A four-thousand-character bonus chapter, sincerely thanking everyone for their support during the double-pink event period.

Chang Yuncheng’s arrival prevented the overjoyed Hu San from fully expressing his gratitude, but it did not interrupt the class.

“So, can this artificial respiration be used again later?” The disciples looked expectantly at Qi Yue and asked.

Qi Yue let out a breath.

“Yes, it’s one of the most effective and commonly used emergency methods,” she stated. “After this incident, the populace has likely learned a bit. Next time such an emergency arises, as long as it doesn’t interfere with the rescue, explain clearly to the family members. Even if you face misunderstanding in the moment, as long as you bring the person back to life, that will answer all doubts.”

The disciples nodded.

“Also,” Qi Yue looked at them and smiled again, “you have me. If you suffer any grievance, I will stand up for you and get it back.”

The disciples laughed, and after the laughter subsided, someone led them in a synchronized bow towards Qi Yue.

“Thank you, Master.”

To have someone standing fearlessly behind them, shielding them at all times—what incredible fortune this was.

While the disciples were practicing in class, Qi Yue and Liu Pucheng spoke in low tones.

“That matter…” Qi Yue inquired quietly.

Liu Pucheng knew exactly what she was referring to.

“It’s almost settled. I’ll go inquire tomorrow,” he murmured. “Over there… they usually only manage one in a month…. This time, I’ll try to beg him to procure a few more…”

“Don’t worry about the cost,” Qi Yue assured him. “You have me.”

Liu Pucheng smiled and nodded.

“Oh, right, there’s also the issue of fixing the dyeing points and drawing the lines. What do you think of these few herbs I found…” he continued.

Qi Yue’s eyes lit up with delight.

“It will certainly be fine. With you taking the lead, Teacher, nothing can go wrong,” she chuckled.

Liu Pucheng smiled once more.

“However, the anesthesia issue will still have to wait a bit longer,” he said.

Qi Yue nodded.

“Sharpening the axe doesn’t delay the chopping. We are not in a hurry,” she replied. “We must consider every detail thoroughly. This surgery isn't something that can be rushed into one go; we have the patience.”

Leaving the Qianjintang, it was already time for dinner.

“Shall we go out to eat?” Qi Yue was visibly pleased by Chang Yuncheng’s suggestion. “Wonderful! I haven’t been out since I arrived here… ahem… I mean, I’ve never been out to eat at a proper restaurant.”

Seeing the woman rejoice like a child, Chang Yuncheng’s tightly held expression finally softened.

“If you want to eat out, I’ll bring you every day,” he blurted out suddenly.

Qi Yue looked at him and smiled.

“Alright then,” she said. “A promise is a promise?”

Chang Yuncheng huffed, ignoring her seemingly naïve question, and walked ahead.

Qi Yue followed, smiling.

After dinner, they strolled through the night market, and by the time they returned home, it was already completely dark.

Chang Yuncheng finished washing up and saw Qi Yue on the other side, her hair dry, meticulously arranging her brushes and inkstone, looking languidly alluring under the lamplight.

“Good, the issue with the lip arch can be resolved. The most important remaining part is the scarring,” she murmured to herself, suddenly noticing Chang Yuncheng approaching.

“Not sleeping yet? Aren’t you tired?” she asked with a faint smile.

Chang Yuncheng looked at her, swallowing hard.

“Not tired,” he managed, his eyes darkening as he drew closer to her. “Are you tired?”

Hearing this question in the deep, low tone of the man in the dark night gave Qi Yue goosebumps.

“Tired, very tired,” she quickly said, her face flushing. “You should rest too; I’m going to sleep now.”

Chang Yuncheng felt agitated and unsure of what to say, so he simply reached out and pulled the woman towards him.

“Then, let’s sleep,” he said, attempting to pull her towards the bedside.

“Sleep what!” Qi Yue raised her hand and slapped him lightly. “Go, go!”

