Chapter 48

The master and servant duo returned to Qinghui Garden with heavy hearts. Xu Yunqi felt mentally exhausted today and instructed Yin Xing to prepare a medicinal bath for her, using mugwort and ginger boiled in water, along with some stretch herbs and cloves. Once the water was ready, she added some rose petals.

Xu Yunqi submerged herself in the water up to her neck, and Yin Xing squatted behind her, helping her relax and relieve fatigue. Her fair skin turned slightly red from the steam, with hot vapor rising like smoke from jade.

Xu Yunqi closed her eyes, remaining still as if she had fallen asleep.

Yin Xing leaned close to her ear and asked, “Miss, do you want to tell Third Master this time?”

Xu Yunqi suddenly opened her eyes, revealing some hesitation. “It’s not that I don’t trust him, but I’m afraid of implicating him.”

She had no idea who her grandfather had offended; it was either a high-ranking official or a noble in the palace, or it could even be Prince Xi himself. Without any leads, Xu Yunqi dared not act recklessly.

“We need to lure the snake out of its hole first, identify which snake it is, and then ask Third Master for help.” As long as it didn’t conflict with the interests of Prince Xi’s residence, she would not hesitate to ask Pei Muheng for help.

“That makes sense!” Yin Xing asked again, “What about Master Xun?”

Having enjoyed the occasional delicious food sent by the Xun residence, Yin Xing found it hard to address him as ‘Lord Xun’ and instead called him ‘Master Xun.’

As for Xun Yunhe, although Xu Yunqi did not intend to acknowledge him as her father, she also didn’t want to implicate him. “We’ll see.”

“So, how do we lure the snake out of its hole?”

Xu Yunqi didn’t have a clear direction either. She sighed and said, “I plan to go to the Imperial Medical Office.” To be precise, she wanted to work there. The person closest to the truth now was probably Imperial Physician Fan, and she wanted to test him out.

Xu Yunqi tossed and turned all night, and when Pei Muheng came back, she was still awake.

With the arrival of autumn, the night breeze was no longer hot. Pei Muheng tucked in the curtain and lay down beside Xu Yunqi, extending his arm towards her, inviting her to move closer.

Xu Yunqi indeed moved towards him, and Pei Muheng reached out and held her in his arms. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

Xu Yunqi replied softly, “I can’t sleep.”

For Xu Yunqi to be unable to sleep, it must be something serious. Pei Muheng turned to face her and asked, “What’s happened?”

Xu Yunqi asked softly, “Can I work at the Imperial Medical Office?”

Pei Muheng’s eyebrows raised slightly, and he fell silent.

After a moment, he asked, “Why do you want to go?”

Xu Yunqi, lying in his arms and looking up at the canopy, replied, “I’m a bit bored at home and want to go to the Imperial Medical Office to learn from the imperial physicians and improve my medical skills.”

Pei Muheng initially wanted to suggest that she could go out shopping if she was bored or even learn how to manage the household, but his wife was clearly different from other women. She wasn’t interested in managing household affairs. Pei Muheng pressed his temples in frustration, “I’ll think of a way.”

This was the first time Xu Yunqi had asked him for something, and he couldn’t refuse.

Xu Yunqi turned her face towards him, showing a radiant smile, “Thank you, Third Master.”

To Pei Muheng, this smile seemed somewhat carefree.

A gentle kiss fell on her forehead, and he asked in a low voice, “How will you thank me?”

Xu Yunqi blinked, not expecting him to haggle with her, “How do you want me to thank you?”

Pei Muheng brushed aside her stray hair, revealing her face as fair as snow. At this moment, the crescent moon rose, casting a shallow moonlight over her. Her white dress spread around her, and her clear, flawless eyes resembled a celestial maiden untouched by the mortal world. It made him want to pull her down to earth. His fingers lightly brushed her earlobe, and he said meaningfully, “What do you think?”

