Chapter 77 (combined with another chapter)

After two days of non-stop, high-intensity work, Miaozhen went home and fell into a deep sleep. When she woke up, it was already dark. Xiaoxi came in with a candle and said with a smile, "Grandma, my brother and sister haven't eaten yet, they're just waiting for you."

Miaozhen got up and told the children about her experiences in the army. Fujie took a strand of mulberry bark thread and asked Miaozhen to teach her how to sew it onto a cloth doll. Zhaoge also wanted to learn, so she taught the children.

In addition, Zheng Ge'er was still young, so Miao Zhen simply let him sleep in her room.

The next day, she took out some money and asked Ping An to take several servants to the city to buy medicinal herbs. When the herbs arrived, she and the servants cleaned them and prepared them together. Even Fu Jie'er and Zhao Ge'er, who had finished school, came to help.

"We absolutely cannot let our guard down, because we might have to go to the military hospital to treat patients again in a few days," Miaozhen said with a smile.

Xiao Xi said, "Our family has done its best, donating ten bushels of our own grain."

“Of course, you don’t know that some soldiers are very young because they are from families that have been military households for generations and have no choice but to go to the battlefield.” Miaozhen sighed.

Nowadays, people say that the garrison soldiers are corrupt, but what Miaozhen saw was not that these people were unwilling to train, but that corruption was rampant within them. They could hardly be self-sufficient, let alone train.

After a few days at home, Miaozhen had almost finished processing all the medicinal herbs. She then led the women's army to the front line again. This time, they treated nearly three hundred people, most of whom had become more seriously injured. Even Zhang said, "They look terrible."

Miaozhen said, "Isn't that right? The Governor-General of Datong has changed again, and we don't know what will happen next."

But to her relief, the cavalry she had healed in the previous battle actually launched a surprise attack and won.

After recovering from her illness, Miaozhen unexpectedly encountered Xiao Jingshi when she came out.

"My wife..."

"I thought I was seeing things." Miao Zhen cried tears of joy, then looked him up and down: "Are you alright?"

Xiao Jingshi smiled and said, "I'm fine, I just came to see you."

"How are you?" Miaozhen was very concerned about him. She noticed that he was a bit darker and thinner, and looked as if he had been cleansed. She knew that he must have encountered many difficult things on the front lines.

Xiao Jingshi whispered, "I have already requested permission from the court to send Weng Wanda over. It's been two months now, I wonder how things are going."

"We've both done our best, don't be too hard on yourselves." Miaozhen stroked his face.

Xiao Jingshi nodded emphatically, "Yes, as long as we do it, we can have a clear conscience."

The couple exchanged only a few words before quickly separating. In reality, Xiao Jingshi couldn't hold out for much longer. Zhang Da was, after all, a veteran, and he had his own methods; not everyone would necessarily listen to him.

Fortunately, there was a truce in mid-July, allowing him to return home and catch his breath, but unexpectedly he received a transfer order.

Miaozhen was also very surprised: "You mean you're going back to the Ministry of Personnel's Performance Evaluation Department to take up a position as a principal officer?"

"Yes, His Majesty has already sent someone else to replace him." Xiao Jingshi was helpless.

Normally, the imperial inspectors would set out in August and stay for a year. However, last year the Hanlin Academy ended its term at the beginning of winter, and now it is already July. Normally, someone would come to relieve them in August, but isn't there a war going on now?

Miao Zhen didn't understand, so Xiao Jingshi said, "It is precisely because of the war that the Emperor will definitely send his trusted confidants over."

"I see," she comforted him, "In that case, let's hurry back to the capital. The Emperor will definitely summon you to deal with the situation, so you can tell him the truth about what's going on here."

They did everything they could. The couple went to the front lines, and Miaozhen herself was sick for about half a month before she recovered. Now they can only take it one step at a time.

Xiao Jingshi looked at her and said, "I'm really afraid that what you said will come true..."

