Xin Jiuwei's heart sank to the bottom.

Seeing Xin Kui's increasingly pale face and feeling her gradually weakening breaths, a huge wave of panic and helplessness instantly overwhelmed her. She couldn't lose Xin Kui!

"The Imperial Hospital!" Xin Jiuwei stood up abruptly, a resolute glint in her eyes. She couldn't go to the Prince's residence to find Xiao Xun; that would only expose the truth about Xin Kui's injury and bring even greater trouble. Her only possible hope lay with the Imperial Hospital!

"Prepare the carriage!" Ignoring Chen Qing's hesitant attempts to stop her, Xin Jiuwei changed into a simple dress, put on a veil, and headed straight for the Imperial Hospital.

The Imperial Medical Academy was solemn and heavily guarded. Xin Jiuwei revealed her identity and requested an audience with the head physician. However, upon hearing that it was Miss Xin from Jingyuan, known for her "infamous" reputation, and that she was only seeking treatment for a maid, the on-duty physicians all showed embarrassment and disdain.

"The Imperial Physician is currently taking the pulse of the Imperial Concubine and has no time to spare. Miss Xin's maid's injury can be treated by any ordinary doctor. Why bother the Imperial Hospital?" A middle-aged imperial physician stroked his beard, his tone indifferent.

"This injury is very serious, and I am in critical condition! I beg you, sir, to grant me permission to have a royal physician accompany me to take a look!" Xin Jiuwei pleaded earnestly, suppressing her anxiety and humiliation.

"The Imperial Medical Academy has regulations that prohibit anyone from leaving their post unless summoned by a distinguished person or in case of an emergency. Miss Xin, please return." The imperial physician remained unmoved.

Just when Xin Jiuwei was almost in despair, a clear, cold female voice came from the side door: "Who is making a scene here?"

A woman dressed in a simple blue dress walked out. She was about twenty years old, with a beautiful face, but her temperament was as aloof and cold as ice and snow, with a hint of unapproachability between her brows. She held several medical books in her hands, and her gaze calmly swept over Xin Jiuwei and the imperial physician.

"Miss Lin." The imperial physician on duty was somewhat more polite when he saw her.

Lin Wanyi? A thought flashed through Xin Jiuwei's mind. She remembered that Chen Qing had mentioned that Lin Zhihuan, the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, had an only daughter who had inherited all the medical skills. She was aloof and disliked the powerful and wealthy, and often provided free medical care for the poor.

"This young lady's maid is seriously injured and bleeding profusely. Ordinary doctors are helpless, so we have come to the Imperial Hospital for treatment. We beg Miss Lin to lend a helping hand!" Xin Jiuwei, as if grasping at a last straw, bowed deeply to Lin Wanyi, her tone sincere and urgent, even with a hint of barely perceptible sobs. She had set aside all the airs of an imperial concubine; at this moment, she was just an ordinary person pleading for help for her loved one.

Lin Wanyi's cold gaze fell on Xin Jiuwei, then glanced at the blood-stained hem of her skirt, her brows furrowing slightly. She had always despised the infighting and hypocrisy of the powerful and wealthy, and held no liking for this "renowned" future sixth prince's consort. However, the genuine anxiety, worry, and even despair in Xin Jiuwei's eyes at this moment, and her humble and subservient attitude in pleading for a maid, stirred something within Lin Wanyi.

"Where is the injury? What weapon caused it?" Lin Wanyi's voice remained cold, yet she asked directly.

Xin Jiuwei immediately described the wound in detail.

Lin Wanyi pondered for a moment, then said to the imperial physician on duty, "Imperial Physician Wang, bring me my medicine box." Her tone was calm, yet carried an unquestionable authority.

"Miss Lin, this is against the rules..." Physician Wang tried to stop her.

"Human life is at stake, and rules are inviolable." Lin Wanyi interrupted him, her gaze clear and sharp. "If Father asks, I will take responsibility."

