Chapter 23

On the tenth of May, after two consecutive days of rain, it finally cleared up.

Pei Muheng had been staying at the palace for the past two days, leaving Xu Yunqi feeling light and free, enjoying early nights and early mornings. She felt refreshed, practiced a set of the Five Animal Frolics in the courtyard as usual, had breakfast, changed into dry clothes, and went to the small pharmacy to review medical cases.

At that moment, Nanny Chen came in from outside, standing at the beaded curtain of the eastern room, not daring to enter. She raised her voice and said, “Young Madam, someone from the Princess Consort’s quarters has come to invite you over.”

Princess Consort Xi rarely summoned her, so Xu Yunqi instinctively thought something must have happened. On the way over, she asked Nanny Chen, “Is something wrong?”

Nanny Chen smiled bitterly, “It’s not a big deal. Today is the seventieth birthday of Master Qi from the Hanlin Academy. The Eldest Madam was supposed to attend but fell ill, so the Princess Consort sent for you instead.”

Xu Yunqi nodded and asked no further questions.

When they reached the corridor outside Jinhe Hall, they heard heart-wrenching cries from inside. Looking up, Xu Yunqi saw her second sister-in-law, Li Xuanyan, waving to her from under the corridor. Xu Yunqi quietly walked along the corridor, and the two sisters-in-law stood by the pillar, listening to the chaotic noises inside.

The maids and servants in the corridor had obviously kept their distance, leaving only Nanny Hao at the door. She saw the two of them but did not invite them in or send them away, pretending not to notice.

Xu Yunqi had no intention of eavesdropping and moved slightly aside. Li Shi caught up with her, and the two spoke in the corner.

“Don’t be fooled by how grand our eldest sister-in-law appears. Her private life is not so smooth.”

Xu Yunqi was slightly surprised, “Really?”

Seeing her interest, Madam Li took a more intimate posture and linked arms with her, “Indeed. Last time at the palace, our eldest brother secretly took a maid to his study. He didn’t inform our sister-in-law, and they continued their affair. This angered our sister-in-law, who scolded the maid and sent her to the laundry room. Because of this, our eldest brother and sister-in-law have had many disagreements.”

“Today, wasn’t our eldest sister-in-law supposed to go out? That maid took the chance to find our eldest brother while she was away. By coincidence, our sister-in-law lost something and returned to her room, catching them in the act. The maid seized the opportunity to make a scene, rolling on the ground and causing a commotion. They almost started fighting, which eventually alarmed the Prince and Princess Consort.”

Xu Yunqi was utterly astonished, with a hint of pity.

At that moment, loud crying erupted from the main hall of Jinhe Hall. Following that, the maid threatened to kill herself. Without a word, Li Xuanyan dragged Xu Yunqi inside. Her grip was so strong that Xu Yunqi couldn’t break free immediately. When they entered, they saw Nanny Hao and another maid holding the crying maid, who was gasping for breath, unable to kneel.

“I am a family servant. My whole family serves in the royal residence. The Eldest Master took my body, and now he doesn’t care. The Eldest Madam cannot tolerate me, so I have no choice but to die.”

Seeing his two sisters-in-law barging in, Pei Muxiang’s face grew even more embarrassed. Probably not wanting to be seen as weak, he bit his lip and addressed the Prince and Princess Consort, “Father, Mother, I cannot abandon her. Min’er is the one I want.”

The Prince rubbed his forehead, casting a headache-ridden glance at his daughter-in-law.

Madam Xie stood there with a cold, indifferent expression.

Princess Consort Xi, not favoring her son, angrily said, “You dare to pretend to be deeply in love after engaging in such scandalous behavior without proper arrangements? If you wanted her, why didn’t you inform your wife first? If she accepted today and tolerated this little harlot, does that mean anyone could climb into your bed in the future?”

Addressing her three daughters-in-law, Princess Consort Xi assumed the proper stance of a legitimate matriarch, “I’ll make it clear: men manage outside affairs, women manage the household. Therefore, matters of the inner residence are up to the women. As a wife, being generous enough to permit concubines is one thing, but if you don’t give your wife this respect, don’t expect any acknowledgment of broken bodies or pregnancies!”

With her mother-in-law’s support, Madam Xie’s face finally showed some sorrow and grievance, and she choked out a cry in Princess Consort Xi’s direction.

Madam Li, upon hearing this, secretly glanced at her mother-in-law. This was what she respected about Princess Consort Xi.

