Chapter 54

Without giving Xu Yunxi a chance to refuse, Xun Yunhe grabbed his daughter’s wrist and led her toward the inner courtroom. In front of everyone, Xu Yunxi could not argue with him, so she followed him.

The inner courtroom was located to the east of the Meridian Gate, with Fengtian Hall to the north and various government offices including the Six Ministries to the south. Inside, it was bustling with activity, with officials of various ranks busy with their duties and numerous attendants rushing about, all holding documents and looking hurried.

Amidst the chorus of greetings of “Lord Xun,” the father and daughter walked along the hall towards the inner offices until they reached the deepest part of the third courtyard, Xun Yunhe’s office. At the same time, Han Lin and Yin Xing were also led by an attendant to rest and eat in the adjoining room.

Xun Yunhe first led Xu Yunxi inside and personally closed the door. Standing in front of the desk, Xu Yunxi could already smell the faint aroma of food in the room. Xun Yunhe glanced back and saw her standing still. He stepped forward, cleaned his hands with a handkerchief, and personally uncovered the dishes, revealing seven or eight exquisite dishes on the table.

A stool was already placed, leaving only one seat for her.

Xun Yunhe handed her a dampened handkerchief, “Nannan, fill your stomach first.”

Xu Yunxi glanced at his wrist, noticing his large hands, long fingers, and slightly rough fingertips. She could still see the needle mark from the previous day’s acupuncture. After a moment of silence, she took the handkerchief, cleaned her hands, and sat down to eat.

The food smelled fresh and the temperature was just right, indicating it had just been prepared. This showed he had precisely tracked her whereabouts and prepared lunch in time.

Xu Yunxi ate silently.

Seeing her eating quietly, Xun Yunhe smiled with satisfaction. He slowly sat down opposite her in a round-backed chair. He had not fully recovered from his cough and was afraid of disturbing his daughter, so he endured it.

Xun Yunhe’s attention was entirely on her chopsticks as he tried to discern her preferences. Unfortunately, Xu Yunxi was not picky about food and ate a bit of everything on the table. After a cup of tea’s time, Xu Yunxi had filled her stomach. At this moment, Xun Yunhe promptly handed her a cup of tea.

After finishing her meal, it was not yet suitable to drink tea. The teacup was scalding hot, and Xu Yunxi held it without moving. The heat slowly climbed up through her skin. Lowering her eyes, she softly said, “Thank you.”

Xun Yunhe knew his daughter had no interest in chatting, so he chose to get straight to the point. “I met with Xu Ke today.”

Xu Yunxi was taken aback and finally looked at him, slowly asking, “And then?”

Xun Yunhe said, “I gave him a manor to repay him for providing you a place to stay. From now on, you will have no further ties with the Xu family.” Xun Yunhe carefully observed his daughter’s expression, worried she might be upset with his decision.

Hearing this, Xu Yunxi’s eyebrows gradually lowered, her thick eyelashes covering her eyes completely, making it impossible for Xun Yunhe to discern her feelings.

With her hands clasped around the teacup, Xu Yunxi nodded again, “Thank you.” Her tone was slightly softer than before.

She had never told anyone that she did not want to go to the Xu family. She did not want it when she was young, and she did not want it as an adult. She was immensely grateful that her mother had left her in the countryside. Following her grandfather was the freest and happiest time of her life. She loved traveling and exploring rivers and mountains. If not for searching for her grandfather, she probably would not have come to the capital.

Although Xu Ke had no blood relation with her, he had been kind enough. She always felt grateful for him giving her mother a stable life, allowing her and her grandfather to live without worries.

Seeing she was not opposed, Xun Yunhe felt relieved.

“There is one more thing…” Xun Yunhe said, placing his hands on his knees and gripping them tightly. He was clearly very nervous and had considered this for a long time.

“I’m sorry, Nannan, but I cannot bear to see your name in the Xu family genealogy. So, I had Xu Ke remove you from it. I also plan to change it in the Clan Office registry. What do you think?”

After Xu Yunxi got married, her registration was managed by the Clan Office, but the records still showed her as Xu Ke’s daughter. Xun Yunhe could not stand to leave it unchanged; even if Yunxi did not want to be listed under his name, she could not remain under Xu Ke’s.

