Ma Xiaoda was already at his wit's end, down to his last pair of underpants. Early that morning, the two of them sat worriedly in the James Residence. They had lost the heart even to deploy the Thirty-Six Stratagems. Ma Xiaoda sighed, "We absolutely cannot disband these horse guards. I snuck over to inspect them the day before yesterday. Ha! With those four hundred crossbowmen hurling javelins on command, even a thousand horse bandits couldn't withstand five rounds. It would be too great a waste to break up such an army."

"But if we can't feed them or pay their wages, we can't keep them," I replied. "I'm not familiar with Twin Stars. Did you have any luck finding a wealthy family needing medical treatment for you to help with?"

Ma Xiaoda slapped his backside. "Oh, I completely forgot about that matter! Bai Shi, Bai Shi, hurry in here!"

Bai Shi, hearing the Crown Prince’s call from outside the study, rushed in immediately. The Jinglue was responsible for the Prince's daily conduct and etiquette, while Bai Shi handled minor matters like food and clothing. "What are Your Highness’s orders?"

Ma Xiaoda asked, "Did you find any rich patients I asked you to look for a few days ago?"

Bai Shi bowed. "Reporting to Your Highness, I sent people to inquire. It seems there hasn't been news of any wealthy merchant or high official falling ill recently. There is only... only..."

Ma Xiaoda was growing impatient. "Only what? Spit it out! You’re stammering like a girl."

Bai Shi hesitated. "Only Director Huang Qing of the Ministry of War’s Armaments Division seems to have fallen ill recently."

Ma Xiaoda sounded doubtful. "The Armaments Division probably isn't that lucrative. How much consultation fee can we get from treating him? First, tell me what his illness is?"

Bai Shi replied, "Reporting to Your Highness, although the Armaments Division doesn't seem profitable, the military administration offices in every region and the various Guards' posts within the Imperial Forest Army must make offerings to the Armaments Division annually to secure top-quality military gear. Even though the Jin Kingdom stopped supplying us with armaments these past two years, the foundation he accumulated before must be substantial."

Ma Xiaoda’s eyebrows shot up. "Then hurry and tell me what his illness is, so Imperial Physician Zhao can judge if he’s treatable."

Bai Shi hesitated again. "It is rumored... it is rumored that Director Huang suffers from restlessness, inability to sit or lie down comfortably, and bloody stools. Several doctors have seen him without being able to diagnose the cause, nor is there any effective medicine. Since the matter of the stools is so delicate, your servant dared not speak of it lightly to offend Your Highness's ears."

Ma Xiaoda was embarrassed upon hearing this and turned to me. "Imperial Physician Zhao, do you treat diseases involving... that? Perhaps we should find someone else."

Bloody stools, barring complications, should be hemorrhoids. Surely they recognize this ailment here? Just like when Madam Wu had an allergic reaction last time—some common ailments on Earth are considered complex and rare diseases here. I do have Xiao Zhi Zhen (Hemorrhoid-Reducing Needles); they are high-tech products from the Hua Pharmaceutical Group. Usually, one injection stops the itching and alleviates the condition, and two to three needles cure it. If we can make some money, it might be worth a try. I recall having a needle case containing twelve doses. Judging by their conventional understanding, they are quite unfamiliar with Western medicine; perhaps even one needle will suffice.

"It should work, perhaps. How will we know if we don’t try? But how much will he pay? We aren't practicing altruism right now; we need to secure an economic income."

Ma Xiaoda chuckled slyly. "I'll have Bai Shi go probe him first. If the brat is stingy, we’ll forget it and let him keep bleeding. After all, I don’t know the man. If he’s smart, he’ll witness Imperial Physician Zhao’s medical skill—it’s cheap for him to be treated by a Royal Physician."

Bai Shi hastily left the James Residence for the Armaments Division in the Central City to gather intelligence. I, meanwhile, went to the rear courtyard of the James Residence to tinker with my papermaking technique. Since arriving at Twin Stars, I haven't seen a single sheet of paper. Putting aside the waste of white silk cloth, there isn't even toilet paper. And it’s especially inconvenient for Yun Yao and the others when their monthly cycles come around. I certainly can't manufacture sanitary napkins, but I should at least be able to make some rough paper. Constantly having to scrape with a small wooden sliver when relieving oneself is damn uncomfortable.

Twin Stars lacks paper. Wiping with silk cloth is entirely impractical. However, the people here aren't stupid; they’ve likely devised methods similar to what ancient people in the Great Dragon Kingdom came up with: smoothing a small wooden board until it’s slick, scraping one's backside with it when needed, then rinsing it clean with water for reuse. Or some simply use water to wash directly. For someone from modern civilization, the feeling of awkwardness this situation causes is immense.

I'm not trying to invent paper here to immortalize my name. I know that beyond the wormhole lies a civilization vastly superior to this one. Once we can return to Earth, the state of civilization on Twin Stars will change. Why bother with inventions here? Anything produced with their weak foundational industry should be considered scrap. My invention is merely to solve an immediate problem. There are emergencies both external and internal here. Making rough paper to wipe with is one thing, but more critically, if paper can be sold, we can fund more troops. Then, launching a major search for the other four women would surely yield better results.

Ma Xiaoda followed behind me, puzzled. "Say, Zhao Qian, what are you doing grinding away in this mortar? Should I find someone to help? You’re sweating buckets; my heart aches for you, Your Highness."

I tossed some retrieved bark and hemp fibers into the stone mortar. "I am conducting an experiment my ancestors once performed. This matter is extremely sacred, so I must do it myself. Besides, we need to keep this secret for now. Aren't we out of money? I plan to be self-reliant and start building our enterprise arduously."