Meeting his deep gaze, Xu Yunqi guessed his intention, and her cheeks flushed slightly. “I’ll try,” she said softly, her voice disappearing into the tender night breeze.

Her dress slipped from her slender, flexible back from time to time. His eyes, dark and deep, gazed at her, making Xu Yunqi uneasy. As her back sank, the dress slipped back over her shoulders. She lowered her eyes, pressing her lips together, as sweat dripped from her elegantly curved chin onto his chest.

Like a small boat swaying in the sea breeze, “Is it done?” she asked, exhausted.

The man didn’t respond, except for his increasingly heavy breath.

Xu Yunqi wasn’t having it. She pushed his broad shoulders, “This kind of thing shouldn’t always be left to men. Over time, it weakens the body, waiting to enjoy the fruits.”

Pei Muheng was amused by her. Unknowingly, they had developed the playful banter of a typical couple.

The world spun, and they switched positions. Their gentle breaths lingered in the enclosed curtains, indulging in a moment of pleasure.

The next morning, the clear autumn sun poured warm light into the room early on. Sparrows chirped noisily, filling the air with their chatter.

Xu Yunqi rubbed her temples and slowly woke up. As she stretched, her arm accidentally hit something, and she heard a pained ‘hiss’ from beside her as Pei Muheng slowly propped himself up on the bed.

The couple’s eyes met.

Pei Muheng quietly looked at her, his eyes interwoven with a hint of softness and a touch of a smile.

Xu Yunqi knew exactly what he was thinking and calmly let him observe her.

It was just marital intimacy, which ancient medical books never shied away from. She probably knew more about what should and shouldn’t be done and to what extent than he did.

Her gentle and quiet demeanor, coupled with the night’s activities, made it even more surprising.

Pei Muheng had thought she would be shy, but instead, she maintained a calm and straightforward expression.

At that moment, Pei Muheng realized he wasn’t as noble as he appeared. He wanted to tease her, to see her flustered and even out of control because of him.

Outside, Nanny Chen’s voice could be heard, asking for their well-being. Usually, neither Pei Muheng nor Xu Yunqi required anyone to wake them, but today it was already late morning, and Nanny Chen, fearing she might delay any important matters for the two masters, reluctantly reminded them.

Xu Yunqi glanced at her husband and called out, “Come in.”

Shadows moved outside the bed, and Nanny Chen, along with Yin Xing and two other maids, entered carrying a copper basin and cloths. Before they reached her, Xu Yunqi felt a sudden peck on her lips, and then he left the bed. He moved with a leisurely and elegant demeanor. His tall figure stood silently by the dressing table, upright and imposing. He calmly smoothed out his inner clothes, put on his crimson official robe, and adjusted his attire.

The ticklish feeling lingered on her cheek, and Xu Yunqi stared blankly at the dignified and serene man for a long time.

After Pei Muheng went to court, Xu Yunqi went to the medical clinic. She was busy until the afternoon when she finally met Shopkeeper Hu.

Shopkeeper Hu, covered in dust from his travels, entered and went straight to the high table by the window, pouring himself a cup of tea. “Junior sister, did you see Lin Shaoshan when you visited Yangzhou? I was still in Shouchun buying herbs, and he sent a message through someone, saying he wanted to send an apprentice to the capital to learn acupuncture from you.”

Xu Yunqi, with her hand on the desk, replied calmly, “Are you familiar with him?”

Shopkeeper Hu drank his tea and sat on the embroidered stool in front of her, smiling, “Not very familiar. We occasionally help each other out, knowing some people and finding some supply channels.”

Xu Yunqi didn’t think much of it and asked after a moment, “Any news about my grandfather?”

This time, Shopkeeper Hu was at a loss and apologized directly, “Junior sister, I’m really out of options. I’ve turned over every stone, but there’s still no trace of him. In my opinion, either he has passed away or he’s fallen into the hands of some important figure. Junior sister, think carefully. Did he offend anyone?”

Xu Yunqi furrowed her brows.

