Chapter 62 (Combined Chapter)

After Consort Wang took four doses of medicine, her menstrual flow decreased when she had her period again. After Miaozhen entered the palace, she added three qian of ginseng to the previous prescription and wrote another ten doses. She also said to Consort Wang, "After these ten doses of medicine are finished, your menstrual flow will generally return to normal. I will come back to check on you then."

Consort Wang smiled and said, "Then thank you very much. Oh, by the way, you said last time that your mother also came to the capital with you? Did you take her out to play?"

"Not yet, because I have to go to the palace to examine the ladies' pulses. My mother told me that I must cure the lady's illness before she would allow my husband and me to take her out to play," Miaozhen said.

Besides Consort Wang, Consort Chen also invited people to the palace this time. Consort Chen gave birth to the seventh prince, Zhu Zai, in the sixteenth year of the Jiajing reign, but the seventh prince died young. She was about the same age as herself, but after the seventh prince, she stopped having children, which made her very worried.

Miaozhen saw that Consort Chen was very beautiful, and when she frowned slightly, it was like Xi Shi holding her heart. She couldn't help but soften and ask, "Consort Chen, are you feeling unwell?"

Consort Yong sighed: "I was especially heartbroken because the Seventh Prince passed away during my period, which caused me to develop leukorrhea. At the same time, my lower abdomen was also very cold and painful."

Miaozhen couldn't help but say, "Prolonged metrorrhagia turns into leukorrhea, and frequent bleeding often leads to a withered and lifeless body. Just now, I took your pulse, and your uterus is weak and cold, and your essence and blood are dry, like withered wood. Therefore, if you want to get better and have another pregnancy in the future, you need to warm your uterus and dispel the cold, as well as strengthen your foundation and nourish your essence and blood."

"Therefore, I will give you a moxibustion treatment, along with some medicine. Rome wasn't built in a day, so the treatment will probably take quite a while. What do you think?"

Consort Chen nodded: "I will do whatever Doctor Xu says."

Miaozhen first prescribed He Shou Wu pills and asked someone from Consort Yong's palace to fetch the medicine. As for moxibustion, she instructed them to apply it to five acupoints: Qihai (CV1), Guanyuan (CV4), Zhongji (CV3), and Qichong (CV2).

Qihai acupoint belongs to the Ren meridian and is effective in treating metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, uterine prolapse, and postpartum lochia. For cold conditions, it can be tonified and treated with moxibustion. Zhongji acupoint also belongs to the Ren meridian and is located four inches below the navel. Combined with Guanyuan acupoint, it can benefit the kidneys and regulate essence. As for Qichong acupoint, located five inches below the navel, it can treat irregular menstruation and infertility.

As for He Shou Wu Wan, it can nourish blood and replenish essence.

Upon entering the inner room, the palace maid lowered the curtain. After Miaozhen saw that Consort Chen had taken off her clothes, she began to light moxibustion and chat with her from time to time. When the moxibustion was finished, she found that Consort Chen was already drowsy.

"Your Majesty is feeling sleepy after your first moxibustion session. The yang energy is entering your body. Your Majesty should rest first," Miaozhen said with a smile.

Consort Chen was somewhat embarrassed, but the lady-in-waiting beside her gave the reward to Miaozhen.

Upon returning, the first thing Miaozhen did was to remove her high bun, take off her outer robe, take a bath, and change into casual clothes before feeling much more comfortable.

“Mother, I heard that there are often temple fairs at Dongyue Temple. Why don’t we go to the temple fair as a family? After we’re done, we can eat out. Come to think of it, you don’t seem to have ever eaten at a restaurant before,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

Although Madam Mei was thoughtful and gentle, she was still very happy to hear that she could go out and play, not to mention her two children. In fact, Miaozhen never raised her children in a particularly meticulous way, because if she were too meticulous, the children's spleens and stomachs would be too weak, and they would not be able to adapt to any situation.

She told Xiao Jingshi this, and he naturally agreed. He did have something to say to Miaozhen, but somehow his hair got tangled in Miaozhen's hairpin. When Miaozhen untangled it, he lost control again.

"Didn't you have something to say? What's wrong?" Miaozhen pushed him away.

Xiao Jingshi held her hands in his, looked down at her slightly, and said, "I was wondering how your visit to the palace was today?"

"It's alright. Consort Wang is much better after taking my medicine. I'm also treating Consort Chen, but it will take some time; she won't recover anytime soon."

