“Your Majesty, something terrible has happened to the Empress Dowager!” The young eunuch’s shout immediately silenced the festive atmosphere in the hall as he rushed to Yan Huai.

Emperor Yan Huai’s face changed dramatically. “What happened to the Empress Dowager?”

Yan Chi frowned as well. “When I left, the Empress Dowager was preparing for bed. What could have occurred?”

The young eunuch explained with a troubled expression, “Indeed, Your Highness, the Empress Dowager did retire after you left. However, she awoke shortly after, complaining of severe numbness in her legs. Matron Chen immediately had two servants massage her legs. During the massage, the Empress Dowager suddenly said she couldn’t see. This threw Shoukang Palace into chaos. Matron Chen sent people to summon the Imperial Physicians and fetch Her Majesty’s regular medicine. But while they were getting the medicine, the Empress Dowager tried to get out of bed. The servants weren’t vigilant enough, and she fell from the bed, resulting in bleeding from her nose and mouth…”

“What?!” Yan Huai stood up abruptly. “Bleeding from her nose and mouth?”

While other symptoms might have been manageable, the presence of blood made the situation sound extremely serious.

The young eunuch nodded nervously, “Please don’t worry, Your Majesty. The Imperial Physicians have been summoned. However… today only the Head Physician and one other doctor are on duty in the Imperial Medical Office, and neither regularly treats the Empress Dowager. When this servant left Shoukang Palace, both physicians appeared deeply worried. Matron Chen, fearing for the Empress Dowager’s condition, sent me to inform Your Majesty and request an imperial decree to summon her regular physicians to the palace.”

It was New Year’s Eve, and according to custom, the Imperial Medical Office only needed to maintain minimal staff on duty.

Yan Huai immediately turned to Yuan Qing. “Go summon them! Quickly!”

Yuan Qing repeatedly acknowledged the order and turned to instruct the nearby eunuchs.

Yan Huai then addressed the Empress and Yan Che, “I must go to Shoukang Palace. The Empress and Crown Prince will oversee the New Year’s banquet—”

Before he could finish, Zhao Shuhua and Yan Che both stood up. Zhao Shuhua said, “Your Majesty, you still need to go to Zhenghua Gate to celebrate with the common people. Let me handle the matter with the Empress Dowager. I will personally oversee the Imperial Physicians.”

Yan Che added, “I will accompany Mother to Shoukang Palace.”

Yan Huai realized the impropriety of going to Shoukang Palace himself. Meanwhile, Yan Chi also stood up, “It is Great Zhou’s tradition for the Emperor and Empress to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the people at Zhenghua Gate. The Crown Prince should accompany them. Let me return to Shoukang Palace to look after the Empress Dowager. Your Majesty and Her Majesty can visit after returning from Zhenghua Gate. Besides, Your Majesty’s presence at Shoukang Palace now would not be of much help.”

As the Emperor and Empress had risen, no one else dared remain seated. Yan Huai knew he couldn’t skip the appearance at Zhenghua Gate, but he wasn’t comfortable leaving only Yan Chi at Shoukang Palace. His gaze fell on his most trusted aide, Yuan Qing. “You, go with Yan Chi to Shoukang Palace. I will come after making a brief appearance at the city wall. Report any news immediately!”

Yuan Qing nodded immediately, “Yes, this old servant understands.”

Yan Huai then turned to Yan Che, “Give the order to prepare for the procession to Zhenghua Gate!”

After Yan Che acknowledged, Yan Chi said, “Then I shall take my leave.”

He turned and headed for the door, with Yuan Qing giving some quick instructions before following behind with the messenger eunuch. Soon, they disappeared.

The sudden turn of events left the hall momentarily silent even after Yan Chi’s departure. Not only was Yan Huai born to the current Empress Dowager, but his filial devotion to his mother was unprecedented among emperors. Everyone knew the Empress Dowager’s illness was no small matter, and the earlier festive mood of the New Year celebration had vanished.

While the Empress Dowager’s illness was known to the officials and noble ladies present, the common people of the capital remained unaware.