Prince Xi, however, knew that his wife was making veiled criticisms, including aimed at him. He sternly looked at Pei Muxiang, “Xianger, you were in the wrong first. Apologize to your wife!”

Pei Muxiang refused and looked towards the maid Min’er.

Min’er immediately burst into tears, paralyzed with fear.

“What does the Princess Consort plan to do with me? Both my father and mother are stewards in the mansion. How will you maintain your authority…”

Min’er’s parents served Prince Xi closely and were prominent stewards in the household, making this matter truly thorny.

Princess Consort Xi cast a fierce glance at her son and then at her husband, frowning.

Realizing her act was failing, Min’er mustered all her strength to break free from the maid’s grip and ran towards the nearest pillar. Coincidentally, Xu Yunqi was standing there. Min’er, not truly intending to die, aimed directly at Xu Yunqi. With some martial skills, Xu Yunqi sidestepped, grabbed Min’er’s wrist, and applied a deft technique, making the maid cry out in pain and kneel. Two maids quickly pounced to hold her down.

Taking this opportunity, Xu Yunqi checked her pulse, her old habits as a doctor kicking in. Observing Min’er’s face, she couldn’t help but frown, “You haven’t lost your virginity!”

The room fell eerily silent.

Initially thinking Min’er might be falsely accusing the family, Xu Yunqi quickly considered another possibility. She couldn’t help but glance at the Eldest Master, Pei Muxiang.

Pei Muxiang was shocked by Xu Yunqi’s words, raising his eyes to look at his sister-in-law, their gazes meeting.

Seeing his expression, Xu Yunqi’s heart grew heavy, and she lowered her head.

The atmosphere in the room became unbearably awkward.

Min’er was the first to break the silence, screaming and crying at Xu Yunqi, “What nonsense are you talking about? I clearly… with the master…”

Clearly, if she had done that, how could she still be a virgin?

At this point, Pei Muxiang was too embarrassed to lift his head. He stood there, cold sweat dripping down his back, feeling utterly humiliated.

Prince Xi and Princess Consort Xi exchanged glances, a bizarre thought crossing their minds.

Princess Consort Xi, experienced as she was, quickly understood. Her first thought was disbelief that her son was already… To save her son’s dignity, she scolded Xu Yunqi, “How dare you speak nonsense!”

Xu Yunqi promptly retreated to the side, “I know my fault, Mother.”

Only Madam Xie cast a deep look at Xu Yunqi, a hint of mockery curling her lips.

Li Xuanyan, confused, assumed that Xu Yunqi had concocted a lie to help Madam Xie and didn’t think much of it.

Prince Xi, noticing his son’s pale complexion tinged with green, realized the gravity of the situation and sternly commanded, “This is all your own doing. Go back and reflect on your actions. Don’t go anywhere without my permission!”

“As for Min’er,” Prince Xi looked at the innocent-looking maid, clearly troubled, and asked Princess Consort Xi, “Should we take her in? What do you think?”

Initially, Princess Consort Xi would have refused, but given the change in circumstances, Min’er couldn’t be left outside. With a pained expression, she glanced at her eldest daughter-in-law, and with a silent understanding, she nodded, “So be it.”

Min’er was initially confused but quickly concluded that Xu Yunqi was helping Madam Xie deny the incident. Overjoyed, she knelt and thanked them.

Pei Muxiang, almost boiling with shame and anger, stormed out while the maids took away Min’er.

Princess Consort Xi looked at Madam Xie and comforted her, “You must be tired today. Rest at home. I’ll have your second and third sisters-in-law represent you at the birthday celebration.”

“The hour is late. You two go freshen up and meet me at the side gate.”

After sending the daughters-in-law away, Princess Consort Xi and Prince Xi exchanged looks, never expecting the truth to be so astonishing.

While being dressed by the maids, Princess Consort Xi said to Prince Xi, “We should get a physician to check on Xiang’er.”

No wonder the Xie couple had no news of another child after the birth of their eldest grandson. She had blamed her daughter-in-law for not conceiving, only to realize the problem lay with her son, who must have deceived the naive maid.

Prince Xi wiped his forehead and nodded, “Alright,” then wondered aloud, “But how did the third daughter-in-law discover it?”

Recalling the seemingly naive Xu Yunqi, Princess Consort Xi sighed inwardly, “Heng’er said she excels at medicinal cooking. Maybe she read some medical books and accidentally hit the mark. That silly girl shouldn’t have blurted it out.”

