Chapter 40: Seeking Medical Help

Xiao Jingkang’s mind was preoccupied with his daughter’s condition. He had been waiting for an opportunity when his father would be out of the house. As the days of the lunar tenth month grew colder, inviting Imperial Physician Sun became an urgent matter.

That day, Xiao Jingkang had just returned from court when his wife sent someone to inform him that his father had been invited by the Wen family to advise on constructing a martial arts training ground for their clan school and wouldn’t be back until evening. Seizing the rare opportunity, Xiao Jingkang headed straight to the Imperial Medical Institute, where he encountered Prince Jing and his son halfway.

“Greetings, Your Highness, Prince Jing. Greetings, Young Master,” Xiao Jingkang saluted respectfully.

“No need for such formalities, Minister Xiao,” Prince Jing replied warmly, holding Xiao Jingkang in good regard.

Prince Jing’s son, Yun Yichen, nodded slightly in acknowledgment but did not speak. Xiao Jingkang hadn’t expected the young master to respond, given his reputedly aloof nature.

Being the center of immense affection, Yun Yichen was perhaps more pampered than some princes. Xiao Jingkang, knowing his own station, harbored no illusions about ingratiating himself with the young master.

“Your Highness,” Xiao Jingkang said, “I am on my way to the Imperial Medical Institute to invite Imperial Physician Sun. I must thank you for the introduction; without it, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make his acquaintance.”

“You’re too polite, Minister Xiao. By lineage, we’re actually relatives. Should you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Yun Yichen’s expression shifted subtly. Relatives? How come he didn’t know about this? If his father recognized the connection, it must be significant. Yet, this was the first he’d heard of it.

“Thank you, Your Highness.” Xiao Jingkang didn’t dwell on the supposed familial tie, as it was tenuous at best. Neither he nor his family ever intended to exploit the connection.

Prince Jing held the Xiao family in high regard for their integrity, unity, and independence. Unlike other officials, they did not form factions or seek to profit from power. Now, he admired their avoidance of flattery as well.

A group of Imperial Physicians approached, medicine boxes slung over their shoulders. Among them was Imperial Physician Sun, who paused upon seeing Xiao Jingkang.

Could there be an issue with that clever little girl? Concerned, Imperial Physician Sun gestured for his colleagues to proceed ahead while he stayed behind to greet Prince Jing and his son. Then, turning to Xiao Jingkang, he asked, “Minister Xiao, are you here for me?”

“Yes, I am. I hope I’m not interrupting you, but I’d like to invite you to visit my residence. Would you have time?”

“Is it about the little girl?” Imperial Physician Sun hesitated. After several encounters, he had grown fond of the clever little girl, even dropping formal titles to call her “little girl.”

Prince Jing, who had intended to leave, stopped upon hearing their conversation. Out of courtesy to his acquaintance with Xiao Jingkang and the familial connection his wife had with the Xiao family, he stayed to listen.

If his memory served him, the patient was a girl around his daughter’s age. If he could help, he would—be it by providing rare medicines or inviting other physicians to assist.

Yun Yichen, however, had no interest in matters unrelated to him. Not one for altruism, he had little patience for such discussions. Excusing himself, he bade farewell and left, nodding to the others as a parting gesture.

Xiao Jingkang saw no reason to conceal the truth, as long as his father remained unaware. His position made it unnecessary to ask Prince Jing to leave.

“My daughter is doing well, but as the weather grows colder, I fear her old ailment might recur in winter. Most importantly, my father knows nothing of her condition, and we dare not let him find out. I’d like to take advantage of his absence today to have you examine her and prescribe medication.”

“Why hide this from the old general?” Imperial Physician Sun asked, his face serious. Was he unwittingly getting involved in family strife?

“My daughter’s illness stems from an incident you’re both aware of, but my father remains in the dark. No one in our family dares tell him. If he finds out his precious granddaughter has been harmed, the consequences will be dire—not just for my wife and me but for everyone in the family. Worst of all, the two culprits, who are not yet two years old, would face unimaginable punishment.”

“A tiger doesn’t eat its cubs. If General Xiao acts like that, it would be excessive,” Prince Jing remarked, astonished at the complexity of the situation.

“It’s no exaggeration. My father’s greatest treasure is my daughter. If he learns she’s been hurt, a mere scolding won’t suffice.”

Prince Jing and Imperial Physician Sun exchanged glances, both baffled by the situation. They could hardly imagine a family patriarch doting on a granddaughter to such an extent.

“She must be an extraordinary child to warrant such treatment,” Prince Jing said, his curiosity about General Xiao and his granddaughter piqued.

“Wait here; I’ll make some arrangements and come with you,” Imperial Physician Sun said, realizing the gravity of his role in helping the Xiao family through this predicament.

Prince Jing bid farewell to Xiao Jingkang, his interest in the Xiao family deepening. He also began considering whether General Xiao, famed for his mastery of the staff and archery, might be a suitable mentor for his seven-year-old son.

Meanwhile, Xiao Jingkang, thrilled, hurried home with Imperial Physician Sun in tow. When Sun arrived at the Xiao residence, Xiao Yao greeted him with a bright “Good day, Grandpa Sun!” The sweet salutation melted his heart.

Such an endearing child—no wonder General Xiao dotes on her. If he had such a granddaughter, he’d spoil her just the same.

“Come here, little one. Let Grandpa check you,” Sun said, crouching down.

After an extensive examination, Xiao Yao was slightly flushed from the ordeal. Her frail constitution made Imperial Physician Sun hope for her swift recovery.

Afterward, Xiao Jingkang and his wife accompanied Sun to another room, where the family members eagerly awaited the diagnosis.

“Based on my examination, the girl’s condition is improving. However, the medication can’t be stopped entirely yet. I’ll write a prescription. Start administering it at the beginning of next month. We’ll monitor her progress and adjust the treatment as necessary.”

“Thank you so much, Doctor Sun,” said Qin Shi, expressing genuine gratitude.

“Fate must have brought me to this child. Rest assured, I’ll do my best,” Sun reassured them.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yao, eavesdropping from the doorway, gazed longingly out the window. Though winter had stripped the world of its lush beauty, she yearned to be outside. Who wouldn’t, if they could?

As Sun prepared to leave, he turned back, his gaze falling on the little girl staring wistfully outside. The sight tugged at his heart. A doctor of many years, he recognized the longing in her eyes—a yearning for freedom and health, beyond the reach of those untouched by illness.

“Little one,” he called, “come give Grandpa a goodbye gift.”

“I’ll give you a gift,” Xiao Yao said shyly, “but Grandpa, will you give me one too?”

“What an impolite child!” scolded Tong Mingyu, embarrassed by her daughter’s request.

“What would you like?” Sun asked, intrigued.

“Can we… change the medicine to pills?” Xiao Yao hesitated. Herbal decoctions were simply too bitter.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Amused by her cleverness, Sun ruffled her hair affectionately before departing.

Xiao Yao stood there, her hair tousled, pouting as her antics brought joy to her family. The room echoed with laughter, a warmth that defied the cold outside.