After Miaozhen finished speaking, she noticed that he was still staring at her. She wondered if she had a pimple on her face, but his eyes were really beautiful: "Your eyes are so beautiful, like they hold stars."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingshi couldn't help but smile indulgently, everything understood without a word.

The next day, the Lu family sent an invitation from the current Governor Lu's wife. Miaozhen gave the Lu family servants a reward and prepared some gifts, preparing to visit them the next day.

Ms. Mei asked from the side, "Is this the person you helped treat last year?"

“Yes, it’s true, she had a tough time too. Although I helped her recover, you know she had been in poor health for many years and had to take care of herself all along,” Miaozhen said.

Looking at her daughter, Madam Mei said, "I thought she was just asking you for help, but I didn't expect she still wants you to help her with her medical treatment."

Miaozhen laughed and said, "Mother, it's a good thing that people can be used in this world. If everyone forgets about you no matter what you do, then you'll probably have no sense of existence. I don't care about those things. For example, I entered the palace for my reputation. You see, this has attracted people, hasn't it?"

In their line of work, the biggest taboo is falling in love with a client. For doctors, curing patients is far better than getting involved in all sorts of messy relationships.

She understood this very well when she was in the Cheng family. She knew that the Cheng family members were very nice when things were going well, but if something really happened, they wouldn't consider her.

Upon seeing Madam Huang again, Miaozhen was quite moved. It was truly remarkable how she had changed from a young girl last year to a mature and experienced woman this year. Miaozhen was about to bow when Madam Huang smiled and said, "Physician Xu, there's no need for such formalities. I owe you a great debt for my illness last time."

"Not at all, it's all thanks to the trust of my master that I am where I am today. My husband came to visit the other day, and I am truly grateful for your introduction." Miaozhen said, bowing again.

Madam Huang quickly pulled her up and said, "Please don't be so polite, Doctor Xu. I heard that your nephews and nieces have all come. Why don't you bring them over so I can see them?"

Miaozhen said, "He's very mischievous. Several maids can't keep an eye on him, so my mother has to watch over him."

Huang then said she wanted to invite Mei to come as well, and Miaozhen chatted with her for a while, waiting for her to reveal her purpose, since there was no rush.

Finally, Huang said, "I usually have red streaks in my vaginal discharge, with red and white mixed together. I also experience chest tightness and palpitations. Although it's a minor illness, I'm always feeling unwell."

Seeing this, Miaozhen said, "Women's illnesses are never minor, but we are all very good at enduring them and don't easily see a doctor. It's alright, I'm here, I will definitely take care of you."

After saying that, she examined her and found that her Chong meridian was deficient in qi and blood, which was caused by her previous weak spleen and stomach and her congenital deficiency.

He then prescribed Agarwood and Peony Pills and added, "Since you have abdominal pain, you should take the pills with a decoction of Angelica dahurica wine each time you take them."

When Huang saw the medicine prescribed by Miaozhen, she was overjoyed, and Miaozhen took the opportunity to say goodbye.

Actually, she had originally considered inviting Huang to her home for a visit, which might not be impossible, but after thinking about it, she decided against it. Tang Yin was from their Wu County, and he was the top scholar in the provincial examination in Southern Zhili. What a talented man he was! It was because he was too high-profile that he and Xu Jing were falsely accused of "bribing their way into the examination" and were demoted to minor officials.

Learning from past mistakes, she had to be cautious. Xiao Jingshi himself was already quite conspicuous, being young, handsome, and wealthy.

“Once we pass the imperial examination and become Jinshi, there will be many opportunities to interact, so there’s no need to rush,” Miaozhen said.

Xiao Jingshi said, "I know."

When they went out at the Dongyue Temple fair, Xiao Jingshi took out his belt again and tied it around Miaozhen's arm. He also tied the belts around the two children and the wet nurse so that they wouldn't get lost.

“It was fine when we were in Nanjing, but it’s not good to act like this now that we’re in the capital. The child is afraid of getting lost. In the capital, under the emperor’s nose, don’t I have any dignity?” Miaozhen wouldn’t allow it.

Xiao Jingshi coaxed her, saying, "You're with me anyway, and your sleeves are wide, so you won't be able to see anything if they're covered up."

"You really are something else, I won't do it." Miao Zhen didn't want to listen to him.