"Why don't we plant a spy in the General's mansion? If General Zhang really has an accident in the future, and Qiu Luan comes to take over, this spy can also help us find evidence," Miao Zhen said.

Xiao Jingshi flicked Miaozhen's forehead: "This little girl is really smart."

Miaozhen was speechless: "Last time you said I was a tough guy, now you say I'm a little girl. I'm nothing."

Xiao Jingshi liked Miaozhen because she always looked on the bright side, and she always had insightful opinions on the questions he raised.

Therefore, Xiao Jingshi went to arrange for people to be sent, while Miaozhen informed Zhang Shi to return to the capital with them. Zhang Shi was already a widow, and it would be difficult for her to transport Cui Ningzheng's coffin back by herself, so it would be better for her to go back together.

Xiao Xi and the others were very worried: "Although Madam Cui is now on good terms with you, she wasn't very proper before, and now that she's widowed, I'm afraid—"

"I've taken precautions, don't worry," Miaozhen said confidently.

After Xiao Xi left, Zhang replied that she would meet up with them later. Miao Zhen then took a few servants to pack her luggage. Although she and Xiao Jingshi were going back to the capital, they felt that things were not yet finished, and they could only accept reality.

When they left, fearing that others would hold a farewell banquet, Xiao Jingshi made arrangements and left in the morning. Half a day later, Physician Hu saw the medicine powder at the door and said anxiously, "The court is going to issue an imperial decree to present her with a plaque. Why did she leave so quickly?"

Because they were rushing back to the capital, they hardly stopped along the way. Miaozhen lifted the carriage curtain, looked out, and sighed. It had only been eight or nine months, but the days they had spent here had been thrilling.

Zhang's spirits were not very good throughout the journey. She was originally delicate and had been rescuing people with Miaozhen. Now, due to the long journey, she developed a high fever. Fortunately, Miaozhen had some medicine for typhoid fever and had it brewed for her.

"Thank you so much, Sister Xu."

"Don't mention it. We just need to get back to the capital as soon as possible, so you must take good care of yourself," Miaozhen said with a smile.

Zhang nodded slightly. She still thought back to her days at Xuanwu University, and the thought of treating those soldiers filled her with excitement. However, realistically, she needed to return to the capital first.

Putting aside the fact that the Cui family is powerful, she has to finish observing the mourning period first. Besides, staying in Datong is also very unsafe.

As for Xiao Jingshi, she had no further thoughts, because Xiao Jingshi loved his wife dearly, and she had a good relationship with Sister Xu. If the Cui family bullied her in the future, she would need Sister Xu's help to stand up for her.

Miaozhen also knew that a widow, with no one to rely on, always wanted to seek the protection of a powerful man, even willing to become a concubine, just to have a peaceful night's sleep. But she could ask others for help, but not herself.

She was a very domineering person and didn't care if others said she was jealous. Besides, now that she was on the front lines treating soldiers, her righteous deeds were known both in the local military households and the imperial court. With such a reputation, who would care about a jealous woman? So she wasn't worried about Zhang.

The group arrived in the capital in ten days. Miaozhen parted ways with Zhang and went home with Xiao Jingshi first. As soon as Xiao Jingshi returned, he was summoned to the palace. Miaozhen washed up, her hair was greasy and tangled, her body was itchy, and she even had pimples on her face. She had to clean herself thoroughly.

Lou Qiongyu cleaned the house very well, so they could move in directly after returning without needing to clean again. After Miaozhen finished washing up, she said, "Sister-in-law, it's good that you're back. We heard there's a war outside, and we were very worried."

“It’s not just about fighting; your fourth brother even went to the front lines to supervise the troops, and I also saved nearly five hundred soldiers,” Miaozhen said with a smile.

Lou Qiongyu was taken aback: "It's that serious?"

Miaozhen nodded: "That's right, now the Emperor has sent a senior minister to replace your fourth brother."

