Chapter 61 Chapter 61 Mistakenly Entering, Taking the Pulse

"Nong Nong looks a little unwell. If you haven't rested enough, just send someone to let her know. There's no need to force yourself to come here."

Medical reading was also a daily routine at the nunnery. Whenever they had a headache or a fever, they would prescribe their own medicine, or they would diagnose and treat each other. Yun An, who had also experienced women, could tell at a glance that she was experiencing kidney deficiency. However, considering her appearance, he only briefly mentioned it, resolving to make her some kidney-tonifying and Qi-boosting soup later.

Lan Nongnong's skin color is naturally fair and delicate, and after careful care, it can be said that her skin is whiter than snow, so the dark spots under her eyes are particularly noticeable.

He did not abstain from sex after taking the medicine, and ended up suffering for himself. He felt dizzy and nauseous but still went out early and came back late as if he had nothing to do. Even a strong body could not bear it.

After that, he behaved himself and abstained from sex for half a month.

Lan Nongnong finally caught her breath, but before she could gloat over his misfortune or secretly wish him a life of failure, he had already stopped taking the medication. Then, like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, he seemed determined to make up for all the lost time. The night was deep and heavy, and they made love countless times.

How can I get a good rest if it's like this every night?

Lan Nongnong pursed her lips and smiled faintly. She stepped forward, took Aunt Yun'an's arm, and gently lifted the hem of her skirt as she ascended the stairs. "I haven't come to visit you aunts for several days. Since I sent a letter saying I'd come today, how could I keep you waiting in vain? Besides, my eyes are pale, it's just because I slept too much and woke up late. As the old saying goes, what you think about during the day you dream at night. Maybe it's because I was thinking about seeing you aunts that I couldn't sleep well."

Yun An was amused by her nonsensical words and smiled. He tapped her forehead and said, "Naughty."

"I'm not trying to make you happy, aunt. It's really from the bottom of my heart. I've been reading a medical book these days and I feel my skills have improved a lot, so I thought of taking your pulse. Isn't this just because I'm worried about you?"

"So you came here to show off your skills. Well, well, I'll see how good you are now."

The autumn breeze rustled the bamboo leaves. The two of them walked hand in hand along the stone steps, chatting and laughing freely, feeling very happy.

When outsiders saw this scene, they breathed a sigh of relief.

There aren't many pilgrims in the temple, but there are still three or five groups coming and going every day.

Lan Nongnong got up late because she was tired, and she was afraid of the bumpy road. The driver was warned not to go faster, so he drove even slower, and it was already past noon when they arrived at the temple.

At this moment, there were pilgrims listening to the sutras. Yun An, as she usually did, led her in through the back door. Noticing that her steps were slightly different, he advised her to go back to her room to rest, and he went to the pharmacy to pick out herbs and then to the kitchen.

Inside, the window is slightly ajar, and a pot of camellia stands before it, its delicate fragrance filling the air. The autumn sun streams in through the window, and lying on the couch, its warmth permeates the quilt. The occasional bird song in the distance lulls me to sleep.

Lan Nongnong closed her eyes and sighed softly, the corners of her lips relaxed. Only at this moment could she feel the long-lost relaxation.

The shorter it is, the more precious it becomes.

She had been coming here quite often these days, and Biyu and the others had also become regulars. Qingluo, having lied to Yuqing before, had offered to help whenever she came to the nunnery, as an apology, and had just gone to the kitchen with Yun'an.

Lan Nongnong and the other aunts knew she was just following orders, so they didn't blame her and tried to persuade her not to do so. However, she insisted that she felt bad, and they couldn't persuade her otherwise, so they just let her do what she wanted.

The stove was kept warm by the presence of pilgrims. Knowing she would be coming today, the Yunting people had already prepared her favorite dishes and snacks before chanting. Yun'an simply cooked an extra bowl of porridge and brought it over shortly afterwards, along with Qingluo.