Prince Xi, more concerned about his son’s health than Xu Yunqi’s discovery, pondered the seriousness of it all. At forty, he was still in good health, but his son’s condition cast a shadow over his mind.

Feeling troubled, Princess Consort Xi took her two daughters-in-law to the Qi family.

The esteemed Grand Tutor Qi was one of the most renowned scholars in the court, a towering figure of his time. Xun Yunhe and Pei Muheng were both his students. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say his disciples and followers were spread across the realm.

Madam Xun was ill, so Xun Yunling represented her family at the event.

The Xun family’s carriage coincided with the Xi family’s at the Qi residence gate.

Princess Consort Xi chatted with Xun Yunling, while Pei Mushan, who had gone to visit her maternal family, left Xu Yunqi with her second sister-in-law, Li Xuanyan.

Li Xuanyan remarked on the way, “Why were you so foolish just now? What did that have to do with you?”

Xu Yunqi, unsure what to say, replied, “I didn’t mean to.”

With her beautiful and gentle appearance, Li Xuanyan saw Xu Yunqi as a simple beauty. “Silly girl, but sometimes simple people are blessed.” Marrying a good husband like Pei Muheng.

Li Xuanyan affectionately held Xu Yunqi’s hand as they entered the Qi residence.

Xun Yunling assisted Princess Consort Xi to the Qi family’s reception hall.

Grand Tutor Qi’s wife was still alive, and the lady of the house welcomed Princess Consort Xi. Princess Consort Qin and Princess Consort Chen were also present inside. Being such a prominent figure, Grand Tutor Qi’s household had even received gifts from the Emperor and Empress earlier that day.

This grand birthday celebration was held with impressive pomp.

Xun Yunling waited at the entrance for Xu Yunqi and Li Xuanyan to approach, greeting them calmly. “Greetings to both sisters-in-law.”

Xu Yunqi smiled at her, handing over a prepared gift box. “I couldn’t give you a meeting gift last time, so I’m making up for it today. Please don’t mind.”

Xun Yunling looked at her steady face, secretly admiring her abilities to have Pei Muheng so devoted to her. She smiled and gladly accepted the gift. “Thank you.”

The group entered to greet the elderly lady. Recently, Pei Muheng had been titled a duke, making Xu Yunqi a duchess. The elderly lady dared not accept her bow and returned the courtesy. The Qi family was truly a prestigious household with strict family principles, and no one would look down on Xu Yunqi’s status.

Inside the main hall were dignified ladies who knew their manners. The young girls and ladies outside were different.

With too many guests, Xu Yunqi and Li Xuanyan stepped outside to find seating, heading to the flower hall, which was packed. They finally made their way to the eastern water pavilion.

The Qi family, originating from Jinling, had a residence designed like a Jiangnan garden, with picturesque scenery along the lake path to the water pavilion, filled with flowers and elegant carvings.

Passing by the waterside pavilion, Li Xuanyan saw a daughter-in-law from Prince Qin’s mansion, whom she was close to, and sat down with Xu Yunqi.

Xu Yunqi sat in the corner on a beauty couch, gazing at the shimmering water, lost in thought. She wondered how her late grandfather would treat Pei Muxiang’s condition. Without a pulse diagnosis, it was hard to determine the full extent of the ailment, as causes varied. Some were due to excessive indulgence, some from internal organ issues, some from wrong medication, and others purely psychological. Xu Yunqi didn’t know the details of Pei Muxiang’s case and couldn’t make a hasty judgment.

Thinking about it, she realized her elder sister-in-law, Madam Xie, might have blocked her husband’s concubine not out of pettiness but to keep this matter quiet.

Shortly after sitting, familiar voices came from the next room.

Liu Xiangning, the daughter of the Court Judicial Review Chief, sat among a crowd, closely leaning on Xun Yunling, loudly saying, “What’s so special about her? She only got a good husband and thus a high position. Otherwise, any of us here are nobler than her. She took the marriage that should have been Sister Xun’s.”

Upon hearing this, Xun Yunling quickly frowned and pushed Liu Xiangning away, “Sister, please don’t say that. She was married by imperial decree, and rightfully so. It has nothing to do with me.”

In the past, she would have gone along with others gossiping and tarnishing Xu Yunqi’s reputation. But now, she dared not. Her father was attending the banquet later, and if word got back to him, she would be in serious trouble. Her mother had repeatedly warned her not to act impulsively.

