Chapter 95 It's against the rules for women to practice medicine

Ye Wanning nodded, leaned against him, and buried her face in his clothes. Passersby looked over, some curious, some envious, but she didn't care at all—with Pei Zhi by her side, with the sugar painting in his hand, and with his warm embrace, that was enough.

“Let’s go take a look ahead.” Pei Zhi led her forward. He avoided the crowds, holding her protectively in his arms, afraid that she would be bumped into; he asked her if she liked any of the vendors’ stalls; when they passed a pastry shop, he even bought some red bean buns and put them in his bag.

Watching him bustling around, Ye Wanning felt a surge of sweetness in her heart. She recalled her past life, when she had toiled alone in the West Market, haggling with stall owners for a single coin, and constantly hiding behind the edges to avoid Ye Lingwei's watchful eyes. But now, with Pei Zhi by her side, she no longer needed to fear anyone, no longer needed to suppress her feelings, and could stroll freely and laugh openly.

“Pei Zhi, look at that!” She pointed to the kite stall not far away, her eyes sparkling. “My mother made kites for me when I was little. They were butterfly-shaped.”

“Then let’s buy one.” Pei Zhi immediately pulled her over and picked out the biggest butterfly kite. “We’ll fly it on the hillside outside the city later.”

Ye Wanning nodded, her heart filled with anticipation. Holding a kite, she walked hand in hand with Pei Zhi on the bustling West Market street, the warm sunlight bathing them like a spring breeze. She suddenly looked at Pei Zhi beside her and realized that happiness was actually very simple: it was having someone to accompany you shopping, eating sugar paintings, flying kites, and spending ordinary yet warm days together.

When they reached the exit of the West Market, Pei Zhi suddenly stopped, took out a small silver lock from his pocket, and handed it to her: "This is for you."

Ye Wanning took the silver lock, which was engraved with the words "Peace" and had a small bell attached to it: "This is..."

Pei Zhi explained with a smile, "My mother said that silver locks can protect you. I couldn't protect you before, but from now on, this silver lock will stay with you and protect you day and night in my place."

Ye Wanning held the silver lock, its bells jingling like a gentle song. She looked at Pei Zhi, then suddenly stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed him on the cheek.

Pei Zhi froze, his cheeks instantly turning bright red, like a shy child. Ye Wanning, seeing his expression, couldn't help but laugh out loud, turning around and running forward: "Hurry up, let's go fly a kite!"

Pei Zhi realized what was happening and chased after him with a smile: "Wait for me! Slow down!"

...

Suddenly, a panicked cry rang out from the west market entrance: "Who is the midwife?! Please save my wife! Someone is about to give birth! Please save my wife!"

A man knelt on the ground, holding a woman who was crying out in pain, sobbing uncontrollably: "Midwife! Is there a midwife here?!"

The crowd chattered amongst themselves, but no one dared to step forward. Ye Wanning heard this and pulled Pei Zhi along, squeezing inside: "Hurry, let's see what's going on!"

"She's about to give birth!"

"Help her!"

"Who knows how to deliver a baby?!"

When Ye Wanning squeezed in, the situation was already very urgent: the woman was in so much pain that she was covered in sweat, her face was pale, her water had broken, it was an emergency delivery, and she had to be delivered immediately.

"I'm a doctor, let me help!" Ye Wanning quickly knelt down and took the woman's hand. "Don't be afraid, I will save you."

"Thank you, young lady! Thank you, young lady! I'd do anything to save my wife, even be a slave!" The man kowtowed to her as if grasping at a straw.

Ye Wanning didn't speak. She took out a few needles from the medicine box and quickly inserted them into several acupoints on the woman. She then took out a small packet of powder and said, "Quick, find a clean bowl, mix it with warm water, and give it to her to drink."

The man quickly did as instructed. The woman drank the powder, and her pain subsided somewhat. Ye Wanning directed the woman beside her to steady the woman while she continued to apply acupuncture and traction to guide the fetus into the birth canal.

Pei Zhi stood to the side, blocking the commotion of the crowd, and warily surveyed his surroundings, afraid that someone might disturb him. Looking at Ye Wanning's focused expression and the fine beads of sweat on her forehead, he felt a surge of pride—this was his Wanning, kind and brave, always ready to lend a helping hand when others needed it.

About half an hour later, with a loud cry, the baby was born safely! It was a chubby, healthy boy.

The man, holding the child, was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes. He kowtowed repeatedly to Ye Wanning, saying, "Thank you, young lady! Thank you, young lady! You are a great benefactor to our family!"

Ye Wanning smiled and shook her head, wiping the sweat from her forehead: "No need to thank me, it's good that mother and child are safe. Remember to let her drink more brown sugar water and get plenty of rest."

Those around her praised her, saying, "This young lady has excellent medical skills!"

"They managed to save you from such a dangerous situation, that's amazing!"

Just then, an old woman suddenly stood up, pointed at Ye Wanning, and said with a grim face, "How can a woman like you deliver babies so casually? It's unlucky for a woman to practice medicine; it will bring misfortune to this child!"

These words immediately changed the tone of the surrounding discussion:

"Yes, how can a woman practice medicine? It's against the rules!"

"Maybe if this child has any problems later in life, it'll be because of her!"

Ye Wanning's face darkened: "Practicing medicine and saving lives is not a matter of gender. I saved the lives of this mother and child, so how is that considered unlucky?"

"It's an ominous sign!" the old woman glared at her hatefully. "Since ancient times, it has always been men who practice medicine. For women to practice medicine is considered immoral! You'd better apologize to this child right now, or I won't let you off the hook!"

"So it's unlucky?" Pei Zhi stepped forward, blocking Ye Wanning's path, and gave the old woman a cold glare. His voice was loud and clear. "Who told you that women practicing medicine is unlucky? I think you're just ignorant!"

The old woman was intimidated by his imposing manner and took a step back: "That's right! It's against the rules for women to practice medicine!"

"Rules?" Pei Zhi snorted coldly, took out his general's token from his pocket and raised it high. "I say, saving lives is the biggest rule! Wan Ning saved lives with her own hands, and instead of being grateful, you're spouting nonsense. Are you tired of living?"

Upon seeing the token, those around fell silent. The old woman, terrified, turned deathly pale and knelt down with a thud, kowtowing tremblingly, "General, spare my life! It was my ignorance; I will never dare to do it again!"

"This general won't hold it against you." Pei Zhi turned to look at the man, his eyes chilling. "Your wife and child's lives were saved by Wan Ning. If you really think she's unlucky, take your wife and child and leave now, and don't ever come back!"

The man immediately knelt down: "My lord, spare my life! I didn't mean it! Thank you, Miss Ye, for saving my life! I will never dare to say such things again!"

Pei Zhi snorted coldly, put away the token, turned around and took Ye Wanning's hand, his eyes softening instantly: "Don't bother with them."

Ye Wanning shook her head, feeling somewhat aggrieved: "Why can't women practice medicine? My mother was a doctor back then, and she saved so many people. No one ever said she was unlucky."