Chapter 102 (Combined Chapter)
"Mother, why is the Marquis of Yunjian's mansion being unreasonable? In the end, Father was in a position to do his job, and besides, Governor Fu gave the order back then. Why are they blaming us?" Fu'er was very indignant.
Firstly, she didn't really like the high and mighty Commander Zhao, and secondly, she felt that her family had suffered an undeserved disaster.
Miaozhen said, "The same principle applies to how your fifth aunt treats me. They are unwilling to blame the people who are truly at fault, but instead pick on the weak. Your fifth aunt, on the other hand, is still harboring wicked intentions. Because her life is getting worse and worse, she blames us more and more for her misfortunes. The people of the Yunjian Marquis's mansion are living better and better, so they look up to others even more."
Fu Jie'er couldn't help but shake her head: "Mother, what if you can't cure her?"
"If I can't cure it, I'll just take a look and then give up and look for other paths," Miaozhen said dismissively.
Things shouldn't be forced, but giving up without even trying isn't Miaozhen's style. Although Miaozhen isn't a reckless person, she will seize every opportunity.
The visiting card was sent to the Southern Garrison Command, because Zhao Rui had personally spoken to her about it. Not knowing how the others in the Yun Jian Marquis's mansion would react, Miao Zhen had no choice but to do so.
Unexpectedly, Zhao Rui received the invitation and quickly sent someone to reply that he would pick them up that afternoon.
Miaozhen received the invitation, flicked it, and then frowned, saying, "I'm afraid this Lady Zhao's illness is quite serious."
"What should we do?" Sister Fu asked worriedly.
But her mother laughed and said, "If we hadn't been desperate for medical help, I probably wouldn't have been able to show my skills at this point. I was thinking of resting for a few days after treating that young master, but it seems I won't be able to rest again."
After arriving in the capital, Fu Jie'er found herself growing up rapidly, because her mother no longer treated her like a little girl. Just like before, she thought her father was an official outside and her mother was a kind and gentle person who treated her children well and provided medicine. She was like a bodhisattva.
But now she realized that while her mother's medical skills were undoubtedly superb, her courage and resourcefulness were also crucial to earning the emperor's praise.
Her strategic thinking lay in her keen understanding of how to leave a good impression on her superiors, while remaining ruthless towards those like Fifth Aunt who pleaded for mercy, giving no one a chance to take advantage. Her courage lay in her willingness to take on tasks that others feared, unafraid of failure.
In fact, the young prince's illness had not improved for about ten days, and he even had repeated high fevers. It was thanks to his mother's repeated adjustments that he was able to achieve such results. If it were any other doctor, they would have run away long ago for fear of being implicated.
"Mother, there is still so much for me to learn from you," Fu-jie sniffed.
Miaozhen smiled and said, "I told you before that I am not as good at socializing as your third aunt, but my medical skills are not bad. You should learn from the strengths of both your third aunt and me. When you treat Lady Zhao, it will definitely not be like the young master's situation. After we finish treating the illness, we can visit your third aunt often. You can observe how she speaks and acts on a daily basis. If you can learn a little from her, I will have nothing to worry about you."
This time, she was going to take her daughter with her to the Marquis of Yunjian's residence. The reason she didn't take her daughter to the Prince Yu's residence before was twofold: first, to let her daughter rest more, and second, because it was a suspicious situation, and she was afraid that someone with ulterior motives might spread rumors.
However, the Marquis of Yunjian's family, with its prestigious official certificates, associates with people of high status. Judging by the daughter's demeanor, the Xiao family, being an official family as well, would likely have a different level of suitors.
Thinking this way, when it was time to leave, she and Sister Fu changed their clothes. Sister Fu, in particular, did not need to dress up in a dazzling way, but she had to be presentable.
Zhao Rui came to pick them up personally. Today, he was dressed in a flying fish robe with an embroidered spring knife at his waist. Because of his tall and handsome figure, he stood beside the carriage like a leopard full of power. Miao Zhen thought that it was rare to see such a young and handsome man.
"Commander Zhao, Assistant Commander." Miao Zhen curtsied.
Zhao Rui stepped aside: "Madam Xiao, please get into the carriage."
Fu Jie'er followed Miao Zhen into the carriage. The carriage of the Marquis's mansion was very spacious and had a pillow on it. It could be seen that Zhao Rui was willing to be so polite to his enemy in order to treat his mother's illness.
