Chapter 51

Upon hearing the title ‘Doctor Xun,’ Xun Yunhe felt his heart pounding as if it were about to burst, his eyes stinging with tears for a long time without uttering a word.

Imperial Physician He stood up and approached Xun Yunhe, took the prescription, glanced at it, and then turned to discuss it with Xu Yunxi and Imperial Physician Liu. The three doctors gathered to debate while Yin Xing waited for the acupuncture time to end and helped remove the silver needles from Xun Yunhe.

The emperor, amazed by Xu Yunxi’s skills, curiously asked, “Henger’s wife, where did you learn these skills at such a young age?”

Xu Yunxi had already prepared her response, “Your Majesty, my maternal grandfather raised me from a young age. To support me, he often went into the woods to collect herbs and sell them in the town. Over time, I became familiar with some doctors and pharmacists, which nurtured my desire to practice medicine. My grandfather, loving me dearly and not being bound by social conventions, introduced me to some friendly doctors who allowed me to learn medicine.”

“From the age of five, I followed the doctors in the town to collect and prepare herbs. Later, I met a renowned physician who recognized my talent and willingness to work hard, so he took me under his wing and taught me.”

“In fact, I have more than one teacher. Whoever has the skill, I will pester them to learn. Over the past ten years, I have seen countless patients and encountered all kinds of difficult and complicated diseases. People in the world of martial arts are bold, unconventional, and use strong medicines. If they cure the patient, they are hailed as divine doctors. If they fail, they run away. This is not comparable to the elegance and steadiness of the imperial doctors.”

Imperial Physician He listened with a bitter smile. The imperial doctors only treat the royal family and court officials, and dare not offend anyone. Naturally, they act cautiously and prudently. For example, just now, he dared not administer full acupuncture to the emperor as Xu Yunxi did. Practicing medicine sometimes tests a doctor’s courage.

Xu Yunxi, being very clever, immediately smiled and cupped her hands, “So, as the granddaughter-in-law, I still want to learn from the imperial doctors. They come from prestigious backgrounds, have deep teachings, and form their own school. Unlike me, who learned chaotically, I need the guidance of medical masters like Imperial Physician Fan and Imperial Physician He.”

Xu Yunxi was neither arrogant nor humble, knowing when to advance and retreat, greatly pleasing the emperor.

“Learn from each other’s strengths to make up for weaknesses,” the emperor said insightfully. “However, your advantage lies in your exceptional courage, which must not be dulled by the old scholars of the imperial hospital.”

Imperial Physician He and others quickly stood up to apologize.

Xun Yunhe, hearing those words, felt as bitter as if he had eaten a gall bladder.

The emperor and others were more moved by the rough life story of Xu Yunxi than by her medical learning process.

If it were not for the villain’s machinations, she would have been the eldest daughter of the prime minister’s mansion, born with stunning beauty, and might have been the brightest jewel in the capital city.

Seeing that the emperor did not delve deeper, Xu Yunxi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Xu Yunxi and others then exited Fengtian Hall in succession. Imperial Physician He and Liu Xiwen led people straight to the imperial hospital. Pei Muheng followed a few steps, intending to escort Xu Yunxi. Unexpectedly, as they walked, the two imperial doctors surrounded Xu Yunxi, talking extensively, and soon left him behind.

Pei Muheng stood at the steps, gazing at Xu Yunxi’s back, and with a chuckle, turned and went to the Ministry of Revenue.

In the imperial study, only Xun Yunhe and Elder Zheng remained.

Elder Zheng was not only envious of Xun Yunhe for having a good daughter but also of the emperor’s favor towards Xun Yunhe. Over the past ten years, Xun Yunhe had indeed rendered great service to the court, but the emperor’s preference for him was more than just a little.

“Shuzhi, how will you thank His Majesty?”

Xun Yunhe had come to his senses and knelt on the ground, “Your Majesty’s great favor, I have nothing to repay.”

