Chapter 27

A hot wind blew through the forest and across the lake, lifting the loose strands of hair at her temples, revealing a delicate face. Xu Yunqi, with a serious expression, supported Yan Shaoling’s convulsing shoulders.

The bamboo splinter had entered his left back, dangerously close to his heart. The situation was dire.

The first priority was to cut the bamboo splinter so that the wound could be treated.

After assessing the situation, Xu Yunqi decisively spoke, “Three men, come hold his jaw, chest, and waist. Control his legs.”

In the chaos, her determined voice acted as a stabilizing force. The Yan family servants quickly complied as if finding their anchor.

Pei Mushan watched her suddenly commanding sister-in-law in a daze, slowly stepping aside.

Yin Xing quickly moved to Xu Yunqi’s side from the crowd and spread out the medical bag. Made of leather, the bag had numerous small pockets, each containing different medical instruments.

Hundreds of eyes were fixed on her, filled with curiosity and fear.

Xu Yunqi’s gaze remained on Yan Shaoling’s wound. She raised her pale hand, “Scissors.”

Yin Xing swiftly handed her a small silver pair of scissors. The thin, bright blade sparkled in the sunlight. Before anyone could take a closer look, they saw Xu Yunqi carefully and quickly cutting the bamboo splinter. She did it so swiftly that Yan Shaoling barely flinched.

At that moment, Yan Shaoling’s personal guard brought an imperial physician from the stables.

The imperial physician, a man in his thirties, ran over, sweating profusely, and froze upon seeing a woman tending to Yan Shaoling.

The guard, without thinking, spoke, “Madam, please step aside and let the imperial physician treat my young master.”

Fully focused, Xu Yunqi didn’t hear him and continued, “Scissors.”

Yin Xing handed the scissors to her lady and coldly glanced around, her eyes finally settling on a man dressed like an imperial physician.

“The bamboo splinter has pierced Young Master Yan’s heart area, and blood is blocking his mouth, causing suffocation. Tell me, can you treat this, Imperial Physician?”

Imperial Physician Yang was momentarily shocked. Rather than being offended by a woman taking his place, he was more shocked by Yan Shaoling’s wound. Looking at his pale face, the physician’s heart sank. Such an injury would be challenging to treat even for the head physician of the imperial hospital, Physician Fan. Without arguing with Yin Xing, he quickly instructed the medical assistant beside him, “Hurry and fetch Physician Fan and Physician He.” The assistant quickly left to follow the order.

Yan Shaoling’s guard, eyes blazing with worry, rushed to Xu Yunqi, “Madam, the imperial physician is here. Please step aside. My young master’s life is at stake; we can’t delay…”

Before he could finish speaking, a commanding voice came from behind the crowd, “How dare you! Miss Xu is a renowned acupuncturist. Let her treat him. If anything goes wrong, I will take full responsibility.”

Prince Xun hurriedly arrived, supported by a palace attendant.

Seeing the Twelfth Prince speak, the crowd quickly stepped back.

Prince Xun glanced anxiously at Xu Yunqi, who was already holding the scissors, about to cut the clothing around the wound.

Seeing this scene, all the women present gasped.

If they were not mistaken, this was the new wife of the third son of the Xi residence, and she was a doctor?

A woman openly attending to a man’s body astonished the crowd, who were both impressed and bewildered. All the ladies except Pei Mushan turned their backs and left.

Pei Xun looked at Xu Yunqi with a complex expression and then ordered Imperial Physician Yang, “Go help her.”

Imperial Physician Yang moved through the crowd and knelt. Yan Shaoling’s guard replaced an old servant, holding Yan Shaoling steady and preventing him from falling. With tears in his eyes, he anxiously asked Xu Yunqi, “Miss Xu, can you save him?”

Xu Yunqi had no time to answer and continued cutting the clothing while directing, “Quickly prepare a basin of warm water, bring a long table and a brocade stool. I need to place the patient on it.”

