As the night deepened, a carriage barreled into the residence of the Marquis of Dingxi, its passage accompanied by muffled cries emanating from within. All the servants had been warned beforehand; they kept their eyes fixed ahead, acting as if the carriage had never passed at all.

Having personally seen the injured son of the Prefect, both the Marquis of Dingxi and Madam Xie felt their legs weaken.

“So many physicians couldn’t help, yet that woman can truly cure him?” Madam Xie whispered to the Marquis.

“What do you mean, ‘that woman’?” The Marquis frowned, clearly displeased.

Madam Xie realized her slip of the tongue, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, turned her head, and gave a slight cough.

“The doctor said Ah Hao’s ailment is the same as Zi Qiao’s. Since Ah Hao recovered, there naturally won’t be a problem,” the Marquis said, a hint of relief in his tone. “Don’t forget, Yue Niang once saved the Old Madam’s life.”

Madam Xie sat down, silent, though a shade of doubt still lingered in her eyes.

The story of the little beggar girl ascending to favor by saving the Marchioness had long become common knowledge in the countryside, but for Madam Xie and the others in the household, their thoughts ran deeper than that.

However, only the Old Marchioness and Qi Yue Niang, grandmother and granddaughter, were present that day. What truly transpired remained unknown to anyone else. Madam Xie had once covertly ordered someone to investigate the physician who had subsequently treated the Old Marchioness, but before any answers could be extracted, the messenger drowned on the return journey. Terrified, Madam Xie never dared to harbor further suspicions again. By the time she finally felt secure enough to take control of her own destiny within the manor, the Old Madam was already gone. Even if she uncovered the truth now, it would hardly matter.

While she was lost in thought, the Marquis of Dingxi couldn't suppress a smile.

“All those doctors failed, but our Yue Niang can succeed, hahahaha.” He chuckled openly.

Madam Xie glanced at him.

“My Lord, they are near death over there,” she gestured toward the outside.

The Marquis realized his laughter was inappropriate at the moment and quickly composed himself.

“If anything happens to Zi Qiao, Shu Min won’t be able to live on.” Madam Xie sighed, her expression heavy with maternal grief—only those who have lost a son truly understand his importance to a mother…

“With Yue Niang here, there’s no issue,” the Marquis declared with unshakeable confidence.

Madam Xie scoffed.

“We’ll talk about it again once he’s cured,” she retorted.

Meanwhile, in the specially prepared side room, all the gathered physicians looked anxious, clustered in small groups, murmuring amongst themselves. Attendants bustled in and out, bringing soup, while the pained cries of Young Master Huang echoed incessantly from the inner room, his voice already hoarse.

“Does the Marquis of Dingxi’s residence truly possess such a physician?”

“This is unheard of.”

“The technique of abdominal incision for treatment has been lost for ages. Perhaps an extraordinary person has indeed obtained this secret skill.”

Just then, two more figures entered, drawing the attention of the doctors.

Hu San walked without pausing to look around. Despite the darkness, the bright lanterns illuminated every plant and tree in the Marquis’s residence, filling him with astonishment and novelty.

“Hu San!” The Eldest Senior Brother had to constantly remind him to mind his manners.

Hu San reluctantly pulled his gaze away from an octagonal lantern hanging in the room, only then noticing the crowd of physicians—those he had only heard of but never been worthy enough to meet. His face immediately lit up with renewed excitement.

“Senior Brother, Senior Brother, Doctor Zhu is here! Ah, Doctor Yuan is here too, and, and the miraculous Doctor Qian…” He couldn’t help but tug at his Senior Brother’s sleeve, eyes wide as he whispered excitedly.

The Eldest Senior Brother shook off his sleeve and bowed deeply and awkwardly to the physicians in the room.

“You have arrived,” Doctor Liu emerged from the room.

Hu San and the Eldest Senior Brother hurried over.

“Master, the medicine you requested,” the Eldest Senior Brother presented a brocade box in his hands.

Liu Pucheng nodded, reaching out to accept it.

“What is this?” one of the physicians inquired, looking at the brocade box in Liu Pucheng’s hand.

“This is what I use to alleviate Young Master Huang’s pain, so he doesn’t deplete his strength entirely before this other doctor arrives for consultation,” Liu Pucheng explained.

He did not open the box, nor did any of the other doctors request it; every physician possessed one or two secret remedies or techniques of their own.

“Master, are we really waiting for my other Master?” Hu San asked, his face flushed with excitement.

The other doctors around them grew confused, looking at him as he mentioned two Masters.

“Yes,” Liu Pucheng replied, though his expression was somewhat strange.

Hu San instantly beamed, puffing out his chest proudly, accepting the astonished gazes surrounding him.

“Oh, right, Master,” he then recalled something and leaned in to whisper to Liu Pucheng, “I came by earlier wanting to see my Master, but the people here said no such person existed.” He added, “I even asked Yuan Bao—that kid is still incredibly stubborn…”

Liu Pucheng spared him a glance, opened his mouth, but ultimately said nothing.

The three entered the room, and soon the agonizing cries from inside lessened.

“Doctor Liu’s medicine is indeed effective…”

“Why wasn’t it used sooner…”

The surprised exclamations and mild complaints of the Prefect and his wife drifted out.

“This medicine should not be used unless absolutely necessary. We are administering it now so the young master can hold on until the intended doctor arrives,” Liu Pucheng explained.

Saying this, he stepped back a few paces. Due to standing for too long, his steps grew unsteady, and the Eldest Senior Brother quickly steadied him.

“Master, is your leg alright?” the Eldest Senior Brother asked softly.

“Master’s leg?” Hu San overheard and asked, bewildered.