"Sweetie, they're all watching." Xiao Jingshi rarely coaxed her, and then quickly tied her up before he felt at ease.

Miaozhen untied the shackles halfway there because she wanted to go to the temple fair with Mei. The temple fair was extremely lively, with all sorts of things like Kunyu jade, Qiongzhu pearls, Dianjin gold, Yuecui jade, and even foreign goods and leather goods, making it impossible for people to look away.

There were still peddlers displaying their wares here, and Brother Zhao and Sister Fu were squatting in front of their stalls, refusing to leave.

Miaozhen bought them everything, of course. She bought a pair of jade hairpins, a jade button, and a beaded hoop for Mei. Not to mention admiring the clay sculptures and praying for blessings, they ended up having a meal in a private room of a large inn outside.

“If your father comes, he will be even happier than I am,” said Madam Mei.

"Mother, actually, if your son-in-law passes the imperial examination and is able to stay in the capital, you can come and visit him too." Miaozhen didn't think there was anything wrong with that.

But Madam Mei knew that once she came out this time, it would be very difficult for her to come out again in the future.

Miaozhen knew that her mother was homesick. Now that things had stabilized for her, she knew that Xiao Jingshi would become an official in the future, and she would have to learn to deal with him. She couldn't let her mother pay for her life.

She didn't know how things would go in the capital before, but now that things have been sorted out, she discussed it with Xiao Jingshi. Xiao Jingshi said, "But Mother has only been with us for a month or two. If we send her back now, people will think we are unfilial."

“I hadn’t thought of that. I was just worried that my mother would feel lonely with my father and brother at home,” Miaozhen said.

Xiao Jingshi said, "Our family's ship is going to the capital in September, so let's talk about it then."

“Alright, let’s spend more time with Mother now,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

Xiao Jingshi, in a mischievous manner, bowed deeply and said, "My wife is right."

A month later, when Consort Wang's old ailment returned, the persistent spotting was completely gone. Consort Wang thanked her, but Miaozhen did not take credit: "This humble woman should thank Your Majesty for your kindness. It is all thanks to Your Majesty's boundless blessings."

"You don't need to be modest. I've seen doctors before, and I really owe you a lot. From now on, you'll be in charge of taking care of Consort Zhen," Consort Wang asked.

The purpose of selecting a midwife was to treat the concubines in the postpartum room. The midwife was responsible for delivering babies, the doctor was responsible for treating illnesses, and the nurse was responsible for feeding the little princess or prince.

Consort Ma Zhen was only promoted to the rank of Consort in her twenty-first year. Recently, she has been favored by the Emperor and has become pregnant again in the blink of an eye. She is already seven months pregnant. Miao Zhen thought that the people in the palace are really tight-lipped. Only now has she passed the test.

Compared to Miaozhen, Huang Qiaoying was very successful in treating Empress Fang's teeth. Because she gained Empress Fang's favor, she was even able to stay in the palace with her.

From then on, she grew her eyebrows and sideburns long, wore increasingly glamorous clothes, and became much more flamboyant.

As for Miaozhen, the imperial physicians are taking care of the fetus, so she is now free. In her spare time, she can accompany Madam Mei on a tour of the capital. For so many years, she has been working hard for her dream, afraid that she would neglect her medical skills if she relaxed. Now is the perfect time.

The third branch of the Xiao family also invited Miaozhen and Madam Mei over to play a few times. Madam Xiao was talking to them: "Recently there is a play in the capital called 'The Story of Hanshan.' Although it is a short story, it is well-produced. I would like to invite them to our house to watch it. Our in-laws must come."

"What is the story of 'The Record of Hanshan' about?" Miaozhen asked.

Madam Xiao said, "It is a story about a family who chose a son-in-law but disliked the scholar because he was poor and loved money. He only looked at money and not character, so he married his daughter to a local wealthy family. Unexpectedly, the scholar was chosen by a high-ranking official and became his son-in-law. He passed the imperial examination and rose to prominence. However, the woman was abandoned by the rich man and had to become a concubine."

Miao Zhen laughed and said, "Isn't this just the story of 'the foolish woman of Kuaiji who lightly bought Chen'? To be honest, watching a play is one thing, but who would want their daughter to suffer? It's just that since she chose a wealthy family in the first place, it's not good to push her luck any further."

“Yes,” Gao agreed.

As soon as Madam Gao agreed, Mrs. Xiao's face immediately fell.