“Yin Xing, fetch the medical box from the carriage and prepare the hemostatic powder.”

Pei Xun gestured for the guards to take action.

As Yin Xing was about to move, Pei Mushan’s maid, Tao Qing, tearfully spoke up from the crowd, “Yin Xing, where is it? Tell me, I’ll get it.” She could see that Yin Xing was Xu Yunqi’s right hand and couldn’t be spared.

Yin Xing quickly replied, “Under the seat cushion in the carriage, the silver box.”

“I got it, I’ll be right back.” Tao Qing ran off.

Meanwhile, Madam Yan was being helped over, trembling, followed by several princesses and other high-ranking officials’ wives.

“Shaoling, Shaoling…” The old lady’s voice trembled, tears welling in her eyes.

Seeing this, Pei Xun signaled quickly. Wen Ruyu, witnessing Yan Shaoling’s dire condition, swiftly turned and blocked Madam Yan, “Madam, please don’t worry. Shaoling is injured, but there’s a doctor treating him now. He’ll be alright.”

Madam Yan saw that her son was surrounded by a wall of people without any gaps and felt a sense of foreboding. “Move aside, let me see…” she demanded.

Wen Ruyu cried out in distress, “Please don’t look…”

At that moment, Pei Mushan emerged from the crowd, stiff as a stone, and bowed deeply before Madam Yan. “Madam… Shaoling was injured while saving me… His back is wounded, and it’s not looking good,” she choked out.

Madam Yan, ever perceptive, immediately realized something was seriously wrong. The light in her eyes faded, and she collapsed into the maid’s arms.

Princess Consort Xi and Princess Consort Qin, along with others, rushed over in a hurry. Seeing her daughter in such a dazed state, Princess Consort Xi quickly embraced her, inspecting her from head to toe. “My child, are you hurt anywhere?” She had been terrified seeing her daughter fall from the horse.

Pei Mushan shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I’m fine… but Shaoling was severely injured while saving me, and his condition is critical.”

After speaking, she shot a venomous glare at the Little Princess nearby.

The Little Princess, knowing she had caused great trouble, hid in her maid’s embrace, too frightened to make a sound.

Princess Consort Xi’s face turned pale, and she quickly let go of her daughter, leaning forward to get a better look at the crowd. With just one glance, she was stunned.

Guards swiftly brought a long table, carefully placing Yan Shaoling on it. Four people held his body steady while two others controlled his legs, exposing his entire back to Xu Yunqi. The usually quiet daughter-in-law, now dressed in simple clothing, efficiently handled medical instruments, beginning to treat Yan Shaoling’s wound.

Her demeanor was calm and focused, her expression unwavering. She resembled a finely carved statue of Guanyin, inspiring trust. The contrast with her usual smiling and innocent appearance was stark.

Princess Consort Xi could hardly believe it, hesitating to take another step forward.

At this moment, a small door between the brocade tower and the polo field opened, and Pei Muheng, accompanied by several imperial physicians, hurriedly approached.

In the distance, shadows moved, and there was a buzzing sound, accompanied by the soft cries of women. Amidst this, a clear and crisp voice stood out, as distinct as pearls and jade.

“Zhen needle!”

“Kan needle!”

“Kun needle!”

“Qian needle!”

“Gen needle!”

As the steps drew closer, her voice became even clearer, and her face came into sharp focus.

Her face was as bright as jade, without a trace of blemish. She focused intently ahead as if frozen in time.

As Xu Yunqi called out the names of the needles, Yin Xing deftly handed her the corresponding silver needles. Each needle, long and straight, landed in her pale, soft palm. With her slender fingers, she precisely inserted them into the five major meridians near the wound, helping to stop Yan Shaoling’s bleeding and stabilize his vital energy.

Imperial Physician Yang, the closest observer, watched intently. His eyes, filled with a mix of excitement and admiration, marveled at such an exquisite acupuncture technique. After inserting the five needles, the bleeding quickly stopped, and Yan Shaoling’s breathing became more stable.