Hearing this, Xu Yunxi let out a helpless sigh. Xun Yunhe’s expression tensed upon hearing her sigh, expecting his daughter to be angry, upset, or even reprimand him. However, Xu Yunxi slowly raised her eyes, and there was even a hint of a faint smile in her gaze.

“If doing this will make you happier and at peace and sever the ties with that couple, I have no objections.”

I have no objections.

Looking at his daughter, who seemed so indifferent and composed, Xun Yunhe felt a tight string in his heart snap. He certainly did not believe that Xu Yunxi had forgiven or accepted him; she simply did not care.

A deep sense of bitterness wrapped around his heart like vines, tightening and making it hard for him to breathe. He would have preferred her to scold him, blame him for poor judgment, and hate him for abandoning her, rather than being so indifferent.

The teacup was no longer as hot, and Xu Yunxi took a gentle sip, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now…”

She placed the teacup down, stood up, and turned to leave.

Xun Yunhe suddenly hurried around to block her path. The two nearly collided. Xu Yunxi stepped back and looked up at him. Xun Yunhe appeared to be on the verge of breaking, his eyes sharp and profound.

“Yunxi, you weren’t like this before.” When happy, you would smile, and when wronged, you would cry, not like now, with no desires or demands.

Xu Yunxi saw through his thoughts at a glance, “I know what you’re thinking. You wish I would scold and blame you. Let me tell you, I already did that when I was four, five, or maybe seven or eight years old and still immature. I have already blamed you…”

“People have to grow up eventually, right?”

That simple statement cut like a blade, cornering him and leaving him helpless like a trapped beast. Xun Yunhe covered his face with his hands, on the verge of tears.

Seeing his immense pain, Xu Yunxi sighed and gently comforted him, “I have already moved on. Now, you need to slowly move on, too.”

Xun Yunhe took a deep breath and slowly calmed down, unable to resist asking her, “In the past fifteen years, have you ever thought of your father?”

Xu Yunxi met his reddened eyes, her tongue pressed against her teeth and calmly replied, “You left too early. I don’t remember anything clearly.”

Xun Yunhe let out a bitter laugh. Yunxi was right; there was no point in being lost in the past. He needed to focus on his daughter’s future.

Seeing her physician’s hat knocked askew by him, he composed himself, raised his hand to straighten it, and gave a sour smile, “Yunxi, your father has always been thinking of you, in the past and in the future.”

Xun Yunhe personally opened the door, like a father sending his child out, and warmly said, “Alright, our Yunxi can go and be busy now.”

His tone was warm and even doting, like the morning sun.

Xu Yunxi paused for a moment, then slowly stepped over the threshold.

Leaving the inner courtroom and returning to the Imperial Medical Office, it was already the early hour of Shen (3 PM – 5 PM). At this time, a beam of sunlight slanted in from the courtyard. Someone with a bundle on their back stood in the main hall, and a clerk quickly stepped forward to take his luggage. Another person held up the official robe symbolizing the fourth-rank director of the Imperial Medical Office, helping him dress. When the man slowly tied his collar and turned around, Xu Yunxi saw his face clearly.

It was an unremarkable face, of medium height, around fifty years old, with a slightly hunched back, not very straight. The most striking feature was the trace of gloom between his brows.

Seeing him, Han Lin immediately showed a respectful expression and hurriedly greeted him, “Master, you’re back.”

Fan Ruji nodded indifferently, his gaze falling on Xu Yunxi. Seeing her unfamiliar face, he showed a slight hint of confusion.

At this moment, Imperial Physician He led a group of people out to greet them. Seeing Xu Yunxi and Fan Ruji standing at the entrance, he quickly introduced them,

“Imperial Physician Fan, this is Miss Xu, which I mentioned earlier. She is outstanding in acupuncture. Yesterday, when you were not in the capital, she performed acupuncture on His Majesty and cured his headache.” He then informed Fan Ruji about the emperor’s permission for Xu Yunxi to practice at the Imperial Medical Office.

“His Majesty even compared her to Imperial Physician Liu from years ago, implying that he hopes our Imperial Medical Office can cultivate several national experts in acupuncture with Doctor Xun’s influence!”

Hearing this, Fan Ruji’s pupils contracted sharply, and his brows furrowed deeply. When he looked at Xu Yunxi again, his expression had changed. “His Majesty allows a woman to practice in the official district?”