Lan Nongnong fell asleep and was gently awakened by Biyu. Despite feeling sore, she quickly stood up to greet her.

There were four dishes on the table, a bowl of green glutinous rice, and a pot of hot porridge. The portions were not large, and the dishes were simple, but they were all delicious and you could tell at a glance that the cook had put a lot of effort into them.

Lan Nongnong had used it countless times in the nunnery, and she recognized its craftsmanship at a glance. Without any hesitation, she happily hugged Aunt Yun'an, thanked her affectionately, and then started using it with a smile.

Yun An saw that she was eating with relish, a smile never leaving the corner of his mouth. He fiddled with the rosary in his hand, but his eyes were fixed on her all the time, and his heart was trembling with weakness.

She had been wronged and cried so hard that day. Even though she didn't complain, how could people not feel sorry for her?

To be honest, they had even made a desperate plan, just waiting for Nongnong to speak.

But since then, every time she came, she was always smiling, the servants around her were respectful, and the man often came to greet her in person.

The two stood side by side, their postures intimate and natural. Their figures became more graceful, their eyebrows and eyes were filled with charm, their faces were like lotus flowers, and they looked energetic. It was obvious that they had no worries in their daily lives and were well cared for and pampered.

Food, clothing, and other necessities were delivered regularly. Not wanting to accuse Nong Nong of being unmannered, the others tried to refuse the gift, but the purchaser simply smiled and promised to send it the next time. Seeing the gift still in its original place, he remained neither surprised nor angry, but treated it with the same respect as usual.

Because Nong Nong was in the middle, simply refusing would have seemed arrogant, so she asked someone else to buy everything for her and accepted it at the price. For example, the food and vegetables Nong Nong was eating right now were all extra gifts sent by that person specifically for her. The purchasing agent refused to accept the money no matter what.

That person took great care of Nong Nong, taking care of every detail. Nong Nong was just as happy as ever. This allowed them to relax a little.

After the meal, Lan Nongnong rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, while Biyu and the other girl cleared the dishes and served tea to the two of them before going to the kitchen to eat.

Lan Nongnong exposed her wrist and took her pulse. Suddenly, her cheeks flushed crimson, and she pursed her lips slightly. She coughed lightly and said calmly, "The pulse is weak and thready, and the qi and blood are slightly deficient. It should be kidney yin deficiency. The porridge I drank just now seemed to have a medicinal taste. Did your aunt add some herbs to replenish kidney qi? Let me guess, it was Ligustrum lucidum?"

Yun An took her hand and examined it for a moment, then nodded and smiled, "Nong Nong is intelligent and studious, has an accurate pulse diagnosis, and a keen sense of taste. Not bad."

After saying this, he studied her face and said gently, "My medical skills are mediocre, so Nong Nong needs to be properly cared for by a doctor after we return. You are still young, so you must not damage your health. You should not take medicine too often, and dietary supplements are the best. Of course, husband and wife should have a harmonious relationship, but there must be a limit."

As soon as the last sentence came out, Lan Nongnong felt a blockage in her heart, but her face was burning hot. She responded in a mosquito-like voice and quickly changed the subject to talk about her recent reading experience.

Yun An was concerned that she was weak and wanted to persuade her to rest, but she declined on the grounds that "I haven't been here for several days and I have a lot of sweet things to say."

Fortunately, whenever she came, there was always someone in the nunnery to accompany her. This time it was Yun'an's turn, and with nothing else to do, the two of them walked and chatted in the nunnery together.

After the pilgrims had dispersed, the two of them arrived at the front hall. Lan Nongnong greeted the aunts one by one and chatted with them. She then placed the two copied scriptures in front of the Buddha and chanted for a while.

At 3 p.m., they handed the clothes and snacks they had made for her to the maid and hurried her home. The carriage would take nearly an hour to travel, and if it was any later, it would be dark by the time she reached the city.