Pei Muheng held his breath, his steps halting, as memories flooded his mind: “You understand pharmacology?”

“I am quite skilled in pharmacology.”

He had thought this young woman was boastful, but now he realized she had been too modest. Her unwaveringly focused expression, her adept and unhesitant needlework, and every move she made demonstrated the demeanor of a great physician.

The image of her sweet and obedient face in his mind intertwined with her calm and resolute expression before him, making Pei Muheng feel a bit dazed.

At that moment, he wasn’t sure whether he felt more pride or curiosity and worried about the unknown. What else about her did he not know?

Pei Muheng was filled with an elusive sense of emotion.

As the saying goes, “Laymen watch the excitement; experts watch the technique.”

Several imperial physicians eagerly squeezed in, their eyes fixed on Xu Yunqi, completely absorbed.

Young and precise with her needles, her hands steady as a rock—her skills were truly astounding. It was clear she had been taught by a master, with extensive experience in acupuncture.

Imperial Physician He finally let out a sigh of relief.

Yan Shaoling could be saved.

Just this brief observation made the accompanying five imperial physicians and six apprentices pause and watch, with no one interfering or doubting.

The bamboo splinter still protruded from the wound, about an inch wide. Judging by the damage to the bamboo pole, it had likely penetrated two inches. Xu Yunqi assessed that the bamboo splinter was very close to the heart. The next step was to remove it so the wound could be treated and stitched.

Her eyes remained fixed on the wound without looking up, “I need someone to help me remove the bamboo splinter. Can you do it?”

Imperial Physician Yang hesitated and pointed at himself, “Me?” His voice trembled. It wasn’t that he lacked the skill, but the day’s events had been so overwhelming that he was still in shock.

Xu Yunqi frowned and looked up, scanning the group of imperial physicians who had arrived. Her gaze briefly lingered on the man standing next to the Twelfth Prince, a handsome and elegant figure. Xu Yunqi’s eyes met her husband’s for a moment before moving on to the others.

“Who will help?” Her tone was always so calm and cold.

Today, the deputy director of the Imperial Hospital, Imperial Physician He, led the rescue efforts. He was skilled in taking pulses and prescribing medicine but not in treating complex wounds. The others were reluctant to step forward, and no one responded for a moment until a young imperial physician in his early twenties, carrying a medical box, stepped out from the crowd.

“I’ll do it.” His clear eyes met Xu Yunqi’s, and he showed admiration. “I’ll assist Miss Xu.”

Xu Yunqi nodded without expression.

Yin Xing stepped aside, holding the medical bag and moving to Xu Yunqi’s other side.

Imperial Physician Han moved over and sat beside Xu Yunqi. She pointed at the bamboo splinter in the wound and discussed the plan with him in a low voice.

Meanwhile, Yin Xing anxiously waited for Tao Qing to bring the medical box.

Fortunately, Tao Qing didn’t keep them waiting long. The young maid arrived, panting and holding a medium-sized medical box. “I’m here, I’m here…”

The box was handed over, and Yin Xing received it. The area had been covered with a layer of leather mats. Yin Xing knelt beside Xu Yunqi and opened the medical box.

At that moment, Pei Xun had already ordered a curtain to be set up around Xu Yunqi and the patient, leaving only a few imperial physicians and attendants inside while the rest were cleared out. Pei Xun and Pei Muheng stood at the entrance, with Pei Xun comforting the frightened officials’ wives outside, and Pei Muheng standing with his hands behind his back, his eyes fixed on his wife.

Under her guidance, Imperial Physician Han knelt behind Yan Shaoling, carefully using tweezers to begin extracting the bamboo splinter. Meanwhile, Xu Yunqi held a knife, pressing down on the injured muscles, as blood continued to seep out. Pei Xun couldn’t bear to watch and turned away, while even the usually cold-hearted Pei Muheng squinted his eyes. Xu Yunqi’s expression, however, remained unchanged.