Lou Qiongyu couldn't help but laugh and said, "But Fourth Brother has now been promoted to the position of Principal of the Ministry of Personnel. The Ministry of Personnel is not a place that just anyone can enter. The Examination and Appointment Office and the Selection Office are both top-notch government offices."

But in truth, Xiao Jingshi preferred to stay in Xuanda, something he couldn't easily tell Lou Qiongyu. Miaozhen simply asked, "Sister-in-law, has anything happened in the capital lately? How is everything at home?"

Upon hearing that her family was mentioned, Lou Qiongyu immediately said, "Our Sixth Master has already passed the imperial examination and is now a Xiucai (a successful candidate in the county-level imperial examination)."

Congratulations!

"The third branch is doing as usual. The third uncle has always been careful and diligent in his official duties. It's just that the family wrote that Grandmother's health is not very good."

If Old Madam Xiao passes away, almost all the officials in the Xiao family, from top to bottom, will have to observe mourning. For those who have already established connections, it doesn't matter, but for those without strong backgrounds or connections, it's uncertain whether they will be able to get a good official position after returning home.

No matter how capable you are, it doesn't matter if you're relegated to the sidelines.

The two chatted about everyday matters for a while. Miaozhen then got up to check on Fujie, Zhaoge, and Zhengge. Fujie felt nauseous and coughed, so Miaozhen immediately prescribed some medicine and sent someone to buy it. Zhaoge was still fast asleep and just wanted to sleep. Zhengge, however, was in better health than his older brothers and sisters. He didn't even have diarrhea and was quite energetic, asking Miaozhen to take him out to see the crape myrtle flowers.

"Aren't you tired, Erlang?" Miaozhen asked, looking at him.

Zheng Ge'er quickly shook his head: "I'm not tired, I just want to go out and play."

“You’re just like your father, a wild horse that wants to run free,” Miaozhen muttered.

As they were talking, Xiao Jingshi walked up to them with a smile and asked, "What do you mean, 'like Father'?"

Miao Zhen was surprised to see the person in question return. She smiled and said, "You didn't say anything. You looked very cheerful, so your audience with the Emperor went very well."

"Yes, His Majesty attaches great importance to the military situation at the front. After I explained everything, he specially praised me. Oh, and I also brought back the plaque for you," Xiao Jingshi said.

Miaozhen hurried out to see, and the plaque read "Heroine Physician". Xiao Jingshi added, "There is another one that reads 'Heroine Medical Camp' and has been sent to the front line."

Miaozhen herself was very pleased with the plaque and specially had it placed in her main hall. Xiao Jingshi was also honored: "Why don't we invite our relatives to have a celebration?"

"Let's not," Miaozhen said. "After we leave, we don't know how the war will go on the front lines. Celebrating now would be too high-profile, and I'm not in the mood for it."

Xiao Jingshi was also very easygoing and said, "Alright then, I'll be going to the Ministry of Personnel to take up my post in a few days, so let's just stay home and rest for a while."

Miaozhen covered her mouth and laughed, "I thought you were going to say you were going out to have some fun."

Xiao Jingshi blushed and pinched her cheek again: "You've got pimples."

After lunch, Miaozhen started arranging the housework again. Lou Qiongyu was no longer as concerned about social interactions as before and wanted to relinquish the power of managing the household. Miaozhen, on the other hand, thought that since Xiao Jingshi was now working in the Ministry of Personnel, many people would be asking for favors in the future. She worried that if someone accepted something they shouldn't have, it would affect her husband's career. Therefore, she took over the job without hesitation.

When she returned this time, she first bought four maids, all of whom were thirteen or fourteen years old, quite clever and capable. Miaozhen named them Bitao, Hongxing, Dujuan, and Huaihua respectively, and of course, Tianjie and Mi'er took care of the four of them.

Sweetie has already been betrothed to Ping An, while Mi'er has been betrothed to Qingfeng, Xiao Jingshi's servant. Miao Zhen still needs to prepare their dowries, and because of the handover, they have both been arranged to get married in October.

