Chapter 33: Seeking Diagnosis

Meinang felt a bit embarrassed. How could such private matters between doctor and patient be spoken about so freely to others? Without Ning Rulan’s consent, she had only trusted Ling Xu Zi’s pulse-checking technique, sensing he might indeed be skilled. Xu Jun Ying didn’t seem like someone who would exaggerate, perhaps he genuinely possessed remarkable medical expertise. Since neither she nor Ning Rulan had many opportunities to go out, a good doctor arriving out of nowhere was a chance not to be missed. Acting on her own, she thought to ask them to examine Ning Rulan, hoping they might identify the cause of her infertility, thus resolving the couple’s issue. This way, they wouldn’t have to face the prospect of the second wife pressuring them to accept a concubine, sparing Ning Rulan from further worry.

Meinang glanced over at Cui Xi, who understood the signal, curtsied, and left the flower hall with Cui Jian, Cheng’er, and Ping’er, quietly waiting in the corridor.

Meinang smiled gracefully at Xu Jun Ying. “Since we’re family, there’s no need to avoid the topic. Rulan is perfectly fine, it’s just that… as you know, she and Third Master have been married for over two years and are deeply in love, yet she has not conceived. The second wife is growing anxious and even shows some disapproval. I thought…”

Xu Jun Ying’s expression remained indifferent as he replied coldly, “This kind of issue is neither major nor trivial. Third Brother and Rulan can handle it themselves, and the second wife is already involved. You just need to mind your own affairs.”

Meinang bit her lip. “Rulan doesn’t know what to do; she feels deeply troubled. If there’s still no news, the second wife will pressure Third Master to take a concubine. Such a matter might create discord between the couple…”

Xu Jun Ying frowned. “Taking a concubine is for the sake of continuing the family line. Rulan is known for her virtue and will handle it well. How would this create discord with Third Brother? You shouldn’t speak so recklessly, or people might hear and spread rumors, tarnishing Rulan’s reputation as a virtuous woman. That would be your fault!”

Is a wife only virtuous if she consents to her husband taking a concubine? Go to hell! Meinang looked at Xu Jun Ying, no longer interested in pleasing him. But in front of his friend, she couldn’t show her displeasure, so she maintained her composure and replied gently:

“What you mean, husband, is that Rulan should spend her life not bearing children and focus on letting Third Master have multiple concubines to ensure many offspring. It’s certainly convenient, but given the depth of Third Master’s feelings for Rulan, is he even willing to take a concubine? And when Rulan grows old, who will take care of her if the children from the concubines are ungrateful? Such things, elders may not consider. You and Third Brother are siblings, and I, Rulan’s sister in law, am close to her like a sister. We should think this through for them.”

Xu Jun Ying initially thought Meinang wanted Ling Xu Zi to examine Rulan for some other ailment, never expecting it to be a fertility issue. As a man, he knew this topic was sensitive. He originally didn’t want Meinang meddling in someone else’s private matters, yet her remarks made it sound as if he didn’t care about Rulan’s well-being. She appeared innocent, with a respectful and gentle demeanor, presenting her reasoning so logically that he couldn’t get angry. After a moment, he said,

“If you don’t understand what I’m saying, then stop speculating. How could I not want the best for my own family? Such matters are hard to predict. Rulan is still young. Her lack of children might just be a matter of timing. But by bringing a Daoist here to examine her in such a public manner, you’ve all but confirmed her condition, inviting gossip. Such talk could make her feel something is truly wrong with her, causing her more sadness in the future.”

Scolded again, Meinang was pondering his words when Zhang Jing Yun intervened to smooth things over. Though his facial features were ordinary, his voice was warm, slightly magnetic truly a comforting baritone.

“Since we’ve agreed with the young mistress, why not let us check the pulse of Third Mistress? It’ll only take a moment, like drinking a cup of tea, and won’t cause any trouble. Ling Xu Zi can stay here while I go with Jun Ying. We’ll just say I’m an old friend of Third Master, and Jun Ying brought me to catch up. That way, the young mistress doesn’t have to go either, and no one will have reason to talk about Third Mistress.”

Meinang looked up at Zhang Jing Yun and smiled, “Mr. Zhang, you’re truly thoughtful! Let’s do that. Hmm… I don’t have anything special to give her, but her courtyard is filled with orchids. I’ll have Cui Jian pretend to ask her for a pot of orchids and let her know to prepare. My husband can accompany Mr. Zhang.”

Ling Xu Zi casually asked, “Does Third Mistress like growing orchids?”

Meinang nodded. “Yes. Her name is Rulan, and she loves orchids. She has hundreds of pots in her courtyard and many placed around her rooms.”

Zhang Jing Yun and Xu Jun Ying had just risen, but hearing this, Zhang turned his head with apparent interest, glancing at Meinang as if he had something to say, but then walked off without another word.

Cui Xi came in with the younger maids to refill the water and brew tea. Rui Zhu and Rui Bao returned. Meinang asked them a few questions, then allowed them to wait outside.

Cui Xi poured hot tea again, and Meinang, sipping slowly, struck up a casual conversation with Ling Xu Zi, asking about his travels and experiences. Zhang Jing Yun had mentioned that they roamed widely in search of rare herbs. Meinang believed that firsthand knowledge from them would offer the most authentic view of the world.

She had another request in mind. Though she knew it might be too much to ask, she couldn’t help herself. Ling Xu Zi surprisingly agreed with a smile when she brought it up, and Meinang, delighted, repeatedly expressed her thanks. Taking the teapot from Cui Xi, she poured tea for Ling Xu Zi and presented him with a small jade tray divided into four sections, each holding a different fruit preserve.

“This is dried apricot, winter melon, and dried peach. They’re quite sweet. Daoist, would you like to try a piece?”

Ling Xu Zi shook his head. “Thank you, Young Mistress, but I don’t like sweets.”

Meinang smiled. “It seems men and women have different tastes. The marquis doesn’t like sweets either. Will you and Mr. Zhang be staying in the capital for a few months?”

Ling Xu Zi replied, “About thirty miles outside the city, there’s a place called Gui Yun Manor, where we’re staying. When your elder brother returns from Yue Zhou, just have Jun Ying send someone to inform us, and I will personally visit to examine him. I won’t let him take his examination while ill.”

Meinang bowed gratefully. “Thank you so much! This is the third time I’ve troubled you two, though we’ve only just met. I really feel quite guilty.”

Ling Xu Zi responded, “No need to thank me, Young Mistress. You’re kind and virtuous, always thinking of others. I have great respect for that.”

Startled, Meinang quickly waved her hands. “Daoist, please don’t say that! I’m just an ordinary woman with a rough temperament. If others hear, they’d surely laugh!”

Just then, Xu Jun Ying and Zhang Jing Yun returned. Meinang and Ling Xu Zi rose to greet them. Xu Jun Ying glanced at Meinang with a look free of his usual disapproval, which surprised her. With the maids present, she didn’t ask him about it, instead choosing to sit quietly for a while before bowing and leaving, letting the three old friends catch up freely.