Yan Huai pressed his lips together and commanded, “Prepare the procession to Zhenghua Gate—”

At his order, the waiting servants and eunuchs immediately opened the hall doors wide. The imperial procession for the Emperor, Empress, consorts, princes, and princesses waited outside. Attendants brought cloaks to protect their masters from the elements. After the royal family boarded their carriages, the others followed. A hundred or more eunuchs and palace maids carried lanterns to light the way, with male officials in front and female attendants behind. The procession of over a hundred people moved majestically toward Zhenghua Gate.

Though many people walked along the palace road, they made almost no sound. The increasingly heavy wind and snow muffled what few whispers there were. Qin Wan felt her hands and feet growing unbearably cold and pulled her cloak tighter around her collar. Looking up, she saw an endless line of people ahead.

Qin Wan walked alongside Qin Chaoyu and Madame Hu. Madame Hu said, “When we arrive, His Majesty and the other officials will ascend the city wall while we wait below. Once His Majesty descends, we can leave the palace and return home.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded and asked quietly, “Will the Empress Dowager’s illness not be serious?”

Madame Hu shook her head, “The Empress Dowager’s health has been declining for some time. It’s hard to say how this episode will turn out.”

Qin Chaoyu’s brow furrowed slightly, “If the Empress Dowager…”

If something happened to the Empress Dowager, the planned selection of the Crown Prince’s bride after the New Year would have to be postponed.

Though Qin Chaoyu dared not speak these thoughts aloud, Madame Hu understood her meaning and shook her head, saying, “Let’s focus on getting through tonight. The rest is in heaven’s hands.”

Qin Chaoyu fell silent, while Qin Wan pondered the eunuch’s earlier report.

Though Qin Wan had never met the Empress Dowager or known the nature of her illness, the symptoms described by the eunuch led her to some conclusions. The numbness in the limbs and sudden loss of vision suggested some form of wind disorder, though she wasn’t sure which type. The bleeding from the nose and mouth after the fall might indicate internal injury.

If internal organs were damaged, the situation was indeed grave.

Qin Wan’s medical training led her to these thoughts naturally, without considering any connection between the Empress Dowager’s illness and herself.

The Empress Dowager was the Emperor’s mother, with many Imperial Physicians at her disposal. Even if the situation was dire, they would never call upon Qin Wan’s services. Besides, the Empress Dowager’s condition seemed extremely dangerous—what guarantee could Qin Wan offer even if she did help?

As Qin Wan walked along shaking her head at these thoughts, she overheard a conversation ahead.

“Mother, is the Prince of Rui’s heir staying this time?”

“Perhaps. His Majesty seems to want to keep him here.”

“The Young Prince belongs on the battlefield. What’s the point of him serving as an official in the capital?”

“Fighting protects the country while serving as an official benefits the common people. What do you mean by ‘what’s the point’?”

“Hmph, His Highness is different from regular officials. Making him serve as one is a waste of his talents.”

Qin Wan blinked, watching Lady Gu and her daughter walking ahead. Peng Huajing admired and revered Yan Chi, with a hint of maiden affection in her tone. Like her mother, she spoke frankly, but with an additional air of refreshing boldness. Listening to this, Qin Wan’s brow furrowed slightly.

Ahead of the Gu mother and daughter walked Lady Yu and her daughter. Feng Chenbi whispered to Lady Yu, “Mother, will the Empress Dowager be all right this time?”

Lady Yu shook her head, “It’s hard to say. The Empress Dowager has had several severe illnesses this year, barely recovering each time. I heard from Her Majesty that the Empress Dowager no longer recognizes people. This cold weather is especially hard on the elderly.”

Feng Chenbi’s eyes darted about, “What if the Imperial Physicians can’t cure the Empress Dowager?”

Lady Yu sighed, “The Empress Dowager is of the highest status… if they can’t cure her… someone will surely be punished.”

Feng Chenbi nodded, gazing at the distant Zhenghua Gate without further comment.

Though it hadn’t been late when they entered the palace, night had now fallen. Being New Year’s Eve, both Zhengyang Gate and Zhenghua Gate towers were lit with rows of lanterns. In the darkness, the tall palace towers looked magnificent and dreamlike. After passing through Zhengyang Gate, the imperial carriages reached Zhenghua Gate. As the royal family’s vehicles stopped, everyone else gradually halted as well. The Emperor and Empress led the way up the city wall, and suddenly the area outside Zhenghua Gate erupted with fireworks and the sound of crowds. Even separated by the gate, Qin Wan could feel the joy and festivity of the celebration.