The Marquis of Yunjian's residence was an old and established mansion. Although it lacked the exquisite detail of Suzhou gardens, it possessed a unique spaciousness. Miaozhen had someone lead the way, her steps quick, and Zhao Rui followed in surprise.
Originally, the Yu Prince's Mansion had almost given up on that young prince, just waiting to see how long he could hold on. But unexpectedly, after being treated by Madam Xu, he was completely cured.
This was a truly capable person, and Zhao Rui dared not act rashly. He only hoped that Miaozhen could cure his mother, and he was willing to back down in many matters. Moreover, on the way to the capital, Madam Xu earnestly explained the reason. Zhao Rui was not an ordinary person; he knew that the emperor wanted to make an example of someone.
Even so, it's impossible for her to have no resentment towards the Xiao family at all.
Lady Zhao, the wife of the Marquis of Yunjian, is forty years old this year, eight years older than Miaozhen, but they look like they are from completely different generations. Lady Zhao's maiden name is Ming, and she comes from a prominent family in Zhending. Although her face is calm, she does not have any sense of resentment or blame, and she is very peaceful.
Zhao Rui introduced, "Mother, this Madam Xu is a famous gynecologist, praised even by Prince Yu and the Emperor."
Miaozhen led Fu Jie'er in a bow.
Madam Ming sighed, “These are all old ailments of mine, and they don’t need much treatment, but you, child, keep calling doctors over every day.”
"Mother..." Zhao Rui wanted to say something, but stopped herself because there were outsiders present.
Miao Zhen smiled and said, "Madam Hou, it's quite a coincidence. His Majesty ordered Prince Zhao to bring us to the capital to treat Prince Yu's son. Originally, I planned to head home after the treatment. But Prince Zhao asked me to treat you, so I sent the family's boats back first. Now that we're here, if I can't cure him, you won't suffer any loss, just like you are now. If I do cure him, it will be a blessing for the family."
To dispel the Marquis of Yun Jian's malice towards her family, she had to show a positive attitude; this was for Zhao Rui's benefit. Admittedly, Zhao Rui was now a deputy commander, but Miao Zhen hadn't lived in vain; she was practically an old sparrow from Dongting Lake.
When she spoke like this, Zhao Rui realized that she was advising Madam Ming to see a doctor. He also learned that Madam Xu usually wouldn't seek medical help if she had any ailments she was reluctant to treat. The fact that she was saying these words this time showed that she was sincere. So he smiled and said, "Yes, Mother, Madam Xu has come all this way. You can't let her come for nothing."
Miao Zhen thought this young man was sensible. Although she had married Xiao Jingshi, she clearly preferred the title of Madam Xu or Doctor Xu to titles like Madam Xiao or Lady Xiao.
Seeing that he often called her Madam Xu, she felt he was at least respectful.
Knowing that Miaozhen was no ordinary physician, but a noblewoman who had just treated the heir of Prince Yu, Madam Ming acquiesced. However, when Miaozhen was taking the pulse, many people gathered around, so she said to Madam Ming, "Madam, to be honest, I've always had rules when I see patients, which is to dismiss all irrelevant people. Most gynecological ailments involve private matters and may require undressing. It's not appropriate for so many people to be gathered around like this."
Seeing this, Madam Ming raised her hand, signaling everyone to leave.
Miaozhen first asked Ming what symptoms she had, and Ming only replied, "It's just that after menstruation, the bleeding is incessant, but it's not really a serious illness."
"Alas, you don't know my character. I never tell anyone what illnesses I've treated during my visits." Miaozhen thought that if Mingshi continued to refuse, she would take the opportunity to back down.
A doctor treats those who cherish life, and if someone who is reluctant to seek medical help is unwilling to see a doctor, she will not force them.
She had done her best for Yun Jianhou, but she still had her daughter's marriage to worry about and other things to plan for.
Unexpectedly, Madam Ming changed the subject and asked Miaozhen with a smile, "How many years has Madam Xu been seeing doctors?"
"I am thirty-two years old, and I have been studying medicine for twenty years now. More than ten years ago, I was recommended by Suzhou Prefecture to come to the capital to treat the Imperial Noble Consort and Consort Yong. At that time, I focused on gynecology, and the Emperor even bestowed a plaque upon me. Later, after giving birth, I thought that I should treat my own child, so I began to study pediatrics." Miaozhen stated her qualifications.
