The Marquis of Dingxi felt the Emperor was deeply troubled by the matter, unable to reach a decision, but the eunuch Cai Chong noticed the Emperor was, in fact, lost in thought.

Cai Chong glanced at the Emperor, then at the Marquis of Dingxi kneeling outside.

He didn't associate much with this Marquis, who rarely came to the capital; to the city folk, the man was somewhat unfamiliar, but given that the requisite seasonal gifts were never missed...

...Although those gifts were merely local specialties from Yongqing Prefecture, like taro root, they wouldn't dare accept anything truly valuable.

People like them craved two things: money and respectability, primarily because they were keenly aware that respectability was precisely what the outside world denied them.

Cai Chong brought a cup of tea and bowed low, the movement snapping the Emperor back to the present. "So that is the situation," he said slowly.

The Marquis of Dingxi kowtowed again from outside. "It is my failure to properly discipline my son; I am willing to..." he trembled, his voice laced with fear and deference.

Before he could finish, the Emperor cut him off. "I approve," the Emperor stated. "It concerns your own son; you may handle it as you see fit." The Marquis of Dingxi paused, stunned.

Just approved? He couldn't quite grasp it immediately.

By then, the Emperor had already risen. "What? Do you have further business?" Seeing the Marquis still kneeling, the Emperor frowned and asked.

It was always better to have fewer matters before the Emperor than more, so the Marquis quickly offered his thanks and prepared to withdraw. "Oh, right," the Emperor recalled something else, calling back the Marquis just as he was leaving.

The Marquis's heart plummeted. "Go back and tell Chang Yuncheng he need not depart for now; wait for a new assignment," the Emperor said, then walked away.

It was over! The Marquis of Dingxi felt a chill run right through him.

His position had not been saved after all.

The heir apparent of the Marquis of Dingxi was stripped of his title, and the coffin of the Rao family daughter was transported back to Shandong.

The affair concluded quietly and simply.

This was a disappointment to the capital's populace, who had been waiting for a longer, more dramatic spectacle; many hadn't even managed to join the audience yet.

These aristocratic households were tiresome in that regard—they never let anything escalate too wildly; all thunder and little rain, gone with a brief gust of wind, truly dull! However, a small consolation was that when the Rao family daughter's coffin was loaded onto the cart, a distraught maidservant, driven mad by grief, smashed her head against the coffin and died as a human sacrifice, prompting a moment of collective sighs and contemplation, thus giving the whole tragic drama a poignant, if mournful, closing note. "He still won't see me?" Qi Yue asked, sounding somewhat impatient.

A Ru nodded. "No one from the Marquis of Dingxi’s estate will see visitors.

The gates are barred.

No matter who calls or who comes, they refuse everyone," she said. "I've been there three times now." "It's better that he doesn't see you.

For such a shameful affair, involving you would make him truly inhuman.

At least he retains some decency," Zhou Maochun remarked, helping himself to a piece of crystalized pork knuckle while urging Qi Yue, "Come, come, try some of this.

It was specially sent as a gift by some official from the Five Cities Military Command." Zhou Maochun cared little for money or possessions; his whims shifted constantly, forcing those wishing to curry favor with him to expend considerable effort. "Godfather, after eating something, you can't even remember who gave it to you; that man has truly lost out," Qi Yue said, sitting down and looking at the platters of food. "I have no appetite." "Why not?" Zhou Maochun raised an eyebrow, taking another large bite, and mumbled, "Such delightful news! Heaven has eyes, letting that Dingxi family cause trouble.

They deserved it—retribution! Let them learn their lesson! Daring to play games with me! May they lose everything!" "Godfather," Qi Yue called out, pointing to herself. "Your daughter is right here!" Zhou Maochun burst into laughter, choking until he coughed. "Yes, yes, I know girls are outwardly emotional," he conceded. "Yuncheng suffered an undeserved calamity; it's so unfair," Qi Yue argued. "Unfair how? What undeserved calamity is this? This is what he was due," Zhou Maochun scoffed. "Having parents like that is simply his fate." Qi Yue stopped arguing with him, resting her head in her hand and sighing. "He is also afraid of implicating me, which is why he avoids me," she murmured. "If he won't see me, fine.