These two won't all stay by your side. Just like Sister Fu needs a mother to take care of her, Sister Tian and Ping An will accompany you as part of your dowry in the future.

As a mother, you have to think ahead for your daughter.

Before she could finish her work, someone from Governor Lu's residence invited her to see a doctor that evening. Miao Zhen rubbed her temples. Although she was a little tired, she still had a sedan chair prepared, and Xiao Jingshi escorted her there.

However, medicine was no longer effective for Huang. Her health was not good to begin with, and after getting married, she had a miscarriage. She also had to manage the household business. Miaozhen knew from taking her pulse that she was on her last legs.

Her pulse was thin and rapid, like the trembling of a harp string. Her shoulders and neck were so stiff that even needles could not be inserted. She could not swallow food and was very weak. She could only lie down and had difficulty breathing. After a moment of contemplation, she went out and asked someone to call Governor Lu over.

While Governor Lu was talking to Xiao Jingshi, he heard that Miaozhen had invited him over. Being a clever man, he already had a bad feeling.

When he arrived, Miaozhen said directly to her, "Madam is already on her last legs. I don't know how to treat her. Governor, why don't you invite a famous doctor to treat her?"

"Dr. Xu, just tell me what medicine you need. Why say it like this?" Governor Lu knew very well that he had consulted many doctors before, and Xu Miaozhen was even considered a very famous doctor. Her saying this meant that the disease was incurable.

Miaozhen waved her hand: "It's not a problem with the medicine, it's just that I'm not knowledgeable enough."

Governor Lu hurriedly replied, "What are you saying? Alright, I understand what you mean."

Miaozhen sighed: "If she feels better these days, just let her have whatever she wants to eat or drink."

She cured many patients, but there were also some she couldn't save. Medicine was ineffective, and Miaozhen didn't accept her consultation fee. She simply took a sedan chair and went home.

Xiao Jingshi thought she was going to cry again, but to his surprise, Miaozhen had someone bring over a pot of food for a late-night snack and asked him, "Do you want some? If you do, eat with me."

"I thought you would be sad." Xiao Jingshi thought to himself, "Why is this time different from last time?"

Miao Zhen shoveled into her rice, while Xiao Jingshi thought to himself that a woman's heart is as unfathomable as the ocean.

In reality, Miaozhen had witnessed countless deaths and injuries on the front lines these past few days. Some soldiers were so young when they went to the battlefield, and the imperial court might not even be able to provide enough food and pay. That's why Miaozhen donated ten shi of rice. Although it's not a fair comparison, Huang Shi had lived a life of luxury and enjoyed all the blessings she deserved. She had also done her best for her over the years, so she wasn't so fixated on her.

"Wait a minute, leave some food for me." Seeing her eating so heartily, Xiao Jingshi also felt hungry.

I usually walk around a bit after meals to help with digestion, but today I was just too tired and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next morning, she sent someone to the Cui family to check on things. Firstly, to let the Cui family know that Zhang Shi also had someone backing her up, and secondly, to confirm the date of the burial so that she could prepare for the roadside memorial service.

Zhang's side quickly replied, saying that in seven days, the Cui family would take the body back to their hometown for burial.

Xiao Xi also said, "Grandma Cui looks quite well. She's currently living in the Earl's mansion and even has her own courtyard."

"Yes, that puts my mind at ease," Miaozhen said.

"But I heard that the garrison commander died in the line of duty and his title was hereditary. The Cui family wants to adopt a child for Grandma Cui." Xiao Xi told her the information she had gathered.

Miaozhen said, "If it were me, I would just remarry with my dowry. If I were adopted, I would have to be careful, and it would be even worse if the family line were cut off. It seems peaceful now, but there will be many disputes later."

Xiao Xi sighed, "That depends on what the Zhang family says."

“The Zhang family didn’t ask a single question beforehand. I think they were afraid of offending the Cui family. It seems that it’s not necessarily good for parents to be rich and powerful. They also need to love their children.” Miaozhen felt this deeply.