Pei Xun glanced at his nephew’s deep gaze and then at Princess Consort Xi, who sat outside the tent with a frozen expression, rubbing his forehead in concern.

At this moment, Yan Ping, who had rushed over after hearing the news, stumbled towards them. This usually composed Chief Minister of the Cabinet rarely showed such panic, gasping for breath as he shouted, “How is Ling’er? How is he?”

Everyone has their weakness, and Yan Shaoling was Yan Ping’s. This late-born son had always been dear to his heart.

Seeing her husband appear much older in an instant, Madam Yan, sitting on the brocade stool with tears in her eyes, said, “Several imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital are treating him now. I’ve been here for a while without hearing any sound from Ling’er. I’m afraid… I’m afraid he’s passed out.”

Yan Ping’s eyes turned red, but he was not like Madam Yan. He knew the situation at the Imperial Hospital well. The most skilled physician in treating injuries was Director Fan, but he wasn’t on duty today. With his son so severely injured, who could save him?

Hunched over, Yan Ping moved towards the tent, just in time to see a stream of blood spurting out. A delicate young woman quickly pressed a prepared gauze on the wound, followed by someone applying powder to stop the bleeding. Others held down Yan Shaoling’s convulsing body. Each person’s movements were agile and orderly, without a single sound.

Yan Ping initially gasped in shock, then gradually calmed down, feeling that Xu Yunqi’s face seemed somewhat familiar. In his stunned confusion, he looked at Pei Muheng. Pei Muheng paid no attention to him. He noticed the moment when the blood gushed out, staining Xu Yunqi’s pale white gown. A bit of red had even stained her temple, and he had a strong urge to go over and brush it off.

Pei Xun quickly explained to Yan Ping,

“Don’t worry, Elder Yan. Muheng’s wife must have been trained by a renowned master and is well-versed in medical skills. It was she who remained calm and decisive, stabilizing the situation. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable.”

Yan Ping, having weathered many storms, could tell from the few silver needles in Xu Yunqi’s hand that she was no ordinary person. Moreover, the imperial physicians weren’t fools; they all followed her instructions, with even Imperial Physician He sitting nearby, preparing prescriptions and instructing people to prepare medicine, showing their complete trust in Xu Yunqi.

Yan Ping’s anxiety eased a bit, and he gave a silent bow to Pei Muheng, who then returned the gesture.

From noon to sunset, it took three hours to treat the wound. Xu Yunqi’s slender fingers moved skillfully and delicately, personally removing necrotic tissue, cutting away damaged organs, and stitching up the wound. Her expression remained focused and calm throughout, showing a maturity beyond her years.

Even the highly esteemed Yan Ping couldn’t help but feel admiration.

During this time, Yan Ping had learned the whole story and looked coolly at the Little Princess without saying a word.

Princess Consort Qin, not expecting her daughter to cause such a disaster, was filled with guilt towards Yan Ping and his wife, ordering the Little Princess to be taken away and severely punished.

Madam Yan didn’t even glance at Princess Consort Qin.

However, Princess Consort Xi, looking desolate, bowed to Madam Yan, “In the end, it’s because of my Shanshan. The debt we owe for Shaoling’s kindness, the Xi residence will never forget.”

Soon after, Prince Xi also arrived.

Today, Prince Xi, having been ordered to inspect the southern suburban camp, hurried to the palace to report back upon hearing the news. Seeing his angry husband, Princess Consort Xi recalled the situation in the tent, and the veins on her forehead bulged, leaving her with no energy to explain to him.

It was Yan Ping who briefly explained the situation, making Prince Xi so furious that he turned around, looking for the Little Princess with a murderous gaze.

That look was as if he wanted to tear someone apart, and the Little Princess hid behind her brother in fear.

Princess Consort Qin, worried about the situation becoming awkward, immediately took her away.