Ma Xiaoda pointed at the pile of refuse. "What are you making then? Bark, hemp fibers—can these sell for money? Do you plan to grind them into rice flour? That’s cheating people."

I shot him a look. "This is papermaking. Bark and hemp fibers are worthless, but after processing, they become a different commodity that can be sold. Turning something worthless into something valuable—that's where the profit lies."

Ma Xiaoda became interested and squatted beside me. "Paper? What’s that?"

I gave him a brief overview. Ma Xiaoda was overjoyed. "This is excellent! If such cheap paper truly exists, think how much silk cloth it would save! The cost of that is astronomical. We’ll be rich, richer than a kingdom! We can build as many armies as we want!"

"Whether it succeeds is not certain yet. I’m only doing a preliminary experiment. Since there are plenty of forests here, we don’t need to worry about a shortage of wood pulp. It’s just that modern industrial papermaking techniques certainly won't apply here. I just hope to produce some rough paper, even if it’s only fit for wiping or if it can’t be written on."

Ma Xiaoda paid no heed to my worries and enthusiastically declared, "I'll help you grind! As long as we can successfully manufacture it, we can use it for anything! Scholar Zhan Shi’s ingenious ideas are endless; I can’t help but admire him."

"Who are you admiring?" a childish female voice rang out.

Ma Xiaoda and I looked up to see Ma Xiaorui and Ma Xiaowei, surprisingly accompanied by Xu Chen! Was she allowed out of the sleeping quarters? Was she looking at me? Why were her eyes so melancholic, making my own heart feel hazy?

"Hey, as a teacher, what are you staring at? Believe it or not, I’ll have someone dig out your eyeballs," Ma Xiaorui said, noticing me staring unblinkingly at Xu Chen’s eyes. She waved her hand in front of mine. This princess had none of the royal dignity; she was even wilder than Linglong.

I dropped the pestle I was holding and bowed. "Your humble servant pays respects to the three Princesses."

Ma Xiaowei and Xu Chen performed slight curtsies, but Ma Xiaorui completely ignored me. She was even more spirited than Ma Xiaoda as she went to examine the pile of hemp scraps and bark. "Brother, what is this? Are you just making trouble because you’re well-fed? What is this for?" Ma Xiaorui had no idea what was in the mortar, showing less knowledge than her own younger brother—she didn't even know that 'rice grows from a mortar.'

What is hidden from others need not be hidden from one's own sister. Moreover, that person was her creditor. If she demanded repayment, it would be troublesome. Ma Xiaoda explained, "We are making paper, do you understand? Paper is a kind of low-cost silk cloth. Once we have it, I can earn a lot of money."

Ma Xiaorui looked confused. "Brother, when you rule the entire world, why do you need to make money?"

Ma Xiaoda paused; he hadn't considered that question before. "Yes, you reminded me, and I almost forgot. But the world isn't mine right now, is it? Can’t I earn some money to spend first?"

Ma Xiaorui retorted, "I forgot about money until you mentioned it. We are here to demand repayment. Didn't you say you only borrowed it for two days? How many days has it been? It’s time to pay up. That was the only savings I have with Fifteenth Sister. You hurry and return it. Fifteenth Sister lent you her dowry! And you just vanished. Now we have to find you ourselves."

Ma Xiaowei quickly explained, afraid her brother would misunderstand that they had come to the James Residence to collect a debt. "Brother, don't listen to Xiaorui's nonsense. Imperial Sister Xu Chen is always so quiet, so we asked Father Emperor's permission to take her out for a walk. We happened to pass by the James Residence gate and decided to come in and see. But tell us, is the paper you mentioned earlier made from these scraps?"

Ma Xiaoda confirmed, "Naturally. Otherwise, why would I say the cost is low? If this were to debut, it would undoubtedly be a major invention that influences the civilizational progress of the Twin Stars nation. Before, we always used silk to record literature; the cost was so high, and it was hard for the common people to access. If, as Scholar Zhan Shi says, we have paper, the transmission of civilization and the capacity for invention will greatly increase."

Ma Xiaowei asked, "Is this Scholar Zhan Shi’s invention?"

Ma Xiaoda declared proudly, "Of course. What kind of person is Scholar Zhan Shi? Having him here is the fortune of our Twin Stars nation."

Ma Xiaowei looked at me with admiration, which made me quite uncomfortable. "Your Highness, Princesses, you misunderstand. Paper may not have existed here before, but in my homeland, it is extremely common..."

"I remember, I remember!" Xu Chen suddenly exclaimed with delight. She hadn't said anything until now. I had dared not pay her much attention after the first glance, lest Ma Xiaorui misunderstand again.

Ma Xiaorui was startled. "Elder Sister, what... what do you remember? You’re startling people by exclaiming like that."

Xu Chen unexpectedly rushed toward me, grabbing my shoulders with both hands. "Scholar Zhan Shi, tell me quickly, your homeland... does your homeland use paper? I think I remember now! I know the concept of paper, and drawing. I remember drawing before! I finally remember!"

Heavens have opened their eyes! I nearly cried out 'Chen Chen,' but seeing Ma Xiaorui watching like a tiger, I dared not be presumptuous. Being held like this by Xu Chen was happiness enough. "Princess, have you remembered everything? Look at me closely, who am I?"

Ma Xiaorui saw us touching intimately and suddenly stepped forward to pull Xu Chen away. Then she turned to me. "Scholar Zhan Shi, did you lose your memory too? How can you not even remember who you are?"

I couldn't be bothered with Ma Xiaorui and instead stared anxiously at Xu Chen. Xu Chen looked at me seriously. "Are... are you not Scholar Zhan Shi? I only remembered paper and drawing. As for other things, I haven't recalled them yet."