Lan Nongnong didn't argue with the others, but smiled and agreed. As expected, when she reached the nunnery gate, she heard another reminder, saying that after marriage, she should strictly abide by the rules and not come to the nunnery often to avoid giving people a chance to talk. She naturally obeyed the instructions. As for whether to listen or not, the decision was ultimately hers.

She had read all the medical books and notes from the nunnery, but the aunts' limited medical knowledge meant she had no way to compare them. Mo Chou had left the house last month on the pretext of testing medicine, leaving only a few books and notes for her, which she had also read.

But how can one learn medicine without just talking about it on paper? Although Lan Nongnong had no intention of practicing medicine, she still had to understand medical principles. At least when it came to her own body and others', she could tell by taking their pulses.

A few days ago, when I visited Sister Yingzi, she happened to be pregnant. She took the opportunity of studying medicine to carefully check the slippery pulse mentioned in the handwritten note. She had already checked the pulses of the maids in the mansion, and then compared the pulses with the medical books and handwritten notes. She then asked them to find a doctor to prescribe medicine. The two were compared and used as reference.

However, she had no way of checking the man's pulse, and she couldn't tell whether his pulse showed any signs of spermatorrhea.

There was no record of this in the medical books and notes left by Doctor Mo, and everyone who went to the pharmacy to inquire was expelled without exception.

Qin Jingyao and she returned home together, changed clothes and went inside. He saw her taking his pulse, frowning and concentrating, as if she was ready for battle. He couldn't help laughing at this. Ever since taking the medicine, she had been obsessed with medicine. The reason was tacitly understood by them.

Lan Nongnong released her hand and turned to take his pulse. It was strong and rhythmic. While a normal person's pulse beats once every breath, his pulse only beats once every two. Notes on martial arts practitioners claim strong hearts and lungs, and a slow, deep pulse. His pulse confirmed this.

Without loosening her fingers, she raised her head and asked, "Why aren't your kidneys deficient?"

Qin Jingyao hadn't expected her to say such a shocking thing. His throat choked, his eyes darkened, he raised his eyebrows and chuckled, saying meaningfully, "If Cong Cong can make each time last longer, based on the frequency of our sexual intercourse, after three to five years, who knows."

The pulse is calm and steady, without any disorder.

Lan Nongnong had heard such obscene talk countless times that night, but she remained calm. She only stared at his expression and said, "You indulge in lust, but it has weakened my body. From today on, you must abstain from sex. I need to take care of my health. Doctor Mo is not here, so I will go to Anhe Hall tomorrow to get a prescription for medicinal food."

The pulse under her finger suddenly accelerated, and Lan Nongnong's mind moved slightly. She said, "You are also familiar with medical theory. Tell me, how can you tell whether a man is sterile from his pulse?"

Unfortunately, there was no more pulse under the finger.

Qin Jingyao didn't answer, but instead observed her complexion intently. Lan Nongnong did show signs of kidney deficiency, but they were subtle. The medicinal porridge she had eaten at lunch had taken effect, and her relaxed state of mind had helped her achieve twice the results with half the effort. Now, her expression showed no signs of weakness.

He didn't withdraw his right hand, but instead pressed his left hand against her left wrist to probe closely. Her pulse was even and measured, and indeed, it was slightly weaker than usual.

He lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment, then withdrew his hand and nodded, saying, "Your pulse is indeed a little weak, so there's no need to seek a prescription. Although Mo Chou is gone, he left behind a number of single prescriptions for your recovery. Since you've already taken the medicine today, I'm afraid the properties will conflict with yours, so I'll follow the single prescriptions from tomorrow onwards. However, relying solely on medicine and food to maintain health is only a supplement. Taking too much medicine is not a good idea. You must also gradually replenish your body with food, and you need to eat a lot to keep your body strong."

