldn’t sit still and both left to watch the children outside the gate.

Prince Xi also brought Princess Consort Xi out.

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi followed the two to the front hall, planning to return to Qinghui Garden via the side corridor. Princess Consort Xi seemed to have eyes on her back and promptly stopped them, “Wait.”

Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi turned around simultaneously.

Princess Consort Xi slowly turned around and glanced at her son and daughter-in-law, one looking elegant and calm, the other gentle and serene. Even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of them, this couple would remain composed. Princess Consort Xi sighed inwardly and solemnly instructed, “This is Shaoling’s first time dining at our residence. How can we neglect him? You two stay and accompany him; return to your rooms after he leaves.”

Pei Muheng glanced at Xu Yunqi, who did not refuse, and the couple went outside together.

As the couple walked the long corridor outside, Prince Xi turned to Princess Consort Xi and asked, “What’s the matter with you?”

Princess Consort Xi pouted toward the couple, “Look at them, one busy with court affairs and the other focused on practicing medicine, their lives are neither hot nor cold. It can’t go on like this.”

Prince Xi nodded, “Makes sense.” So he also took his wife’s hand and strode outside.

The mansion’s courtyard was spacious, and the ground in front of the gate was also very wide. The large courtyard was filled with the laughter of the two children.

The older son of the first household, Sheng Ge’er, was two years older than the younger son of the second household, Xun Ge’er. Sheng Ge’er was taller and held a bunch of fireworks in his hand, unwilling to give any to Xun Ge’er, who followed him crying, “Brother, give me some, give me some…” looking foolish and pitiful.

Li Xuanyan saw it, and her face turned ugly. She had a strong personality, but her son was not like her. She couldn’t stand seeing her son following others and begging like a little tail. So she called out, “Xun Ge’er, come to your mother…”

The second young master, Pei Mujing, knew that his wife was overprotective and quickly stopped her, “Don’t interfere in the children’s matters. You can protect him for a while but not for a lifetime.”

Li Xuanyan thought he made sense and stopped.

On the other side, Madam Xie, hearing the couple’s argument, gently instructed her son, “Sheng Ge’er, you have more fireworks in your hand; share some with your brother.”

Sheng Ge’er didn’t care about her. He was the eldest grandson of the family and was very pampered by the prince and princess consort when he was born, which gave him an unruly personality. He jumped onto the fake rock, standing on it and showing off to the foolish Xun Ge’er.

Yan Shaoling, unable to stand it, grabbed Sheng Ge’er and lifted him down, holding his twisting waist, “Sheng Ge’er, you are the older brother. Why not let your younger brother have some? Give him a little, or else your uncle will buy a whole bunch later and give them all to Xun Ge’er, and then what will you do if he doesn’t let you play with them?”

Sheng Ge’er looked at Yan Shaoling and then at his younger brother, thought for a while, and reluctantly took a few fireworks from his hand and handed them to Xun Ge’er. Xun Ge’er, standing on tiptoe, took them happily and ran back to find the servant to set off the fireworks.

Yan Shaoling turned and pinched Sheng Ge’er’s cheek, “Good boy.”

Sheng Ge’er’s skin was tender, and the pinch hurt, so he instinctively punched Yan Shaoling in the face.

“Ouch!” Yan Shaoling got a direct hit and held his forehead.

Madam Xie was shocked and hurriedly pulled her son, “Outrageous, Sheng Ge’er, quickly apologize to Uncle Yan!”

Pei Mushan helped Yan Shaoling up while saying to Madam Xie, “Sister-in-law, children being naughty is normal; don’t scare him.”

But Madam Xie didn’t relent, glaring fiercely at her son.

Sheng Ge’er was not afraid. He was the one who got hit first. If he didn’t fight back, it would be strange. He broke free from Madam Xie’s grip and ran after Xun Ge’er, humming a song.

This scene overlapped with the images in his memory, making Xun Yunhe’s expression gradually dazed. His gaze fell on his daughter standing on the steps. Who would have thought that the quiet Yunqi was also so unruly when she was a child?

Prince Xi obviously noticed Xun Yunhe and immediately came over to greet him.

Xun Yunhe folded his sleeves and saluted him. Prince Xi walked over to stand with him in the pavilion to watch the fireworks.

Pei Muheng glanced at Xun Yunhe in the distance, then turned to his wife. Xu Yunqi’s gaze followed the two children, her eyes filled with a smile.

Li Xuanyan saw her son running and sweating profusely, and felt very uneasy. “Xun Ge’er, slow down. Oh, nanny, quickly put a cloth on him. Sweating and then catching a breeze can easily make him catch a cold.”

Xie Yunyi turned back and persuaded, “Second sister-in-law, you are too careful. It’s better to raise children a bit rough.”

The two couples stood on the lowest step, occasionally calling out to the children, busy but happy.

After a while, the fireworks ran out, and Yan Shaoling magically produced some more. The two children crowded around him, clamoring to grab them. Yan Shaoling divided some for the two nephews and gave the remaining large bundle to Pei Mushan.