Qin Wan looked up to see fireworks soaring over Zhenghua Gate into the sky, bursting into brilliant multicolored displays. Amid the continuous crackling, the entire sky lit up as bright as day, clearly illuminating the faces of everyone around her. As she tilted her head back, her only regret was being inside the city wall.

All those who weren’t privileged enough to ascend the city wall remained in the small square between Zhengyang Gate and Zhenghua Gate. The high palace walls on both sides stood like a prison, blocking everyone’s view. Even the spectacular fireworks did little to lighten the oppressive atmosphere.

Qin Wan let out a soft breath, grateful she hadn’t become the Princess of Yong.

Fortunately, worried about the Empress Dowager’s condition, Yan Huai didn’t linger long on the city wall. As the last echoes of “Long live the Emperor” faded outside Zhenghua Gate, Qin Wan saw the imperial procession descending. The crowd below immediately parted to create a central path. Soon after the Emperor and Empress reached the bottom of the steps, another young eunuch came running from inside Zhengyang Gate. Yan Huai and Zhao Shuhua, about to board their carriages, stopped in their tracks.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty—I serve under Chief Steward Yuan. He sent me to report that the dispatched messengers haven’t returned, and the Empress Dowager… the Empress Dowager is failing…”

Despite the cold weather, the young eunuch was drenched in sweat. He fell to his knees in the path the crowd had made, his voice breaking with emotion. Yan Huai swayed slightly, “What do you mean failing?! Aren’t there people watching over the Empress Dowager?”

The young eunuch continued, “The Head Physician and Doctor Liu are still attending her, but the Empress Dowager seems to be fading. The medicine has been prepared, but she can’t drink it. She appears to be… slipping away…”

Upon hearing this, Yan Huai’s brows shot up as he boarded the imperial carriage, fury in his voice, “The Head of the Imperial Medical Office can’t save the Empress Dowager?! This is truly…”

Yan Huai was livid. “If the dispatched messengers haven’t returned, send more! Yan Che!”

At Yan Huai’s call of the Crown Prince’s name, Yan Che immediately stepped forward, “Father, please don’t worry. I understand. I’ll send more people to find the Imperial Physicians—”

“Make haste!” Yan Huai commanded tersely, clenching his fists in anxiety.

Just as he was about to order the procession to Shoukang Palace, an unexpected voice rose from the crowd.

“Don’t we have a Divine Healer here? With the Empress Dowager’s condition so critical, why not let her try?”

The voice was soft and feminine. Yan Huai frowned upon hearing it, “Who spoke?!”

At his thunderous question, the crowd fell silent, all eyes turning toward the source. Feng Chenbi stepped forward, her face slightly pale. “Your Majesty, it was this humble subject speaking.” She hurriedly continued, “This subject merely heard of the Empress Dowager’s critical condition and remembered we have a Divine Healer present. Your Majesty praised her medical skills earlier—why not let her attempt treatment?”

Feng Chenbi’s tone was gentle and submissive. Even in his anger, Yan Huai couldn’t rebuke her for speaking out. Moreover, her words reminded him of something. The palace had its physicians, including those who regularly treated the Empress Dowager, but in this situation, no one had thought of young Qin Wan. Additionally, since Yan Huai hadn’t personally witnessed Qin Wan’s healing abilities, despite praising her, he wasn’t completely confident. But now circumstances were different—the Imperial Physicians couldn’t be found, and the Head Physician couldn’t save the Empress Dowager… Should they just watch the Empress Dowager pass away?!

Yan Huai’s gaze sharpened. “Where is the Qin family’s Ninth Miss?”

From his elevated position in the imperial carriage, his commanding voice left Qin Wan no choice but to step forward.

Qin Wan emerged from behind Feng Chenbi, and Yan Huai immediately addressed her, “Ninth Miss, do you dare treat the Empress Dowager?”

At these words, countless eyes turned to Qin Wan, who stood with lowered brows, her heart pounding.

She knew Feng Chenbi’s suggestion wasn’t well-intentioned—pushing her forward only meant handing her a dangerous predicament. This wasn’t just dangerous; it could be lethal, involving the Empress Dowager’s life!