The emperor waved his hand, “It is I who should thank you. You have a good daughter. My head has not felt this comfortable in a long time.”

He had a good daughter, not just raised one.

After returning to the cabinet, Xun Yunhe held his forehead, unable to calm down for a long time. He had always been meticulous, taking care of his wife and daughter in the past, and now he quickly thought about where Xu Yunxi should eat and where to relieve herself in the government office area. In no time, he called his subordinate officials and arranged all related matters.

The Imperial Medical Office was inside Zhengyang Gate, with the Ministry of Rites in front, diagonally opposite was the Ministry of Revenue, and it was very close to Pei Muheng. To the north were the Astronomical Bureau and the Ministry of Ceremonies; to the south, it was close to the palace walls. After Liu Xiwen announced the Emperor’s decree and coordinated with Imperial Physician He to prepare the identification pass, he instructed on how to take care of Xu Yunxi before leaving. Once he departed, the imperial physicians flocked to congratulate Xu Yunxi.

With her previous heroic act of rescuing Yan Shaoling, the imperial physicians had no objections to her. Except for a few old scholars who looked down on female doctors, the rest gathered around her, asking who her teachers were and where she had been. The happiest among them was the young Imperial Physician Han.

Imperial Physician Han, twenty-two years old this year, was the best among the younger generation in the Imperial Medical Office and a candidate for Imperial Physicians Fan and He’s successor. After the Yan Shaoling incident, he expressed his desire to learn acupuncture from Xu Yunxi to Imperial Physician He, who refused out of consideration for Prince Xi’s Mansion. Now that she was here, Imperial Physician He had a plan in mind.

The Imperial Medical Office of the Jin Dynasty has a system in place where each visit involves two imperial doctors accompanying each other. The two doctors take turns feeling the patient’s pulse and discussing the prescription, with someone also guarding the decoction of the medicine. Regardless of whether it is the emperor or the empress consuming the medicine, it requires the signatures of two imperial doctors. Although the partners may change frequently, over time, they develop a harmonious cooperation.

Imperial Physician He then introduced Han Lin to Xu Yunxi. Xu Yunxi immediately recognized Han Lin as the person who helped Yan Shaoling remove the bamboo strips at the training ground that day. This person was bold, meticulous, calm, and quick—truly a talent.

Han Lin did not shy away and bowed deeply to Xu Yunxi, saying, “I hope Doctor Xun will guide me in the future.”

Xu Yunxi understood Imperial Physician He’s intention. There were not many people skilled in acupuncture in the Imperial Medical Office, and even fewer who were truly proficient. Imperial Physician He wanted her to train Han Lin, and Xu Yunxi was naturally willing to pass on her skills. However, before understanding Imperial Physician Fan’s background, she dared not easily reveal the thirteen needles. “Guidance is an honor I cannot claim. I ask Imperial Physician Han to take care of me.”

The partnership between the two was temporarily settled.

After becoming acquainted, Imperial Physician He planned to arrange a duty room for Xu Yunxi and take care of her daily meals and living arrangements. Just as he was hesitating, an official from the cabinet arrived, considering all the arrangements he had thought of and even those he hadn’t. He even dispatched a small inner servant to follow Xu Yunxi exclusively. Imperial Physician He realized this was Xun Yunhe’s intention and carried it out accordingly.

As the sky darkened, Xu Yunxi, accompanied by Yin Xing, took her leave and returned to the prince’s mansion, where she was promptly taken to Jinhe Hall.

Prince Xi and his wife had evidently received the news, and they stared at Xu Yunxi with different expressions.

Xu Yunxi glanced at her mother-in-law’s face and softly explained the day’s events.

Princess Consort Xi’s mood was really not good. It was destined that the third daughter-in-law of the family could not be a wife and mother. Although she was sad, she knew very well that she had no choice but to accept it. The only consolation was that she would now walk in the inner court as ‘Doctor Xun.’ The face of the Xi’s residence was preserved.