I'll write a letter; have someone deliver it." A Hao quickly brought over the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone from the side.

Zhou Maochun watched her write. "Tell that boy that no one wants him now.

Let him come beg me, and I might take pity and let him become a live-in son-in-law in our household," he suggested.

Qi Yue smiled and nodded. "Very well," she said, writing a few lines before setting down the brush. "Is that all you wrote?" A Hao tilted her head and asked. "No need to say much," Qi Yue chuckled, shaking the sheet of paper lightly.

A Ru reached out to take it and wave it dry. "Lord Zhou, Lord Zhou," someone called respectfully from outside. "I'm busy," Zhou Maochun replied without missing a beat. "Tell whoever it is to wait." Saying this, he took another contented sip of his tea. "Lord Zhou, it's not just anyone—His Majesty summons you," the voice outside stated with a faint smile.

Zhou Maochun coughed twice.

This could not be made to wait.

He hurried out to follow.

A Ru went to deliver the letter, while Qi Yue returned to Madam Chen's quarters. "Has the Madam taken her medicine? Is she feeling well today?" she inquired. "The maidservant Caiqing is attending to her; the other servants do not know," the serving woman replied.

Qi Yue looked towards Madam Chen's room and frowned.

She hadn't visited Madam Chen since that incident, nor had she pressed Zhou Maochun for details on Madam Chen's true condition; he had only vaguely said it was 'as it is, she needs rest.' "Have the residences been chosen?" Qi Yue asked.

A Hao nodded. "Sister A Ru said we are selecting furniture today," she reported.

Qi Yue glanced again toward Madam Chen's side. "When she is a bit better, I will tell her we are moving out," she said, then paused, realizing something. "Speaking of furniture, the Qianjintang will need some too.

Let's go take a look." A Hao agreed, and the two turned around and left the room again.

Madam Chen’s household soon knew of it. "Miss, is Lady Qi planning to move out?" Caiqing whispered.

Madam Chen lay with her eyes closed and merely hummed in assent. "Then...

shall we stop her?" Caiqing asked. "No need," Madam Chen replied, her voice soft, seemingly lacking strength. "She doesn't need me to stop her now.

As long as she remains in the capital, where she lives makes no difference." "What if she intends to leave the capital entirely?" Caiqing couldn't help but ask.

Madam Chen smiled, opening her eyes, which held a slightly bewildered expression. "Then I won't need to stop her either..." she murmured. "Someone else will..." Caiqing let out a soft 'oh' and leaned over to tuck the quilt around Madam Chen. "Is it dark already?" Madam Chen suddenly asked.

Caiqing shuddered slightly. "No," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Madam Chen hummed acknowledgment, said nothing more, and closed her eyes.

Caiqing stood by the bedside, tears streaming down her face.

Qi Yue had reached the street where the Qianjintang was located and saw from a distance a crowd gathered, pointing and looking excitedly at something. "Make way, make way," a peddler carrying a shoulder pole called out as he rushed past them swiftly. "There's a commotion to see," Qi Yue laughed, bumping A Hao's side. "Let's hurry up." A Hao cheerfully agreed.

The closer they got, the more she felt something was amiss, until Qi Yue saw the three large characters on the newly posted plaque: Qianjintang. "Go find Hu San and bring men," Qi Yue commanded without hesitation, patting A Hao's shoulder.

A Hao turned and ran.

Qi Yue pushed her way into the crowd, determined to see what trouble her pharmacy, which hadn't even officially opened, had managed to attract.

Inside the Qianjintang, the first sight was four young servants blocking the doorway with their arms crossed.

In the center of the room, a table had been dragged over and was being used as a seat, upon which sat a young man, clad in fine silk robes, handsome and dashing with a face like polished jade.