I was slightly disappointed, but seeing Xu Chen’s fragile appearance, I couldn't bear to force her to recall more. I said gently, "No rush, no rush. Please don't have another incident like last time. Think slowly. Come out and walk around more often; I believe you will remember more things."

Xu Chen nodded. "Thank you, Imperial Physician Zhao. You have contributed the most to this. Also... I really like that painting you drew. Every time I see it, it gives me a strange feeling. Perhaps it truly is a painting that heals. It’s quite possible I might grasp something from the painting someday."

Happiness arrives so quickly. I thought Xu Chen’s situation was very troublesome, but unexpectedly, recalling parts of her memory was triggered by the topic of paper—that’s a good omen. It's also gratifying that the painting is having an effect. Although it didn't make Xu Chen remember everything at once, it has at least captured her attention. Given time, she will recall her forgotten memories.

Ma Xiaorui had long stopped caring about what Xu Chen and I were discussing. She was far more interested in the stone mortar. Seeing Ma Xiaoda vigorously pounding the contents with a pestle, she snatched it from him. "Let me try! Brother, you say pounding these broken scraps will make them valuable? Will you return our New Year’s money once you earn it? Fifteenth Sister is too embarrassed to ask. I’m young, you won’t scold me, will you?"

Ma Xiaoda broke into a sweat. When he borrowed the money, he was terrified his sisters wouldn't lend it, promising to return it in a couple of days. Now, he was getting poorer, not only unable to repay the debt but needing to go out to practice medicine to earn living expenses.

"I won't scold you. I feel very guilty for borrowing the money. You are right; as soon as we make and sell paper, we will immediately pay you and Fifteenth Sister back. Sixteenth Sister, you’re the closest in age to me in the palace. With so many older sisters, I only feel comfortable talking to you two. If you don't help me, no one will help your little brother."

Ma Xiaoda was delighted that Ma Xiaorui was placated, and he stopped pounding. He hugged his thirteen-year-old sister. "Sister, you are too good to me! Let me give you a hug to show my gratitude."

Ma Xiaorui blushed and ran away. "Little Ma Da, you’ve grown up! I’m not messing around with you anymore. I’m a girl now!"

Ma Xiaoda was confused. "What's wrong, Sixteenth Sister? Didn't you let me hug you like this before?"

Ma Xiaorui insisted, "Before was before, and now is now. In any case, you cannot touch me again in the future! Hmph, men and women should not be too close!"

Ma Xiaoda, of course, did not know that his sister had gotten her first period the night before. Fortunately, with guidance from the senior Ma Xiaowei, she knew she was now a real woman and had to strictly discipline herself, hence her reaction today.

Bai Shi scurried back, looking delighted. "Your Highness, Your Highness! Good news, good news! Oh, the three Princesses are here too. Let me pay my respects to the Princesses!"

Ma Xiaoda was anxious. "Stop paying respects first and tell us the good news! Is he willing to pay?"

Ma Xiaowei and Xu Chen had heard talk of money constantly today, and they looked at me questioningly. Ma Xiaowei knew that although her brother could be naughty sometimes, he never obsessed over making money himself. Whatever Bai Shi was saying must relate to me.

I deliberately pretended not to see their questioning gazes. Bai Shi began to explain: "Yes, Your Highness! Director Huang was overjoyed to hear that Imperial Physician Zhao has a secret remedy. But I subtly expressed some difficulty. Guess what happened? Haha!"

As he spoke, Bai Shi pulled out a pouch from his robes. It clinked—it was clearly iron coins. Judging by the size of the pouch, there had to be several hundred pieces. Bai Shi continued, "Director Huang immediately stuffed a bag of iron coins into my hand, stating that if his illness is cured, he will not only offer a generous consultation fee to Imperial Physician Zhao but also reward this servant. However, as I serve the Crown Prince, how could I covet Huang Qing's money? Thus, I have presented all I received to Your Highness."

Ma Xiaoda snatched the bag of iron coins and thrust it into my hand. "Zhao Qian, see? Now the soldiers have money for their meals tomorrow. Shouldn’t we go earn the pay for the end of the month?"

I was also eager, rubbing my hands together. It seemed the old man had quite a nest egg. It would be good to scrape some of it away. "Alright, let’s go."

"Where are you going?" Ma Xiaorui finally couldn't help but ask.

Ma Xiaoda said as he walked, "We are going to do important business. You girls wouldn't understand."

Xu Chen hesitated. "Is Imperial Physician Zhao going out to treat someone?"

Ma Xiaowei asked, "Brother, did you invest all the money in the Imperial Stables? Is there a problem, that you need to rely on Imperial Physician Zhao making money through house calls to maintain the troops?"

Ma Xiaoda huffed, "Ah, you don't understand! You girls don't need to concern yourselves with these matters."

Ma Xiaorui protested, "No, no! We have an investment in this! If you don't explain clearly, you can't go!"

Ma Xiaoda paused. He had indeed borrowed money from his sisters; they could be considered shareholders. Besides, the entire court knew about this. Was there any need to hide it from them?

"What else could it be? Father Emperor couldn't provide the funds for the Imperial Stables, so both I and Zhao Qian used our private funds for everything, from selecting new land outside the city to building the horse guards. Now, they are about to run out of provisions, and we are trying to find a solution. I heard Huang Qing of the Armaments Division is sick, and we decided to 'collect' a payment from him. You should return to the palace quickly. We need to figure out how to slip out of the Inner City; treating the patient and earning money is urgent! Ah, life is so tight these days. My three Elder Sisters, you must not mention my involvement in this to anyone, or things will become very troublesome."

When it came to court matters, Ma Xiaorui dared not be flippant. She nodded, barely understanding, along with her two sisters. "Brother, can we follow you out to take a look? You know we’ve never been outside the Inner City our whole lives. It’s you who sneaks out often recently. Fifteenth Sister and I are quite envious."

