The night was deep, and several lamps had been extinguished in Elder Li’s room, dimming the light, but every person entering or leaving had joy on their face.

“Father ate breast milk and was in good spirits. He talked with mother for half an hour, took his medicine, and only then went to sleep,” Master Li described Elder Li’s condition to the others, unable to hide his relief.

Although he was nearly fifty, having his father around felt different, especially this father who held high office.

“He slept very peacefully,” he added.

The people in the room naturally had similar thoughts, all breathing sighs of relief and chatting happily.

“That Miss Qi is indeed so capable. She was only inside for such a short time and cured father,” someone said.

They had already questioned the maids who served in the room earlier. When they heard that those physicians were discussing prescriptions outside while this woman suddenly walked in and finished treating him before anyone could react – or perhaps hadn’t finished, because she was interrupted by the physicians rushing in.

If those physicians hadn’t rushed in, perhaps father would already be able to get out of bed.

Several people couldn’t help thinking this, although this thought was somewhat disrespectful to the Imperial Medical Academy physicians. But there was no helping it – facts were facts, no matter how unsightly they were.

“Fourth Brother, have Tong-ge remember to go wait at Miss Qi’s house again tomorrow,” Master Li said.

The address “Tong-ge” left everyone momentarily confused.

“Yes,” Li Tong’s father quickly responded, unable to hide some joy on his face.

If this time truly allowed father to turn danger into safety, it would be their fourth branch’s contribution! As for which young master didn’t really matter – he was the father of both anyway.

How had it been cured just like that?

At this time, two physicians remained in the room, Judge Gong being one of them.

He had been deep in thought while watching the sleeping Elder Li.

To be honest, he really had thought the woman who entered with Dong Lin was Elder Li’s concubine. If she were a concubine, entering the inner room would naturally be normal. Standing outside listening to them physicians talk would be abnormal, so he hadn’t paid any attention until the maids’ screams came from the inner room.

This whole process took no more than the time for one cup of tea. How had it been cured?

How did she treat it?

Judge Gong’s eyes seemed to see that woman’s figure again, standing by the bed, pulling something strange from Elder Li’s abdomen… a needle?

Thinking of this, Judge Gong stepped over and gently lifted Elder Li’s blanket and undergarment. The yellowed cloth on his stomach was still there.

Judge Gong carefully peeled back the cloth. Beneath it was clearly liquid that had been wiped away. By the dim lamplight, he almost pressed his eyes to it, looking for a long while before he seemed to see a needle mark.

What exactly was this about?

Acupuncture here? But why cover it with this cloth?

In the night, Judge Gong stared blankly at Elder Li’s not particularly attractive belly for a long time without moving.

This was Qi Yue’s fifth night in the capital, but she didn’t sleep as peacefully as usual.

When dawn was breaking, A’Ru and A’Hao moved quietly about the room, occasionally pressing their ears to the door to listen.

Qi Yue sat up from the bed.

A’Ru outside heard immediately and came in.

“Miss is awake?” she asked.

Qi Yue looked at her and sighed.

“A’Ru, did you two not sleep all night?” she asked.

A’Ru and A’Hao lowered their heads embarrassedly, sporting dark circles.

“Miss, aren’t you nervous? It’s the imperial palace,” A’Hao came over and said while helping her get up.

“Apparently you’re not going with me?” Qi Yue asked, somewhat puzzled.

“We’re nervous for you,” A’Hao said with a pout.

Qi Yue laughed heartily.

“The emperor is not worried, but the eunuchs are anxious,” she laughed while simply putting on everyday clothes and casually pinning up her hair. “Let’s eat, let’s eat.”

After eating, Chen Shi’s servant women came over carrying clothes and jewelry.

“Madam is dressing and will be over shortly,” they said. “Please have Miss change clothes and arrange her hair first.”

Qi Yue agreed and sat down to be attended by these two women – a simple high chignon with only a gold filigree phoenix hairpin inserted, changing into a fruit-green round-collar robe with folded branch embroidery.

The clothing and accessories seemed simple, but the person appearing in the mirror startled even Qi Yue.

She knew Qi Yueniang was beautiful, but this beauty now surpassed the past. Under the formal ceremonial robe, she was beautiful and noble.

So much so that Qi Yue was somewhat flustered and couldn’t help whistling, startling the two servant women.

Chen Shi came over at this time, looking at Qi Yue turning from the mirror.

“How is it?” Qi Yue asked with a smile.

Chen Shi looked at her with a slight smile.

“You look like your father,” she suddenly said.

Qi Yue was startled.

“My father?” she asked in surprise. “Aunt, have you met my father?”

Shouldn’t a beggar’s parents also be beggars? How could someone like Chen Shi, a young lady from a noble family, know the beggar Qi Yueniang’s father?

“You’re tall – ordinary women aren’t this tall. I suppose you take after your father,” Chen Shi said with a smile.

Qi Yue wasn’t a child and smiled stiffly at these words.

But whatever – if she wanted to talk, let her talk; if not, so be it. The past had nothing to do with her anyway.