Prince Xi asked about the emperor’s condition, and Xu Yunxi answered one by one. Learning that his daughter-in-law had stabilized the emperor’s condition in one go, he was greatly surprised. As far as he knew, only the late Imperial Physician Liu had such skills. No one knew better than Prince Xi how he had died.

For a moment, Prince Xi’s face darkened. But soon, his face returned to its usual gentleness, and he laughed heartily, “Well done, third son’s wife, you’ve brought honor to our family.”

“You must be tired; go and rest.”

Xu Yunxi quickly excused herself.

After she left, Princess Consort Xi glared at Prince Xi, “Why are you so happy? She’s now an imperial doctor. What about the future? You should be more attentive and stop idling away your time drinking and watching opera.”

In the past, Prince Xi would have comforted his wife. Today, he was not in the mood. He said a few perfunctory words and left Jinhe Hall, returning to the study in the front yard.

The sky had completely darkened, and the palace lanterns under the corridor were lit one after another. Outside, the housekeeper’s high-pitched voice announced, “Third Master has returned…”

Just a wall away was the main hall, and he even heard the voices of Pei Muheng and the housekeeper discussing Xu Yunxi.

Prince Xi sat alone in the dim window, taking a deep breath—the flickering light filtered through the gauze window, illuminating part of his robe. A sinister dragon claw was vaguely discernible, its tentacles floating with the wind like a lurking beast in the dark, showing signs of awakening at any moment.

For thirty years, he had thought of giving up countless times, repeatedly telling himself that being excluded by the emperor was another form of protection. Living this life peacefully as a prince, going to war during wartime and enjoying family happiness during peacetime was not impossible. But with Xu Yunxi stepping into the Imperial Medical Office, she might repeat the fate of Imperial Physician Liu. The threat was imminent, and he could not sit idly by.

Prince Xi suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint in them, “Someone come!”

A dark figure leaped down from the beam of the back room.

The once mighty commander of the three armies, how could he possibly be an idle, worthless drunkard?

He issued the order in a deep voice, “You must go to Xizhou in person…”

Thirty years ago, Imperial Physician Liu died because of Prince Xi. At that time, the Empress protected Prince Xi, and many years later, he went on an expedition to Great Wu, passed through Xizhou, and visited the Liu family. Madam Liu still bore a grudge against Prince Xi for her husband’s death and naturally harbored hatred. Prince Xi, feeling guilty, supported the Liu family’s medical business in Xizhou. Later, he made a great contribution, and when the emperor asked what reward he wanted, he requested Xizhou as his fiefdom.

If Yangzhou was the stronghold of Prince Pei Xun, then Xizhou was the base of Prince Xi. The steward of Prince Xi’s mansion now managed Xizhou on behalf of Prince Xi.

*

That day, Pei Muheng returned home early, thinking that Xu Yunxi was distressed by the day’s events and intending to comfort her. However, upon entering the east room, he saw Xu Yunxi and Yin Xing studying the medical records from the Imperial Medical Office.

“Look at this prescription; this is the medicine prescribed for a five-year-old little princess in the palace. The symptoms were coughing, high fever, and nasal congestion. Initially, twelve types of medicines were prescribed, including forsythia, bupleurum, bezoar, and honeysuckle. After three days, the symptoms did not subside, so a few more medicines were added, with heavier dosages and more varieties. Poor little child, having taken so much medicine, how could her organs endure it? The illness lasted for a month.”

“What was the cause?” Yin Xing asked curiously.

Xu Yunxi flipped through a few more pages and found that the little princess fell ill every month. “If my guess is correct, the little princess had indigestion. She had a strong stomach but a weak spleen, and every time she caught a cold, it would lead to coughing and high fever. The medicine was effective but did not treat the root cause, so naturally, recovery was slow. If she were given Zhupo Houzao Powder along with the fever medicine, the illness would have subsided faster.”

Seeing his wife like this, Pei Muheng knew his worries were unnecessary.

