Soon after, Xu Yuehuai and the other palace maids brought the dishes to the hall and then respectfully stepped aside.

A table of delicious-looking and fragrant dishes was placed in front of the Empress Dowager. The dishes not only looked tempting, but also emitted an enticing aroma that made one's mouth water.

The Empress Dowager looked at the dishes before her, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction and delight.

She began to savor the dishes, her face beaming with satisfaction and happiness. Every bite brought her surprise and joy, and she couldn't help but exclaim, "Xiaoyue, you're getting better and better! These dishes are not only delicious, but they also have beauty and skin-nourishing effects—it's truly rare!"

Hearing the Empress Dowager's praise, Xu Yuehuai felt incredibly gratified and proud. She knew that her hard work and dedication had paid off, and she resolved to continue striving to cook more delicious dishes for the Empress Dowager, hoping to gain better treatment in the palace and make things easier for her in the future.

The Empress Dowager smiled with satisfaction. She looked at Xu Yuehuai and said, "Xiaoyue, you should cook these dishes for me often from now on. I really love their delicious taste and health benefits."

Xu Yuehuai respectfully replied, "Yes, as long as Your Majesty is pleased!"

From that day on, Xu Yuehuai became the Empress Dowager's gourmet connoisseur. She not only cooked various delicacies for the Empress Dowager but also frequently researched new recipes, bringing her more surprises and satisfaction. Her culinary skills became increasingly refined, earning not only the Empress Dowager's praise and affection but also the respect and admiration of the other palace maids.

......

However, Xu Yuehuai was still worried about the Ghost Doctor's condition, and she hoped to find a way to save him as soon as possible.

When Xu Yuehuai returned to her room, it was already evening. She pushed open the door and saw the Ghost Doctor still lying on the bed, pale and lifeless. A pang of pain shot through her heart, but she knew she couldn't collapse; she had to be strong, for the Ghost Doctor's sake and for her own.

She walked to the bedside and gently touched the Ghost Doctor's forehead, feeling the faint pulse beating beneath his skin. She felt a little more at ease; at least she knew the Ghost Doctor was still alive.

Xu Yuehuai busied herself preparing some light food, intending to feed it to the Ghost Doctor after he woke up. She sat by the bedside, watching over him, waiting for him to awaken.

Time passed slowly, and sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the entire space.

Xu Yuehuai finally saw the Ghost Doctor slowly open his eyes. His gaze was somewhat confused, but when he saw Xu Yuehuai, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes.

"You're awake," Xu Yuehuai said softly, her voice filled with joy and relief.

The Ghost Doctor smiled slightly and nodded weakly: "Did you save me?"

Xu Yuehua nodded: "Yes, I've always been by your side."

The Ghost Doctor looked at Xu Yuehuai gratefully: "Thank you."

Xu Yuehuai shook her head: "No need to thank me, we are friends."

The two looked at each other and smiled, as if all the difficulties and pain had vanished in that moment.

But when Xu Yuehuai's gaze fell on the Ghost Doctor's withered body, she couldn't help but sigh. The Ghost Doctor, who was once famous throughout the martial arts world, now appeared so fragile.

A hint of worry flashed in Xu Yuehuai's eyes, and she asked softly, "Is the person who has been imprisoning you your brother?"

"Cough cough cough..."

Upon hearing this, the Ghost Doctor's coughing intensified, as if each cough was tearing at his heart and lungs. He waved his hand, signaling Xu Yuehuai not to ask any more questions. His face was pale, and his eyes revealed deep weariness and helplessness.

Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai's heart tightened. She knew the Ghost Doctor's personality; unless he had something difficult to say, he wouldn't avoid the question like this. She stopped pressing him and simply sat quietly to the side, waiting for the Ghost Doctor to speak.

After a long while, the Ghost Doctor's coughing gradually subsided. He looked up at Xu Yuehuai, sighed, and said, "Why did you suddenly come to the palace?"

Xu Yuehua frowned slightly and briefly recounted the events to the Ghost Doctor. She mentioned that Qi Guze had been kidnapped, Tie Xiong and the others were missing, and she had no choice but to come to the palace to investigate.

After hearing this, the Ghost Doctor remained silent for a moment, then said, "Unfortunately, I am also in dire straits myself and cannot help you."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuehuai's heart sank. She knew that the Ghost Doctor's medical skills were superb, and his martial arts were also very strong. Since he had his own influence in Dongsang Kingdom, if he were willing to take action, perhaps things would turn around. But now it seemed that the Ghost Doctor was also being held back by some force.

She couldn't help but ask, "What exactly happened to you?"

The Ghost Doctor fell silent again, a flicker of pain and struggle in his eyes. Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai grew even more worried. She didn't press him further, but simply sat silently beside him, keeping him company through the long early morning.

Time passed slowly, and the atmosphere in the room grew increasingly oppressive. Xu Yuehuai looked at the increasingly emaciated man on the sickbed, a sense of powerlessness welling up inside her. She knew her strength was limited, and she couldn't help the Ghost Doctor escape his predicament. But she still refused to give up; she hoped to find a way to help the Ghost Doctor regain his strength.

So she began to try talking to the Ghost Doctor, hoping to ease his mood. She talked about interesting things in the martial arts world, about their past adventures and experiences. She tried to use these fond memories to awaken the Ghost Doctor's inner strength.

Gradually, a light began to appear in the Ghost Doctor's eyes. He began to respond to Xu Yuehuai's questions, and although his voice was still weak, at least he was willing to speak.

Seeing this, Xu Yuehuai felt a surge of joy. She knew her efforts had not been in vain, and the Ghost Doctor was slowly emerging from his predicament.

The morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, illuminating her earnest face as she intently prepared a medicinal soup for the Ghost Doctor. Amidst the cooking fumes, her eyes were filled with determination and anticipation, as if the soup contained boundless hope that could dispel the gloom surrounding the Ghost Doctor.

Although she knew the road to recovery would be long and arduous, Xu Yuehuai never gave up. She firmly believed that as long as she had faith in her heart, no difficulty was insurmountable. She carefully poured the brewed medicine into a delicate porcelain bowl, gently blew away the steam, and then brought it to the Ghost Doctor's bedside.

Under Xu Yuehuai's meticulous care, the Ghost Doctor's mental state gradually improved. His face was no longer so pale, and some light returned to his eyes.

He began to analyze the case with Xu Yuehuai and search for the whereabouts of Tie Xiong and others.

Every night, the two would sit in the room and discuss the details of the case in hushed tones.

Their conversations were always so careful, as if they were afraid of disturbing the outside world.

Xu Yuehuai's voice was soft yet firm as she elaborated on her insights, while the Ghost Doctor nodded occasionally and frowned in deep thought. Their expressions were focused and serious, as if the whole world had frozen in that moment.