Anyway, Zhang was a comrade-in-arms who had fought alongside her on the front lines, so she would definitely help in any way she could.

Speaking of her family, Miaozhen immediately wrote a thick letter and asked Xiao Jingshi to take it back to his parents once their ship arrived. Although Xiao Jingshi had a fairly good relationship with his parents, Miaozhen seemed to have a better one with them.

Meanwhile, in the imperial court, Weng Wanda, who had been in mourning at home, finally arrived in the capital. Because of Xiao Jingshi's recommendation, he learned that Weng Wanda had carbuncles on his back and specially asked Miaozhen for some. Miaozhen had previously studied carbuncles for Huang Shi, and she said, "I know of a medicine called Wan Jin Gao, but the ingredients are hard to find."

After Xiao Jingshi asked her to list them out, he found them all within a day, and Miaozhen made the medicine at the pharmacy.

Historically, Weng Wanda had angered the emperor several times by citing the mourning period for his father. Now, thanks to Xiao Jingshi's early recommendation, he was reinstated as Minister of War and concurrently served as Governor of Datong.

Of course, besides making medicine, Miaozhen also asked Xiao Jingshi to check what the carbuncle on his back looked like and what the symptoms were. Hearing that it was sunken, she said, "Good heavens, if it is a red pustules with white pus heads, you can prick it with a needle to let the pus flow out, and then do moxibustion. But if it is already sunken, you can only use moxibustion, moxibustion on the Fengmen acupoint. If the wound is painful, moxibustion will continue until it is no longer painful, and if it is not painful, moxibustion will continue until it is painful."

However, she thought there were many famous doctors specializing in sores and ulcers in the capital, so she would only share her own insights.

Xiao Jingshi thought to himself that it would be great if he could really be cured, but now that he was no longer on the front lines, and there were many famous doctors in the capital, he said, "I will also tell him what you said."

"That's good. By the way, my Wan Jin Gao (a traditional Chinese medicine paste) is almost ready. Once it's no longer sticky, I'll spread it on some paper, and you can take it over," Miao Zhen said with a smile.

No sooner had she finished speaking than Xiao Jingshi leaned down and kissed her.

Miaozhen wiped the drool off her face with a handkerchief in disgust: "How annoying."

Xiao Jingshi smiled broadly.

After the medicine was delivered, Xiao Jingshi stayed at the Weng family's house for a while. Minister Weng also inquired about the border situation from him, and Xiao Jingshi placed his hopes on him, hoping that he could suppress Qiu Luan.

After finishing with the Wan Jin Gao (a traditional Chinese medicine ointment), Miao Zhen also got busy. The Xie and Zhang families, who had a good relationship with Xiao Jingshi in the Hanlin Academy, were hosting banquets. They were all close friends, and Miao Zhen brought her children along.

Madam Xie took a liking to Fu Jie'er immediately, and seeing Fu Jie'er and Xie Xian vying to recite poems, she quickly pointed them out to Miao Zhen: "Look how good they are."

"Yes." Because Miaozhen raised Fujie'er very well, many families were interested in arranging a marriage between them. However, Miaozhen thought it would be better to wait until the child was older. Otherwise, arranging a marriage now would be a complete constraint on her daughter.

Xie Xian's illness was cured by her, but her body is still a bit weak. Just like Xiao Jingshi, whom her father found for her, who is strong enough to fight wolves and tigers, she also needs to find a healthy man for her daughter.

Madam Xie was somewhat disappointed that Miaozhen did not respond, but the two families still had a good relationship and were both respectable people, so they maintained a friendly facade.

However, after returning, Xiao Jingshi learned that the Tatars had invaded Datong and that General Zhang Da had been killed in battle. The Emperor and Grand Secretary Yan both favored Qiu Luan and appointed him as the General of Datong.

"After going around in circles, we still couldn't stop it." Xiao Jingshi sighed in frustration.