After saying that, he turned his right wrist and grabbed her and pulled her up, his hand stroking from her shoulder blade down to her elbow, and then to her back and waist. Lan Nongnong slapped his hand away, and although she couldn't get rid of it, she kept her body away from him, with suspicion clearly written in her eyes.

"Don't be so distracted. You haven't answered my question about the pulse yet."

If the mountain does not come to me, I will come to the mountain.

Qin Jingyao looked at her with a smile, took a step forward, put his arm around her waist and leaned against her, exerting force on his arms that almost lifted her toes off the ground, and then he walked out of the room.

It was getting dark, and the aroma of food wafted in the air, whetting one's appetite.

Lan Nongnong sat upright at the table, the bowls and plates filled with the dishes he had prepared, but she did not move her chopsticks, nor did she urge him to do anything. She just stared at him with her bright eyes.

Qin Jingyao had long experienced her stubbornness, and seeing this, he shook his head and laughed, "It's not that I don't want to answer, it's just that my medical skills are not proficient. This is rare, and I don't know it either. Don't worry, Nong Nong, I'll send someone to find out a little bit, and I'll answer you tomorrow, okay?"

Only then did Lan Nongnong pick up the chopsticks and eat the dishes he had put into the bowl carefully.

During a meal, Qin Jingyao would often serve her dishes and soup, or watch her concentrate on eating with a smile on his face.

As long as she is so obedient, it is worth it no matter how much effort I put in.

After the meal, the two of them strolled hand in hand under the moon and flowers, just like they had done these days. Still, he was the one who spoke and asked questions, with Lan Nongnong responding only briefly.

They are no longer on edge, but calm and composed, spending time together day and night. They look like a loving couple living in harmony.

After changing clothes and getting on the bed, Lan Nongnong thought they had reached a consensus and turned over to sleep. Unexpectedly, just as she closed her eyes, she felt a sudden tightening in front of her body. Someone had grasped her nipples and tightened them.

She suddenly opened her eyes, her breath gasping, and opened her mouth to shout, but was first turned over and her lips and tongue sealed. Just as her nails, which had been carefully trimmed long and pointed, arched, a hand clamped them above her head, and her legs were also restrained. She could only stare open her eyes, unwilling to struggle, and sob continuously.

After finally freeing her lips and teeth, the red tassel was bitten again. Before she could catch her breath or curse, she let out a low sound.

"Qin Jingyao, you bastard! You son of a bitch, you don't keep your word, you act like a villain! Do you want me to die of kidney deficiency? You bastard, you villain, you bastard—ugh!"

The angry scolding from below, due to the constant panting, had a different flavor, sounding like a coquettish scolding. The more she scolded, the deeper the smile in his eyes became.

It was soft, sweet, and delicious like a delicacy. Not to mention a few curses, even if those sharp nails scratched my body and made it bleed, it wouldn't matter.

Over the past few days, Qin Jingyao had mastered her. When his fingers gently caressed that soft part of her back, she would be overwhelmed with arousal, actively bending over and throwing herself into his arms, opening herself up like a fish out of water, with nowhere to escape.

The fragrance is in the air, and the hands are smooth, it's already on the string.

Lan Nongnong was furious, not caring about losing ground, twisting her body and struggling, kicking his leg with her heel, scratching and pinching with her toenails, and said in a trembling voice,

"You bastard! I married you, but I'm not your object for you to treat me like a scoundrel! I have the right to refuse! If all I get in return for this kind of involuntary humiliation, I'd rather die than give in!"

Qin Jingyao loved her, how could he ignore her body and force her? But he didn't expect her to suddenly attack him. He knelt down and held her, holding her foot with one hand, and panted, "Don't move."

The strong body was tense as iron, hot sweat beads fell across the well-defined muscles, and the body became more tense and bulging.

-----------

Lan Nongnong gasped violently and convulsed uncontrollably, like a python twisting itself. Qin Jingyao groaned, sweat pouring down like rain. He suddenly lowered his head and held it tightly, his big hands gripping his soft waist. While swallowing, he exerted force and thrust it out ruthlessly.

