“Mother, what is this you say?” he asked, “Of course, I listen to you…”
Madam Xie sneered at him.
“Where did you go today?” she asked.
Chang Yuncheng hesitated for a moment...
“Had a good time running around with that woman, didn't you?” Madam Xie asked with a cold laugh, “Surely, your father didn't force you to do that, did he?”
“No, I didn’t,” Chang Yuncheng quickly replied, “I... I just wanted to check on the Qianjin Hall. After all... after all, this matter is somewhat related. I wanted to see if there were any follow-up things to be done. Yue Niang heard about it and wanted to go too. She and Doctor Liu have gone through thick and thin together; I had no reason to stop her…”
Madam Xie scrutinized him, her expression severe.
“Is that truly so?” she asked.
That’s how it was... that’s what he had intended.
Chang Yuncheng nodded heavily.
“Don't go there again,” Madam Xie’s expression softened slightly. She reached out and pulled him up, saying, “What is there to see at a mere apothecary? Those low-born wretches are like blood-sucking flies; once they attach themselves, you can never shake them off. Stay far away from them.”
Chang Yuncheng stood up.
“Mother, they are good people,” he said.
This child always spoke what was on his mind, never just saying things to placate her. Hearing this, Madam Xie wasn't angry; instead, she felt more relieved, knowing he wouldn't lie to her.
“Your father’s foolish actions always make you bear the consequences,” Madam Xie sighed, motioning for Chang Yuncheng to sit down, “That woman didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?”
Chang Yuncheng managed an unnatural smile and shook his head.
“No, how would she dare? Besides, what reason would she have to cause trouble,” he said.
“Is she the sort to know where her boundaries lie?” Madam Xie scoffed dismissively.
Chang Yuncheng rubbed the bridge of his nose.
“Mother, actually, Yue Niang, she... she...” he began hesitantly.
“As for her, I have my own plans. You don't need to worry,” Madam Xie said, feeling a pang of sympathy seeing Chang Yuncheng’s troubled expression.
It was all this lowly maidservant’s fault that Chang Yuncheng couldn't even find peace in his own home.
“It will be New Year soon, and I can’t get away. You haven’t visited your maternal grandfather and the others since you returned. Why don’t you take some New Year gifts over there?” Madam Xie suggested.
Chang Yuncheng nodded in agreement.
“When I first returned, I went to see my maternal grandmother. She hasn’t been well, and I’ve been worried about her,” he mentioned.
Speaking of his mother, Madam Xie’s expression softened further.
“Yes, she is getting old. If you can visit her often, do so. Who knows what the next time will bring...” she trailed off with a sigh.
Chang Yuncheng’s expression also clouded slightly. His maternal grandmother had always been frail. If... if that woman could go and perhaps help cure her...
Would his mother like her a little more then?
Chang Yuncheng’s spirits instantly lifted.
“I’ll go prepare immediately,” he said.
“Still acting like you did when you were little, getting all excited at the mention of visiting your maternal grandmother’s house,” Madam Xie chuckled.
Chang Yuncheng touched his nose, excusing himself with a touch of awkwardness.
Madam Xie then picked up the lunar calendar booklet and discussed the exact day to visit with Mama Su, finally setting the day for the day after tomorrow.
“Go inform the Second Madam,” Madam Xie said, setting down the book.
Mama Su paused briefly. Why would the Heir need to inform the Second Madam about visiting his maternal grandmother? But she didn't ask anything and left upon receiving the instruction.
Meanwhile, Chang Yuncheng returned to his courtyard. Qi Yue was already asleep.
“...The Young Mistress and Sister A’ru are utterly exhausted. They fell asleep as soon as they got back...” Qiu Xiang said cautiously, watching Chang Yuncheng’s expression, worried he might be angry that the Young Mistress hadn't waited up for him.
Chang Yuncheng glanced toward the curtain separating the adjoining room.
“Have they eaten?” he asked in a low voice.
Qiu Xiang was momentarily taken aback.
“No...” she replied hastily.
Chang Yuncheng frowned, glanced at the other room again, and then went in to wash up.
