Madam Chen’s expression was complicated as she clasped her hands, gazing at the spot where the Emperor had suddenly appeared and then vanished. This impish child was just as troublesome as he was when he was little… I truly don’t know who he takes after… “His Majesty is not passing through here,” she stated. Qi Yue let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have avoided a mandatory kowtow. The junior eunuchs quickly rose, and Madam Chen and Qi Yue re-entered the sedan chair, heading outward.

Meanwhile, the Emperor remained, leaning casually with his hand supporting his head, his eyes half-lidded, swaying gently with the movement of the carriage. “Your Majesty, Madam Chen said she would not see you, yet you made a special trip. Why did you come only to avoid her?” The eunuch closest to the Emperor’s temperament, tasked with speaking for him, could not hide his curiosity. The Emperor let out a soft snort from his nose. “Wouldn’t see me? Only a fool would believe that,” he murmured lazily, still squinting with his head supported by his hand. “This kind of trickery might have worked on the Empress Dowager back in the day, but playing it on me…” He snorted lightly again, slightly opening his eyes as the carriage swayed. “...My arrival pleases her, but my departure leaves her seeing yet not seeing...” he said, a faint smile curving his lips. “Playing games of wit with me is fine, but the outcome must make me happy, not them.” Anyone can try to fathom my thoughts, but anyone who thinks they can manipulate me is sorely mistaken. “Oh, my Emperor, this old servant is quite confused by what you say?” the eunuch asked with a somewhat dull incomprehension. The Emperor laughed, dropping the hand supporting his head, and sat up straight. “Whether you understand or not, old thing, has no bearing; you’ll still get your share of rice to eat,” he chuckled. “With Your Majesty’s golden words, this old servant’s life is assuredly stable.” The eunuch smiled contentedly, concluding the immediate task and flicking his whisk. “Your Majesty, which consort’s residence shall we visit now?” The Emperor paused in thought for a moment. “Nowhere. I am going to see the Empress Dowager,” he stated coolly. So, Madam Chen’s memories were finally stirred. The eunuch flicked his whisk again and led the way forward.

Upon returning home, although Madam Chen’s outward demeanor remained unchanged, a definite weariness shadowed her eyes. Qi Yue, however, was quite pleased; one major matter was settled. “I’m going to rest,” Madam Chen said. “Are you tired?” Tired from all the carriage and sedan chair rides? “I’m going to visit Elder Li’s patient,” Qi Yue replied. “I’m not tired.” Madam Chen nodded. “It’s not about this little bit of money; don’t debase yourself,” she advised. “This isn’t debasement, Auntie, it’s an experience,” Qi Yue laughed, then paused as if recalling something. “Oh, and one more thing—I have some business. I’ll be leaving in a few days.” Madam Chen started. “Leave? Where are you going?” she asked. “Home,” Qi Yue said, wisely deciding not to mention Mo Bei, which would surely cause her aunt to forbid it utterly. “What home!” Madam Chen grasped her hand. “This is your home.” Qi Yue smiled. “Yes,” she replied, saying no more. Madam Chen looked at her steadily. “Yue Niang, don’t be reckless. Listen to your auntie. Even if I die, I will ensure you are well taken care of,” she pleaded. “Why speak of dying or living when things are going well?” Qi Yue shook her head. “I understand, Auntie. Rest assured.” How could she rest assured? “I’m going to see the patient now,” Qi Yue said. “You rest well, and I’ll eat with you when I return.”

Watching the woman depart with such composure, Madam Chen felt utterly drained. She instinctively supported her head, and Cai Qing quickly rushed to steady her. “Madam, are you alright?” Cai Qing asked with concern. “What could be wrong with me? I’m already a dying woman,” Madam Chen murmured. Cai Qing’s tears instantly welled up. Death itself wasn't frightening; what was terrifying was knowing the precise moment of death, watching it approach inch by inch, like lying under the executioner’s blade, watching it descend with nothing to stop it. The very thought drove Cai Qing mad; she couldn't imagine the agony Madam Chen must be enduring. “I don’t have much time left,” Madam Chen said. “Help me back. I need to properly consider what to do.” That impish child was hard to manage even as a youngster… now he’s practically attained immortality… Cai Qing assented, helping her steady. The mistress and maid walked through the vast residence, their figures seeming even smaller against the grand backdrop.