Before them stood Old Physician An and Liu Pucheng.

Though the number of people wasn't large, the atmosphere was boisterous. "Old White Hair, if you’re setting up a pharmacy, why refuse to treat patients?" the young master said, swinging his leg, wearing an irritating smile, while extending his hand. "Have a look, won't you? You're the 'Divine Physician,' after all." "Your Highness, I have already explained, this is not my pharmacy.

I beg your understanding, Your Highness," Old Physician An stated. "This really isn't a pharmacy..." Liu Pucheng quickly added.

Before the words were out, there was a crash.

One of the servants had kicked over a small table.

Old Physician An’s expression grew darker. "Your Highness..." His voice rose slightly. "What are you shouting about? Didn't you say this isn't a pharmacy?" the young master laughed, then raised his hand again, causing another crash.

A few servants kicked over nearby chairs and tables, while others simply picked up stools and smashed them violently on the floor. "What are you doing?" Liu Pucheng shouted. "This is my pharmacy! In broad daylight, you..." "Is it a pharmacy or not?" the young master frowned and laughed. "First yes, then no.

Are you all sick?" "Your Highness, whatever you want, come at me directly.

Don't harm the innocent," Old Physician An said sternly, pushing his wheelchair forward a step. "I want nothing," the young master chuckled. "What could I want from you? Aren't you a doctor? Treat me then.

Come, come..." He extended his hand as he spoke. "Divine Physician An, my stomach hurts.

Take a look for me," he said, bursting into laughter. "Divine Physician An, tell me what you want me to do," Old Physician An looked at him and said. "What could I want? I want you to treat me," the young master widened his eyes in feigned surprise. "What? Are you refusing to treat me?" He raised his hand again. "Heavens! What kind of pharmacy is this, that you choose who to treat? Have you any medical ethics at all!" As he shouted this, clutching his stomach and crying out about agonizing pain, the servants renewed their rampage.

Having smashed everything within reach, a group charged toward the counter.

Liu Pucheng rushed to intercept them but was unceremoniously kicked down by a servant. "Who needs treatment?" A woman's voice cut through the din just then.

The servants, vigorously smashing things, stopped and all turned toward the doorway. "I am the owner here, and I am also the doctor," Qi Yue announced, her gaze sweeping over everyone in the room before landing on the young master. "I wonder how we have offended you gentlemen?" The young master appraised her once. "Old White Hair, you're really regressing in age, letting a mere woman step up to take the fall," he spat disdainfully. "Which house do you belong to?" Qi Yue ignored his comment and asked again.

A servant gestured dismissively. "We’re not afraid to tell you," he said, hands on hips. "We are from Julu." Qi Yue let out a soft sound of understanding. "Julu Donkey?" she inquired, sounding genuinely puzzled. "This place is a pharmacy.

It's not a place for treating livestock.

Did you take a wrong turn?" The servant was momentarily stunned, then his face flushed red.

Outside, a burst of laughter erupted from the crowd.

The servant’s accent made the word 'Julu' sound distinctly like 'donkey.' This was a common trait among people from their region, often leading to the nickname 'Julu Donkey' when they traveled.

However, while this insult might pass when aimed at others from Julu, directing it at someone from the Sima family was tantamount to inviting death! "Young woman, you have considerable nerve! Do you even know who we are?" The young master’s face darkened, and he shouted. "Of course, I know.

The Julu Donkey," Qi Yue smiled.

Old Physician An grew anxious and quickly pushed his wheelchair forward. "Lady Qi, Lady Qi, this is my fault; I have implicated you.

Please don't take it to heart," he pleaded, bowing repeatedly to the young master. "Your Highness, it is my transgression.

Do whatever you wish to me, but please do not involve the innocent." "What do I wish? What can I wish for? I came here seeking treatment in good faith, and you all respond by refusing me and then insulting me..." The young master jumped down from the table and shouted, "This is not over..." "That's right, this is not over," Qi Yue interrupted him.