As Qin Wan pressed her lips together without answering, Qin Shu, standing close to Yan Huai, stepped forward with clasped hands, “Your Majesty, please forgive me, but Qin Wan is still young. Her experience cannot compare to the Imperial Physicians. If even they have no solution, she would surely…”

Qin Shu’s meaning was clear, and low murmurs of agreement rose from the crowd.

“Indeed, this Ninth Miss looks so young. Let alone the Empress Dowager, one wouldn’t trust her to treat even a common person…”

“The Empress Dowager’s illness didn’t develop overnight. She’s never treated it before. At such a critical moment, she probably wouldn’t even know where to begin. We must be cautious…”

These voices reached Yan Huai’s ears, but he didn’t take offense. He shared these concerns himself. Looking deeply at Qin Wan again, he saw her still standing with downcast eyes, seemingly unmoved by the discussions. His phoenix eyes narrowed, his gaze becoming more pressuring.

Qin Wan knew Yan Huai was watching her, waiting for her answer.

“Your Majesty, this humble subject’s medical training has indeed been brief, and my experience is limited.”

Qin Wan finally spoke, but her answer made Yan Huai’s frown deepen. These people were right—Qin Wan was barely more than a child. People naturally held lower expectations for such a young girl, praising her for treating minor ailments. More importantly, she lacked confidence. How could he entrust the Empress Dowager’s life to her hands?

Yan Huai’s expression darkened, deciding not to pressure Qin Wan further.

“However—”

Just as Yan Huai was about to order the procession to move, Qin Wan hadn’t finished speaking. His eyebrows raised as he looked at her.

Qin Wan lifted her gaze to meet the Emperor’s—the first time that evening she’d directly met his eyes. “However, if the Empress Dowager truly stands at death’s door, this humble subject is willing to try with all her ability.”

At these words, not only did others’ expressions change dramatically, but even Qin Shu looked at her with strong disapproval. Unfortunately, he was too far from Qin Wan to stop her.

Yan Huai narrowed his eyes, “Try? Do you realize this concerns the Empress Dowager’s life and death?!”

Qin Wan nodded, “This subject understands. In my eyes, the Empress Dowager is first a patient, then an Empress Dowager. From the palace servant’s description, her condition seems critical, but I cannot know the full extent without seeing her. Moreover, I cannot guarantee I can cure her. Therefore, whether to let me try or not, I leave to Your Majesty’s decision.”

A glint appeared in Yan Huai’s eyes—what a bold girl! She dared to push the decision back to him. If she failed to save the Empress Dowager, would she claim it was because he had allowed her to try?!

Yan Huai would never treat Empress Dowager’s life as a game, but looking at Qin Wan standing there solemnly with lowered eyes, he felt a trace of admiration. His lips tightened as he spoke coldly, “Board the carriage!”

These three forceful words caught everyone off guard, including Qin Wan herself. Seeing her sharp wit from moments ago replaced by confusion, Yan Huai impatiently added, “Hurry up! The Empress Dowager’s life hangs by a thread. If you delay treatment, I will hold you accountable!”

Qin Wan finally understood Yan Huai’s meaning. She lifted her skirts slightly and quickly approached him, though still confused about his command to board—this was the imperial carriage, after all!

As she reached the Emperor’s carriage, Qin Shu and Qin Yan watched anxiously, wishing they could stop her, but it was too late now!

Just as Qin Wan wondered which carriage to board, another young eunuch came running from Zhengyang Gate. Seeing him, Yan Huai’s expression changed immediately, and others’ hearts skipped a beat—had the Empress Dowager already…?

The young eunuch rushed to the imperial carriage and knelt. Yan Huai hurriedly asked, “You’re from Shoukang Palace? The Empress Dowager…”

The eunuch kowtowed and said, “Your Majesty, I bring a message from His Highness the Prince of Rui’s heir. His Highness requests that the Qin family’s Ninth Miss be brought to Shoukang Palace to examine the Empress Dowager. His Highness says only Ninth Miss can save the Empress Dowager now.”

At these words, Yan Huai let out a long breath. When he looked at Qin Wan again, his eyes held more trust.

If Yan Chi had specifically sent someone with this message, it couldn’t be groundless.