Sheng Ge’er was unhappy, “Aunt is so old, why is she still playing with fireworks?”

Yan Shaoling glanced at him, “Who said your aunt is old? Your aunt is only sixteen years old. Sixteen-year-old aunts also want to play with fireworks.”

Sheng Ge’er was smart and pointed to Pei Mulan, “Then does fourth aunt also want to play?”

Pei Mushan divided some for Pei Mulan. At this time, Sheng Ge’er ran to his fourth aunt, holding out his hand, “Aunt, I helped you get these. Can you share some with me?”

His cleverness amused everyone.

Everyone was laughing, except for the couple, Pei Muheng and Xu Yunqi, who remained quiet.

Princess Consort Xi stood in the corridor, her gaze occasionally falling on her youngest son’s wife at the steps in front.

Pei Muheng stood with one hand hanging lightly and the other behind his back. His tall figure stood like a sword sheath between heaven and earth, and anyone who looked at him couldn’t help but be impressed by his demeanor. He had always been Princess Consort Xi’s greatest pride. Beside him, Xu Yunqi stood quietly in a moon-white long dress, gentle and serene, standing close to her husband. Her appearance was outstanding and docile, but her back was straight, not moving an inch.

The two of them seemed to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle, yet also outside of it.

At that moment, something surprising happened to Princess Consort Xi. She saw her son’s long fingers drop lightly, seemingly unnoticed, and touch Xu Yunqi’s wrist.

A slight tingle ran across her skin. Xu Yunqi glanced lightly at her husband, Pei Muheng, who remained motionless, his gaze forward. His pinky gently hooked her slender fingers, slowly bringing her soft hand into his palm. The warmth transmitted through his palm, extending all the way to Xu Yunqi’s ears. She blushed slightly but remained calm and silent.

Princess Consort Xi stood right behind them. Xu Yunqi’s face wasn’t thick-skinned enough, and her fingertips curled up like a loach, trying to slip away. Pei Muheng turned his palm, and just as she was about to slip away, his five fingers caught hers, his nails pressing deep into her finger roots. Xu Yunqi pressed her lips together and slowly exhaled.

Princess Consort Xi looked up at the dark sky, washed her eyes, and quickly took Nanny Hao’s arm to go inside. Her son had impressed her, and she didn’t want to be an eyesore.

After spending a night in the corridor, Princess Consort Xi had another headache the next day. This time, Nanny Hao, without any hesitation, came to Qinghui Garden and asked Xu Yunqi to treat her.

Xu Yunqi brought Yin Xing to Jinhe Hall. Princess Consort Xi had her head wrapped in a scarf and was groaning while leaning on a pillow.

“It usually starts after the midday nap and gets better by evening, but today it hasn’t stopped hurting. Last time, the medicine you gave me helped for over half a month, but now I’ve caught a bit of a chill and the symptoms are back.”

Xu Yunqi nodded slowly and instructed, “Please sit up. I’ll take your pulse.”

Princess Consort Xi lay down and extended her arm. Yin Xing stepped forward to place a hand pillow, and Xu Yunqi sat in front of her, closed her eyes, and took her pulse. After a moment, she switched to the other hand, then looked at Princess Consort Xi’s tongue and complexion and frowned, “Mother, you live a pampered life and don’t like to exercise, which is actually not good. There is a set of exercises called the Five Animal Frolics handed down by Master Hua Tuo. If you are willing to learn, your headaches can be cured within half a year.”

Princess Consort Xi had heard of the Five Animal Frolics and felt apprehensive just thinking about it, “I’ve also gotten older and really don’t feel like moving.”

Xu Yunqi didn’t insist and said calmly, “Lie down, and I’ll apply acupuncture.”

Nanny Hao had been waiting for this day for a long time, tears of excitement filled her eyes. She quickly helped Princess Consort Xi lie down, placed a thin quilt on her abdomen, and asked Xu Yunqi how to prepare. Xu Yunqi pointed to Princess Consort Xi’s hair and neck, “Clean them up.”

First, she applied a round of acupuncture while Princess Consort Xi was lying down, then another round while she was lying on her stomach. She applied a hot medicinal oil to complement the acupuncture. After half an hour, Princess Consort Xi felt an unprecedented sense of relief all over her body, and the tension in her neck and head was alleviated.

Only then did she realize the extent of Xu Yunqi’s medical skills.

Glancing at the calm young woman sitting by her side, Princess Consort Xi felt a mix of emotions. Her son’s heart was clearly devoted to her, but she wondered if Xu Yunqi had feelings for him.

In addition to the four chief nannies, there was also an old nanny by Princess Consort Xi’s side, her wet nurse, who had been with her for many years. The old woman observed from the side and, when Xu Yunqi finished the acupuncture, sincerely praised, “Third Young Madam, your acupuncture skills are extraordinary and astonishing for someone so young. May I ask who your teacher was?”