“Hmm!”

“--”

As soon as they separated, both of them were breathing heavily.

Qin Jingyao's rage was lingering, and he was sweating profusely. A faint light blazed in his eyes, and his gaze fixed on the woman, her head tilted to the side, breathing steadily on the pillow, like a cheetah lurking in the darkness. His Adam's apple rolled, and his voice was muffled and low, dangerous.

"...Although it's a pity that I can't be with Nong Nong day and night, compared to a temporary lack of freedom, Nong Nong's body is more important. My original intention was just to relax your muscles and joints, but what happened just now was a mistake."

Lan Nongnong almost laughed at his shameless words, but she knew this was not the time to argue. She lowered her eyes and sneered at him, "Then let go quickly and get up. Don't disturb my rest."

Qin Jingyao had no intention just now, but now the arrow is on the string and his beloved is lying in front of him. If he remains indifferent, wouldn't he be unworthy of being a man?

Seeing that he was advancing instead of retreating, Lan Nongnong's eyes widened instantly. She knew that if he used force, she would have no power to resist. So she simply did not dodge, biting her lip and said angrily, "Are you going to use force?"

Before he finished speaking, the hands pressing on his head suddenly loosened, and a soft hand was pulled away and slipped away.

A hoarse and heavy voice followed: "Nong Nong, rest assured. Just lend me your hand."

"you!"

Her hand was held and moved rapidly. She couldn't help but exert force, but suddenly the direction was changed -

Knowing that he was intentionally coercing her, Lan Nongnong had to be cautious.

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She knew which was more important, enduring for a while or tormenting in the middle of the night.

Seeing her obedience, Qin Jingyao, who had been staring at her intently from beginning to end, curled his lips. Although it was not as satisfying as the fusion of water, it was a different feeling.

Moreover, the relationship between husband and wife must be happy for both parties to be complete. Although she doesn't want to do it, her body is as plump as a peach. If she is left hanging in the air, it will be his fault as a husband.

He hadn't gotten in yet, but his other tactics were numerous and even more extreme than usual. Lan Nongnong was too exhausted to cope with them and had no time to think. She felt like a piece of fish on a chopping board, being tossed over and over, not letting go, as if she was about to be eaten, skin and bones.

------

A moment later, it was but a drop in the bucket for a body already raging with rage. Qin Jingyao glanced down and ignored it, suppressing the burning urge in his body. He fetched a soft towel and made a brief gesture for the two of them, then held her hand and looked at her pulse.

After a moment, his brows relaxed slightly.

If the Yin Mi Qing has not yet died, then the Qi and blood have not been lost. In this case, you can pay a little attention to sex, but you should be patient and wait until the next day to enjoy it.

After a while, candlelight, much earlier than usual, lit the bedroom. A quarter of an hour later, the candlelight went out, and a servant, guided by the moonlight, led the way from the outer door to the warm bath to change the water.

---

Although Lan Nongnong had been seriously injured, the prescription was excellent, the medicinal materials were of high quality, the people who served her were dedicated, and she herself was diligent in taking care of herself, so her body recovered very well.

Although Mo Chou was not at home, he had prepared a sufficient supply of incense pills for her to strengthen her body and replenish her vital energy. This time she was only slightly deficient, but she would fully recover in just a few days.

Her face was fair and rosy, her spirit was full, her eyes were bright and clear. She looked even better than before, as she was surrounded by wealth and nobility.

She put down her eyebrow pencil and applied lipstick. If it weren't for the fiery glare in her eyes, Qin Jingyao would have wanted to lean over and swallow the food inch by inch. Her skin was delicate, and the rouge and powder she used were all specially formulated by Mo Chou. Regular use would nourish her skin, and even if she accidentally swallowed it, it would not be harmful at all.

