The lamps in Elder Li's residence had been dimmed, casting long shadows, yet a sense of quiet elation clung to every face that passed through.

"Father has taken the human milk and his spirits are high," First Master Li informed the others, unable to conceal his relief. "He spoke with Mother for half an hour, took his medicine, and is now asleep."

Though nearly fifty himself, having his father—especially a father of such high standing—present offered a distinct sense of grounding.

"He is sleeping soundly," he added.

The others in the room naturally shared this sentiment, exhaling in shared relief and engaging in cheerful conversation.

"That Madam Qi is truly remarkable; she was inside for such a short time and already healed Father," one person remarked.

They had questioned the maids attending the room earlier. The story went that while the physicians outside debated prescriptions, this woman suddenly entered, finished her treatment before anyone could fully react, and was perhaps even interrupted before completion by the doctors who rushed in.

The thought struck them—if those physicians hadn't burst in, their father might already be out of bed. They couldn't help considering this, despite the disrespect it implied toward the Imperial Academy physicians; the facts were the facts, however unpalatable.

"Fourth Brother," First Master Li said, "tell Tong-ge'er to remember to go to Madam Qi's house tomorrow morning to wait."

The address "Tong-ge'er" momentarily stalled their comprehension.

"Yes, sir," Li Tong's father promptly replied, his joy evident. If his father-in-law truly pulled through this crisis, it would be the merit of their Fourth Branch! Which young master received the credit mattered little; he was the patriarch of that line regardless.

How had he been cured?

Two physicians remained in the room, Dr. Gong being one of them. He stared intently at the sleeping Elder Li, deep in thought.

Honestly, he had assumed the woman who entered with Dong Lin was Elder Li's concubine. If she were a concubine, entering the inner chambers was normal; standing outside listening to the doctors speak was what would have been abnormal, so he had paid her no mind until the maids' shrieks echoed from within.

All of that transpired in less time than it takes to steep a cup of tea. How could he have been cured so quickly?

How had she done it?

The image of the woman surfaced in Dr. Gong's mind again: standing by the bedside, extracting a strange... needle?... from Elder Li's abdomen.

Recalling this, Dr. Gong took a few steps forward, gently lifting Elder Li's quilt and inner garment. The discolored cloth on his stomach remained. Dr. Gong carefully peeled back the cloth to reveal an area clearly wiped clean. By the dim light, he nearly pressed his eye close, studying the spot for a long time before discerning what seemed to be a single puncture mark.

What in the world was happening here? Had she performed acupuncture? But why cover it with that cloth?

In the night stillness, Dr. Gong gazed blankly at Elder Li’s decidedly unimpressive belly for a long while, unmoving.

This was the fifth night since Qi Yue arrived in the capital, yet she did not sleep soundly as she usually did.

As dawn broke faintly, A'ru and A'hao moved softly in the room, occasionally pressing their ears to the door to listen. Qi Yue sat up in bed.

A'ru, hearing the movement outside, entered immediately.

"Mistress is awake?" she inquired.

Qi Yue looked at her and sighed.

"A'ru, did you two stay up all night?" she asked.

A'ru and A'hao lowered their heads sheepishly, dark circles beneath their eyes.

"Mistress, aren't you nervous? The Imperial Palace," A'hao said, helping her rise.

"I don't believe I'm taking you along, am I?" Qi Yue asked, sounding somewhat confused.

"We're nervous for you," A'hao pouted.

Qi Yue laughed aloud.

"It’s like the eunuch worrying more than the emperor," she chuckled, quickly donning her casual clothes and loosely pinning up her hair. "Time to eat."

After they ate, a servant woman from Madam Chen's household arrived, bearing garments and jewelry.

"The Madam is dressing; she will be here shortly," they announced. "Please, Mistress, change your clothes and comb your hair first."

Qi Yue agreed and sat down, submitting to the ministrations of the two women. They styled her hair into a simple, high chignon, inserting only a delicate filigree gold phoenix hairpin, and dressed her in a rounded-collar robe embroidered with scattered branches on pale green silk.

The attire and accessories seemed simple, but the reflection in the mirror startled even Qi Yue. She knew Qi Yueniang was beautiful, but her current loveliness surpassed anything before, amplified by the formal court gown, making her appear both exquisite and noble. Qi Yue lost her composure momentarily and let out an involuntary whistle, startling the two servants.

Madam Chen arrived at that moment, observing Qi Yue turning from the mirror.

"How do I look?" Qi Yue asked with a smile.

Madam Chen regarded her, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"You resemble your father," she stated abruptly.

Qi Yue was taken aback.

"My father?" she asked in surprise. "Aunt, you met my father?" Beggars’ parents should also be beggars. How could a young lady from a noble house like Madam Chen know the father of the beggar Qi Yueniang?

"Your height; most women aren't that tall. You must take after your father," Madam Chen said with a gentle smile.

Qi Yue was no longer a child and offered a strained smile in response. Whatever, she thought. If she wants to talk about it, fine; if not, that's fine too. The past has nothing to do with me anyway.

"Then let's go," Madam Chen said, extending her hand.

Qi Yue nodded and placed her hand in the older woman's. The sun had risen, and the morning light filled the courtyard.

Madam Chen held Qi Yue's hand, and they walked slowly. Dappled tree shadows shifted across Qi Yue's face.