Xun Yunling’s actions appeared noble and upright to the other young ladies.

“No wonder she is Grand Secretary Xun’s daughter. Xun Yunling’s magnanimity is a model for us all.”

Liu Xiangning, feeling indignant on her behalf, said, “You wouldn’t know. Last time at the palace, she deliberately splashed water on me, causing me pain for a whole month before recovering. I let it go, but poor Qiner is still bedridden.”

After returning to the capital, Xun Yunling had gone to visit Xiao Qin but was turned away by Madam Xiao. Xun Yunling had never experienced such rejection and couldn’t understand what went wrong. “Qiner is indeed pitiful… Did you visit her?”

Liu Xiangning shook her head, “I went, but Madam Xiao said Qiner was in a bad mood and didn’t want to see anyone, so I had to leave.”

Hearing this, Xun Yunling felt relieved, seeing it wasn’t directed at her.

Among the guests was a princess from Prince Qin’s mansion who had always disliked Pei Mushan and, by extension, Xu Yunqi, “Exactly. Every time I see her, it makes me uncomfortable. Calling a country girl ‘sister-in-law’ makes my teeth ache…”

As she finished, a mocking voice came from the water corridor, “I think it’s not toothache but envy.”

Hearing this voice, everyone looked fearful and stood up.

Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun, leisurely walked over from outside the carved window, fan in hand, standing at the corridor entrance, glaring at the young ladies, and scolding them, “You girls have nothing better to do than gossip behind people’s backs all day.”

The princess from Prince Qin’s mansion pouted and lowered her head. The other girls were clearly dissatisfied.

Twelfth Prince turned and instructed the eunuch beside him, “Take note of their families and report to the Empress. She will send a reprimand to their households, instructing their parents to discipline them.”

This escalated the situation significantly.

Except for Xun Yunling, the others knelt and kowtowed, “Forgive us, Prince.”

An imperial reprimand from the Empress would not only disgrace their families but also affect their fathers’ careers. Fearful, they fell silent.

Twelfth Prince was known for his resolute nature. With just a glance, the eunuch beside him meticulously noted each name and quickly memorized them.

Some timid girls cried on the spot.

Ignoring them, Twelfth Prince continued fanning himself towards the lakeside pavilion, noticing another room in the waterside pavilion was also full, including Xu Yunqi.

Having overheard the conversation next door, they feared the Twelfth Prince might also reprimand them and quickly knelt to pay their respects, except Xu Yunqi, who stood and curtsied to him.

Twelfth Prince looked at the young girl standing in the corner. She was wearing a light yellow blouse with a matching pleated skirt, holding a small fan handle, and looking at him with a smile. Her appearance was graceful and relaxed, with gentle and kind eyebrows.

At that moment, Pei Xun felt a pang in his heart, feeling a bit of sympathy. He beckoned Xu Yunqi over.

Xu Yunqi followed him out of the waterside pavilion and into the central water corridor.

Pei Xun hadn’t spoken yet when Xu Yunqi glanced at his leg and said, “Your Highness isn’t using a cane anymore; it seems much better.”

Hearing this, Pei Xun couldn’t help but admire Xu Yunqi’s medical skills, “Your acupuncture skills are truly remarkable. After half an hour of treatment last time, I felt much better. With daily application of the medicinal oil, the pain has almost disappeared.”

Xu Yunqi smiled, “One session isn’t enough for a full recovery. If you wish to be completely cured, Your Highness will need two more sessions.”

Pei Xun chuckled, gazing at the rippling lake. Instead of continuing the conversation, he said, “Don’t let their words bother you. They are shallow and not worth your anger.”

Xu Yunqi laughed, “Your Highness overthinks. I haven’t taken it to heart.”

At times, she found the noblewomen in the capital rather dull. They constantly compared family backgrounds and husbands, never considering that one should focus on their future, aim high, and invest energy in themselves.

Pei Xun looked at the open-minded and radiant young lady before him, thinking Pei Muheng had truly married someone unique. He felt a twinge of regret, though he couldn’t pinpoint what exactly he regretted. “Alright, I’ll be going. Take care of yourself.”

Just as Pei Xun was about to head to the lakeside pavilion, they heard a commotion from the shore. Both turned to look, seeing several Imperial Guards in armor approaching the waterside pavilion along the corridor.

Pei Xun squinted, standing still.