Not only that, but it was also applied to the plump skin, creating a delicate, sweet and smooth taste with an indescribable aftertaste. My Adam's apple rolled slightly, and I sighed silently.

After breakfast and taking the pills, Biyu came forward, carrying a sandalwood lacquer tray with a small stack of invitations, and knelt in greeting. "Sir, Madam, several more families have sent invitations today. Please take a look."

Lan Nongnong looked at him, her brows unconsciously furrowed. Although she was currently only the wife of a merchant, the power of the mansion's owner was not something she could ignore.

Even though he declined all the invitations to banquets from these dignitaries, they still kept coming.

Lan Nongnong had attended many annual banquets, graduation banquets, birthday banquets, and wedding banquets in the past, but at that time she only had to follow her family with a smile and be polite, without having to bother with socializing.

She has the ability to stand on her own, but she is unwilling to spend her energy on making and maintaining friendships with others.

Those who are of lower status than him will be of no help to her even if they work hard. If they are not careful, they will become a handle for others to take advantage of or be used against by him.

How could someone who was higher in status than him and as close to him as a family give her any convenience?

The less she shows up, the better.

Seeing her shaking her head, Biyu waited for a moment imperceptibly, then stood up and described the origin and character of the person who delivered the letter in detail according to the routine.

For officials, private gatherings were not as strict as in previous dynasties, but to avoid being accused of forming cliques for personal gain, even small gatherings outside the government office were rare and were limited to the occasions when the occasion was most enjoyable. However, there were no restrictions on the socializing of female relatives.

Therefore, holding a banquet at home can not only show off the family status and maintain dignity, but also allow people to exchange what they have during the meal, which is really killing two birds with one stone.

The Shangshu Ling repeatedly made exceptions for a woman, and the various prefectures in the capital had long been curious about her. Some had seen her before, but because their identity was unclear, they didn't pay much attention, and their appearance and figure gradually faded. Then there were those who remembered her but made mistakes and suffered the consequences. The rest of the people were all very secretive.

I had thought that I would be able to see Shang Shuling's true appearance on the day of his wedding, but I had not expected that Shang Shuling loved her so much. Not only did he hold her in his arms all the way, he even held her tightly when he kowtowed to me. The red veil seemed to be sewn with needle and thread, covering her tightly without revealing any of her appearance.

As the saying goes, the more mysterious, the more attention it draws. Though she hadn't been seen at the wedding, her presence as the mistress of the mansion was inevitable. Therefore, during that period, any banquet held by a family of high status worthy of an invitation would still be packed with guests, even if they knew the Shangshu Ling Mansion wouldn't respond to the invitation.

Unexpectedly, once, twice, and three times, it never came. The higher the expectation, the deeper the disappointment.

So the rumors of being arrogant, having no legitimate reason, and being petty and not being able to show up in public spread among the female relatives without mentioning any names.

Even though she wasn't the wife of a minister, and even though she knew she would be rejected, she would always send the chief steward to personally deliver the invitations whenever she held a banquet, making sure to show her respect.

Lan Nongnong was unaware of the twists and turns, nor did she care. However, Qin Jingyao knew that anyone who spoke rudely to her would later become a target of gossip in her husband's family. If not, the rumors would have spread far and wide.

She didn't want to attend the banquet, so Qin Jingyao wouldn't force her. He knew her plan perfectly, and it was exactly what he wanted. She was his treasure, obtained through meticulous manipulation, even through humble submission.

Treasures are precious, and it is blasphemy for others to look at them.

Moreover, after a woman gets married, her status and respectability all depend on her husband. She doesn't have to manage household affairs like others, be cautious in her words and actions, and be a good wife who helps her husband's family profit.

She was his wife, the mistress of the Shangshu Ling Mansion, the head of the imperial ladies. Even in the palace, she would not be allowed to feel wronged or make excuses.