Pei Mushan coldly watched her retreating figure, a thought spreading like vines in her mind. After a moment, she called a guard to the back of the tent. “Gather a few people and beat her to death in the dark. Make sure not to leave any evidence.”

The guard glanced at Prince Xi, bowed to her, and said, “Don’t worry, Princess. I know how to handle it.” Taking advantage of the moment, he quietly slipped away from the polo field.

Pei Mushan looked up at the darkening sky, forcefully wiping away her tears. Reporting to her grandfather would only result in a few reprimands, but with Yan Shaoling losing half his life, she wouldn’t let Pei Wenjiao have a good ending. As for the consequences, she didn’t care and didn’t want to.

By then, night had fallen, and the sound of horse hooves echoed. Hundreds of imperial guards, holding torches, illuminated the area around the polo field.

Prince Qin arrived, comforting the Yan family before turning to harshly scold everyone in the Qin residence, including Princess Consort Qin.

Princess Consort Qin was nearly furious. The trouble caused by the concubine-born daughter, whom the prince had spoiled, was now being blamed on her. In front of everyone, she had to endure her anger and silently accept the blame.

Outside the curtain, the seasoned officials were engaged in a round of taiji, while Prince Qin and Prince Xi both made their way inside. At that moment, Princess Consort Xi coldly spoke, “You’d better not go in.”

Prince Xi halted, surprised.

Pei Mushan approached and explained, “Father, you don’t know. Third Sister-in-law is like the living Guanyin. She calmly treated Yan Shaoling’s wound. I only found out she is the renowned acupuncturist Miss Xu from the southern city.”

Prince Xi was almost choked with surprise but insisted on going in to see for himself.

Upon entering, he saw his usually quiet and obedient daughter-in-law holding a scalpel, deftly removing necrotic tissue from the wound with swift and precise movements. Her composed demeanor was reminiscent of his own battle-hardened actions, startling him. He turned away and wiped his face, thinking he had seen wrong. When he looked again, Xu Yunqi had set aside the scalpel and was now administering acupuncture to Yan Shaoling. Her meticulous expression and skillful technique even made Prince Xi feel a bit inferior.

Prince Xi, shocked, regained his composure.

This was his daughter-in-law. He took a deep breath, slowly walked out, and looked up to meet his wife’s frosty expression. He then glanced at the whispering women present, feeling a headache coming on. His daughter-in-law had become a female doctor. How would this matter be resolved?

As the final application of the healing ointment was completed, Xu Yunqi rubbed her stiff arm and smiled at the people across from her.

“The wound is stitched up.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The imperial physicians, deeply impressed by her skills, bowed respectfully to Xu Yunqi, who returned the gesture.

Yan Shaoling’s guard peeked at the exposed wound, which had previously been covered in blood and looked gruesome. Now, it was clean, with only a narrow scar remaining. Overwhelmed with emotion, he couldn’t hold back his tears and exclaimed, “County Princess, you are like a celestial being…” The clumsy soldier was too excited to find the right words.

Xu Yunqi smiled, stood up, and wobbled a bit from not having moved for so long. Luckily, a pair of hands steadied her, and a gentle voice said, “Well done.”

Turning, Xu Yunqi met her husband’s elegant gaze, smiled, and shook her head, “It’s nothing.”

Her smile was so radiant that it seemed to dim the light of the lamps, leaving Pei Muheng momentarily dazed.

He handed her a prepared cup of warm tea. Xu Yunqi, indeed thirsty, drank eagerly. Yin Xing secured the medical bag to her waist and handed the medical box to Tao Qing, freeing a hand to gently pat Xu Yunqi’s back. “Miss, drink slowly; don’t choke.”

Everyone laughed.

The tension that had built up throughout the day eased with that smile.

Yan Ping entered, first checking on his son lying on the long table. Yan Shaoling’s face was as white as paper, but his breathing had become much steadier. Yan Ping sighed deeply and bowed deeply to Xu Yunqi, who was still standing in the corner of the tent. “County Princess, the Yan family will never forget your life-saving grace.”