After a moment of silence, she said, “From now on, you don’t have to worry about my grandfather’s matters, and don’t mention the Thirteen Needles in front of others.”

Shopkeeper Hu’s expression immediately turned serious, and he leaned forward to ask her, “Did you discover something?”

Xu Yunqi shook her head, “Don’t ask. If anyone inquires, just say you know nothing.”

Shopkeeper Hu, being someone experienced in the ways of the world, understood the gravity of the situation. He had merely intended to dissuade Xu Yunqi, but his words turned out to be prophetic, and he feared the old man had offended someone important.

Cold sweat broke out on Shopkeeper Hu’s forehead, and he wiped it away. “Yunqi, you must be careful.”

Xu Yunqi knew what Shopkeeper Hu was worried about. “Don’t worry, I won’t involve you.”

Before it got dark, Xu Yunqi returned to the residence. At the gate, the gatekeeper handed her an invitation, “Lord Wen’s residence is hosting a flower viewing banquet. You are invited to attend and enjoy wine and theater tomorrow.”

Soon after, Pei Mushan came to see her and explained the invitation, “Sister Ruyu said that at the Xun residence’s birthday banquet, she was grateful for your help and has always remembered this kindness. When she learned you had returned from Yangzhou, she immediately sent an invitation.”

Xu Yunqi did not refuse, “Shanshan, come with me tomorrow.”

Pei Mushan hadn’t spoken yet, but the maid Tao Qing started to laugh. “Third Young Madam, I’m afraid my young lady won’t be able to accompany you. Young Master Yan has arranged a polo team and invited her to participate.”

Xu Yunqi frowned, “He hasn’t fully recovered yet. How can he play such a strenuous sport?”

Pei Mushan, fearing she would get angry, quickly explained, “It’s not like that. He organized the game for me; he won’t be playing. Rest assured, sister-in-law, if he doesn’t take care of himself, I’ll be the first to deal with him.”

Xu Yunqi nodded and said no more.

That night, Pei Muheng was on duty and didn’t return home, giving Xu Yunqi a peaceful sleep. The next morning, she took Yin Xing and prepared a gift to visit Lord Wen’s residence.

Upon arriving at Lord Wen’s residence, Wen Ruyu personally greeted her at the door, happily pulling Xu Yunqi inside. “I’ve been looking forward to your visit. I wanted to invite you earlier, but you went to Yangzhou.”

Xu Yunqi walked with her along the corridor to the main courtyard, seeing only a few guests along the way. “Isn’t this a flower viewing banquet?” she asked.

Wen Ruyu smiled and replied, “You prefer quietness and don’t like crowds. I said it’s a banquet with wine and theater, but it’s really just a few close friends, no outsiders. Don’t worry.”

She then added, ‘I originally wanted to invite you to Lord Cheng’s residence, but I’ve been annoyed by that scoundrel lately and feared it would disturb your peace. So, I invited you to the Wen residence instead. I hope you don’t mind.”

Xu Yunqi laughed, “As you wish.”

Soon, Wen Ruyu led her into the back courtyard, where Madam Wen sat at the head, surrounded by five or six people, likely relatives and close friends of the Wen family. Some were familiar to Xu Yunqi, while others were not. However, she recognized Xiao Fu among them.

Xiao Fu came hopping over to greet her, “Sister Yunqi!”

Xu Yunqi asked her, “Why didn’t you go with Shanshan to play polo?”

Xiao Fu pouted, “Forget it; now that she has her niece to accompany her, she doesn’t care about her cousin.”

Xu Yunqi laughed heartily. Pei Mushan’s marriage into the Yan family meant Yan Youhe would prioritize her aunt in everything, overshadowing Xiao Fu. After laughing, Xiao Fu hugged her arm and whispered, “Shanshan was worried you wouldn’t feel comfortable at the Wen residence, so she sent me to keep you company.”