Seeing a Buddhist shrine in the side room of the Marquis of Yunjian's residence, I knew this person was probably a long-time Buddhist. I also noticed the prayer beads in his hands were worn down from constant use. He continued, "Madam, when the mind is free from hindrance and obstruction, there is no fear. One is far removed from distorted dreams and ultimately attains Nirvana. Actually, although your complexion is somewhat pale, your illness may not be incurable. I have previously treated cases of ectopic pregnancy, metrorrhagia, and bleeding after intercourse. The more you avoid discussing it, the more troubled you will become. It's better to speak out, and I will cure you. Your future health will be better than anything else."
...
Outside, Sister Fu was waiting in the side room. She wasn't idle; she was reading a book and showed no signs of anxiety. Zhao Rui, on the other hand, was waiting outside, feeling very anxious.
After his father was exiled to Lingnan, half of his former ambitions disappeared. Although he was the heir apparent and the legitimate son, he was not the eldest son. He actually had two older brothers, one legitimate and one illegitimate. Although the legitimate elder brother was born of the same mother as him, he was disabled and could not inherit the title. The illegitimate second brother was ambitious. Both of his brothers were already married.
Before the exile, everything was fine at home. After the exile, the eldest sister-in-law divorced the eldest brother to sever ties. Once the Marquis of Yunjian's family was exonerated and the eldest brother planned to remarry, the divorced woman wanted to come back. The second sister-in-law, however, was different. She diligently served her parents-in-law in Lingnan and was quite virtuous. The second brother had also recently become successful, and the father intended to let the second sister-in-law manage the household, so even the mother couldn't say anything.
That's why he hoped his mother's illness would get better soon so that he could take charge of the overall situation.
After waiting for about 45 minutes, Zhao Rui saw Miao Zhen come out and hurriedly went to greet her.
"This is the prescription. It contains fourteen doses. It is to be decocted in water and taken orally. It is to be taken with moxibustion three to four times every ten days. I will come to your residence once every ten days, and my daughter will come to do the moxibustion on other days." Miaozhen also intended to let her daughter take on the main responsibility.
Zhao Rui couldn't help but ask, "How is my mother's illness?"
"It's just a woman's illness. My medicine will treat the symptoms first, and then I'll prescribe some nourishing and restorative remedies. She'll get better slowly," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Zhao Rui breathed a sigh of relief: "Thank you very much."
"Look at what you're saying, this is exactly what should have been done."
After saying this, Miaozhen and Fujie took their leave. However, at the gate, they encountered a young woman in her early twenties getting off a sedan chair. She looked very worried, but the people at the side gate seemed unwilling to let her in.
After getting into the carriage, Fu'er asked curiously, "Mother, who is that woman?"
"I don't know either. Anyway, we'll be visiting their residence quite often this month, so we should find out by then," Miaozhen said with a smile.
The mother and daughter went to bed early that night, so they didn't have to go out the next day. Miaozhen relaxed well and slept until late morning without leaving her room.
After resting, she prepared some gifts and went to the third house. Madam Gao did not mention Madam Liu's visit, but she was very happy to see her: "Speaking of which, it has been several years since we sisters-in-law have seen each other. Everyone says that it is good to be an official's family, but officials are stationed everywhere and it is difficult to get together."
Gao's father had already retired from officialdom. Over the years, she and Xiao Jingtian had hoped that Xiao Jingshi could also come to the capital so that the two brothers could look after each other.
Seeing her say this, Miaozhen sighed: "Those four years spent in Fujian seem like yesterday, they went by so fast. I don't think my sister-in-law has changed much."
"I've gotten several wrinkles, I'm not what I used to be, but you haven't changed much." Madam Gao touched her belly and carefully examined Miaozhen. She really didn't notice any changes in Miaozhen.
Miaozhen exchanged a few pleasantries with her and then explained her purpose: "I was originally planning to host a banquet and invite everyone to come and have some fun, but now that you are pregnant, I'm afraid it's not advisable for you to travel around."
Madam Gao was an elderly mother, and her health could easily deteriorate if she wasn't careful. She was very careful herself, and she breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Miaozhen say this. She then had her children brought over.