Seeing everyone in the room turn to look, Liu Pucheng offered a small smile.

“It’s nothing,” he said.

The Prefect, whose affection lay primarily with his son, ceased paying attention to other matters.

“Why isn’t she here yet?” The couple anxiously peered toward the door.

“This Young Madam, why isn’t she staying at home? Winter is coming, what business did she have going to the estate?” the Prefect’s wife complained.

“Mind your words; that is a private family matter,” the Prefect quickly cautioned.

The Prefect’s wife knew her remark was abrupt, pacing back and forth, silent once more.

“Oh, did my Master go out with this so-called Young Madam?” Hu San kept his ears open, not missing a single word spoken by the important people in the room. Hearing this, he immediately exchanged hushed words with his Senior Brother.

“How should I know?” The Senior Brother gave him a sidelong glance and replied under his breath.

“Hu San,” Liu Pucheng called out.

Hu San quickly turned to look at him respectfully.

“Later, when you meet your Master,” Liu Pucheng hesitated for a moment before slowly saying, “Do not shout or behave improperly. This is not the outside; this is the Marquis of Dingxi’s residence.”

Hu San grinned and nodded, though it was unclear whether he had absorbed the advice.

The east began to brighten, and the deep night receded.

Qi Yue was practically falling apart, slumped over in the violently shaking carriage.

“We’re almost home, does slowing down kill people?!” she shouted, striking the carriage floor in frustration again.

A’Ru quickly came over to rub her back.

“Do you want me to help you?” Chang Yuncheng’s voice came from outside.

“No!” Qi Yue yelled, afraid that if she hesitated even a moment longer, this man would climb in and embrace her again.

Recalling their entry into the carriage, Qi Yue shuddered involuntarily. Disgusting. “He’s in a hurry to be reincarnated,” she muttered under her breath, unable to swallow her anger.

A’Ru vigorously pounded her shoulder.

“Wrong, she’s in a hurry to save a life,” Chang Yuncheng answered from outside. Qi Yue gave a cold laugh; did he really think forcing her back could save his life!

“The Young Master has returned!”

Seeing the carriage approach, the gatekeeper shouted loudly.

Qi Yue, leaning on the arm of a servant from the second gate, stepped down from the carriage and was startled by the crowd that had gathered.

“The Young Madam has returned…” the chaotic shouts echoed.

Qi Yue was quite moved, thinking she must be popular, as everyone had missed her during her absence these past few days. Before she could express her joy at returning to the welcoming party, she was suddenly yanked away by Chang Yuncheng.

“What are you trying to do now?” Qi Yue cried out in alarm, truly frightened by this unpredictable man.

“Hurry up,” Chang Yuncheng only said this, offering no further explanation, dragging her away from the crowd and straight toward the outer courtyard.

“Let me at least change my clothes and wash my face before going to see my father to speak well of you,” Qi Yue complained, but she couldn't keep up with Chang Yuncheng’s swift pace and was pulled along in a short, hurried run.

Chang Yuncheng ignored her, pulling her along with long, swift strides into a courtyard.

This was her first time in this place, and Qi Yue couldn't help but look around curiously. Before she could ask anything, a large group of people surged out of the room, dazzling her eyes.

“Master, you’ve returned!” Hu San jumped up high amidst the crowd, spotting the woman stepping through the doorway.

No matter where or when she appeared, this woman was always this dazzling.

Hu San waved happily to greet her, but his greeting quickly cut off.

“Young Madam,” the maids and servants of the Marquis of Dingxi Residence greeted her in unison.

The Prefect’s wife, supported by two servants, hurried forward to greet her.

Because she was on good terms with Madam Xie, the Prefect’s wife often visited the Marquis of Dingxi’s residence. Naturally, upon arriving, she would pay respects to the Old Marchioness. Although these visits were few and far between due to her relationship with Madam Xie, during those rare occasions, she had seen this little beggar girl famous throughout Yongqing Prefecture. Such a beauty was unforgettable.

“You are Yue Niang, the Young Madam, Young Madam, please save my son!” She rushed forward and grabbed Qi Yue’s hand.

As these words left her mouth, both sides of the courtyard froze in stunned silence.

“Young Madam…” Hu San stood completely rigid, staring with wide, vacant eyes.

The physicians, who had been eager to see this supposed master capable of abdominal surgery, were also dumbfounded.

Save my son…

This is the physician?

A woman…

And the Young Madam of this residence?

Are you joking?

Qi Yue was also stunned.

Save my son?

She couldn't help but turn to look at Chang Yuncheng.

“Is this your mother?” she blurted out.

Chang Yuncheng fought the urge to strike her across the face.

“This is the Prefect’s wife. The Prefect’s young master is injured. You—go and see to him quickly,” he stated.

Qi Yue’s expression shifted drastically.

“Chang Yuncheng, you brought me back just to save someone?” she challenged, glaring at him.

Chang Yuncheng showed no effort to hide his contempt as he looked at her.

“Didn’t I say? I was in a hurry to save a life,” he said with a frown.

Before Qi Yue could reply, the Prefect’s wife grabbed her hand, preparing to kneel.

“Madam, Madam, there’s a misunderstanding, a complete misunderstanding! I am not a physician, please, don’t do that…” She tried frantically to support the woman while hastily explaining.

Before her words finished, another person leaped forward.

“Young Madam, Young Madam, that little girl was indeed cured by you! Young Madam, you have deceived this old man terribly…”

Qi Yue saw the elderly man approaching in a near-dancing flurry, and cold sweat immediately broke out on her forehead.

Ah Hao…

Qi Yue swallowed hard, seemingly unable to hear the shouts and clamor around her.

“Chang Yuncheng, you have ruined me!” (To be continued)