Ma Xiaoda refused, "No, no! It’s too dangerous for you girls to leave the Inner City. Stay home and play. Besides, we aren't going on an outing; we are going to treat an illness. Treating illnesses is a very troublesome matter, do you understand?"

As long as she could get out of the Inner City, Ma Xiaorui didn't care about the rest. She threatened, "I’ll just ask if you’re taking us or not, or I’ll tell Father Emperor about your private funding of the Imperial Stables. That violates ancestral precepts, and you’ll surely get scolded by Father Emperor again. And sneaking out of the palace—your previous confinement for meditation hasn't even ended! If you do it again, hmph, see how Father Emperor punishes you."

Ma Xiaoda looked at me helplessly. If only Ma Xiaorui were coming, I would never agree, but if Xu Chen came too, I could consider it. I looked towards Ma Xiaowei and Xu Chen. Ma Xiaowei clearly looked excited, but she restrained her feelings. "Brother, if it’s possible, let us take Imperial Sister Xu Chen out for some fresh air. It might benefit her recovery."

I chimed in my agreement. "Yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince, Fifteenth Princess is correct. Furthermore, as you saw today, Her Highness Xu Chen remembered many things just by going out for a turn. Besides, we are only going to the Central City; security should not be an issue."

Ma Xiaoda was perceptive; though young, he wasn't simple-minded. Knowing I wanted to create an opportunity to spend time with Xu Chen, he nodded. "Alright. Since Scholar Zhan Shi pleaded on your behalf, I’ll allow it. Bai Shi, hurry up and figure out a way. We will all disguise ourselves as Imperial Physician Zhao's attendants to treat that Huang Qing. This fellow must have had great fortune in a past life; it’s unprecedented for a Crown Prince and Princesses to offer house calls to a subject. Of course, we should also take a detour through the marketplace on the way."

Naturally, I would bring my assistant, Linglong, for the lesson, but after a secret discussion with Ma Xiaoda today, Linglong had gone to the servants' quarters to wait. Soon, the five of us, after changing our appearances and dismissing the guards, emerged from the study. Linglong was startled when she saw a group of attendants behind me who looked even more effeminate than she was.

"M-Master, th-they...?"

Ma Xiaoda quickly interjected, "Don't ask, Fourth Sister Linglong. These are my sisters. We are all going to impersonate Imperial Physician Zhao's assistants to treat the patient."

Linglong recognized Xu Chen and smiled slightly, asking no further questions. Instead, she said, "Master, if we are making a house call, we need to go home to fetch the medicine box."

Ma Xiaoda waved it off. "No, no, no. It’s a good opportunity to take a circuitous route and see the scenery in the Central City. Let's go."

The guards at the Inner City gate naturally recognized Bai Shi. "Eunuch Bai, where is this large group of yours headed?"

Bai Shi stepped forward with a hearty laugh. "Brother soldier, I am accompanying Imperial Physician Zhao on an urgent errand under orders from the Crown Prince. There is a critically ill patient in the Middle City, so the Imperial Physician has brought along several assistants. We request your cooperation."

The guard captain, a Baihu, nodded. "Eunuch Bai is too kind. Since it is by order of the Crown Prince, you may pass."

Once outside the city gate, Ma Xiaorui asked, "Was it really that simple? They just let us through?"

Ma Xiaoda retorted, "What else did you expect? Is my reputation not enough for them to honor?"

Ma Xiaorui pressed, "So, from now on, if we use your banner, can we enter and leave the Inner City freely?"

Bai Shi replied, "Your Highness the Princess, leaving the Inner City is relatively easy as long as you aren't smuggling private goods. But entering requires strict checks. While with this old servant leading the way, they might hesitate to search bodies, the Crown Prince and Your Highnesses are important figures from the palace. Some of these soldiers might recognize your faces. If one day you slip past their notice, it could cause trouble. Therefore, for urgent matters, it's best not to leave the Inner City. This old servant does this for Your Highnesses' safety."

Not long after they left, they entered a bustling commercial street. Ma Xiaorui pointed ahead. "Look, is that a restaurant? And next to it—is that the rouge shop Sister described to me? Quick, let's go inside and have a look!"

Ma Xiaorui bolted like an unbroken mare, completely beyond Ma Xiaoda's control—truly like a lamb loose in a wheat field, ungovernable. Everyone else had no choice but to quicken their pace to keep up behind her. I whispered to Linglong, "Go home and fetch the medical kit. We'll walk ahead along this street for now."

Linglong hesitated. "If I leave, what about your safety?"

Linglong's concern deeply touched me. "It's fine, I have my laser pistol with me. Besides, this is the Middle City; no one without a certain status can enter easily. Go quickly and return. A few minutes shouldn't bring any accident."

When Linglong returned with the medical kit, Ma Xiaorui still hadn't finished browsing. However, with Ma Xiaowei holding onto her and Ma Xiaoda giving her a displeased look, they finally managed to pull her away from a flower shop. The entourage then proceeded grandly toward the residence of Director Huang Qing of the Military Armament Department.

Before knocking, Ma Xiaorui declared that this time they absolutely had to witness the Divine Physician's treatment firsthand, or she would report me to Mada for deceiving the public. Ma Xiaowei, though not as eager for excitement as her sister, thought gaining knowledge would be beneficial. As for Ma Xiaoda, he already knew Huang Qing suffered from bloody stools and was eager to see how I would treat it, so he actively supported his sister’s proposal. I thought to myself, You want to see me treat hemorrhoids? Fine, I’ll show you a big backside later.

Director Huang Qing was a shrewd, stout man under forty. Upon hearing the Imperial Physician had arrived, he personally greeted them at the door. "Imperial Physician Zhao, I've long admired you, long admired you! Eunuch Bai, thank you for your trouble, thank you for your trouble."