Tomorrow, Xu Yunxi had to be on duty at the Imperial Medical Office, so she went to bed early. In the past, when Pei Muheng had to attend court, he would wake up before dawn, and Xu Yunxi had to do the same. However, the next day, when Pei Muheng woke up as usual, Xu Yunxi was still sleeping soundly without moving. As the days entered August, the weather turned cooler after a wave of residual summer heat.

Xu Yunxi’s hand was exposed outside the quilt, and Pei Muheng tucked her in, then gently called out, “Yunxi.”

It was far from Xu Yunxi’s wake-up time, and she frowned unhappily, turning over. Her soft body wriggled, and her jade foot kicked at his knee as if pushing him away.

It was the first time Pei Muheng had seen her being lazy in bed, and he couldn’t help but laugh. Just as he was about to reach over and wake her, Xu Yunxi seemed to wake up suddenly and jumped up, “Is it already late?” Her head rose abruptly, hitting Pei Muheng’s brow bone precisely.

“Hiss!” The sound of pain was deep and muffled. Xu Yunxi realized she had made a mistake and quickly said, “Third Master, I was reckless. Are you okay? Does it hurt?”

Pei Muheng covered his left eye, seeing stars from the pain, unable to speak for a while.

After a while, the couple hurriedly got out of bed. Xu Yunxi found a cool ointment from the pharmacy and applied it to his brow bone. The red mark faded a little, but the pain would not go away for a short time.

Xu Yunxi looked at her husband with an apologetic face.

Pei Muheng still wore his white inner clothes, the sash casually tied around his waist, the clothes half open, revealing a strong chest. He rubbed his brow bone and slowly put his hand down, his tall figure leaning lazily against the dressing table, exuding a somewhat unrestrained air.

“Yunxi, I don’t think I can see anyone today.” Even his tone carried a hint of casual helplessness.

Xu Yunxi, accustomed to seeing him impeccably dressed and refined, was seeing him disheveled and lazy for the first time. She couldn’t help but think that with his tall figure and handsome appearance, combined with his desolate expression, he looked like a wanderer from the martial world. Unconsciously, Xu Yunxi was entranced.

Pei Muheng, seeing no response from Xu Yunxi after speaking, focused on her. The eastern sky revealed a sliver of dawn, and though the light was not very bright, it was enough to see the room and her face. She stared at him with clear eyes, her expression innocent and calm, her clear pupils fixed on him, unblinking.

Pei Muheng’s heart skipped a beat. He lifted her waist, placing her on the dressing table, “What are you looking at?”

Xu Yunxi blushed slightly, then shook her head, “Nothing,” seeing that Pei Muheng’s eyes were deep and intent, Xu Yunxi quickly reminded him, ‘It’s getting late. We should hurry to court.’

Pei Muheng’s tall figure leaned back, his waist bending, his thick eyebrows lowered, and the light in his eyes dim and deep, staring at her.

For a moment, their eyes met, and Xu Yunxi understood his meaning.

After looking around and seeing that the room was empty, she happily kissed him on the cheek. It was so soft and fleeting, like a dragonfly skimming the surface of a calm lake, stirring it only momentarily.

Once the ripples slowly subsided, Pei Muheng released her and let her down. He didn’t know if she kissed him because she liked him or if she didn’t think much of it. He could be certain with others, but Xu Yunxi was naturally carefree, and he didn’t know what or who could cause ripples in her heart. For a moment, he wanted to test her, but then he changed his mind. Delving too deeply into their feelings would only trouble himself.

Fortunately, the Prince Xi’s residence was not far from the palace walls, and the couple quickly tidied up and arrived at Zhengyang Gate.

Officials were gradually making their way along the white jade bridge.

Xu Yunxi, dressed in the green robe of a sixth-ranked imperial doctor, entered the palace. Just as she was about to turn towards the Imperial Medical Office after crossing the Daming Gate, she saw a familiar figure under the palace wall outside the Ministry of Rites.