Qiu Xiang rubbed her eyes. Good heavens, was she mistaken? The Heir’s expression seemed... a little concerned?
Qi Yue woke up in the middle of the night. The charcoal fire in the room was still burning warmly. She stretched her arm out from under the covers and sat up, using the light from the floor lamp.
She listened carefully; the outside was utterly silent, clearly the latter half of the night.
Accustomed to not having servants stay in the room overnight, Qi Yue got up herself to pour water. Just as she walked over to light a lamp, footsteps sounded from outside.
“Awake?” Chang Yuncheng’s voice followed as he lifted the curtain and entered.
Qi Yue was startled and watched him approach, dressed in his casual, soft-cloth attire—a crab-shell blue inner robe and trousers, and soft cloth shoes.
“You sleep very lightly,” Qi Yue frowned, saying, “Then don't blame me for disturbing you.”
Chang Yuncheng glanced at her.
This woman’s mind always worked differently from ordinary people. What was she thinking now!
“Do you want some late-night snack?” he asked.
Qi Yue looked at him while taking a sip of water.
“What are you looking at?” Chang Yuncheng felt inexplicably irritated, mixed with a touch of panic. Did she guess he had specifically prepared this for her? This... this was too embarrassing...
“You’re quite handsome,” Qi Yue said casually, tilting her head back to finish half a cup of water.
Chang Yuncheng was baffled by this non-sequitur response.
“I am naturally handsome,” he mumbled.
Qi Yue chuckled softly.
“Bring the late-night snack!” Chang Yuncheng, slightly vexed, turned and called out toward the exterior.
A flurry of light footsteps sounded outside the door, and soon two night-duty maids entered carrying a food box. They placed it on the table, bowed respectfully, and retreated.
Chang Yuncheng lifted the lid of the food box, and a rich aroma immediately wafted out.
Qi Yue couldn't help but sniff, instantly whetting her appetite.
“This is Pork Rib and Chestnut Soup,” Chang Yuncheng said, serving a bowl.
Qi Yue sat down and rubbed her hands together.
“You didn’t put any drugs in it, did you?” she asked, looking up at Chang Yuncheng again.
“I did. Enough to kill an ox,” Chang Yuncheng replied coolly.
Qi Yue laughed heartily, reached out, took the bowl, and took a large mouthful.
“Mmm...” She raised her eyebrows. Not bad, not bad at all. It was even better than what she ate in her modern life, given that the meat and chestnuts here were organically raised without pollution, and all ingredients for the soup were fresh and natural.
Chang Yuncheng sat down and served himself a bowl. The lamp on the table illuminated the two people happily and sweetly enjoying their meal.
“You’re not a bad person to have as a friend,” Qi Yue suddenly remarked.
Chang Yuncheng’s ladle paused.
“That’s not for you to judge,” he said lightly.
Qi Yue pouted and stopped talking, finishing her bowl in three quick bites.
“Eat some more,” Chang Yuncheng said.
“No, I need to go back to sleep. Can’t eat too much,” Qi Yue waved her hand and stood up.
Chang Yuncheng lowered his head and chewed a piece of meat.
“We’re going to Shan Ning Residence the day after tomorrow,” he said.
Shan Ning Residence?
“Your mother’s family home?” Qi Yue asked.
Why did he phrase it so circuitously?
“My maternal family home,” Chang Yuncheng frowned and corrected her.
Qi Yue gave an ‘oh’ and said no more.
Chang Yuncheng slowly drank his soup. The night wind puffed against the window, causing the candle flame to flicker.
Having an extra person in the room gave this winter night a unique flavor.
The corners of Chang Yuncheng’s mouth curved upward slightly.
“Hey, uh, are you done eating?” Qi Yue asked. “I want to go back to sleep for a bit longer.”
Chang Yuncheng stopped, lowered his face.
The maidservant cleared the things away, reapplied incense, and retreated. Chang Yuncheng also stood up and walked toward his own chamber.
“Hey, thanks,” Qi Yue called out from behind him.
Chang Yuncheng’s steps did not falter; he seemed not to have heard as he lifted the curtain and left.