I cupped my hands in a salute. "Director Huang is too polite. It's rare that this junior has a chance to assist you. I will rely on Director Huang for much support in the future."

Director Huang replied, "Physician Zhao is too modest. Who doesn't know that you, Physician Zhao, are the Emperor's new favorite, full of talent? That you would condescend to visit an external official to treat an illness truly humbles me. It's just this affliction of mine… alas, perhaps we should discuss it inside."

Bai Shi respectfully positioned himself behind Ma Xiaoda and the others. It seemed the hierarchy here was quite strict; even though Ma Xiaoda was currently disguised as an attendant, Bai Shi dared not walk ahead of him.

Upon entering the Huang residence, a steward ushered in the assistants I brought. Normally, such retainers were not allowed in the main hall, but I had already promised Ma Xiaorui, so how could I let them wait downstairs? I spoke up, "Director Huang, these are all my assistants and apprentices. They will be needed during the treatment."

Huang Qing looked slightly embarrassed but conceded, "Since that is the case, please let them come in together."

Huang Qing instructed the servants to prepare tea and arrange a luncheon. I didn't even sit down and stopped him. "Director Huang, treating the illness is paramount. Moreover, I have other pressing matters. After the examination, I must leave. Please forgo lunch. Could you tell me about the condition quickly?"

Huang Qing felt awkward speaking in front of the crowd. I smiled. "Lord Huang need not be embarrassed. Based on Eunuch Bai's description, you likely suffer from a common ailment. As the saying goes, 'Nine out of ten people have hemorrhoids.' This is nothing to be ashamed of. As physicians, we hold no judgment regarding a patient's condition. You only need to describe your symptoms. If confirmed, I can begin treatment immediately."

Bai Shi interjected, "Why, Director Huang, do you not trust Physician Zhao? Of all the palace physicians, who else could you invite besides Physician Zhao? Physician Zhao is amiable and approachable. Why hesitate? If he refuses to treat you, you’ll just have to suffer the itching until you die."

Initially, Huang Qing had sought help from palace physicians, but those who had resided in the palace for years disdained treating external officials and naturally ignored his pleas. Now, not only had he secured a physician, but seeing that Physician Zhao seemed utterly confident, he was overjoyed. His ailment was somewhat embarrassing to discuss, but if it could be completely cured, he would tell anyone—not just the assistants and students from the Imperial Medical Academy, but everyone in the entire Shuangcheng.

"It is truly my fortune to have secured Physician Zhao. My ailment is a long story. The current symptom is severe bleeding during defecation…"

A soft gasp came from the side, quickly stifled. I looked up to see Ma Xiaorui. This girl didn't believe I could cure illnesses and insisted on tagging along for the excitement. Upon hearing "bloody stools," she couldn't bear it. Little did she know I planned to show her a big backside soon. Ma Xiaowei stood right behind Ma Xiaorui; it was she who had covered her sister's mouth just then to prevent a scene.

I said to Huang Qing, "Director Huang, please disregard it. A new apprentice of mine does not yet know propriety; I will discipline her thoroughly later."

Huang Qing nodded and continued, "The bleeding is accompanied by sharp pain, not to mention the unbearable itching that persists daily around the defecation area. This suffering is truly agonizing. I implore Physician Zhao's divine skill for a cure. I would be eternally grateful."

I asked Huang Qing, "Do you feel any foreign object there?"

Huang Qing shook his head. I confirmed it was hemorrhoids, a very severe case. The Xiao Zhi injection could treat it completely. I stated, "I will administer the medicine immediately. Please lie over the chair and expose one side of your buttocks."

"What?" Huang Qing questioned doubtfully. "Aren't you going to write a prescription for the pharmacy to fill? Why do I need to expose my buttocks? Is Physician Zhao going to examine me? That… that is truly too embarrassing."

Linglong was long past being surprised; she hadn't flinched when I performed surgery before. Exposing one buttock was no big deal. She placed the medical kit on the table for me and stood aside silently. But Ma Xiaorui, Ma Xiaowei, and Xu Chen seemed quite overwhelmed. Ma Xiaowei internally cursed Ma Xiaorui for insisting on coming to see if the physician could truly heal; now they had heard things they shouldn't have, and on top of that, they were about to see someone’s backside! Of course, none of them would stare openly at Huang Qing's backside, but simply being present in the awkward situation was unbearable.

I opened the medical kit and took out a small case holding twelve syringe ampules, along with disposable syringes. I had already administered one injection to Zhao Fang in the small town, so giving another injection now felt second nature. I expertly drew the solution into the syringe. "Director Huang, my method of healing differs from other physicians. This is a Western medicine injection. One shot will immediately alleviate the condition. This method is fast-acting with significant results, and it avoids the hassle of boiling decoctions. Please, do not hesitate to expose your buttocks."

When Huang Qing heard the pain would be immediately relieved, he hesitated no longer. He pulled down his trousers, bent over the chair, presenting both large cheeks. This nearly made Bai Shi curse him—it was a serious disrespect to the Crown Prince. Ma Xiaoda pulled Bai Shi aside. This method of treatment was unheard of; even if Huang Qing stripped entirely, he wouldn't mind. As for Xu Chen, Ma Xiaowei, and the others, they turned their faces away, unable to watch. Ma Xiaorui especially regretted her skepticism; she vowed never to doubt Physician Zhao again, lest she miss out on some other bizarre method he might employ next time she tagged along.

I found some antiseptic alcohol swabs in the kit and cleaned Huang Qing's backside before plunging the needle in. Huang Qing let out a muffled sound as I rapidly injected the medicine. Short pain is better than long pain. Injection done, mission accomplished. Now the key issue was whether he would be sensible enough to pay.