Qi Yue was unaware of Madam Chen’s rapid internal struggle. She stepped out with A'Ru and A'Hao. The two maids were beside themselves with excitement. A’Ru maintained a reserved silence, but A’Hao chattered nonstop along the way. What was the Imperial Palace like? Was the ground paved with gold? What were the consorts like? Qi Yue could only laugh at their inquiries. “Hey, hey, you’re a second-rank maid from a Marquis’s estate, can you stop looking so provincial?” she teased. “But I’ve never been inside the Palace,” A’Hao pouted.

Chatting and laughing, they soon arrived at Elder Li’s residence. Coincidentally, before they even alighted from the carriage, they encountered Dong Lin. Dong Lin looked at Qi Yue with a complex mix of emotions. He now knew why Wu Shan couldn't trace Qi Yue’s whereabouts—it was because of the Duke of Deqing. But this wasn't entirely surprising; even though she was divorced from the Marquis of Dingxi, there was still a former familial connection, so residing there was not out of the question. Although the Li family claimed the Duke of Deqing treated this woman as an honored guest, others might believe it, but he did not. This woman was the master of leveraging power—first the Marquis of Dingxi, now the Duke of Deqing. When he inquired further, he discovered Qi Yue wasn't actually living in the Duke of Deqing’s main mansion, but in the old residence. He also learned that it was Li Tong who first invited her, and Li Tong’s reason was the young master of the Fan family. And who was the young master of the Fan family? The son-in-law of Wang Tongye, and what was Wang Tongye’s relationship with this Lady Qi? The whole picture immediately snapped into focus. This was clearly an act of borrowing prestige to bolster her own authority! Of course, she might genuinely be able to cure Li Huaiqing, but that was his own school's technique! Thinking of this, Dong Lin felt an intense, itching hatred. This breakthrough should have been mine, the one that shocked everyone! This partial, favoritist Master! “Doctor Dong, what is wrong?” Qi Yue initiated conversation, noticing his pale complexion. “Nothing much, just worrying about Elder Li’s illness,” Dong Lin sighed deeply, then forced a smile upon seeing her. “It’s good you’re here. You truly cured Elder Li. Oh, right, you mustn't be temperamental. That day was a misunderstanding…” Qi Yue smiled faintly. “I am a physician; how could I afford to be angry?” she replied. Feigning it, Dong Lin thought inwardly. Having stayed at the Li residence that day, he knew they had formally invited her, and she had refused, even specifically requesting that young Master Tong come instead. If that wasn't anger, then what was? He smiled thinly. “That’s good. You’ve just arrived in the Capital, and you are junior; you must remain humble and discreet in all matters…” he said earnestly. Qi Yue nodded. “Thank you, Martial Uncle,” she said, smiling slightly and offering a shallow bow. Finally, after meeting her, she offered the title of Martial Uncle. How utterly ill-mannered she had been before, Dong Lin scoffed internally. “It’s fortunate you could come now. Come inside with me to keep Elder Li company for a…” He didn't finish his sentence before a large group of people poured out from the gatehouse, rushing toward her as if greeting a living Buddha. “Lady Qi, Lady Qi, you’ve finally arrived,” they said respectfully, ushering her inside. “Please, quickly, quickly.” They not only interrupted Dong Lin but also seemed entirely to have overlooked him. This was truly… Qi Yue smiled, flicking her eyes toward A’Ru, a knowing look passing between them. See that? That’s presence. A’Ru understood her meaning and couldn't help but press her lips together, lowering her head to smile. Before she even entered, the news had reached the interior, and another group hurried out. They specifically called for Li Tong to stand with the First Young Master Li and the others—something Li Tong could never have dreamed of before. “Lady Qi, what happened last time was my fault,” the First Master Li said directly upon receiving her at the doorway, bowing immediately. Once he admitted his fault, the others naturally did not lag behind, all bowing and apologizing swiftly. “It was all my son’s