Xu Yunqi stood and accepted his bow. She was accustomed to such scenes, her heart remaining unmoved, even though the person was the Chief Minister of the Cabinet.

After finishing her tea, she turned to Imperial Physician He and the others, “As for the follow-up care, you all are more familiar with it than I am, so I’ll take my leave.”

The couple walked out of the camp, one after the other. Xu Yunqi glanced at the pitch-black sky and asked, “What time is it?”

Pei Muheng, lost in thought and not immediately responding, finally answered when his wife looked over. “It’s the third quarter of Xu (around 9:45 PM). Are you hungry? Let’s go eat at the brocade pavilion.”

Xu Yunqi, having been too hungry for too long, no longer felt it. “Let’s eat in the carriage.” In a little while, it would be Hai (10 PM), and she needed to rest early.

Outside the camp, the women had mostly left, with only a few palace attendants tidying up the brocade stools and high tables. Pei Mushan, supporting Madam Yan, stood outside, waiting to give a grand salute to Xu Yunqi.

“County Princess, I will never forget your great kindness. When Ling’er recovers, I will visit to thank you again.”

Xu Yunqi noticed the elderly lady’s unsteady breath, fearing heart weakness, so she took out a small bottle from her waist pouch and poured out a brown pill, handing it to her. “This is a heart-strengthening pill, madam. Take one, and you’ll feel better.”

Then she turned to Pei Mushan and said, “His life is saved. With a few months of rest, he will be as good as new.” She then asked, “Are you coming back with me?”

Pei Mushan raised her chin slightly, looking pensive. “I’ll stay and see him one more time.”

Xu Yunqi said no more and walked out of the polo field with Pei Muheng.

As they reached a brocade pavilion, they saw Princess Consort Xi and Prince Xi sitting inside. Prince Xi quickly beckoned them over. “Accompany your mother to the carriage first. I’ll go get Shanshan.”

He was worried about his daughter after such a severe shock.

The couple stood at the foot of the steps. By then, Princess Consort Xi, supported by Nanny Hao, had already stood up.

Princess Consort Xi’s eyes, clouded with tears, looked at Xu Yunqi. Thinking of the women’s whispers earlier, her heart wrenched, and tears fell from her eyes.

“Xu Yunqi, who are you? Where did you learn these medical skills?” She stumbled down the steps and approached Xu Yunqi.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had never been this close.

Xu Yunqi didn’t step back, initially looking puzzled, then gradually cold. She replied, “I learned from a wandering doctor.”

Her grandfather had long instructed her never to mention his name, only to say she learned from a wandering doctor.

Xu Yunqi kept this in mind.

Princess Consort Xi laughed bitterly, wiping away her tears with her sleeve and shaking her head repeatedly, her headache almost unbearable. However, she still endured it, saying each word slowly, “I am grateful to you today for helping Shanshan. However, I must tell you, the wife of a prince, out in the open as a female doctor—have you thought about his reputation? Have you…”

“Mother!” Pei Muheng sternly interrupted her, turning to instruct the attendants, “Help the Princess Consort to the carriage and take her home to rest.”

Nanny Hao and others dared not disobey, gently urging, “Princess Consort, this is public. Let’s talk about it at home…”

Princess Consort Xi thought of her son, skilled in both martial and civil arts, the most outstanding young man in the capital, married to such a wife. It pained her like a stone pressing on her heart, and a sense of hopelessness enveloped her. Though Xu Yunqi’s actions today were commendable, what about her son?

Princess Consort Xi returned home, heartbroken.

Xu Yunqi hadn’t anticipated such a strong reaction from her mother-in-law. In a life-or-death situation, she couldn’t and wouldn’t stand by idly. It was her duty as a doctor.

Xu Yunqi remained silent and still. She had received gratitude from many, but this was the first time her medical skills had been scorned. She had underestimated the impact of a woman practicing medicine on the royal family.