“Uh, this…” Imperial Physician He hadn’t expected Imperial Physician Fan to say such things in front of Xu Yunxi, almost without giving her any respect.

The atmosphere instantly became very awkward.

Fan Ruji gave Xu Yunxi a cold glance and lightly flicked his sleeve as he entered the office.

Han Lin and Imperial Physician He exchanged a helpless look and began to explain to Xu Yunxi, “Imperial Physician Fan has a somewhat rebellious temperament but is very kind. Don’t take it to heart.”

Imperial Physician He instructed Han Lin to comfort Xu Yunxi and hurriedly followed Fan Ruji to his office. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before loud arguments erupted from inside. Han Lin’s face changed, and he immediately went over to mediate.

Xu Yunxi stood alone in the main hall, gazing toward the inner office.

Something was very off about this Fan Ruji. Well, at least she had found a breakthrough point.

Xu Yunxi remained unaffected and directly returned to her own office.

In Fan Ruji’s office, the argument continued without ceasing.

“Am I afraid of him? So what if he is a county prince or the prime minister? Rules are rules. I am going to petition His Majesty right now!”

Imperial Physician He was almost on his knees, and the other doctors were also blocking the door, “What is the matter with you? Doctor Xun is an outstanding person with exceptional skills. Her joining the Imperial Medical Office is a blessing for us. You don’t know; she even managed to calm Prince Qi earlier. Now Prince Qi is racking his brain on how to save face and ask her to treat him!”

“You were never stubborn before. Why are you talking about gender separation today? Don’t you have women in your family? Weren’t you born of a woman?” An elderly doctor, who had always been at odds with Imperial Physician Fan, scolded him harshly.

Poor Imperial Physician He tried to persuade and placate him left and right, but it was a busy task. This argument continued until late evening. Fortunately, they managed to calm Imperial Physician Fan down and prevented him from causing a scene at Fengtian Hall.

In the late afternoon, Xu Yunxi left the office on time. Yin Xing asked her, “Should we wait for the Third Master at the Ministry of Revenue next door?”

Xu Yunxi shook her head, “No, he’s busy. If we go, it will only delay his work.”

As they left Zhengyang Gate, Huang Wei hurriedly came to inform her that the emperor had urgently summoned Pei Muheng, so Xu Yunxi should return to the mansion first.

Xu Yunxi hadn’t rested at noon, so she had an early dinner at the mansion and then rested. She slept soundly until midnight when some noise waked her. Opening her eyes, she saw a glass lamp lit in the room. The light streamed gently through the red silk curtains, casting a warm glow on her face, making her look as soft and enticing as jade.

Pei Muheng’s tall figure loomed over her.

Xu Yunxi hadn’t reacted yet when his large hand slipped under her waist, lifting her up. Xu Yunxi had to wrap her arms around his shoulders, feeling his skin burning hot.

Xu Yunxi’s face immediately flushed, “It’s almost Mid-Autumn, the weather is cold. Why are you dressed so lightly?”

Pei Muheng was only wearing a thin shirt, and even through the fabric, she could feel the heat emanating from him.

His hand caressed her slender back, and he cleared his hoarse throat, “I need to leave the capital for a while.”

The thick calluses on his fingertips caused a tingling sensation wherever they touched. Xu Yunxi’s shoulders trembled slightly, and she asked softly, “Where to?”

Pei Muheng responded, “There are rebellious local people in the Tan Prefecture area opposing the implementation of the salt policy, and His Majesty has instructed me to handle it personally.”

Perhaps there was a layer of parting emotions involved, and Pei Muheng was reluctant to let go. His thin lips gently clung to her plump lips, slowly consuming them. Unlike the last time, this time, she did not resist. Her beautiful eyes, resembling obsidian, gently rested on his chest. She neither moved nor made a fuss, and her overly obedient demeanor stirred a warm current in Pei Muheng’s heart.

The tips of their noses brushed against each other, creating a tickling sensation, and their breathing became heavier. He was sucking on her softness, inseparable in every way.

He moved forward like a confident hunter, step by step. For a moment, the once-heated curtains became eerily silent. She straightened her back and didn’t dare to move, and he didn’t need her to. He only pecked at her lips. He didn’t like this kind of close physical intimacy in the past, but now he felt that her bright red lips were like sweet flower petals, full of endless fragrance. As their wet breaths entwined, he gradually laid her down.