fault; he didn’t explain clearly.” Li Tong’s father spoke a few words more, for he possessed the standing to do so. This standing drew some envious glances, and Li Tong’s father felt quite pleased. “Yes, it was entirely due to my poor treatment that the misunderstanding occurred,” Li Tong said, having been subtly pushed forward by someone behind him and reminded in his ear. “It’s nothing; it was a misunderstanding, and now that it’s cleared up, it’s no longer a misunderstanding,” Qi Yue laughed, returning their courtesies. “You are too kind; I also didn’t inquire clearly enough.” This divine doctor’s attitude was truly excellent, especially when contrasted with that detestable Zhou Maochun. Everyone secretly hoped this woman’s skill surpassed Zhou Maochun’s, though they felt that was likely impossible, while their faces displayed polite smiles. “Please, please come in quickly!” First Master Li personally cleared the path. Qi Yue offered a slight gesture of deference and then walked in with unhurried steps. Quietness soon returned to the doorway, and the gatekeepers finally noticed Dong Lin, standing frozen to the side. “Ah, Official Dong, you’ve arrived,” they said quickly. Dong Lin was so angry he felt like spitting blood. So you only just noticed me? Honestly, what kind of arrangement is this! “Please, quickly, come in quickly,” the gatekeepers said enthusiastically. At this moment, I should just spit in his face and storm off. If it were that woman, she would certainly do that… Truly, Dong Lin was going mad. Why did such good fortune fall only upon him! What in the world is going on? Is it just because Elder Li’s condition has improved? Is it just because this woman might cure him? Why treat her like they treat the Emperor? Even Zhou Maochun wouldn't warrant this level of reception! “Doctor Dong, you’ve arrived.” Official Gong’s voice sounded from behind him. Dong Lin turned around and indeed saw Official Gong approaching with an Imperial Physician. “Official Gong, how is Elder Li?” Dong Lin quickly asked. Because the Emperor had personally ordered the treatment of Elder Li, physicians from the Imperial Medical Academy were on duty in shifts day and night. It wasn't his turn last night, so he was unaware of the later developments. “Much better,” Official Gong said quickly, his face still showing pleasant surprise. “Your martial niece is truly remarkable!” Yes, taught by my partial master. Dong Lin smiled politely. “Lady Qi has already arrived,” the gatekeeper interjected. Hearing this, Official Gong couldn’t bother with further pleasantries and rushed inside, which once again left Dong Lin feeling vexed, having only spoken half a sentence of polite talk. “How is it that in half a day, my martial niece has become so sought after?” he asked, feigning a joke. “You still don’t know?” the Imperial Physician murmured softly. “What?” Dong Lin asked, confused. “Didn’t Lady Qi refuse to come yesterday, saying she had business?” the physician whispered, still feeling a bit of lingering fear about that incident. “Yes, she was being completely outrageous…” Dong Lin nodded, speaking with the disapproval befitting an elder. Before he could finish, the physician clapped a hand over his mouth. Dong Lin stared, nearly suffocating. “Shhh,” the physician hissed, glancing around nervously. “Don’t speak carelessly…” How is that careless! He couldn't even say what he wanted to say! Dong Lin angrily pulled the physician’s hand away. “Lady Qi went into the Palace,” the physician whispered. “They sent a carriage from the Palace specifically to pick her up.” What? So, you thought the Li family treated her with such reverence merely because she might cure Elder Li? “Your martial niece is indeed extraordinary; a blessing to our school,” the physician said with envy, patting his shoulder before entering. Dong Lin stood frozen outside the gate once more.

Apologies, I have an urgent trip for five days; I won't stop updating, but I might not be able to guarantee double updates. I will try my best. Let's see, I still owe seven chapters in extra updates. Ahhh, I really want to clear this debt this month! I don't want to carry debt into the next month. I’ll see if I can manage a burst of writing when I get home on the 30th! RS