Madam Gao was a woman of few words, measured in her actions, strict in managing her household, and warm towards her relatives. She was almost impeccable. It was strange that Madam Xiao didn't like such a person.

Miaozhen had a good relationship with Gao Shi. Firstly, Gao Shi had helped her a lot, and secondly, as fellow wives, they could understand each other's difficulties.

While Madam Mei and Madam Xiao were talking, Miaozhen and Madam Gao took the children out to play, and the two of them also had some private conversations.

"Do you still need to go to the palace often these days?" Lady Gao asked.

Miaozhen nodded: "Yes, Consort Chen needs moxibustion every few days, and Consort Ma is about to give birth. I reckon that after Consort Ma gives birth, we won't need to go to the palace anymore."

“That’s true, the rules in the palace are very strict. By the way, I heard from our Third Master that Fourth Brother is quite learned and has a good chance of passing the imperial examination this year. That’s perfect, you can’t stay in the palace anymore, you can be a good official’s wife then.” Madam Gao said with a smile.

Miaozhen humbly replied, "I wouldn't even dare to think about it."

Miaozhen had heard about the play "The Story of Hanshan," but Xiao Jingshi was mentioned by name directly. Because Xiao Jingshi had participated in many literary gatherings, and one of his poems was so famous that Lu Shi'an knew about him.

You see, if Xiao Jingshi hadn't appeared in front of him, he would have only used this performance to show that he was once a gem, without saying much more. After all, Xiao Jingshi was just a merchant's son, and there was nothing worth making a big deal out of him.

But now that he's come to the capital, and his talent is quite good, he might just pass the imperial examination this time.

In the end, people will only say that the Xu family made a good choice in choosing their daughter. Xiao Jingshi is not only wealthy, but also extremely talented. Instead, he has become the Cheng family's son-in-law.

This world belongs to the strong. If you succeed, countless people will speak up for you. Conversely, no matter how humble and kind you are, if you lack ability, no one will listen to you.

Before deciding how to suppress him before the imperial examination, he first inquired about the matter. What he found out was astonishing. It turned out that Xu had already entered the palace as a physician and was highly regarded by Consort Wang and others. Xiao Jingshi's uncle was just a minor official, but somehow he had gotten close to Governor Lu.

In this case, we can't suppress it by force; we can only resort to the tactic of letting public opinion dictate our actions.

As August began, the weather turned hot and dry. Fortunately, there was ice at home. Miao Zhen spoke to Fu Jie'er and Zhao Ge'er, "You two little devils will be three years old soon. You need to learn to eat by yourselves, sleep by yourselves, and recognize words by yourselves. So, Zhao Ge'er, let your sister read it once first. If your sister reads it wrong, you can point it out. Then, Fu Jie'er, watch your brother read it. If your brother reads it wrong, you can point it out, okay?"

The two children were more enthusiastic about interacting, and Miaozhen was watching from the side, making socks for Xiao Jingshi.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingshi returned at this moment, looking furious. Miaozhen even smiled and asked, "What's wrong? Why are you only coming back now?"

Xiao Jingshi said to Miaozhen with a stern face, "Let the children go down first. I have something to say to you."

Miaozhen dismissed the children and then asked Xiao Jingshi, "Do you know Lu Shi'an, the Hanlin scholar?"

Upon hearing Xiao Jingshi's question, Miaozhen recalled her mother's worries, which were indeed not without reason. So she smiled and said, "I just think that our family is quite well-known now. By the way, I heard my father say that he wanted to propose marriage to us. I don't know if it's true. At that time, our two families had exchanged invitations, and my father, considering his family's situation, sent him some travel expenses."

"What's wrong? Why did you bring him up out of the blue?"

Xiao Jingshi said, "Recently, I've heard rumors that Miss Yu in 'The Story of Hanshan' is you, and Master Yu is your father."

"What?" Miaozhen never expected that "The Chronicles of Hanshan" was about her. Was Lu Shi'an delusional? Could he also be a time traveler? Had he read too many mindless wish-fulfillment novels?

"Who does he think he is? I would rather not marry than marry someone who tries to seize another's property by marrying into the family and is then supported by his half-closed aunt and cousin."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingshi disregarded "The Record of Hanshan" and asked only, "Are you talking about Lu Shi'an?"