This infuriating woman always touched him!

“Didn’t you want to just now!” Chang Yuncheng glared, his voice muffled.

“Now I don’t!” Qi Yue spat, shaking him off. “Get out!”

This damned woman! Chang Yuncheng glared at her retreating figure, shaking his hand away in frustration.

Wanting it one moment and not the next—what kind of person was she! She was too spoiled! Absolutely excessive!

Just as dawn broke, the Qianjintang opened its doors.

Qianjintang always opened early, but those who rise early often meet even earlier risers. Two disciples, yawning widely, pulled down the door panels only to have a figure press right up against them.

“Is Doctor Liu here?” he asked with a degree of urgency.

It wasn't unusual for people to seek consultation so early. A disciple, rubbing his eyes, was about to answer when he clearly saw the person before him, causing him to jump back several steps in fright.

“Hey, hey, Coffin Boy, who sent you here? Hurry, stand back!”

The two shop assistants scrambled to shoo him away.

Coffin Boy was quite accustomed to such treatment. In the city, besides the gambling dens and the tea stall run by Granny Wang near the bridge, no other shop dared to let him get close.

Thus, he rarely visited such establishments, but this time, he simply couldn't wait any longer.

“Is Doctor Liu here?” he asked again.

“No, no, Master went home last night,” the two disciples replied irritably. Even seeing Coffin Boy first thing in the morning after opening wouldn’t have lifted their spirits.

“Then I’ll wait a bit,” Coffin Boy retreated slightly to the side and said.

“Go find some pine branches, boil them in water, and sprinkle it around…”

“…I think I should go to the temple to burn some incense later; this is truly bad luck…”

The two disciples mumbled complaints, while Coffin Boy, standing not far off, showed no change in expression. This was all too familiar to him; it was a fate that had accompanied him from the moment of his birth until his death.

As more shops opened and the street filled with people, Coffin Boy was repeatedly driven away. Eventually, he could only stand in the corner by the Qianjintang wall. The winter was still cold, and leaning against the wall made it worse. Wearing only his ragged robe, he had to stamp his feet and rub his hands ceaselessly to keep warm.

Liu Pucheng rushed over, completely failing to notice Coffin Boy tucked into the corner. Fortunately, Coffin Boy hastily called out to him.

“Little Coffin?” Liu Pucheng sounded surprised.

“I was just about to look for you…”

Two voices spoke simultaneously, and both Liu Pucheng and Coffin Boy froze momentarily.

“I’ll speak first,” Coffin Boy said impatiently, but as he prepared to speak, he remembered they were on the street. This brief pause caused the surrounding passersby to stare, their eyes filled with caution and avoidance.

“You, you come with me to the gambling den,” he whispered.

That was the second place where he could move freely without being noticed or feeling unsafe. The first, of course, was the Yizhuang (charity burial house).

Liu Pucheng nodded.

“You go first. I’ll be there shortly,” he replied quietly.

After all, the matter they needed to discuss could not be aired in public. Coffin Boy nodded and left immediately.

Liu Pucheng stood for a moment, glanced around, tidied his clothes as if nothing was amiss, and then stepped into the apothecary. A moment later, he emerged carrying his medicine box; no one on the street paid attention to a doctor making a house call.

The gambling den was a place Liu Pucheng had never visited. The men at the entrance were curious, but given the nature of their business, they wouldn't inquire further with a patron, greeting him only with perfunctory warmth.

As a doctor, Liu Pucheng naturally entered the den frequented by the lower class. Upon entry, the dim light, the foul, fishy odor, and the overwhelming noise made it hard to discern anything. A hand reached out from nearby and grabbed him.

“Why did you take so long?” Coffin Boy asked with a hint of impatience.

Liu Pucheng mumbled an acknowledgment and started to speak.

“Down, down, hurry, place your bets!” a loud shout erupted from a nearby gambling table. “Coffin Boy, are you in?”