Wen Ruyu, standing nearby, glared playfully, “Yunqi and I are both married; we have intimate things to discuss. You young girls go play elsewhere.”

Xu Yunqi stepped forward to greet Madam Wen, who pulled her aside for a long chat. The luncheon was held early, with only a few guests, making for a comfortable and enjoyable meal. After the banquet, Xiao Fu, unable to bear the boredom, took some Wen family girls and cousins to play in the courtyard, leaving Madam Wen, Wen Ruyu, and Wen Ruyu’s aunt to chat with Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi inquired about the fate of the Liu woman from before, and Wen Ruyu sighed, “She was too cruel. I couldn’t tolerate her, so I sent her to the authorities, who then sent her back to her hometown.”

Although the Liu woman was hateful, the true culprit was Wen Ruyu’s own husband, whom she couldn’t blame.

As Wen Ruyu and Xu Yunqi whispered, Madam Wen asked her sister-in-law, “Isn’t it almost time for Chenchen’s death anniversary? If you go to Qingshan Temple, remember to burn some paper money for her on my behalf.”

Madam Wen’s niece, Zhen Chenchen, was once the betrothed of the Twelfth Prince. They were engaged as children, but three days after their engagement, Zhen Chenchen drowned, giving the Twelfth Prince a reputation for being cursed. Since then, both the Zhen and Wen families had fallen out of favor with the empress.

Madame Zhen seemed reluctant to bring up the past and instead asked about Wen Jiao, “What about Jiao Jiao?”

Wen Jiao was the eldest granddaughter of Lord Wen’s residence. The emperor trusted Lord Wen and intended to betroth Wen Jiao to the Twelfth Prince as his consort. The empress disagreed and later favored Xu Yunhe’s daughter, Xu Yunling. However, with the changes in the Xu family, the Twelfth Prince’s marriage plans were stalled.

Madam Wen quickly waved her hand, “I have already arranged a marriage for Jiao Jiao with the Li family, the governor of Sichuan. The two children met a few days ago and were very satisfied. The engagement will be finalized soon.”

Madame Zhen was delighted to hear this, “That’s good. Our Wen family has never meddled in court disputes. Over the years, we have only been loyal to the emperor. We shouldn’t get involved in the messy fight for the throne.”

Madam Wen smiled bitterly at this. The empress didn’t favor the Wen family, and if the Twelfth Prince ascended the throne, it was uncertain whether the Wen family could retain their military leadership.

Prince Qin had taken note of this and had been secretly visiting Lord Wen’s residence recently. After Yan Ping’s resignation, Qu Weizhen, the governor of Liangjiang, also chose to protect himself. Prince Qin had been experiencing a series of misfortunes lately, making him turn his attention to Lord Wen.

Madam Wen had been worried day and night, not wanting the Twelfth Prince to ascend the throne and fearing that getting involved would bring turmoil to the Wen family.

“Let’s hope so.” Madam Wen sighed, seeing Wen Ruyu and Xu Yunqi whispering about something. She raised her voice and asked, “What are you two whispering about?”

Wen Ruyu glanced at her aunt, feeling a bit embarrassed, and replied, “It’s just women’s matters. Yunqi is a doctor, so I asked her for some advice.”

Wen Ruyu had always wanted to conceive a son, but her husband, Lord Cheng, constantly engaged in debauchery, leaving his body unclean. She was in a difficult position.

Xu Yunqi thought of those unfortunate women in the jianghu, many of whom were forced into lives of hardship, eventually contracting illnesses and ending their lives prematurely. She said with concern, “Let me take your pulse.”

Madam Wen’s interest was immediately piqued upon hearing this, “Alright, Yunqi, my only worry is her health. Please take a good look at her.”

Madame Zhen, fearing she might interfere with Xu Yunqi’s diagnosis, stood up and said, “I’ll go check on the children in the courtyard.”

Madam Wen then led Wen Ruyu and Xu Yunqi to an inner room, where Wen Ruyu leaned on the Luohan bed for Xu Yunqi to take her pulse.