Huang Qing grimaced, pulling up his trousers. He asked me, "Physician Zhao, is it done?"

I replied, "We must wait a moment for the medicine to circulate through the blood. If there's no effect in half an hour, you can smash my signboard."

Huang Qing thought to himself, Your signboard was bestowed by the Emperor; who dares smash it? Enduring the pain in half his rear, he said, "Honorable guests, please sit, please sit. Let us have some tea and chat. Eunuch Bai, please take the seat of honor. I am truly grateful for your visit today. I shall certainly offer a generous gift in thanks."

Upon hearing of a generous gift, Ma Xiaoda, who had been watching from below, broke into a wide grin. No one would believe that he, the Crown Prince of the realm, had come to a minor official's home to practice medicine just for money.

After a few pleasantries, I learned that the Imperial Physicians of Shuangcheng Nation were generally aloof and disdained leaving the Inner City to treat outsiders. Even when external officials requested their service from the Imperial Medical Academy, they rarely accepted. This wasn't due to an imperial decree forbidding them from earning extra income; rather, they inherited their status as imperial physicians for generations, and their current salaries were already astonishingly high. In contrast, I, as a newcomer to the Academy, received only five iron coins a month—practically nothing compared to them. However, if I served for a century or two, my salary would eventually increase. Haha, this wasn't too different from the official promotion system in the Great Long Nation on Earth, except here the status was hereditary, and promotions meant salary only increased, never decreased.

Initially, Huang Qing sat perched on one corner of a chair, looking very constrained. I knew he was suffering from the itch below. If it worsened, it would turn to pain, and once a lump formed, it would be more troublesome to treat. Fortunately, it was an early stage; this single injection should cure it, and the effects would show soon. Indeed, after drinking less than two cups of tea, the tension in Huang Qing's brow gradually eased, and his posture slowly returned to normal.

"Physician Zhao's divine skill is indeed unparalleled," Huang Qing rose and bowed respectfully. "I feel much more comfortable. This Western medicine injection takes effect with incredible speed! I am impressed, truly impressed. My reverence for Divine Physician Zhao is like the continuous flow of a high mountain stream..."

Bai Shi didn't care for Huang Qing's flattery. He stood up and said, "Director Huang, since you are recovered, and Physician Zhao is new to Shuangcheng and has been rushing around for a living, he must leave soon to attend another patient. Alas, such a hard life, striving to earn money so his family can live better—it is truly difficult for him."

Huang Qing could not misunderstand Bai Shi's meaning. The pain and itching in that area had tormented him for days. If it were elsewhere, a few scratches might suffice, but he couldn't very well use his hand to constantly dig there! Now, things were set right; the area felt fresh, lifting his spirits. Even if the ailment returned tomorrow, he wouldn't fear it as long as Physician Zhao was around. Thus, establishing a good relationship required paying a significant consultation fee today—a welcome gift, so to speak.

Linglong had privately received an explanation from Ma Xiaoda, realizing this trip was arranged for extortion. She stepped forward to pack the medical kit. "Master, this type of injection is exceedingly expensive. You cannot use it carelessly in the future. Since the extinction of nineteen of the eighty-one necessary medicinal herbs, these injections are becoming scarcer—truly priceless. What if we ourselves need emergency treatment later?"

I feigned difficulty. "Yes, I understand that principle. I will no longer sell this injection externally. However, Director Huang is not an outsider, and his condition requires at least one more dose tomorrow..."

Learning that he needed another injection the next day, Huang Qing certainly didn't wish to endure that pain and itching again. Therefore, even if he didn't want to bleed money today, he had to. Otherwise, if Physician Zhao felt stingy and refused treatment, or if the condition relapsed later, his salvation would entirely depend on the relationship forged today. Money was external; it could be earned again. So, he hastily interrupted.

"Physician Zhao's grace in saving me, Huang Qing will never forget. Attendants! Prepare the consultation fee for Physician Zhao!"

Those who planned to extort were waiting for this very phrase, their eyes fixed intently on the hall door. Four servants entered the hall, panting as they carried a sack, which they unceremoniously dropped onto the floor with a thud. By its bulk, it looked to be seven or eight thousand coins, perhaps ten thousand at most. Good heavens, with that amount, selling all twelve Xiao Zhi injections to him would be worth it.

However, I couldn't help but wonder: is the wealth of the Shuangcheng Nation only represented by iron coins? Don't they use jade or jewels? This was frustrating. I recalled seeing Ma Xiaowei give gems to Xu Chen that day, assuming gems were popular here. It seemed values differed from place to place.

Huang Qing bowed and pointed at the bag on the floor. "Physician Zhao, please accept this small token of my respect. From now on, my health will depend entirely on Physician Zhao’s care. I only pray I won't have to suffer that vile itching again."

I chuckled. "Haha, Director Huang, you are too polite. How can this humble one accept such generosity..."

Clunk, clunk, clunk. Ma Xiaoda strode into the hall and immediately tried to lift the sack of iron coins. After failing to budge it with a few tugs, he called out to Bai Shi, "Eunuch Bai, come and help! Let's carry this back quickly; we're waiting for rice at home."

Sweat! I hadn't even finished my polite refusal, and Ma Xiaoda was already giving me such 'face.' I offered an awkward smile to Huang Qing. "Director Huang, please forgive the spectacle. This humble one... ah, it's a long story. Being new here, I need to make connections everywhere, and I have many assistants and apprentices. In fact, we haven't secured dinner for tonight. It’s truly… truly..."

Huang Qing looked magnanimous. "Physician Zhao, what are you saying? Rest assured, as long as I, Huang Qing, have food to eat, you, Physician Zhao, will never starve. If you don't treat me as an outsider, perhaps we can address each other as brothers from now on. Even if I, the elder brother, impose, I beg you not to refuse."