Left with no other option, Physician Wang had to send someone to fetch his medicine chest.

Xin Jiuwei felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude: "Thank you so much, Miss Lin! You are so kind..."

"No need for thanks." Lin Wanyi interrupted her, took the medicine box, and looked at Xin Jiuwei. "Lead the way."

The carriage sped back to Jingyuan. As soon as Lin Wanyi arrived, she immediately checked Xin Kui's injuries, her movements swift and steady. Her brows furrowed: "The wound is too deep, damaging the tendons and veins, and causing excessive blood loss. It needs to be cleaned and stitched up immediately, otherwise this arm will be in danger, and her life will be at risk." She immediately ordered hot water, strong liquor, and clean cloths to be prepared, and wrote out a prescription for someone to quickly fetch the medicine.

Without any unnecessary words, Lin Wanyi rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair wrist, and began to focus intently on treating Xin Kui's wound. Her technique was precise and efficient; cleaning, suturing, applying medicine, and bandaging were all done in one smooth motion, her expression focused, as if the only thing in the world was the patient before her.

Xin Jiuwei helped hand over the things, watching the fine beads of sweat on Lin Wanyi's forehead, and the solemnity towards life on her cool face, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She recalled the desolation of being ignored when she was seriously ill in her past life, and the cold calculations she had made step by step in this life. This Miss Lin was different from everyone else in this capital city.

After nearly an hour of work, Xin Kui's injuries finally stabilized, her breathing became much more even, and she fell into a deep sleep.

Lin Wanyi washed her hands, her face showing some fatigue. Xin Jiuwei personally served her hot tea and bowed deeply: "Miss Lin, I will never forget your life-saving grace. If there is anything I can do for you..."

"No need." Lin Wanyi took the tea but didn't drink it, her tone remaining calm. "Practicing medicine and saving lives is just my duty. It's not for you."

Looking into her clear yet distant eyes, Xin Jiuwei said sincerely, "No matter the reason, you saved Xin Kui, which is to say, you saved half my life. I will remember this kindness." She paused, looking at Lin Wanyi's faded cuffs and simple attire, recalling the rumors about her often providing free medical care to the poor, and said softly, "I heard that you often provide free medical care at Ci'an Hall in the west of the city? Is there a shortage of medicinal herbs there?"

Lin Wanyi paused slightly in her teacup, then looked up at Xin Jiuwei, a hint of inquiry in her eyes for the first time. She hadn't expected that this Miss Xin, rumored to have "climbed the social ladder to marry a prince," would know about Ci'an Hall and even inquire about medicinal herbs.

“It’s always in short supply.” Lin Wanyi’s voice remained flat. “Especially common medicinal herbs for stopping bleeding, removing blood stasis, and treating colds.”

Xin Jiuwei nodded: "Okay. Jingyuan still has some medicinal herbs, though not many. I will have them sorted and sent to Ci'an Hall tomorrow. If there is an opportunity in the future, I will try my best to raise some more." She did not make any grand promises, but she spoke with sincerity.

Lin Wanyi looked into Xin Jiuwei's clear eyes, which held no condescending pity, but only an earnest desire to do something, a sense of equality. She remained silent for a moment, then picked up her teacup and finally took a small sip, tacitly acknowledging Xin Jiuwei's kindness.

"Your maid's wound needs to be dressed regularly. The prescription is here. Please get the medicine according to the prescription and rest quietly for more than a month." Lin Wanyi put down her teacup, left the prescription, and took her leave.

"I'll see you off, young lady." Xin Jiuwei personally escorted her to the door.

Just before boarding the carriage, Lin Wanyi paused slightly, without turning back. Her voice remained cool, yet held a subtle undercurrent of emotion: "The capital is a treacherous place, and nobles are often suspicious. The injury to your maid... is probably no accident. Miss Xin, please take care of yourself." This was a rare reminder from her.