Li Tong had been waiting outside the gate for a while, having been rushed there by his father early that morning, accompanied by Dr. Gong and two other physicians.

"Madam Qi said she has an engagement today and asked not to be disturbed," Li Tong murmured.

"An engagement? What could possibly be more important than treating the Elder?" one physician grumbled discontentedly.

Dr. Gong was also growing impatient. He hadn't slept all night, consumed by trying to figure out what exactly was happening on Elder Li's abdomen, yet failing utterly to reconcile it. Why apply needles to the stomach for obstructed breathing? How was the acupuncture performed? A multitude of questions plagued him; the inability to find answers was maddening.

"Indeed, Elder Li's illness is vital. Can nothing else wait?" another agreed.

"What in the capital is more important than Elder Li?" the first physician concurred, his face flushed with indignation. "An engagement? What nonsense, she's just putting on airs…"

Before his words died on his lips, the sound of approaching carriages and horses reached them. He blinked, seeing four figures riding toward them. Perhaps the sun glare was blinding him. He rubbed his eyes. When he opened them again, the four riders were close, all clad in distinct mustard-yellow robes—the distinctive attire of Imperial Palace eunuchs.

This... what? Was the Palace sending someone for Dr. Gong? As a Supervising Physician (Yipan), while there were two positions, Zhou Maochun's tenure was negligible, making Dr. Gong highly significant. He instinctively glanced at Dr. Gong beside him.

Dr. Gong also looked somewhat surprised, but his initial thought was the same, and he even stepped forward a pace.

The four eunuchs dismounted without sparing them a glance. Behind them followed a carriage, also bearing the official mark of the Palace. The main gate of the Chen residence opened as if it had eyes, precisely as these people arrived.

"We trouble Your Excellencies," an elder servant stepped out and bowed, his manner betraying no surprise, as if this scene were commonplace.

The eunuchs returned the gesture. "The Madam is coming out."

An announcement drifted from within. Madam Chen emerged, supporting Qi Yue.

"Madam, please," the eunuchs bowed, two rushing forward to set down steps and hold open the carriage curtain.

Madam Chen gave a slight nod, speaking no word, and guided Qi Yue toward the carriage.

Qi Yue noticed Li Tong standing nearby, utterly dumbfounded.

"Oh? Is something the matter?" she inquired.

Li Tong, who had been frozen since the arrival of the eunuchs, and especially upon seeing the elegantly dressed Qi Yue emerge, instinctively wanted to retreat and hide. The fact that Qi Yue addressed him in such a public setting made him feel as if his entire body were on fire, wishing desperately to dissolve into ash.

"Nothing, nothing at all," he managed in a hoarse voice, bowing repeatedly. "Mistress, please see to your affairs."

"Don't worry, I remember your grandfather's matter; I will look into it," Qi Yue said with a gentle smile.

Li Tong dared not say another word, bowing ceaselessly. Qi Yue said no more and followed Madam Chen into the carriage. The eunuchs mounted their horses and rode ahead. The carriage turned, and the sharp crack of whips echoed on the street outside—the distinct sound used by the Royal Guard to clear traffic.

Li Tong kept his head bowed, listening until the sound of hooves faded before daring to look up. Dr. Gong and the other physician had also remained motionless throughout this exchange. Only when the heavy doors of the Chen residence creaked shut did they seem to wake up.

"She... she is going to the Palace?" the other doctor mumbled dazedly.

Nonsense! Dr. Gong thought bitterly. They were accustomed to moving within court circles and recognized the protocol for fetching nobles to the Palace. But the person being fetched was her, this... this sudden appearance of Madam Qi... What was going on?

"Is this what Madam Qi meant by having an engagement?" he muttered.

The physician beside him instantly broke out in a cold sweat. He seemed to have said something deeply inappropriate. What could be more important than Elder Li's illness... What nonsense... Did that imply that the Emperor's affairs were less important than Elder Li's? Did that imply that going to the Palace was nonsense? Heavens above, may Heaven bear witness, especially since the Emperor himself would likely investigate—that was not what he meant! The physician's legs buckled, and he nearly knelt, bringing his hand up to slap himself. Why couldn't you just keep your mouth shut! Why rush to curry favor with an old Elder Li!

Qi Yue, unaware of the physician's panic, sat quietly beside Madam Chen, studying the opulent royal carriage with curiosity.

"Don't be afraid," Madam Chen whispered, squeezing her hand.

Qi Yue smiled back. "I'm not afraid. I'm with Auntie," she laughed.

Madam Chen looked at her, indeed seeing no anxiety or distress, only a composed and natural demeanor. Of course, she shouldn't be afraid; what is there to fear? This was her home, after all.

The carriage slowed momentarily, voices sounded from outside, and then it resumed motion.

"We are entering the Imperial City," Madam Chen announced.

Qi Yue gave an "Oh," and, imitating Madam Chen, sat up straight. Madam Chen shifted her gaze forward.

Your Highness, you wished to see the capital? Your Highness, you longed to see your own Imperial Palace? Your Highness, you did not live to see it, but your daughter has.

For those with YY accounts, log into Channel 99 directly at 9 PM on the 26th. Those without YY accounts can use their Qidian accounts to access the event link directly from the women's fiction webpage—it's very simple.