More sweat. I ended up forming a sworn brotherhood! But looking at Huang Qing's sincere expression, and considering the massive sack of money he just gave, how could I refuse? So, I could only bow. "Elder Brother Huang, I accept your kind offer. This junior will not be impolite."

The money was secured, and Huang Qing’s ailment was mostly better. I only needed to stop by here tomorrow when I went to lecture at the Scholar's Residence to give Huang Qing a second injection, ensuring no relapse. However, hemorrhoids develop for a reason. Before leaving, I whispered detailed instructions to Huang Qing: strengthen the anal sphincter muscles, perform Kegel exercises when idle, defecate regularly to prevent constipation, and maintain frequent cleaning… I imparted all my experience, moving Huang Qing to the verge of tears. Finally, he dispatched four servants to help us carry the sack of iron coins back to the Zhao Residence on Ginkgo Alley.

The original plan was for Ma Xiaoda to take the three princesses back to the Inner City. However, Ma Xiaorui had become addicted to the outing and insisted on visiting the Zhao Residence again. Since I supported this (my true aim being Xu Chen), Ma Xiaoda decided they would eat at the Zhao Residence before slipping back into the Inner City.

On the road, Ma Xiaorui whispered to Ma Xiaowei with a smile, "Fifteenth Sister, didn't you say you wanted to know what kind of consort Father Emperor will choose for you next year? I say, let Father Emperor just decree a marriage between you and Physician Zhao! Look how handsome and dashing this Physician Zhao is, and he genuinely knows how to heal! He earns this much from a single treatment—think about it, even a Grand Tutor wouldn't earn this much in a day! With a husband like that, you won't have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of your life! Plus, Physician Zhao has a good temper and won't take it out on you; he even knows about the 'beauty trap'..."

"Y-you, you, you dare speak of it!" Ma Xiaowei wished she could find a hole to crawl into. "Stop talking! If they hear you, how can I ever show my face again?"

Ma Xiaorui ignored her fifteenth sister's embarrassment and called out to the person walking ahead. "Hey, Physician Zhao, I ask you, do you have a wife at home?"

Linglong turned back alertly and asked Ma Xiaorui, "Why are you asking that?"

Ma Xiaorui grew slightly annoyed. "I wasn't asking you, I was asking Physician Zhao! You are only his assistant teacher; don't interrupt when we are speaking."

"You!" Linglong was momentarily speechless with anger, but she knew the speaker was a princess. Causing trouble for the Master would surely displease him. Still, she absolutely couldn't let this spoiled princess dominate the conversation. Linglong’s eyes darted, and she instantly thought of a solution. "Your Highness the Princess, you ask the right person about this. I know more about his affairs than anyone."

Seeing that the people ahead were whispering to her brother and hadn't noticed her question, Ma Xiaorui swallowed her princess pride and tried to negotiate with Linglong. "Alright then, I ask you: is Physician Zhao married?"

Linglong firmly stated, "No! I guarantee he is not married. He has absolutely not performed the rites of heaven and earth." Ma Xiaorui was ecstatic. "That's wonderful! Sister..."

Linglong suddenly added, "However, according to the Master, his son is due to be born soon."

"Ah!" Ma Xiaorui nearly stumbled and fell, thankfully caught by Ma Xiaowei, who was pinching her arm nearby. Ma Xiaowei was mortified; this Imperial Sister was too reckless, asking such things when she even dared to consider them! But she couldn't scold her loudly, and when she whispered reminders, the girl wouldn't listen, pretending not to feel the pinches.

"He's not married, but his son is coming soon? What kind of logic is that?" Ma Xiaorui pushed Ma Xiaowei aside and asked Linglong.

Linglong replied mysteriously, "Secret!"

Ma Xiaorui pouted. "Hmph, I know. He must have done something bad and then refused responsibility for the woman, resulting in this situation. A heartless man! Sister, let's ignore him. Don't be sad; your little sister will find you someone better later."

Ma Xiaowei was so angry and ashamed she nearly fainted. Her sister spoke with no sense of propriety whatsoever. What nonsense was this? Fortunately, the people in front couldn't hear their conversation; otherwise, she truly couldn't face the world.

Linglong smiled widely. "Yes, yes, a man like that is not suitable for you royal princesses. You should look for someone else."

Though Xu Chen had been silent throughout the journey, she was quite interested in the scenery of the Middle City. Being confined in the palace for so long, getting out for a turn really lifted her spirits. Furthermore, recalling a few things in the Scholar's Residence—things that belonged to her but had been forgotten—though few, they were like a spark igniting a prairie fire. Many previously vague impressions now sprang forth vividly. This was a good omen; Physician Zhao’s medical skill was truly profound.

"Brother Zhao, you’re back," Yun Yao greeted us as we arrived at the Zhao Residence. Seeing the unfamiliar faces behind me, she asked, "Who are these people? Chenchen! Are you… are you well? Come in quickly, quickly!"

The four servants who helped carry the iron coins had already left after receiving their rewards from the old steward. I turned to Yun Yao. "Yun Yao, you’ve mistaken her. This is not Chenchen; this is Her Highness Princess Xu Chen."

Yun Yao immediately understood: Xu Chen had lost her memory and currently appeared like a stranger to her. I introduced the three princesses one by one. Ma Xiaorui asked me, "Physician Zhao, who is this beautiful young lady? Surely she isn't that poor soul who is about to give birth? I didn't realize you targeted beauties; you truly deserve death."

I said angrily, "Your Highness the Sixteenth Princess, I do not understand what you are saying. She is my fiancée, my promised wife. My fiancée who is about to give birth is far away in my hometown. If you wish to see her, that can be arranged another time. Please do not slander this humble official's reputation further."