The next morning, when Xu Yunqi woke up, Pei Muheng was nowhere to be seen. Only Nanny Chen entered to attend to her and informed her that Pei Muheng had left early in the morning for a long journey. Xu Yunqi didn’t give it much thought and prepared herself for an encounter with Fan Ruji from the Imperial Medical Office.

In the first few days, Fan Ruji barely looked at her, and he didn’t arrange for Xu Yunqi to see any patients. The people in the Imperial Medical Office could tell that Fan Ruji was isolating Xu Yunqi, intending to force her out.

Han Lin was worried and, taking advantage of Fan Ruji’s absence at noon, quietly sought out Xu Yunqi. “Pei Muheng is not here. You might as well go to Lord Xun and ask him to mediate,” he said.

Xu Yunqi shook her head. “I know what I’m doing. Don’t worry; persistence will eventually wear down even a stone. I’ll get Imperial Physician Fan to relent.”

She was curious to see what Fan Ruji planned to do with her.

In the blink of an eye, Mid-Autumn arrived. Prince Xi led the entire family to have lunch in the palace, and at night, they returned to their respective residences for family dinners. With Pei Muheng gone, the family dinner at the Prince’s Mansion seemed quite lonely. Princess Consort Xi was worried about her son, Xu Yunqi had concerns of her own, and Pei Mushan was rarely leaving the house lately, busy with sewing her dowry under her mother’s pressure. The family hastily ate dinner and then returned to their rooms to rest.

In the middle of the night, Nanny Chen shook Xu Yunqi awake. “Young Madam, wake up quickly. Something’s happened.”

Xu Yunqi groggily opened her eyes. “What’s the matter?”

Nanny Chen hurriedly lit a glass lamp, then brought her outer garment, helping her to put it on while saying, “Someone from the palace has come. Today, His Majesty had several old princes dine at Fengtian Hall. The old Prince Qi ate too many sweets and has now fainted. His Majesty has issued a decree, immediately summoning you to the palace!’

Xu Yunqi’s mind tightened.

An opportunity had arrived. Since His Majesty had summoned her, he had surely also summoned Fan Ruji.

In no time, Xu Yunqi, accompanied by Yin Xing, had dressed neatly and left Qinghui Garden.

Prince Xi was personally waiting in the main hall. Seeing her still tired, with her slender body wrapped in a silver cloak that made her look very frail, he felt guilty.

“Good child, it’s hard on you. The situation is urgent. The heir of the old Prince Qi’s mansion has come to fetch you himself. For the sake of His Majesty, don’t hold a grudge against Prince Qi and just focus on saving him.”

Xu Yunqi curtsied and agreed.

Prince Xi sent her off and waited until she boarded the carriage before heading back inside.

Late at night, the moonlight spread across the sky like a silver veil. The streets were nearly deserted, with only a few residences still hosting feasts. As they passed through the Donghua Gate, the scene changed completely. The entire imperial palace was brightly lit, with guards bustling about. From a distance, the lively noise could be heard coming from the direction of Fengtian Hall.

Worried that Xu Yunqi might walk slowly, the emperor had ordered the guards to bring a sedan chair to hurry her to Fengtian Hall. Poor Yin Xing didn’t have this luxury and had to run to keep up, panting heavily. Xu Yunqi, fearing she would tire out, took her medical box from her. When they arrived at the foot of Fengtian Hall, the guards finally set Xu Yunqi down.

The leader of the imperial guards, wiping sweat from his brow, took Xu Yunqi’s medical box from her and led the master and servant up. “Except for His Majesty, no one has ever been carried into Fengtian Hall. You’re the first, County Princess Consort.”

Xu Yunqi smiled, “His Majesty is magnanimous; I don’t deserve such an honor.”

Inside the Fengtian Hall, the lights were dazzling, and the room was crowded with people. As Xu Yunqi entered, she saw the emperor sitting on the dragon throne, his head bowed. Not far from his feet, a corner had been cordoned off with a screen, and several imperial physicians were crowded around. It was evident that Prince Qi was lying behind the screen. Besides that, the hall was filled with many royal relatives and ministers, including Xun Yunhe.

Seeing his daughter enter the hall in haste, Xun Yunhe quickly greeted her. “Yunqi.”