Xu Ke was stopped by a classmate from the Ministry of Rites, and they exchanged greetings. The Ministry of Rites official went into the office first, while Xu Ke intended to follow inside. The Ministry of Works’ office was just north of the Ministry of Ceremonies, along the official road between the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Medical Office.

After walking a few steps, a clear voice called out from behind. “Father.”

This call of ‘Father’ made Xu Ke’s heart skip a beat. He turned around abruptly and saw a green-robed official following closely behind him. The clothes were obviously too large and ill-fitting, but despite this, Xu Ke immediately recognized Xu Yunxi. He hurriedly glanced around, and, seeing no one nearby, quickly moved to the side of the road and called softly, “Yunxi, what are you doing here? Why are you dressed like this?”

Xu Yunxi, accompanied by Yin Xing, approached and knelt, briefly explaining the situation.

Xu Ke rubbed his forehead in response. This was the first meeting between the father and daughter since the incident at Qingshan Temple. From Xu Yunxi’s unwavering use of ‘Father,’ it was clear her attitude towards him was evident. Initially, Xu Ke felt comforted, believing that Xu Yunxi was grateful and remembered his kindness as her adoptive father, thinking she was a kind and obedient child. But soon, a cold sweat broke out on his back. He preffered that she not call him ‘Father’ and would immediately abandon her identity as a daughter of the Xu family and discard him like an old shoe.

Xu Ke was about to speak but stopped. Xu Yunxi quickly asked with a smile, “How has Mother been lately?”

Xu Ke forced a smile, “She is fine, don’t worry.”

Xu Yunxi noticed Xu Ke’s embarrassment and roughly guessed the reason, not wanting to make things difficult for him. She quickly gave another salute and left with Yin Xing towards the Imperial Medical Office.

Xu Ke watched her back, wiping his sweat twice.

Little did they know that standing under the tall city gate tower at Daming Gate was Xun Yunhe, who had followed his daughter into the palace.

It was his daughter’s first day on duty, and he was worried, so he followed her all the way. He intended to go to the Imperial Medical Office to give some instructions, fearing that people would neglect her, but instead, he overheard her conversation with Xu Ke.

The warmth on his face instantly disappeared. He did not hope for his daughter to forgive him and had even prepared for the possibility that she might never acknowledge him for life, but he absolutely could not tolerate anyone else taking the title of her father.

Xun Yunhe coldly lifted the hem of his robe and strode towards the inner court.

Every day, countless official documents from various departments needed the cabinet’s approval, and the Ministry of Works was no exception. Recently, the Ministry of Works officials knew Xu Ke’s awkward position, so they tacitly avoided giving him tasks involving the cabinet or the Ministry, and even actively helped him share the workload. But today, just after a brief afternoon rest, Xu Ke was still worried about Xu Yunxi’s situation when the door was pushed open, and the Assistant Minister of Works walked in.

Seeing his superior, Xu Ke quickly came out from behind the desk and bowed, “Master Su, what brings you here? Is there something you need to instruct me on?”

Assistant Minister of Works Su Ziyan, who was just over thirty years old, was the empress’s nephew. With the imminent appointment of the Crown Prince, Su Ziyan had become very influential, and many speculated that once Prince Pei Xun ascended to the throne, Su Ziyan would undoubtedly be appointed as a prime minister. Thus, Su Ziyan had more influence in the Ministry of Works than the Minister of Works himself.

Xu Ke had always been respectful towards him.

Su Ziyan, with the elegant demeanor of a Jiangnan scholar, had very handsome features. He patted Xu Ke’s arm with a sympathetic look and said, “I just came from the cabinet. The accounts for the first half of the year from your Water Affairs Division were blocked by the cabinet. I personally went to Lord Xun to ask for a decision, and he said that the official in charge of the matter must personally go to the cabinet to present their case.”

Cold sweat broke out on Xu Ke’s forehead.

Xun Yunhe wanted to see him.

What was meant to come had come…

Xu Ke closed his eyes in despair and slowly exhaled a breath, “In that case, I will go to inner court to see Lord Xun.”