Pei Muheng’s expression revealed no emotions. He looked at his gentle wife, extended his hand, and took hers, “Let’s head back to the carriage.”

His hand, warm and comforting, transmitted a reassuring strength. Xu Yunqi turned to him, seeing the flickering lamplight on his composed face. Though his expression was steady, she sensed something different.

Half an hour later, the couple sat in the carriage together, with a food box already placed on a small table. Xu Yunqi ate a few bites to fill her stomach, and Pei Muheng also ate some with her. Throughout the meal, they exchanged no words.

After eating, Pei Muheng personally tidied up the food box, lifted the curtain, and handed it to Huang Wei outside.

The carriage slowly made its way back to the residence. In the distance, the imperial city was brightly lit, and the grand city walls were adorned with multi-colored lights, softening their solemn grandeur.

Xu Yunqi watched for a while, then hung the curtain on a copper hook, letting the gentle evening breeze waft in. Sitting calmly on the mat, she enjoyed the breeze. After a moment, she turned to Pei Muheng, “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize this would cause such trouble for your family. I didn’t intend to hide it from you.”

“Last year’s New Year’s Eve snowstorm—you sent guards to escort me to the clinic. I thought you knew.”

Pei Muheng looked at her quietly, his deep eyes reflecting a mysterious glimmer, “It’s not your fault. I’m the one who failed as a husband by not caring for you enough.”

Though she had honestly told him she was skilled in pharmacology, he hadn’t understood that she possessed such exceptional skills. He had thought he was treating his wife well enough, but today’s events made him realize he hadn’t been as attentive as he should be.

Xu Yunqi smiled, feeling content with how far Pei Muheng had come, despite their marriage being forced by an imperial decree and lacking any emotional foundation. She glanced at him with slightly curved eyes and asked, “Did I make you lose face?”

Pei Muheng’s feelings were complex, but he immediately shook his head, “No, I am very grateful to you. If not for you, my sister would have faced immense pain in the future, and her life would have been unpredictable. Moreover, I admire your skills.”

“Really,” Xu Yunqi smiled again. “I will continue to do this in the future. Can you accept that?”

Her voice was as gentle and soft as always, her gaze fixed on her husband, not missing any of his expressions.

This time, Pei Muheng remained silent.

Since he had begun vying for the throne, he knew exactly what kind of wife he needed—someone from a noble family, dignified and graceful, with outstanding character, and exemplary for the officials’ wives.

The emperor’s marriage decree disrupted his plans. Initially dissatisfied, he grew to appreciate his wife’s gentle, quiet demeanor and her generous personality after half a year of living together. He thought he didn’t need a noble wife to support him, as long as someone like Xu Yunqi could manage the household steadily, he would be content.

However, if his wife practiced medicine and treated people in the city, he couldn’t accept that. Given the exhaustion from her recent treatment, now was not the time to talk. Pei Muheng planned to find an opportunity to explain it to her later.

“You must be tired. Let’s go home and rest,” he said gently.

Xu Yunqi looked away, gradually understanding. She clasped her hands on her knees before releasing them, then looked out the window. In the unknown corners, dazzling lights flickered, chimneys billowed smoke in the east, and feasts were held in the west. She even heard a wife yelling at her husband.

The myriad lights gradually receded from her view.

Such scenes were not rare in her life.

She had lost count of the days and nights she had spent following her grandfather, riding horses by day and sailing by night, watching flowers bloom and wither and clouds drift by.

She would never stop her steps for anyone or anything.

The Xi residence couldn’t accept it, and she wouldn’t force it. Strictly speaking, she had already violated the agreement on their wedding night, so she chose to leave.

The wind tousled her hair, and Pei Muheng saw a spot of dried blood on her temple again. He reached out with his long, pale fingers to brush it off, but just as he was about to do so, her serene face turned towards him, a smile still in her eyes.

“Third Young Master, let’s separate.”

Pei Muheng’s hand froze in mid-air.