Yan Huai shifted to one side and patted the space beside him, “What are you waiting for?!”

Qin Wan felt countless sharp gazes on her back—some surprised, some envious, and others contemptuous, watching for entertainment. Only Qin Shu and Qin Yan opposite her showed faces full of unspoken words and helpless worry.

After glancing at Qin Shu, Qin Wan stepped onto the mounting stool.

Almost as soon as she settled in the imperial carriage, Yan Huai commanded, “To Shoukang Palace, quickly!”

The guard-driver cracked his whip, and the four snow-white horses reared up before breaking into a gallop. As the carriage sped through the palace grounds, Qin Wan looked back to see the crowd of officials and noble ladies left behind. Empress Zhao Shuhua gave some quick orders and boarded her carriage to follow. Everyone forgot about proper etiquette, watching this sixteen-year-old girl from the Qin family ride in the imperial carriage toward Shoukang Palace, all speculating not only about Empress Dowager’s fate but also Qin Wan’s.

In the crowd, Qin Chaoyu turned and glared fiercely at Feng Chenbi.

Feng Chenbi brushed her black hair from her shoulders, “Why are you looking at me like that, Chaoyu? Everyone knows your sister is the Little Divine Healer. I merely happened to remember. You should thank me—if I hadn’t suggested it, even His Majesty might not have thought of her. Once your sister saves the Empress Dowager today, the Qin family will surely soar to great heights.”

As Qin Chaoyu gritted her teeth, Feng Chenbi seemed to remember something and smiled, “Ah, but I forgot about the other possibility… what if… what if she can’t save her?”

…

…

“Are you afraid?” Yan Huai suddenly asked in the speeding carriage. He turned to look at Qin Wan, seeing only seriousness in her still somewhat childlike features, her small face extremely tense.

Qin Wan returned from her thoughts and shook her head, “This humble subject was only considering the Empress Dowager’s condition.”

She looked at Yan Huai, “May I ask Your Majesty, does Empress Dowager suffer from Wind Syndrome?”

Yan Huai remained impassive, “What makes you think so?”

Qin Wan explained, “From the palace servant’s report, the Empress Dowager experienced numbness in her limbs and dizziness with darkened vision. These symptoms strongly suggest a stroke. The servant also mentioned she fell from her bed and bled from her nose and mouth. Elderly patients with Wind Syndrome often fall, and in severe cases may experience nosebleeds. The servant wasn’t clear whether the bleeding was from the fall or a symptom of the illness itself, hence my question to Your Majesty.”

Qin Wan’s face showed complete concentration—so focused that she’d lost her fear of imperial authority. Though Yan Huai was accustomed to trembling deference, he found this version of Qin Wan quite agreeable.

“You were analyzing the Empress Dowager’s illness when you heard those reports earlier?”

Yan Huai hadn’t denied Qin Wan’s speculation, confirming her suspicions. With this knowledge, she replied, “Yes, as a physician, one naturally analyzes such information instinctively.”

“Then why didn’t you step forward yourself?”

Qin Wan lowered her eyes, “Given my humble status, unless necessary, it’s proper to follow established protocols.”

Understanding dawned in Yan Huai’s eyes, “You were also afraid of causing trouble?”

Qin Wan’s gaze dropped further, “The Empress Dowager’s condition is extremely serious. This subject indeed dared not act presumptuously.”

“And now? Are you afraid now?”

Though Yan Huai seemed intent on pressuring her, Qin Wan shook her head, “Right now, this subject is focused solely on the Empress Dowager’s condition. How can I start feeling fear before even beginning treatment?”

As she spoke, her brows furrowed again, that serious concentration returning to her face.

Seeing this, Yan Huai fell silent, his lips relaxing slightly.

After about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the imperial carriage slowly stopped before Shoukang Palace’s gates.

The night was ink-black, with fierce wind and snow, but Shoukang Palace blazed with lights. All palace servants were in a state of panic. Since messengers had been sent ahead, Yuan Qing was already waiting at the palace gates. Seeing the imperial carriage, he immediately approached and lifted the curtain, surprised to find not only Yan Huai but also Qin Wan inside!

“How is the Empress Dowager?!”