The girls were frightened, some hiding in the crowd while the smaller ones peeked out cautiously.

The leader of the Imperial Guards, a Qianhu commander, arrived at the first open pavilion, scanning the crowd, and asked, “Who is Liu Xiangning?”

Liu Xiangning shivered in fear, “Y-Yes, that’s me…”

The Commander looked at her coldly. Considering the Grand Tutor’s birthday banquet, he refrained from violence, only saying sternly, “Step out and come with us.”

Liu Xiangning’s face turned pale, and she immediately hid behind Xun Yunling, “What do you want? I am an esteemed guest of the Grand Tutor’s residence.”

Xun Yunling sensed something was wrong. Suppressing her panic, she calmly asked the Commander, “May I ask, what has happened?”

The Commander sneered, raising the arrest warrant in his hand, “Court Judicial Review Chief Liu Zhao is suspected of fabricating false cases and deceiving the Emperor. His Majesty has ordered the entire Liu family to be imprisoned and thoroughly investigated!”

Liu Xiangning fainted on the spot.

Xun Yunling and the others were also shocked and almost collapsed.

At the Commander’s signal, two Imperial Guards advanced and forcibly took Liu Xiangning and her maid away.

The pavilion fell into a deathly silence.

Pei Xun was not surprised. He reassured Xu Yunqi with a glance and led his men to the lakeside pavilion.

Over at the lakeside pavilion, the revelry continued undisturbed. Some young noblemen were singing and drinking joyfully. Pei Xun, always respectful to his subordinates, quickly joined them. About a quarter of an hour later, a few men, clearly guests from the front courtyard, approached from another direction. Dressed in luxurious attire, with high-spirited expressions and numerous attendants, they were Pei Muheng, the Second Imperial Grandson Pei Wencheng, and the Third Imperial Grandson Pei Xiuqi.

The Second Imperial Grandson, Pei Wencheng, was the eldest legitimate son of Prince Qin. After the demotion of the First Imperial Grandson, Pei Renqian, Pei Wencheng became the center of attention.

After everyone had greeted him, he sat next to Pei Xun and said, “Twelfth Uncle, you look so relaxed. We were still listening to a lecture at Fengtian Hall, and here you are, already drinking.”

Pei Xun leaned lazily on the long bench, closed his feather fan, and replied with a smile, “Otherwise, how could I be your uncle? Now that I’m free, it’s your turn to listen to lectures.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Pei Xun moved aside another nobleman and invited Pei Muheng to sit. Once he was seated, Pei Xun leaned over and said, “Your mother told me you’ve been staying at the palace these past few days. Heng’er, I’m not saying this to criticize you, but you are married now. It’s time to settle down.”

Pei Muheng, unconcerned, raised his wine cup with a smile and toasted Pei Xun, “Don’t worry, Twelfth Uncle. My wife and I are doing well.”

Xu Yunqi had a soft temperament, always calm and never causing trouble. Their marital life was harmonious, even in intimate matters. Pei Muheng was very satisfied with his wife and accepted her non-confrontational nature. There was no need for her to be contentious for him to be happy; their peaceful relationship was what mattered most.

Pei Xun was skeptical, “Then tell me, do you know what your wife does daily? What does she like?”

Pei Muheng felt Pei Xun was being a bit intrusive today. However, as Pei Xun had always cared for the younger generation, he didn’t think much of it and replied, “She has a quiet disposition and rarely goes out. She enjoys tending to flowers and plants and occasionally prepares medicinal meals for the elders. Twelfth Uncle, you know that the Emperor loves her medicinal cooking.”

Pei Xun knew Xu Yunqi’s medicinal cooking was excellent. However, the reason she gained the Emperor’s favor was not just because of her cooking but because she was skilled in medicine and had treated the Emperor’s illness. Pei Xun realized both Pei Muheng and the Emperor were in the dark about this.

Then Pei Xun said, “I forgot to tell you, I just met her at the waterside pavilion.”

Pei Muheng’s expression froze.

Seeing his stunned look, Pei Xun chuckled. This couple clearly led separate lives, one busy treating people, the other immersed in state affairs.

Pei Xun shook his head and looked away.

Pei Muheng truly didn’t know Xu Yunqi had come today. He recalled that on such occasions, his mother usually sent his eldest sister-in-law, Madam Xie, to attend.

Pei Muheng, being astute and intelligent, immediately understood that Pei Xun was reprimanding him for not caring about his wife. “Did something happen at the waterside pavilion just now?”