This person, he was truly... very contradictory, Qi Yue shook her head and blew out the lamp on the table.
Chang Yuncheng walked all the way into his room and closed the door. In the dim light, the smile on his lips slowly spread.
After waking up this time, Qi Yue examined herself closely in the mirror.
“The redness has faded a lot,” Ah Hao said while combing her hair.
A’ru entered with clothes and hurried over when she heard this.
“Yes, it looks good,” she commented after scrutinizing Qi Yue’s face.
Qi Yue examined her too.
“Yes, you look good too,” she smiled. “Youth is truly a wonderful thing...”
A’ru coughed lightly.
“Young Mistress is only a year older than me; stop pretending to be old,” she laughed.
Qi Yue laughed heartily.
Ah Hao watched them from the side with envy.
“Today, I plan to teach them suturing techniques,” Qi Yue told A’ru. “You should learn too.”
A’ru nodded.
“Young Mistress,” Ah Hao suddenly called out.
Qi Yue and A’ru both looked at her.
Ah Hao seemed a little timid but finally gathered her courage.
“I... I want to learn too,” she said.
Qi Yue smiled and nodded.
“Alright,” she agreed.
On the next outing, Ah Hao was brought along.
“Why do you want to learn this?” Que Zhi asked curiously upon hearing the news.
“I also want to help the Young Mistress, just like Sister A’ru,” Ah Hao explained.
Que Zhi twisted a small braid between her fingers, deep in thought.
“I... I want to learn too,” she suddenly declared.
Ah Hao looked at her in surprise.
“I also want to help the Young Mistress,” she said, smiling at Ah Hao.
That day, she had witnessed firsthand the great sensation caused by the Young Mistress’s divine skill...
She had seen firsthand the Marquis’s change from haughty disdain to utmost deference in the face of such a sensation...
She had seen the looks of awe and worship...
Perhaps that feeling was better than becoming a favored concubine...
This time, Chang Yuncheng did not accompany them. Two additional maids appeared beside Qi Yue, drawing curious yet shy gazes from the disciples at Qianjin Hall.
Ah Hao stood behind A’ru, still somewhat shy about facing people, while Que Zhi was much more outgoing, actively smiling at the disciples, causing them to blush fiercely and avoid looking at her.
“Alright, alright,” Qi Yue clapped her hands, surveying the room they had arranged according to her instructions—tables and benches were set up. “Everyone, please take your seats.”
The disciples responded in unison, each clutching their needle packets and thread, taking their places in order.
A’ru hesitated for a moment before sitting down with Ah Hao and Que Zhi.
Qi Yue stood on a low platform, feeling a bit nervous. She had supervised interns before, but this was the first time teaching hands-on like this. She took a deep breath, recalling how her own teachers had instructed her.
“Before learning suturing, we must first understand many things, such as human skin, muscles, and the tools we use...” she began addressing the assembly.
Before she finished speaking, she saw everyone abruptly stand up in alarm, the sound of scraping tables and benches interrupting her.
“Master, how can you stand...”
“Yes, Master, if you stand, how can we sit comfortably...”
Several disciples stammered anxiously.
Qi Yue paused, then laughed heartily.
“Don’t worry about that; this is for the convenience of teaching,” she smiled. It took some effort to persuade everyone to sit down, but each person remained uneasy, either sitting on the edge of their seat or simply perching; it was more uncomfortable than standing. Finally, Qi Yue simply told them to stand up too.
“...The purpose of suturing is to oppose the margins of tissues that have been incised or wounded, eliminate dead space, achieve hemostasis, promote early wound healing, and reconstruct the structure and contour of the organ...”
“...In practical application, there are many manual suturing techniques... simple appositional closure...”
Although much of what she said sounded like gibberish to the disciples, none dared to let their minds wander. They furiously took notes, diligently recording every word Qi Yue spoke.
Liu Pucheng quietly walked in from the doorway, also holding a needle, thread, and paper and pen. He signaled for everyone to dispense with formalities and walked to stand behind the last table, beginning to listen intently.