Before her words died away, a clamor of footsteps sounded outside, followed by a disturbance in the crowd. "Master, Master," Hu San's voice rang out from the entrance, and then at least seventeen or eighteen people surged in, with four or five nearly getting stuck in the doorway in their rush.

The young master and his retinue paused, though they were not intimidated. "Well, Old White Hair, you've gathered quite a few people," he laughed, spitting aside. "What? Still refusing treatment? Planning to fight?" Old Physician An quickly extended his hands to intervene again. "Indeed," Qi Yue confirmed, stepping back slightly and shaking her head.

Hu San and his men instantly understood and surged forward.

They were actually going through with it? The group of rowdies flinched. "Hey, do you know who we are?" But the question was quickly replaced by cries of pain. "We know, donkeys," Qi Yue, now standing aside, scoffed, watching the few men who had been surrounded and engulfed. "You walked the easy road to heaven, but you forced your way into the gates of hell!" The street populace grew excited, surging forward like a tide, deeply lamenting the narrowness of the doorway that prevented them from seeing the full details of the fight inside.

In the Imperial Palace, Zhou Maochun finished taking the Empress Dowager’s pulse. "No medicine is needed; Your Majesty simply needs to eat well," he announced.

The Empress Dowager smiled and agreed.

A gracefully regal woman beside her personally brought over a cup of tea. "Your Majesty," she murmured softly.

The Emperor did not accept it. "Are you busy?" the Empress Dowager asked. "No matter how busy, I always have time to speak with Mother," the Emperor smiled, taking a seat beside her.

The Empress Dowager smiled, and the regal woman retreated to the side, sitting down herself with a vacant expression. "Then I shall take my leave," Zhou Maochun said. "What are you busy with these days?" the Empress Dowager asked him with a smile, and before waiting for an answer, she recalled something else. "I hear you’ve taken in a goddaughter?" Zhou Maochun nodded with a cheerful affirmation. "Bring her in for the Old Woman to see sometime," the Empress Dowager said with a smile, glancing at the Emperor. "I hear she is also a physician?" The Emperor nodded but said nothing. "That's even better.

In the future, when you are not in the palace, having your goddaughter here will suffice," the Dowager remarked cheerfully. "Oh, she won't do.

She is quite unsuited for treating the noble ladies of the palace," Zhou Maochun waved his hand, still smiling.

The Empress Dowager maintained her gentle smile. "Oh? Why not?" she inquired. "Are you perhaps hiding her away, afraid I might take her for myself?" She began to laugh, and the attending palace maids quickly joined in, except for the Empress, who did not smile. "She is not suited to treat the honored persons of the palace," Zhou Maochun maintained his light tone. "What difference does it make who they are? Aren't they all doctors?" the Dowager countered, looking toward the Emperor. "The Emperor agrees, does he not?" "He does," the Emperor replied with a smile, without the slightest hesitation.

The Empress Dowager’s smile froze for a fraction of a second.

A junior eunuch bowed his head and entered from outside, whispering a few words into Cai Chong’s ear.

The Emperor noticed and stood up. "Go on, Your Majesty, attend to your duties," the Empress Dowager quickly said, realizing this was something urgent.

The Emperor walked out, followed closely by Zhou Maochun.

Cai Chong then whispered a few words to the Emperor.

The Emperor appeared mildly surprised, but immediately smiled again, turning to look at Zhou Maochun.

Zhou Maochun felt uneasy under that half-smile gaze. "Your Majesty, I certainly did not speak wrongly," he hastened to say.

The Emperor let out a hearty laugh. "I said that Lady Qi was a troublemaker, and you disagreed," he remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This troublemaker has stirred up trouble again." Zhou Maochun blinked, looking at him in confusion. "She brought people and beat Sima Peng," the Emperor stated.

Zhou Maochun sucked in a sharp breath.

Sima Peng? The young prince of the Sima Wang family! The direct grandson of the Emperor's own paternal aunt! Given my poor health today, this chapter will be a lengthy one of four thousand five hundred characters.

RS