Yan Huai descended swiftly, not explaining. Qin Wan lifted her skirts, following quickly behind him. Without the need for further words, Yuan Qing reported while walking, “Not good. She can’t take medicine anymore. She’s been in and out of consciousness for the past half hour. From what this old servant observes, her breathing is labored—more exhaling than inhaling.”

Yan Huai’s heart sank, as did Qin Wan’s. Walking so quickly, her feet grew warm while her hands and body remained ice-cold from the wind. She followed closely behind Yan Huai, so focused that she couldn’t even remember what she’d seen along the path from the gate to the main entrance, her mind consumed with the Empress Dowager’s condition and potential treatments!

At the doorway, they encountered Yan Chi, who looked equally anxious. He immediately stepped forward to greet Yan Huai, his eyes brightening upon seeing Qin Wan!

Yan Huai proceeded directly to the Empress Dowager’s chambers, asking, “What do the Imperial Physicians say?”

Walking just behind Yan Huai’s left, Yan Chi first gave Qin Wan a reassuring look before responding, “Both physicians are at a loss. They’ve given the Empress Dowager life-saving Ginseng Pills and prepared a poultice to stimulate her meridians. They say we must wait for the Senior Physician. Seeing the Empress Dowager’s condition deteriorating, I thought to summon Ninth Miss…”

As they spoke, the group entered the Empress Dowager’s inner chamber.

The room was luxuriously appointed, with painted ceiling panels, fine carpets, hanging curtains, and lingering sandalwood incense. Palace lamps in the corners burned brightly. Two elderly men in Imperial Physician robes stood by the Empress Dowager’s bed, while two elderly matrons and four palace maids, all red-eyed, held various medicinal preparations.

Hearing movement, everyone turned. Seeing Yan Huai, the two physicians immediately knelt.

“Please forgive us, Your Majesty. The Empress Dowager’s condition is critical, but we have no way to save her…”

As they spoke, the matrons and palace maids also knelt. Angry with the two elderly physicians, Yan Huai approached and kicked aside the nearest one. He first went to the bedside to look at the Empress Dowager, then waved his hand, “Everyone rises.” He then turned to Qin Wan behind him, “Girl, come examine her!”

As Yan Huai stepped aside, Qin Wan moved forward while removing her cloak. Yan Chi, being closest, quickly stepped forward to take it. Qin Wan handed it to him naturally, only realizing the impropriety after, but circumstances didn’t allow for such concerns. She proceeded to the bedside as if nothing had happened.

In the brightly lit room, Qin Wan looked carefully at the Empress Dowager, who lay on her back with snow-white hair, wearing neat brown undergarments, and her pants rolled up to her knees. The air was thick with the smell of medicine and medicinal salves. Qin Wan noticed traces of ointment on the Empress Dowager’s calves.

Without a word, Qin Wan took a shallow breath and began checking the Empress Dowager’s pulse. Though anxious, Yan Huai knew not to rush her. Meanwhile, the two Imperial Physicians stood to the side, exchanging confused glances before looking at Qin Wan with both doubt and astonishment, seemingly wondering where Yan Huai had found this young girl to make mischief.

The matrons and palace maids also watched Qin Wan curiously, but with both Yan Huai and Yan Chi silent, they dared not speak.

Qin Wan checked both the right and left pulses while Yan Huai grew so anxious that his forehead beaded with sweat. After what seemed like an eternity, Qin Wan finally released the Empress Dowager’s wrist. Yan Huai hurriedly asked, “How is she? Can the Empress Dowager still be saved?!”

Qin Wan narrowed her eyes, her brows tightly knitted, her voice solemn, “The Empress Dowager’s pulse is weak and sluggish, and her breathing shows more exhalation than inhalation—these are dangerous signs.” As she spoke, she leaned forward to examine the Empress Dowager’s mouth, nose, and eyes, then checked her chest and abdomen, before systematically pressing along her thighs.

Though Qin Wan’s answer wasn’t encouraging, her hands never stopped working. Yan Huai stepped back further, leaving the bedside entirely to her, then asked, “Is there still hope for recovery?”

Qin Wan didn’t answer immediately, then finally said, “This subject will do everything in her power!”

This answer didn’t satisfy Yan Huai, but compared to the two Imperial Physicians, at least Qin Wan hadn’t helplessly waited for the Senior Physician to arrive. Yan Huai took a shallow breath and stepped back. Suddenly, footsteps sounded from the outer chamber.