Miaozhen had prepared gifts for the girls: a string of fragrant beads and a fragrant fan for each girl, and a piece of high-quality pine soot ink and two brushes for each boy.
She even gave gifts to Liu's daughter, without making any distinction.
He secretly gave Gao two bolts of palace satin, which were dazzling and beautiful. Although Gao was past the age of dressing up, women always love beautiful clothes and satin.
Madam Gao couldn't help but ask about Fu Jie'er: "You should also start paying attention to her marriage."
"I'm also worried about this. Sister-in-law, please help Fu'er find a suitable match. Jing Shi and I will thank you in the future." She dared not entrust this to others, but Miao Zhen could say a few more words to Gao Shi.
Madam Gao hurriedly said, "Why are you being so polite with me? Grand Scholar Qiao's birthday is in a few days. Sister Fu will come with me to celebrate then."
Seeing Gao's condition, Miaozhen carefully took her pulse, told her about the baby's condition, and brought her a lot of medicine to help prevent miscarriage. She also personally examined Gao's youngest son's condition before leaving in the evening.
After arriving at the Gao family's place, just as Fu Jie'er felt she needed to rest, her mother told her that she would take her to Princess Chang'an's residence the next day. That evening, she personally applied a paste made of pearl powder to her face, brewed a nourishing yin soup for her to drink, and even had the maids scent her clothes.
Fu Jie really felt that her mother's execution ability was too strong; she would go to great lengths to accomplish anything.
It is also said that when Miaozhen's visiting card was delivered to the princess's residence, Princess Chang'an was talking with her younger sister, Princess Ning'an. Although they were under the care of different people in the palace, after leaving the palace, the two lived next to each other and often talked together.
Even among the royal sisters, there are many things that cannot be said. For example, if the prince consort is to come to see the princess, the princess will summon him frequently, which will cause gossip. This is the rule.
The people who relay messages in the middle all take bribes, which has formed an entire industry chain. Everyone makes money from this, so who would want to abolish it?
Princess Chang'an never mentioned these things, but simply smiled and said, "Physician Xu will be coming tomorrow. I trust her medical skills. You should come too, and let her take a look at you."
"Is the one you're talking about, sister? She just cured Prince Yu's son?" Princess Ning'an asked.
Princess Chang'an laughed and said, "Yes, we've all met that child. The coffin was even prepared, and he was brought back to life just like that. It's truly unbelievable."
“Elder sister, I’ve heard of her reputation before. But some people say that she’s all talk and no action. They say that she only treats the symptoms, not the root cause, just like the previous wife of Governor Lu. She was very good when she was treating her, but she couldn’t do it again once she stopped.” Princess Ning’an also had some knowledge of this.
Princess Chang'an said, "I think it's not bad, but it's a matter of opinion."
Seeing her sister's resistance, she stopped talking.
After meeting Miaozhen, they remained very affectionate. Miaozhen then introduced Fujie to her, and Princess Chang'an gave her an armlet as a gift. Afterward, Miaozhen didn't mention Fujie at all, but only asked the princess, "How have you been all these years, Princess? When you were pregnant, I had to go home for mourning, and I always felt that I had let you down."
Princess Chang'an couldn't possibly discuss her affair with her husband with a court lady, so she only said a few words before Miaozhen took her leave.
As they left the princess's residence, Fu Jie'er couldn't help but say, "Mother, the princess doesn't seem to treat us as well as she used to."
“That’s normal. I’ve told your father before that if you don’t visit for three years, even relatives won’t be close. Besides, there’s a huge difference in status, and I’m not the kind of person who would deliberately try to please someone. But the princess has given you something, which you can use as a talisman. When you go to the Marquis of Yun’s residence tomorrow, wear the jewelry. That’s called using someone else’s strength against them.”
So that was her mother's idea. Fu-jie smiled slightly and asked her again, "Are you going to the Marquis of Pingjiang's residence tomorrow?"
"I'll go in a few days. Tomorrow, I'm going to the Xie family." The Xie family had proposed to marry Fu Jie'er back then, so it's not convenient for Fu Jie'er to go, since the Xie family boy she treated before was a bit weak.
Xie Dengzhi had been an official in the capital for a long time, and was now a fourth-rank official, doing even better than Xiao Jingshi. She had to pay a visit to each of Xiao Jingshi's former classmates to avoid being impolite.