After diagnosing one hand and carefully examining her complexion, Xu Yunqi paused. “You mentioned itching below and sometimes being unable to sleep at night?”

Wen Ruyu replied with a pained expression, “Yes, can it be treated?”

Xu Yunqi asked further, “Do you experience bleeding during intercourse?”

Wen Ruyu’s face darkened, and she remained silent.

Seeing this, Madam Wen became anxious and angrily said, “In front of Yunqi, what is there to hide? Speak up quickly!”

Wen Ruyu wasn’t hiding anything from Xu Yunqi; she just didn’t want to worry her mother. With tears in her eyes, she said, “It happened once.”

Xu Yunqi felt a heaviness in her heart, but it didn’t show on her face. “It’s okay, I’ll cure you.”

Wen Ruyu grabbed her slender arm and asked excitedly, “Really? To be honest, I’m too scared to seek treatment outside for this kind of illness…”

Wen Ruyu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and sobbed softly.

Xu Yunqi, having seen many such cases, comforted her, “I understand.”

Many women in the inner chambers, pressured by reputation, dare not seek medical help or have a male doctor take their pulse. This is why she insisted on becoming a female doctor; she couldn’t stand seeing these delicate girls wither away.

“I will perform fire therapy on you. I still need to prepare the medicine, so I will come to the residence tomorrow to treat you.”

Wen Ruyu and Madam Wen thanked her profusely as they saw her out.

After Xu Yunqi left, Wen Ruyu threw herself into Madam Wen’s arms and cried, “Mother, what kind of life is this? I was born into wealth; my father holds a high position, and my mother comes from a prestigious family. You two are so loving. Everything should be perfect, but I ended up with such a scoundrel!”

Madam Wen’s mouth twitched at the word ‘loving,’ then she comforted her, “Silly child, you should learn from Yunqi. Look at her; who does she rely on? She doesn’t acknowledge her father, who is the Prime Minister. She isn’t interested in her husband, who is a prince. She relies solely on her acupuncture skills and fears no one as she travels the world. If you had her abilities, I would die content.”

Wen Ruyu wiped her tears and slowly calmed down, “I must follow Yunqi’s example and not place my hopes on a man.”

The next morning, Xu Yunqi prepared the herbs early and went to Wen’s residence.

She first removed Wen Ruyu’s clothes, letting her lie on a soft couch. Yin Xing placed a long mat on her back, piled with dense mugwort powder, several pounds of ginger, and various other herbs, which were then ignited.

The burning lasted for more than two periods. Xu Yunqi constantly adjusted the position and temperature while Wen Ruyu sweated profusely.

“If it gets too hot anywhere, let me know…”

“I’m fine, really…” Wen Ruyu felt as if there was a furnace on her back and dared not move.

After the fire therapy ended, Xu Yunqi wrapped her in clothes and proceeded with acupuncture, taking a full two hours. When it was over, Wen Ruyu noticed a lot of dirt had come out, which startled her. Xu Yunqi reassured her, “It’s good that the impurities are coming out.”

Madam Wen, standing by, praised Xu Yunqi’s miraculous skills, “Yunqi, meeting you has truly been a blessing for us.”

Xu Yunqi smiled without speaking, while Yin Xing chimed in, “If only our Princess Consort Xi had such awareness, that would be great.”

Madam Wen laughed, “If she doesn’t have that awareness, let her suffer.”

Xu Yunqi glared at the maid and explained to Madam Wen, “That’s not the case. I’ve been performing acupuncture on the princess consort recently, and she is very grateful.”

Otherwise, she wouldn’t send bird’s nest soup to her every day.

Madam Wen sighed, “It’s no wonder Madam Yan wanted to snatch a bride; too bad we didn’t have an eligible child, or we would have tried too.”

Wen Ruyu went behind the screen to clean herself and came out feeling unprecedentedly refreshed. “Yunqi, am I cured now?”