"It's alright. Now that Minister Weng has gone to the front lines, his position is higher than his. He might not dare to do what I dreamed of. Besides, even if he did do what I dreamed of, we have people to find out," Miaozhen comforted her.

Xiao Jingshi sighed: "That's true."

These two little ants have already changed many things; it would be difficult to change them completely.

A few days later, the palace summoned Miaozhen to treat the eldest princess. However, she was unexpectedly taken to the Qianqing Palace, the emperor's office, when she entered the palace.

It seems the emperor wants to see her.

Upon seeing the Emperor, Miaozhen quickly bowed and said, "This humble woman greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"

"Rise. I summoned you to the palace because I have something to ask you," the Emperor said, looking at her.

Miaozhen quickly agreed. When the Emperor asked about the wounded at the front, she made a rough estimate: "There are nearly two thousand people in the camp. I, along with the widow of the late Commander Cui and several military households' wives, have treated about five hundred people. Most of them attacked the cavalry, and the cavalry were the most seriously injured, but fortunately, because of proper treatment, very few died."

Seeing the emperor pondering, she thought to herself that it was a good thing that the emperor was not one to easily trust anyone.

Then the Jiajing Emperor asked, "In your opinion, why did such a war occur?"

"It is a matter of great importance to the nation and its people, and I, a mere woman, dare not presume to comment," Miaozhen said cautiously.

Emperor Jiajing waved his hand: "It's alright, just speak, I will forgive you."

When Miaozhen heard him ask this, she said, "I heard that it was because of the tribute issue and the absence of Lord Weng that they dared to attack like this. They even said in their extreme anger, 'We will return in the autumn and cross the border to rob the capital.'"

She was able to say these things precisely because she wasn't an official of the imperial court, and she didn't know how to speak tactfully; her responses were very blunt, but they struck right at people's hearts.

After a long while, Emperor Jiajing asked her, "Can these problems be solved by simply paying tribute?"

Miaozhen shook her head: "I don't understand grand principles, but when I was young, I admired Su Dongpo so much that when I read Chao Cuo's essay, I was deeply moved by a sentence: 'I can express what I want to say, and I can also contain what I want to say, and then I can have a reason to speak to the world.' If someone suggests that you should pay tribute to the emperor, you must be able to entrust this matter to a capable minister who can handle it well. Otherwise, if it is not handled well in the future, Your Majesty will have to bear the consequences."

Emperor Jiajing was surprised that this woman was so knowledgeable, and he couldn't help but laugh and say, "That's very true."

“Your Majesty, it is not that I, your humble servant, am trying to boost the morale of others and diminish our own prestige, but the capital is a place of utmost importance. You are of noble birth and must be well protected. The safety of countless subjects rests on the shoulders of Your Majesty.” Miaozhen finished speaking and bowed three times.

Emperor Jiajing, who had spent many years practicing Taoism, was actually quite indifferent in nature, but seeing Miaozhen's eyes filled with tears, he couldn't help but nod and say, "I understand."

He then asked many questions about the front lines, and Miaozhen answered them all. After a while, she came out of the Qianqing Palace, feeling both excited and a little scared.

When they got home, Xiao Jingshi saw that her eyes were wide open and quickly asked, "What's wrong? Is the eldest princess's illness difficult to treat?"

Miaozhen then recounted what had happened that day, saying, "I didn't give a proper answer before the palace at all; I just made things up. I even said that someone killed someone else's envoy, which is wrong. What should I do?"

Unexpectedly, Xiao Jingshi slapped his thigh and said, "You really hit the nail on the head by accident, you're absolutely right."

Miaozhen wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger. I'm really afraid I'll say the wrong thing."

"You're not wrong, you're the kind of person who can defeat a master with a flurry of punches," Xiao Jingshi laughed.

But after he finished speaking, he felt a pang of anxiety. The Emperor had already taken a liking to Zhenzhen; he would have to keep a closer eye on her in the future.