"Yes, my father thought that someone like him, once he gained power, would probably be very vengeful, so he gave him travel expenses back then. I never expected that this person would be so narrow-minded, even accusing me of trying to become his concubine? If I were his concubine, I wouldn't go to the palace! Who does he think he is?" Miao Zhen was truly angry.

"Why did you come to the palace?" Xiao Jingshi had heard a lot from her, but it seemed he only heard the last sentence.

Miaozhen laughed and said, "Go to the palace to become a lady-in-waiting? I've been well-versed in poetry and literature since I was a child, so why can't I?"

Xiao Jingshi breathed a sigh of relief; he had thought she wanted to enter the palace. In this dynasty, the imperial concubine selection only considered those from humble backgrounds, not those from high-ranking families or powerful officials. His Zhenzhen was so adorable, charming, and clever; she might actually be selected for the palace.

He was initially furious upon hearing the news. He had completely forgotten about the marriage that the Xu family had schemed to arrange, but unexpectedly, this happened again. He was very angry at the time, but now he is not only not angry, he even looks down on Lu Shi'an.

"Is this really necessary?" Xiao Jingshi thought that perhaps love had turned into hate, so he fabricated rumors to spread the truth.

Miaozhen looked at him and said, "So we can't get angry now, because what he said is all lies. You should try your best to pass the imperial examination this time, and I will take good care of my illness in the palace. Who will think of us then? Will people associate me with the person in 'The Story of Hanshan' who became a concubine after his family's fortune was ruined? Not to mention, if you pass the imperial examination, no one will say it's you."

She's always been someone who can't get revenge, so she'll focus on developing herself first and deal with it later.

Now that things are so chaotic, she has no way to resolve this situation and can only remain silent.

Fortunately, Xiao Jingshi didn't lose his temper without thinking. Miaozhen told Mei about it, and Mei almost fainted: "I knew this person was vindictive. He ruined Gu Xiucai's family. I didn't expect him to have the nerve to write this? And he even wrote about your father and you like that."

"The key is that they didn't explicitly name us, but as soon as we got angry and jumped out, things that weren't originally ours were suddenly transferred to us. A gentleman takes revenge even after ten years; dealing with them now would only lead us into a trap," Miaozhen sighed.

Madam Mei was very worried, but Miaozhen comforted her with a smile: "Mother, the Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. I have prepared some jewelry made in the palace and some colored silks from the palace for you. I will give them to you then. When the Xiao family sends a ship to Beijing in September, Father and my brothers will be at home. I am afraid you will miss them. If you want to go back, I will make arrangements for you."

“How can I go back now? I know you're thinking of me, but it wouldn't be good to leave you here alone if I left. Let's wait until after the son-in-law's imperial examination is over. That's all, don't overthink it.”

Miaozhen had thought her mother was more concerned about the family, but she never expected Mei to be like this. She looked at Mei and said, "I really have no way to repay my parents' kindness."

From August to October, Xiao Jingshi listened to Miaozhen and stayed home to read. Miaozhen herself spent her time playing with the children and further studying previous medical records about normal delivery, difficult delivery, and miscarriage.

Cheng Yuan learned about the matter of "The Chronicle of Hanshan" and said to Cheng Shu, "Brother-in-law is too petty. So what if she didn't choose him? Why force her? Besides, Xu Miaozhen used to be a doctor in our household. She doesn't seem like that kind of person."

“How can it not be like that, sister? Why are you treating Lu Lang like this? Even my mother and third aunt said that the man surnamed Xu only fawns over my sister-in-law because she is rich and powerful, and he is perfunctory and irresponsible towards others.” Cheng Shu snorted coldly.

Cheng Yuan didn't know what to say. Her younger sister was just like her in her previous life, as if she were possessed. She had no choice but to come out and prepare to go home. Cheng Shu saw her off politely. There was a lot of noise outside, with gongs and drums beating.

"What's wrong?" Cheng Yuan asked.

Soon a maid came to report: "It is Physician Xu from Suzhou Prefecture. I heard that Consort Ma Zhen had a difficult childbirth and the prince in her womb almost died. Fortunately, she was there and the prince was born safely. The Emperor specially bestowed a plaque and ordered it to be sent over, which is why it is so lively."

Cheng Yuan thought that Xu Miaozhen hadn't experienced this in her previous life, and that she was much more successful in this one. She looked at her sister and said, "Regardless of whether someone is trying to climb the social ladder or not, they've actually succeeded now. We should always leave some room for maneuver."

Cheng Shu was taken aback.