While packing the silver needles, Xu Yunqi shook her head, “Not yet. I’ll write you a prescription, take it for a month, and I’ll come back for acupuncture in seven days.”

After a while, Xu Yunqi sat down and wrote a prescription, handed it to Wen Ruyu, and advised, “Do not have intercourse with him anymore.”

“Ah…” Wen Ruyu was stunned, “I… I still want to have a child.”

Xu Yunqi looked serious, “Do you want to live or have a child? You decide.”

Wen Ruyu shivered instantly.

Madam Wen came to her side and earnestly said, “Think about it. If something really happens to you, no one in Lord Cheng’s residence will pity you. Even if you leave behind a child, what use would it be? There would be another woman taking your place, making your child call her mother and enjoying the wealth and honor that should have been yours.”

A fire ignited in Wen Ruyu’s eyes, and she gritted her teeth, “You’re right. I can’t ruin my life for a man. Fine, I’ll adopt or take in a husband!”

After a moment of silence, Wen Ruyu, thinking of something, weakly asked Xu Yunqi, “By the way, Yunqi, can you treat him?”

Xu Yunqi calmly sipped her tea without responding.

Yin Xing, however, with a smile, strapped the medical bag around her waist and said clearly, “My lady doesn’t treat just any illness; she doesn’t treat venereal diseases in men!”

Wen Ruyu had undergone fire therapy and couldn’t be exposed to the wind. Madam Wen personally saw Xu Yunqi out, saying, “It’s hard work for you. If I offer a consultation fee, I fear it would be too abrupt. Yunqi, consider us as family; if you have any requests, just ask.”

A consultation fee would be insignificant compared to the favor from Lord Wen’s residence. Although Xu Yunqi was indifferent to fame and wealth, she wouldn’t refuse this good connection. “You’re too kind.”

As they reached the main gate, they saw a large carriage stopping.

The curtain was lifted, and a servant respectfully helped an elderly man out of the carriage. The person in the gray-white long robe was none other than Lord Wen.

Lord Wen was fifty-five years old this year, with white hair at his temples and a not-so-straight figure, looking like an ordinary old man. It was hard to imagine that he was considered a military pillar of the current era, compared to the strategist Zhang Liang. Xu Yunqi bowed to him, and Lord Wen looked up at her, revealing an aura of worldly weariness and severity.

Immediately after, another person stepped out of the carriage, dressed in a prince’s robe—it was Pei Muheng.

Xu Yunqi was slightly surprised. Madam Wen, disregarding her duty to greet her husband, hurriedly bowed to Pei Muheng, “This old woman greets the county prince.”

Pei Muheng raised his hand and returned a polite gesture, then looked at Xu Yunqi, “I was with Lord Wen in the imperial study when I heard you were here, so I came to take you back to the residence.”

Pei Muheng held Xu Yunqi’s hand as they descended the steps. Watching the couple’s backs, Madam Wen couldn’t help but sigh, “No wonder the emperor bestowed the marriage upon them at first sight; they are indeed a match made in heaven.”

Lord Wen adjusted his sleeves, glanced back, and laughed, “Prince Xi is truly fortunate.”

Madam Wen, having little to say to her husband, retorted irritably, “Why do you envy Prince Xi? You should envy Xun Yunhe for having a good son-in-law. Wen Yinchang, you should also straighten out your own son-in-law!”

Lord Wen stroked his forehead and followed her inside, agreeing readily, “Alright, I’ll deal with him soon.”

Meanwhile, Xu Yunqi got into the carriage with Pei Muheng and noticed an invitation on the small table. She glanced at it and then looked away.

Seeing her notice it, Pei Muheng opened it and explained, “The weather has been nice recently. Twelfth Uncle has arranged for people to play polo, ride horses, and shoot arrows at Shanglin Park. Yunqi, if you have nothing else to do, would you like to join me tomorrow?’

Xu Yunqi, who wanted to stretch her muscles, agreed.