Pei Xun lazily glanced at him, “She was being bullied, but the person has already been taken away.”

Pei Muheng knew it was the Liu family’s daughter. Earlier, when he left the palace, the Emperor had already dismissed Liu Zhao. The former Court Judicial Review Deputy had been promoted. Pei Muheng had devised a plan to have Censor Liu Yu, who first investigated the Tongzhou case, appointed as the new deputy. Liu Yu was his pawn, and he had been busy with this matter, leaving early and returning late these past few days.

Before lunch, Pei Muheng quietly instructed someone to contact Xu Yunqi, and the couple talked on a secluded stone path on the west bank.

“Why are you here today?” Pei Muheng hadn’t seen his wife for two days. She stood in the bright sunlight, her fair face glowing.

Xu Yunqi replied brightly, “Eldest sister-in-law is ill, so Mother had me and second sister-in-law accompany her.”

Pei Muheng understood, recalling the incident at the waterside pavilion. His eyes turned cold as he instinctively held his wife’s hand, “You’ve been wronged. Just wait a little longer.”

When he had full power in his hands, everyone would bow at her feet.

Xu Yunqi glanced down at their hands. This was the first time Pei Muheng had initiated holding her hand.

His palm was too hot, making her a bit uncomfortable. She nodded, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.” She comforted her husband instead.

Recalling Pei Xun’s words earlier, Pei Muheng rubbed his forehead, feeling helpless, “Wife, next time you go out, could you inform me first so I know where you are?”

Hearing about his wife’s whereabouts from others made Pei Muheng uncomfortable.

Xu Yunqi had guessed that the Twelfth Prince had been reprimanding Pei Muheng. She smiled sweetly, her smile as bright and innocent as blooming wildflowers, “I understand.”

Pei Muheng was still holding her hand. Her hand was particularly soft and gentle, yet the same hand had deftly caught a snake. Looking at her, Pei Muheng said, “Next time I go out, I’ll inform you beforehand and tell you what I’m doing.”

With mutual understanding, Xu Yunqi finally felt like a wife.

“Alright.”

Across the lake, a servant was already calling for lunch. It was time to take their seats.

Xu Yunqi withdrew her hand, but Pei Muheng didn’t let go at first.

The couple gazed into each other’s eyes; Xu Yunqi blushed, staring at him blankly, “It’s time for the meal.”

Pei Muheng realized his inappropriate action and quickly let go, his refined face determined, “Wait for me tonight.”

Xu Yunqi smiled and agreed.

The couple went their separate ways, one to the front courtyard and the other to the back courtyard.

However, just as Xu Yunqi was halfway through her meal in the flower hall, Yin Xing was called out. When she returned, her face had changed. She whispered in Xu Yunqi’s ear, “Miss, Shopkeeper Hu sent a message saying a patient is suffering from severe abdominal pain and bloody stools. He asked for your presence.”

Xu Yunqi’s expression tightened. With Princess Consort Xi dining in the main hall and only her sister-in-law, Madam Li, nearby, Xu Yunqi found an excuse, “Sister-in-law, I just received a message from the Xu family saying my mother is unwell. I need to go. Please don’t wait for me later.”

Madam Li didn’t think much of it and was quite concerned, “Is it serious? Take your time and be careful on the road.”

Xu Yunqi couldn’t afford to think of anything else and quickly headed to the side gate with Yin Xing.

On the way, the two discussed, “Did you bring the medical kit?”

“It’s with me.” Yin Xing patted her waist.

Between the side gate and the inner courtyard, there was another small gate. Passing through it to the west led to the side gate, usually used by the ladies to leave the residence. Going south past the side gate led to the outer courtyard.

Xu Yunqi circled around the stone path outside the flower hall, about to head to the small gate. Suddenly, she remembered something and turned to Yin Xing, “Severe abdominal pain and bloody stools could be due to gastrointestinal injury or an abdominal tumor. If so, we might need a fine needle knife. Did you bring it?”

Yin Xing absentmindedly touched her waist, “Perhaps I brought it. I’ll check once we’re on the carriage.”

Xu Yunqi nodded gravely, just about to turn and step forward when someone unexpectedly came her way, and they collided head-on.

Xu Yunqi staggered backward, instinctively grabbing a doorpost. Before she could steady herself, she heard a servant’s panicked voice from ahead, “Master Xun, Master Xun, are you alright?”