Regarding his repeated exceptions for a woman, Empress Guo did write to the family, requesting the old lady to write a letter of admonition. However, the Guo family was far away in Puzhou, out of reach. Moreover, although the family often benefited from the Empress's name, the Empress was ultimately a figurehead, and because she valued her reputation, she had to keep a low profile.

He is vindictive and extremely protective of his own shortcomings.

At that time, the Qin family was powerful, and the Guo family had left the capital with him. Though the emperor had ascended the throne, his abilities were mediocre, the aristocratic families held sway, the emperor was frail, and the empress had no children. It's easy to imagine how the Qin family would treat a motherless child, almost doomed to failure, with disdain, humiliation, and despise them.

The Guo family had intervened when he was ill-treated by the Qin family during his childhood, even seizing significant profits from them. They kept nothing of their gains, giving them all to him and leaving loyal servants at his service. They had intended to take him back to his maternal family, but he insisted on staying, and was subsequently raised by Empress Guo.

Although this favor was a timely help, it was also a matter of course to support their daughter's bloodline. Therefore, over the years, the Guo family never used this favor to repay the favor, and it was precisely because of this that they were able to provide long-term support in the future.

Therefore, it was just for a woman, not worth making a fuss about. Over the years, he had a set routine, and although he made exceptions for this woman, he never neglected or made a mistake in his official duties. Since he liked her, why should he be upset?

For this reason, instead of advising Empress Guo as she had hoped, the Guo family felt that she was short-sighted and treated him like an ordinary man. They wrote a letter, saying that he had his own ideas and that as long as he did not make any mistakes, he should not be too concerned and make things worse.

As the mother of the world, you should put the overall situation first in your mind and vision.

In addition, after learning some information about the woman from Empress Guo, he prepared some rare toys and sent them to the capital along with the New Year gifts.

---

At the end of September, the weather is clear and refreshing.

Those with a strong yin energy still wore thin summer clothes, while ordinary people would simply exchange their outer garments for long gowns. At the turn of the seasons, the elderly, the young, and the infirm were most susceptible to illness. The pharmacies and medical shops that managed to gain a foothold in the capital were those with excellent remedies and skilled physicians. Citizens crowded the shops, flowing in and out in an orderly manner without being crowded.

An He Tang was founded by Mr. An Hesheng, a renowned medical expert during the Yongping reign of the previous dynasty. He was known for his ability to restore lives after severed limbs, treating typhoid fever and other ailments. His medicines were effective and fair, and he provided free medical treatment and medication to the public for many years.

He had countless disciples and students, all of whom inherited his medical ethics and were highly respected by the people. Even though dynasties changed, his reputation was not often disturbed by wars, and countless prescriptions were able to survive.

There are dozens of traditional Chinese medicine clinics in Beijing, half of which are descendants of the An family's medical tradition. Anhetang, located on Main Street, is the main branch. Its signboard is personally inscribed by Emperor Wu Sheng. The spacious shop houses thirty or forty doctors alone. The practice is now run by the fifth-generation An family descendant.

Both the An and Mo families were established medical families. However, the former, with its ancestral motto of practicing medicine to benefit the world, enjoyed a high reputation among the common people. The latter, with its ancestral lineage of imperial physicians, entered the palace after training and gained considerable prestige among the emperor and the dignitaries. Their pharmacies were frequented by high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

Medical practitioners are known for their ability to maintain good health. The An family has been passed down for over four hundred years, and many members enjoy longevity. An Taiping, the fifth-generation grandson, is now over seventy years old. His hair is gray, but his eyes are bright, his steps are steady, and his voice is resonant. Furthermore, he has maintained his youthful appearance, appearing to be in his forties, with a flowing beard and the air of an immortal.

Given his status and prestige, he could have stopped seeing patients. However, practicing medicine is like exploring new paths; the more skilled one becomes, the more unwilling one is to stop. Even for common headaches and fevers, he saw new cases every day, so he continued to see patients every day, rain or shine.