When Madam Xie met Miaozhen, she treated her with great hospitality and asked, "How is your Zhao-ge'er? I remember his name is Zhao-ge'er, right?"
"She entered school last year and is now studying with us while we're on duty," Miaozhen said, bringing up the matter of Sister Fu and Brother Zheng.
Madam Xie couldn't help but ask about Fu Jie'er. Upon learning that Fu Jie'er was not yet engaged, she took up the idea of acting as matchmaker: "Speaking of which, the son of the Ministry of Justice official is currently studying under my master. He is also very talented. If you agree, you can come and take a look."
As the teacher's wife, Madam Xie genuinely felt the two were a good match. Fu'er was Xiao Jingshi's beloved daughter, and the Xiao family was wealthy. One of her uncles was also an official in the capital, and she had been educated since childhood. The son of that Ministry of Justice official was also a kind and righteous person.
Miaozhen thanked her first, and then solemnly said, "I'll talk about it in detail next time after I've finished dealing with things over there."
When Madam Xie heard that there was hope, she even sent Miaozhen to the second gate. Miaozhen did not go home, but went to Prince Yu's mansion to visit the young prince. The young prince was innocent and lovely, and very affectionate. Even though several days had passed, he still remembered Miaozhen.
After playing with the child for a while, when I returned home, Sister Fu had already returned from the Marquis of Yun Jian's residence, and she brought back a secret.
"Mother, do you know the woman we saw at the door that day? She was actually the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Yunjian's mansion. I always thought that Prince Zhao was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, but I never expected that he was the second son." Fu Jie'er explained the reason.
Miaozhen was surprised: "But since Master Zhao is going to take a wife, this woman can't possibly be a concubine, so why is she still pestering us? If she keeps pestering us like this, I'm afraid the people in the Marquis's mansion will get tired of it."
Fu Jie nodded: "You're right, that's what Prince Zhao told me too."
"He told you about his family's secrets?" Miao Zhen found it strange.
Fu Jie'er explained, "Because I was helping Lady Hou with moxibustion, that woman was, after all, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hou family. She bribed the servants in the mansion and ran to the main room, which made Lady Hou very angry. I didn't know her identity at first, so I stepped forward to warn her, saying that what she was doing was not good for Lady Hou's health."
“She still acts like the eldest daughter-in-law of the Marquis of Yun Jian’s mansion, so I can’t say anything. Then Zhao Shizi appeared and drove her away. He also told me that she had already divorced him. This time, it was only because the people from the Marquis of Yun Jian’s mansion returned and invited back many of the old servants that she was able to take advantage of the situation. He said that if I see such a thing in the future, I should focus on treating her and not worry about these things, so as not to affect the treatment of the Lady of the Marquis,” Fu Jie’er said.
So that's how it is. Miao Zhen frowned: "Even if you bribe the servants, you can't just sneak in like that."
Fu Jie'er was young and didn't know these things, but Miao Zhen, who had managed the household before, knew that if the master gave an order, unless someone below was going to do it against him, who would be willing to do such a thing?
She guessed correctly; it was indeed Second Madam Zhao who was behind this scheme. However, she took the initiative to expose the old servant who had taken the money, severely reprimanded him, and apologized to Madam Ming. Her actions even earned her praise from the clansmen and servants below.
Madam Ming was furious but could not vent her anger, so she called Zhao Rui over and said, "Look at your second sister-in-law, she is a master of saying one thing to your face and another behind your back. She did a very good job when she was in exile. Even if we told her she was wrong, your father would not believe us."
“Yes.” Zhao Rui worked in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. In this line of work, he had many enemies. With his second sister-in-law acting like this, it was possible that he would be poisoned sooner or later.
Madam Ming held her son's hand and said, "I know that Lin's betrayal has hurt you, but the woman your elder brother is preparing to marry is from a humble family and is not fit for a great responsibility. But if you marry a new wife, she will be a true lady of the heir apparent, and I will not have to worry about her managing the household."
"Grand Secretary Xu's granddaughter, the Grand Princess's daughter, and the Marquis of Dongping's eldest daughter—each one is a first-rate lady from a prestigious family. Which one do you like? Your mother will arrange the betrothal. With the power of our Yun Jian Marquis's mansion, you can marry whomever you choose."
But Zhao Rui was thinking of someone.
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