Yan Huai and Yan Chi turned to see Empress Zhao Shuhua arriving with Feng Lingsu. Yan Huai had no time for courtesies and waved his hand, “Wait outside, all of you. Too many people will interfere with the examination.”

Zhao Shuhua glanced toward the bed, curtsied, and withdrew.

After examining the Empress Dowager from head to toe, Qin Wan spoke softly, “The Empress Dowager’s complexion is ashen, her lips are purple-blue, with dark circles under her eyes. Her limbs are rigid and unresponsive, while her internal organs show swelling. This likely results from Evil Wind entering the liver and spleen, accumulating over time to form an abscess. Given the Empress Dowager’s advanced age, besides these two organs being invaded by Evil Wind, her four limbs’ defensive layers have also been penetrated by Cold Evil, causing numbness and chills in her legs and difficulty sleeping. There are traces of blood in her nasal cavity but not on her lips, indicating Evil Wind has entered the brain’s blood vessels causing pressure.”

While speaking, she looked at the matrons, “Did the Empress Dowager feel not only numbness but also needle-like pain in her legs tonight? Did she vomit during the day? Furthermore, did she lose the ability to speak after falling?”

Before the matrons could answer, Yan Huai warned, “Matron Chen, do not conceal anything.”

The addressed Matron Chen immediately nodded, “The young lady is correct. After retiring, the Empress Dowager indeed felt both numbness and pain in her legs. She did vomit after lunch, eating very little in the afternoon. We were going to summon a physician, but she still had medicine from the previous prescription, and being New Year’s Eve, the Empress Dowager didn’t want us to trouble anyone. After… after she fell and bled, she not only lost the ability to speak but also became barely conscious.”

Having completed the four diagnostic methods of traditional medicine—looking, listening, questioning, and touching—and finding all her deductions correct, the Imperial Physicians and palace servants looked at her with surprise, while Yan Chi’s eyes brightened as he watched her.

Qin Wan studied both medicine and forensics and how could these not be interconnected? From symptoms to pathology was like tracing from a corpse’s wounds to the method of murder—Qin Wan could always see through surface signs to the root of the problem. This was why she could treat the living’s ailments and resolve the dead’s grievances.

After hearing Matron Chen’s words, Qin Wan nodded and said, “I’ll dictate a prescription; you write it down.”

Matron Chen hesitated—changing the Empress Dowager’s prescription wasn’t done lightly. She quickly looked to Yan Huai, who furrowed his brows, “What are you waiting for?! Go write it down!”

Only then did Matron Chen understand Yan Huai’s trust in Qin Wan and hurriedly fetched paper and brush.

Qin Wan stood leaning by the window, massaging the Empress Dowager’s heart acupoint while dictating, “Three Qian each of Ephedra and Ligusticum Wallichii, two Qian each of Dried Ginger, Gypsum, Ginseng, Angelica, and Cassia Heart, fifty Apricot Kernels. Brew with three bowls of water until reduced to one bowl. Begin immediately.”

Matron Chen finished writing quickly and immediately ordered someone to prepare the decoction.

Watching this, Yan Huai couldn’t help asking, “What is this for?”

Qin Wan replied gravely, “This is the Great Life-Continuation Decoction.”

Yan Huai’s brow furrowed—the name alone needed no further explanation.

After prescribing the medicine, Qin Wan swiftly began massaging from the Empress Dowager’s temples down to the Yongquan acupoints on her feet. Working alone, she knelt on one leg by the bedside for better reach. Even so, maintaining this position while applying pressure was extremely taxing. Soon large beads of sweat rolled down her face. Watching from the side, Yan Chi’s eyes showed concern, but given the circumstances, he could do nothing except hold her still-warm cloak tighter.

Yan Huai watched Qin Wan with admiration in his eyes. In just this short time, her skill was evident. She hadn’t asked any questions yet and had discovered so much, with every symptom she guessed proving accurate. She showed no panic, working methodically since her arrival. Though Yan Huai couldn’t understand exactly what she was doing, he knew she must have a clear treatment plan.

“Do either of the Imperial Physicians have acupuncture needles?”