However, medical expertise relies on a wealth of case histories. He wouldn't treat common ailments or difficult and complicated cases unless the condition was extremely rare, beyond the reach of other doctors, or if a patient sought his help due to his reputation. Only then would he bring the patient to him.

Having lived to this age, he had seen a lot. He had seen many things, such as the pomp and circumstance of concealing one's tracks. Wearing winter clothes in summer was not surprising.

He stroked his beard and took the patient's pulse, his voice steady and deep, "...Judging from this noble man's pulse, he seems to be suffering from semen retention due to Cynomorium songaricum. He must have accidentally ingested a large amount of Gelsemium elegans. I'm afraid it will affect his fertility in the future."

Lan Nongnong watched quietly from behind the veil, secretly praising him. After hearing this, she asked, "Is this disease curable?"

In order to prevent him from colluding with others, he traveled with a small entourage today. All the clothes and tokens related to his identity were replaced, and the maids and followers he brought with him were all strangers. This place was designated by her on the spur of the moment, so her credibility should be 50%.

Qin Jingyao sat behind the screen, just looking at her with a smile, without any sign of anxiety.

An Taiping, without taking his hand off the pulse, pondered for a moment, glanced at the woman in the room who was still wearing a veil, and then turned to the man behind the screen with only his shoulders and legs exposed.

For doctors, observation, listening, questioning and palpation are all they need to know about a person's temperament. The pulse is unmistakable.

The two wore plain, expensive clothing. Although the woman's features were unknown, she wore rather thick clothing despite the crisp early autumn air. Her nails and complexion betrayed a deficiency of vital energy, leading to a fear of the cold. Yet her voice was full of energy, her steps were firm, and her foundation was stable; her illness was not congenital.

The man's pulse is strong, his vital energy abundant. He retains his semen but maintains healthy kidneys. His steady pulse upon hearing the diagnosis reveals his full understanding. He possesses a calm and composed temperament; such individuals are often overbearing and possessive. His lack of anxiety and a willingness to allow the woman to speak is a sign of indulgence. His sideways gesture toward the woman behind the screen demonstrates his care and affection.

Therefore, if it was not an accident, he must have sealed his own essence and blood, fearing that the woman would become pregnant and harm her body, which was a painstaking effort.

On the other hand, although the woman asked, her tone did not show any worry.

An Taiping withdrew his hand, his eyes clear and open-minded, with a broad mind that understood the world. He nodded and said, "This disease can be cured, but it will take a long time. Even if it is cured, you will not be able to have children for a year. Once the drug poison is eliminated and the blood is pure, your offspring will be healthy."

Lan Nongnong nodded slightly and suddenly asked, "May I ask, Doctor An, are sperm retention and sperm abstinence the same thing?"

It is different.

"Bi" means to close, while "jue" means to cut off. The difference in the characters reveals a different meaning. "Feng" can be opened, but "jue" cannot. However, no matter which one it is, it makes no difference to this lady with a persistent fear of the cold.

An Taiping simply said, "It's no different, Madam. But since you're here today, would you be willing to allow me to examine you?"

Qin Jingyao smiled slightly, took her hand and placed it on the pulse pillow, took out a plain white silk handkerchief from his sleeve and covered her wrist, put his arm around her waist, turned his head and nodded slightly,

"Doctor An, please."

Although Mo Chou was only thirty, he was incredibly gifted, having been exposed to the world since childhood, with a solid foundation and ample experience. He was able to prescribe the right medicine for the right situation, and his prescriptions were excellent, so even An Taiping could not be faulted.

He nodded approvingly. "Madam, you suffered frostbite, but you've been well-treated. The person who treated you used the right medicine, and it was accurate. As long as you take good care of yourself and don't catch cold again, and ask that doctor to prescribe a prescription based on your symptoms, I think you'll be fully recovered from your cold within three to five years."

"As for headaches, they are also related to cold symptoms. Once the symptoms subside, they will naturally resolve as well."