Coffin Boy didn't turn his head, casually tossing a bag of money he held onto the table.

“Right away! Betting on Big!” the caller cheerfully announced.

They say Coffin Boy is addicted to gambling, but is this how he gambles? This wasn't gambling; it was throwing money away! He didn't seem to care at all.

Liu Pucheng watched Coffin Boy, pondering this observation.

Coffin Boy paid no further attention. Because the place was so noisy, he had to lean in close to speak.

“I said, why haven’t you been coming?” he asked.

“I was just about to look for you too, Little Coffin,” Liu Pucheng replied, having only heard him mention not coming, and leaned in close. “Can you find another one for me…”

“I already found one for you, why didn’t you come?” Coffin Boy heard him clearly and complained with a touch of resentment.

Liu Pucheng finally understood what he meant but found it hard to believe.

“Little Coffin brother, are you saying you prepared one for me?” he asked.

“Of course,” Coffin Boy confirmed. “Use it freely. As many as you want.”

Liu Pucheng was so astonished he couldn't speak. What doctors desired most was to practice on human bodies, but such acts were illicit; if the authorities discovered it, he would be charged with the grave crime of corpse theft. Therefore, for both the doctor and the provider of the bodies, the risk was immense. Getting even one opportunity a month was considered good fortune. Furthermore, Coffin Boy was temperamental; whether he helped or not depended entirely on his mood and on money… money… Normally, even one instance cost quite a bit; this price must be even higher.

“Money…” Liu Pucheng snapped back to reality and quickly inquired. Although Madam Qi wasn't short of funds, he couldn't neglect to ask about the cost.

“What money or no money, Doctor Liu, what’s our relationship? Don’t be so distant,” Coffin Boy said, clapping Liu Pucheng on the shoulder.

What relationship? They had none, really.

What Coffin Boy said only confused Liu Pucheng further. He remained puzzled even after returning to the Qianjintang. But since he couldn't figure it out, he stopped thinking about it. Liu Pucheng immediately and happily confirmed the arrangement with him.

Qi Yue wasn't at the Qianjintang today, nor was she at home. Chang Yuncheng had dragged her out onto the street again. Although last night ended in another disagreement, Chang Yuncheng didn't sulk the next morning.

Getting used to it, I suppose, Qi Yue mused, becoming habitual.

“What are we eating this time?” Qi Yue asked curiously as they sat in the carriage.

“Meat,” Chang Yuncheng answered briefly.

“What kind of meat? Will saying a few more words kill you?” Qi Yue lifted her foot and lightly kicked him. Qi Yue disliked wearing shoes and socks and would take them off at every opportunity. Now, in the carriage, she had removed her shoes and softly nudged Chang Yuncheng a few times, clad only in soft white socks.

Chang Yuncheng reached out and pushed the soft little foot away.

“Don't touch me,” he said coolly.

Oh dear, acting high and mighty now. Qi Yue pursed her lips, smiled, and complied by sitting properly.

The carriage left the city gates and stopped in front of an establishment. Qi Yue got down to look around; it seemed quite ordinary.

“Mutton?” she asked, reading the sign.

Chang Yuncheng grunted an affirmation. Just as he was about to step inside, a voice called out in delighted surprise from the second floor.

“Ah, Young Master Shizi!” Fan Yilin exclaimed, half leaning out of the window in his surprise and joy. The servant inside panicked and grabbed his leg, terrified he might fall.

Chang Yuncheng’s expression shifted subtly upon hearing the voice; he made no move to look up, intending to pretend he hadn’t heard. Qi Yue, however, looked up.

“Young Master Fan,” she called out with a smile.

“I was just about to leave, but I still feel unwell, so my father-in-law insisted I stay a few more days… Young Madam, Young Master Shizi, you are dining here too… I heard this is the best mutton restaurant in your Yongqing Prefecture…”

The hall was filled with the sound of Fan Yilin’s chatter. Because esteemed guests had arrived, Fan Yilin tossed the innkeeper a bag of money and cleared out all the other diners. Of course, money alone wasn't that effective; it was mainly the influence of his father-in-law that carried weight.