Xu Yunqi handed the long needles to Yin Xing and replied with a smile, “An old wanderer.”

The old nanny smiled, “There are truly many hidden talents in the world. In the past, the Imperial Medical Office’s acupuncture skills were considered superb, but even then, there was only the late Imperial Physician Liu.”

Xu Yunqi’s eyebrows twitched slightly at this, “Imperial Physician Liu?”

“Yes, unfortunately, the old man passed away thirty years ago.”

Xu Yunqi felt a strange emotion in her heart and didn’t rush to inquire.

When everyone left Princess Consort Xi’s east room, Xu Yunqi saw a young maid helping the old nanny back to the rear room, and she followed them. She opened the door for the old nanny and asked with a smile, “You mentioned Imperial Physician Liu earlier. I’m curious, could you tell me more about him? If he has descendants, I’d like to seek their guidance as well.”

People who study medicine always wish to exchange knowledge and strive for excellence. The old nanny understood this and invited her inside, personally poured her tea, and said with a smile, “If you want to hear, I will certainly tell you in detail.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

The candlelight reflected in the old woman’s dark eyes. She hunched over the small table and began her tale, “Thirty years ago, there were two senior imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Office. One was named Fan and the other was named Liu. Imperial Physician Fan specialized in women’s diseases, while Imperial Physician Liu was skilled in acupuncture. They were known as the twin jewels of the Imperial Medical Office at that time. Unfortunately, that year, Imperial Physician Liu overworked himself and suddenly died of a heart condition in the palace. Imperial Physician Fan lost his close friend and was deeply saddened. He passed away at home a year later.”

Upon hearing about the outstanding acupuncture skills, Xu Yunqi thought of her grandfather, “How old was Imperial Physician Liu when he passed away?”

The old nanny estimated, “He was probably in his early fifties.”

The age didn’t match. Thirty years ago, her grandfather was only twenty-five or twenty-six.

Xu Yunqi replied with a disappointed ‘Oh.’

Since that night at Qingshan Temple, when Xun Yunhe spoke those words, Xu Yunqi had been pondering.

The person who made her grandfather so fearful must be a significant figure. Her grandfather was alone, not from a prominent family or a wealthy merchant. The only thing he had to show was his medical skills. Did he offend someone because of this, or did he stumble upon some incredible secret, making him hide and avoid the capital?

Her mother had been in Xiushui Village since she could remember. Before that, she knew nothing about her grandfather’s profession, but judging from his extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs across the Jin Dynasty, her grandfather must have been involved in the trade of medicinal herbs when he was young. That was why, after coming to the capital, she sought out Shopkeeper Hu and always entrusted him to look for someone. Following this lead might yield some clues.

Unfortunately, nothing was found.

Until today, Xu Yunqi inadvertently heard the story of Imperial Physician Liu from the old nanny, which made her think of another possibility. Her grandfather might be related to the Imperial Medical Office.

“Because Imperial Physician Liu couldn’t save Princess Mingyue and passed away, the Liu family feared repercussions from the emperor and moved their entire family back to Xizhou.”

Upon hearing ‘Xizhou,’ Xu Yunqi’s heartstrings were once again tugged. The last time her grandfather went out, it was to Xizhou.

Could it be that he is related to the Liu family?

Xu Yunqi’s heart pounded as if she had pulled a thread from a tangled web. “Xizhou?”

“That’s right, the Liu family is a prominent medical family in Xizhou. When Imperial Physician Liu passed away, his wife was still alive. After all these years, I don’t know if the old lady is still around.”

Xu Yunqi’s mind was in turmoil, and she controlled her emotions to ask, “What about Imperial Physician Fan?”

The old nanny smiled and said, “Imperial Physician Fan was actually two years younger than Imperial Physician Liu. He passed away at home a year later, which was very unfortunate. By the way, the current head of the Imperial Medical Office, Imperial Physician Fan, is the eldest son of the late Imperial Physician Fan. He inherited his father’s skills and is highly trusted by the emperor and empress, enjoying favor for many years.”

Xu Yunqi found it strange, “So Imperial Physician Liu had no descendants? The emperor trusted him, so why didn’t he summon his descendants back to the capital?”

The old nanny shook her head, “I heard that back then, neither of Liu’s sons followed in his footsteps to learn acupuncture. Instead, they went into the medical business. After leaving the capital, they never returned.”

“The once famous Thirteen Needles technique has no successors.”

No, it does have successors.

Like swimming dragons, the flickering lights spread throughout Prince Xi’s mansion. Xu Yunqi walked along the corridor, taking each step heavily toward Qinghui Garden.

When Xu Yunqi was looking for her grandfather, she went to Xizhou and saw members of the Liu family in a pharmacy there. However, at that time, she didn’t know if it was the same Liu family. If her grandfather was part of the Liu family, why would he hide from the world while the Liu family could peacefully run their business?

Everything seemed so strange.

For a moment, she felt as if she saw a giant abyss ahead, fearing that once she stepped in, she couldn’t get out.