Suddenly, Qin Wan asked. She usually carried her needle case, but today’s formal court attire had been too complicated, and thinking she wouldn’t need them, she hadn’t brought them.

At her question, one physician hurriedly asked, “You want to perform acupuncture on the Empress Dowager?”

By now, the two physicians no longer dared underestimate Qin Wan, but hearing she wanted to use needles, their expressions changed. Qin Wan nodded, “Indeed. May I borrow your needles?”

Needles were standard equipment for physicians, and Qin Wan was certain they would have them.

However, the physician hesitated before saying, “Young lady, do you realize how weak the Empress Dowager is? We also considered acupuncture but feared she couldn’t withstand it. Once the needle goes in, the Empress Dowager might…”

Hearing this, anxiety appeared in Yan Huai’s eyes. No wonder these two could do nothing—if that was the case, they indeed dared not use needles carelessly… Just as he thought this, Qin Wan said, “Please don’t worry, just lend me the needles. I believe my acupuncture technique differs from yours.”

Rebuked by Qin Wan’s words, the physician had no choice but to fetch his needle case. They had given their warning—if anything went wrong with the acupuncture, they couldn’t be blamed for not cautioning against it.

Soon the needle case was in Qin Wan’s hands. She glanced at Yan Huai, “Your Majesty, I need to change the Empress Dowager’s clothes. Please wait outside with the Imperial Physicians and His Highness.”

Though Yan Huai wanted to stay, he had no choice but to leave. Soon only Qin Wan and the palace women remained. Qin Wan stepped back, “Please remove the Empress Dowager’s garments.”

Matron Chen dared not be careless and quickly complied. Once the Empress Dowager’s chest and abdomen were exposed, Qin Wan opened the needle case.

Meanwhile, when Yan Huai left the inner chamber, he already felt somewhat exhausted from worry and tension. If he felt this way, one could imagine how Qin Wan felt as she worked to save a life. Just then, he entered the outer chamber to find it full of people.

Not only were Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu present, but Yan Che, Yan Qi, Yan Zhen, and others had also arrived, along with other consorts, filling the room. Seeing Yan Huai emerge, Zhao Shuhua immediately approached, “Your Majesty, how is she?”

Yan Huai shook his head, “She’s performing acupuncture. We don’t know the outcome yet.”

Zhao Shuhua’s eyes darkened with concern, “Your Majesty, please sit. You don’t look well.”

Yan Huai waved this off, having no desire to rest. He walked to the window and threw it open, watching the night snowfall like floating willow catkins, wind and snow scattering everywhere. His heart grew heavy at the sight. Feng Lingsu hurriedly approached, “Your Majesty is already worried about the Empress Dowager; please don’t catch a chill now.”

Yan Chi sighed, “I wonder if Mother can pull through this time.”

After he spoke, Feng Lingsu didn’t know how to respond. If she said certainly, what if bad news came shortly? Unable to find words, she fell silent, as did everyone else.

Waiting is always torturous, and though Yan Huai knew Qin Wan was confident, he hadn’t expected it to take so long. Three incense sticks had burned through with still no news, except for the prescribed medicine being delivered inside.

Feng Lingsu grew impatient first, “What’s happening? Why is there still no word?”

Zhao Shuhua remained calm, “No news is good news, sister. Don’t be anxious.”

“The Empress Dowager—The Empress Dowager—”

Just then, they heard Matron Chen cry out loudly from the inner chamber. Yan Huai, still standing by the window, spun around—how could he wait any longer? He strode toward the inner chamber, with Zhao Shuhua following. Yan Chi, frowning with concern about possible complications, naturally went in immediately as well.

The group hurried into the inner chamber to find Matron Chen standing by the window, calling out with red-rimmed eyes.

And Qin Wan stood at the foot of the bed, deathly pale, watching the Empress Dowager.

Yan Huai’s brows furrowed deeply, grief surging in his heart as he demanded, “What’s happened to the Empress Dowager?!”

Matron Chen turned with tear-filled eyes, her voice hoarse, “The Empress Dowager, she—”

Seeing Matron Chen’s state, everyone’s hearts sank. Zhao Shuhua and Feng Lingsu immediately shot sharp glances at Qin Wan. But at that moment, the Empress Dowager, who had shown barely any signs of life, suddenly gave a light cough and opened her eyes.