Xu Yunqi glanced at him and nodded slightly before approaching the emperor to pay her respects. The emperor, clearly distressed by Prince Qi’s condition, held his forehead and looked extremely tired. He merely pointed towards the screen, signaling her to go over. Xu Yunqi hurriedly took Yin Xing and went behind the screen.

Several palace lanterns were lit inside the screen, illuminating the small area. Prince Qi lay stiffly on a couch, looking as if he was on his last breath. Fan Ruji was squatting in front of the couch, taking his pulse. Seeing Xu Yunqi, Imperial Physician He quickly made way, “Doctor Xun, please come and have a look.”

Xu Yunqi walked over. Fan Ruji did not look at her. Xu Yunqi sat beside him and softly asked, “Imperial Physician Fan, how is his pulse?”

Imperial Physician Fan frowned deeply, “Blood clotting, the situation is critical.”

Prince Qi’s face was already covered with a layer of bluish tint, indicating that he was at death’s door. She immediately said, “Move aside, I’ll perform the acupuncture.”

Upon hearing this, Fan Ruji suddenly looked at her, his eyes filled with sharpness and a hint of fear.

Before Fan Ruji could respond, the emperor’s cold and solemn voice came from outside, “Minister Fan, let her treat him.”

Fan Ruji swallowed several times and watched Xu Yunqi warily but didn’t move. At this point, Imperial Physician He and Han Lin couldn’t wait any longer and lifted him to the side. Xu Yunqi stepped forward without hesitation and instructed Yin Xing to prepare. The master and servant began to perform acupuncture to save the patient.

Imperial Physician He, worried that Fan Ruji might trouble Xu Yunqi, quickly grabbed his arm and whispered to him, “Don’t be foolish. You’ve always been in charge of treating Prince Qi. If something happens today in Fengtian Hall, you’ll also be held responsible.”

Fan Ruji was surprisingly calm and replied in a low voice, “I have already reported Prince Qi’s condition to His Majesty. His Majesty is well aware, so it won’t fall on me.”

Imperial Physician He hesitated, “Today is Mid-Autumn, if someone dies here, His Majesty will be furious.”

Fan Ruji ignored him entirely, his cracked eyes fixed on Xu Yunqi. He watched as her slender hands calmly picked up a long needle and aimed it at Prince Qi’s chest.

One needle, two needles, three needles…

Qian is above, representing the sky. Kun is below, representing the earth. The needle of Xun is gentle like the spring breeze, following the wind. The needle of Zhen expels clotted blood, and thunder and fire overlap to bring the patient back from the brink of death.

Thirteen needles! How did she know about the thirteen needles?

Fan Ruji was thunderstruck, his face turning pale. He even forgot to tremble as sweat poured from his palms.

After thirty years, the thirteen needles had reappeared in the martial world. No one knew how long it lasted, only that Xu Yunqi’s hands, like invisible needles, kept flickering before his eyes, deeply overlapping with the images in his memory.

Suddenly, Prince Qi convulsed and then began to vomit large amounts of clotted blood, startling the imperial physicians present. Imperial Physician He quickly rushed over, holding his arm and anxiously looking at Xu Yunqi, “What’s happening?”

Xu Yunqi calmly explained, ‘This is to expel the clotted blood!”

At this moment, the emperor and Xun Yunhe, along with others, rushed over, crowding the area behind the screen.

Unfortunately, before the emperor could ask anything, Fan Ruji suddenly removed the five needles she had inserted into Prince Qi’s chest, quickly breaking them and holding them in his hand. He pointed at her and angrily said, “How dare you! Are you trying to kill the old prince?”

Xu Yunqi stared at him in shock, her eyes filled with suspicion. She slowly stood up and said, “The blood in his body is blocked. It needs to be cleared first…”

Before she could finish, Fan Ruji turned to the emperor and said, “Your Majesty, that’s not the case. According to my method, the old prince’s life can be saved. I just administered a powerful medicine. If Doctor Xun continues with the acupuncture, it might cause the energy and blood to surge wildly, leading to the old prince’s suffocation and death…”

One was the most renowned physician of the Imperial Medical Office and a longtime confidant. The other was a quick-acting, highly skilled granddaughter-in-law. The emperor didn’t know whom to trust.

Xu Yunqi looked at Fan Ruji’s hand and saw that he had embedded the silver needles deeply into his flesh, with blood dripping down his palm.

He had destroyed her needles and didn’t want her to perform the thirteen-needle technique. What was he afraid of?