“Young Master Fan, please carry on with your meal. Don't trouble yourself,” Chang Yuncheng interrupted his rambling.

“No trouble at all, how could it be trouble?” Fan Yilin appeared startled. “Young Master Shizi and Young Madam are my saviors; I could never repay such kindness in this lifetime.” He had been pondering how to find an opportunity to connect with the Dingxi Marquisate, and running into them now felt like destiny. Since it was fate, how could he let it slip by?

Fan Yilin employed the same persuasive charm he used on his mother, wife, and concubines at home. Moreover, given how honorably his father-in-law had handled the recent affair involving the Dingxi Marquisate, showing courtesy for the sake of his in-law’s reputation, he managed to usher Chang Yuncheng into a private room. Since the husband was coming in, the wife naturally must follow; they were acquaintances, so there was no need for awkward separation…

Fan Yilin watched the beauty step over the threshold with enthusiastic anticipation.

Chang Yuncheng stopped, turned back.

“You go back first,” he instructed.

Both Qi Yue and Fan Yilin were momentarily stunned. No, wait, Fan Yilin cried inwardly.

“I haven’t eaten yet,” Qi Yue said, frowning.

This woman always talked back! Why couldn't she obediently follow what her husband said? Not once did she ever do exactly as he commanded!

Chang Yuncheng frowned.

“Very well then,” Qi Yue conceded, observing his expression. While avoiding a man just because her husband commanded it was not something she deeply cared about—she still adhered to some societal norms of this era—this was contingent on her core interests remaining untouched. She offered Fan Yilin a smiling bow and excused herself.

“Young Madam, there is a private partition next to…” Fan Yilin couldn't help but urge her as she turned to leave.

Qi Yue, who had already turned away, looked back, offered him a smile, waved, and continued walking without a word.

Fan Yilin stared blankly after the beautiful woman as she swayed gracefully away and disappeared down the corridor. A flash of confusion crossed his face, and he involuntarily murmured, “Eh?” He turned to look at Chang Yuncheng, who was already seated calmly inside the room.

Chang Yuncheng was pouring and drinking his wine, savoring the exquisite taste as he watched the youngster transition from surprise to disappointment.

Fan Yilin rushed from the doorway back to the window and leaned out, looking down.

This was too much! Chang Yuncheng crushed his wine cup with a sharp snap.

“Young Master Fan,” he spoke, his voice icy cold, “Know when to stop.”

Fan Yilin seemed not to hear Chang Yuncheng’s warning or displeasure. He pulled himself back in, glanced at Chang Yuncheng, and hesitated, as if struggling to speak.

“Yes, yes, Young Master Shizi, I have been presumptuous, I beg your pardon,” he finally said, raising his cup and draining the wine.

“It’s good that you know,” Chang Yuncheng grunted, then stood up. “The words have been exchanged, the wine has been drunk. I take my leave.”

Fan Yilin quickly stood as well.

“Young Master Shizi,” he called out, wanting to say something but finding it difficult.

Chang Yuncheng was already heading for the door, feeling no particular emotion about Fan Yilin’s strange expression; the man should feel embarrassed and ashamed now that his thoughts had been laid bare.

“Young Master Shizi,” Fan Yilin called out again. Watching Chang Yuncheng reach for the door latch, he took a resolute breath. “Are you… are you incapable?”

Chang Yuncheng’s hand froze on the latch.

“What?” he asked, turning back with a frown.

Since the most difficult opening had been made, Fan Yilin found his words flowing more smoothly.

“It’s just, just that,” he looked at Chang Yuncheng and lowered his voice, “it’s just that… you cannot perform your marital duties…”

Chang Yuncheng felt his mind explode. This bastard! This disgusting creature!