Ma Xiaorui completely ignored my anger, stating, "So you're engaged, and you even have three wives and several concubines. You truly are no good. Good thing I exposed your true colors in time, or wouldn't that have been a disaster for my fifteenth sister?"

Ma Xiaowei pulled her sister behind her, apologizing to Yun Yao, "Sister Yun, please don't be angry. My sister is just like this, constantly causing trouble like a child all day long. I don't know what nonsense she’s spouting."

Yun Yao smiled gently, "It's nothing. Let's all go to the front hall for some tea."

Ma Xiaoda was solely focused on knowing how many iron coins they had earned this time. Entering the hall, he declared, "You all drink your tea. Zhao Qian and I need to count the iron coins."

Bai Shi dared not tire the Crown Prince, saying, "Your old servant will help His Highness."

Ma Xiaowei countered, "Let's all do it together. Let each of us count a pile, and then we'll tally the total. Many hands make light work, and this way we can verify the haul quickly. As we were leaving, Huang Qing secretly slipped another bag of iron coins to Bai Shi. Naturally, Bai Shi handed it over truthfully. The total verified count came to just over eight thousand iron coins. Such savings for the Director of the Ordnance Department in the Military Affairs Bureau—ha! The Dual City Nation is certainly wealthy, at least its officials are."

Ma Xiaorui clutched a handful of coins, clearly reluctant to let them go; she seemed to be a bit of a miser. Ma Xiaoda said to his elder sister, "Sixteenth Sister, do you want me to pay you back the money? Fine, I can pay you back, but I’ll revoke your shares in the Imperial Horse Bureau. From now on, no matter how much we earn, it will have nothing to do with you."

Ma Xiaorui pulled Ma Xiaowei aside and whispered, "Fifteenth Sister, I think we should keep investing. This Doctor Zhao has some skill. If we truly profit, won't we regret backing out? Look, in just a short while, he’s brought in eight thousand iron coins. Following him seems like a surefire profit, doesn't it?"

Ma Xiaowei forced a bitter smile, "You decide. I don't need that money anyway. All your sister asks is that whatever you do in the future, don't drag me into it anymore. Oh, you, you are just too reckless! Some things simply cannot be said carelessly, do you understand that?"

Ma Xiaorui stuck out her tongue, "Alright, Fifteenth Sister, I’m still young. I'll naturally improve when I grow up. It’s settled then. Later, I’ll have the Imperial Brother write us an IOU to prevent him from getting lazy about accounting if we make money."

After discussing with Ma Xiaoda, Linglong, and Yun Yao, it was decided that five thousand of the eight thousand iron coins would be sent immediately, escorted by Ah San and Ah Si, to the Imperial Horse Bureau, while the remaining three thousand would be kept at the residence for immediate use.

When Ah San and Ah Si were summoned to the front hall, they learned that the Imperial Horse Bureau had received new funds. They exclaimed joyfully, "Lord Zhao, this is truly rain in a drought! You have no idea, this morning, because the kitchens were about to run out of supplies, rumors started spreading in the barracks. They said our Imperial Horse Bureau was treated like an outsider, unwanted by either uncle or grandmother, that the Ministry of Revenue wasn't allocating funds, and that we wouldn't receive our stipends by the end of the month."

I pointed to a bag of iron coins and laughed, "Aren't those rumors now dispelled? Now that you have this, the rumors fall apart on their own. How is your recent training progressing?"

Ah San replied, "Reporting to Your Lordship, we dare not slack off for a moment. We follow the training schedule set by Your Lordship every day. However, My Lord, we don't have enough horses. Can five hundred men really handle horse bandits?"

Ma Xiaoda jumped in, "Who said we were dealing with horse bandits..."

Fearing Ma Xiaoda might let something slip, I quickly interjected, "The Horse Guard protects horses; they are the garrison force for the Imperial Horse Bureau. We are far from the border; where would we find bandits to fight? You only need to train the soldiers according to the plan I set. Tomorrow, I will write out the military regulations and discipline. At that time, you five Hundred-Household Commanders must implement them strictly. The most crucial aspect for a soldier is obeying orders; otherwise, the unit will be scattered like sand, and nothing can be achieved. Also, I will prepare a manual on flag signaling soon. On the battlefield, transmitting orders depends entirely on flag signals. Every soldier and officer must master the basic signals. Alright, you two should escort the iron coins back to the Imperial Horse Bureau to stabilize the troops. Go on, train hard. There will certainly be opportunities for you all to achieve merit in the future."

Ah San and Ah Si accepted the orders and left. Yun Yao took Xu Chen to tour the various parts of the Zhao residence. Ma Xiaoda turned to me, "Now that we finally have some capital, shouldn't we arrange for the crossbows to be forged right away?"

"We will forge them," I affirmed, "and we will forge the highest quality crossbow mechanisms—ones with greater range, higher accuracy, and easier portability."

Ma Xiaoda rolled his eyes, "I want that too, but where do we get the iron? Even if we had iron, forging the crossbows you describe is another problem."

I chuckled, "Leave that to me. As for the iron..." I pointed to the bag of coins on the floor, "Isn't that readily available right here?"

Ma Xiaoda was startled, "What... what do you mean? Are you suggesting we melt down currency to forge crossbows?"

I replied, "What’s wrong with that? It’s better to let this iron serve its true purpose than to let it sit uselessly in their hands."

Ma Xiaoda countered, "But the problem is, how do we get those wealthy men to hand it over?"

I smiled, "Just find us a few more sick people. Next time, we'll raise the consultation fee significantly. We won't treat minor illnesses. Each session will cost one hundred thousand. Take it or leave it. Of course, I’m not planning on making too many iron crossbows—let's start with one hundred units. As for the other four hundred, we'll make the standard models."