“Then let’s go,” Chen Shi extended her hand.

Qi Yue nodded and placed her hand in hers. The sun rose, morning light scattered down, and the courtyard was bright.

Chen Shi took Qi Yue’s hand and walked slowly, dappled tree shadows shifting and intersecting on her face.

Li Tong had been waiting outside the gate for a while. He had been urged here early in the morning by his father, accompanied by Judge Gong and two other physicians.

“Miss Qi said she has business today, so we shouldn’t disturb her,” Li Tong said quietly.

“Business? What business could be more important than treating the Elder?” one physician said dissatisfied.

Judge Gong was also somewhat impatient. He was truly too curious, having not slept all night, pondering what exactly was going on with Elder Li’s stomach, but couldn’t figure it out.

Clearly it was breathing difficulty – why did she use acupuncture on the stomach? How exactly did she use acupuncture? So many questions piled up in his heart without answers – it was truly like a hundred claws scratching at his heart.

“Right, Elder Li’s illness is important. Can’t other matters be postponed?” he also said.

“What matter in this capital could be more important than Elder Li?” that physician agreed, his face full of indignation. “Business? What nonsense business. Just putting on airs…”

His words had barely fallen when he heard the sound of horses and carriages approaching from outside, then saw four people riding horses toward them. He couldn’t help being stunned.

Perhaps it was the backlighting making it unclear.

He raised his hand to rub his eyes.

When he opened them again, the four had approached, all wearing earth-yellow clothing, particularly striking.

That was the attire only palace eunuchs wore.

This, this…

Were palace nobles looking for Judge Gong? Judge Gong, as Medical Judge, although there were left and right Medical Judges in position, Zhou Maochun as Medical Judge could be ignored, so Judge Gong’s status was naturally very important.

He couldn’t help looking at Judge Gong beside him.

Judge Gong was also somewhat surprised, though his first thought was the same, and he even stepped forward.

The four eunuchs dismounted but didn’t even glance at them. Behind them was also a carriage of palace standard.

The Chen family’s main gate opened as if it had eyes, just as these people arrived.

“Thank you for your trouble, Your Excellency,” an elderly servant came out and bowed.

His attitude showed no surprise, as if this scene was quite common.

The eunuchs returned the courtesy.

“Madam is coming out.”

A voice announced from inside.

Chen Shi came out leading Qi Yue by the hand.

“Please, Madam,” the eunuchs bowed, with two personally running over to place a stool and hold up the carriage curtain.

Chen Shi nodded slightly, saying nothing, and led Qi Yue toward the carriage.

Qi Yue saw Li Tong standing to the side, already dumbfounded.

“Oh? Is there something?” she asked.

Li Tong had already been stunned when he saw these eunuchs arrive. Seeing Qi Yue emerge obviously dressed up, he instinctively wanted to retreat and hide, never expecting Qi Yue would speak to him in such circumstances. Immediately all eyes looked over.

Li Tong felt as if his whole body was on fire, wishing he could immediately turn to ash.

“Nothing, nothing,” he said hoarsely, bowing repeatedly. “Miss please go about your business.”

“Don’t worry, I remember your grandfather’s matter. I will go see him,” Qi Yue said with a smile.

Li Tong dared not say anything, bowing repeatedly.

Here, Qi Yue said no more and got into the carriage with Chen Shi.

Only then did the eunuchs mount their horses, leading the way out. The carriage turned around, and the sound of whips cracking came from the street outside – the unique sound of imperial guards driving away idlers.

Li Tong kept his head down, and even after hearing the hoofbeats fade away, he dared not lift his head.

Judge Gong and that physician had also been stunned during this time. Only when the Chen family’s gate creaked shut did they come to their senses.

“This is… going into the palace?” the physician said in a daze.

Nonsense!

Judge Gong thought to himself.

They often walked in the palace and were naturally familiar with the imperial family’s procedures for bringing people into the palace. But the person being brought was this, this…

This suddenly appearing Miss Qi…

What was going on?

“This is what Miss Qi meant by ‘having business’?” he couldn’t help saying.

The physician beside him immediately broke out in sweat.

He seemed to have said something he shouldn’t have.

What business could be more important than Elder Li’s illness…

What nonsense business…

Didn’t that mean imperial business wasn’t as important as Elder Li’s business…

Didn’t that mean entering the palace was nonsense business…

Heaven help him, may Heaven bear witness, and more importantly, may the Emperor understand clearly – he didn’t mean it that way!

The physician’s legs immediately went weak, nearly kneeling. He couldn’t help raising his hand to slap himself.

Why did you have to run your mouth! Would you die if you didn’t speak! What’s so urgent about one Elder Li that you need to eagerly curry favor!

Qi Yue knew nothing of the physician’s panic here. She sat quietly beside Chen Shi, curiously examining this imperial carriage.

“Don’t be afraid,” Chen Shi squeezed her hand and said quietly.

Qi Yue smiled at her.

“I’m not afraid, I’m with you, Aunt,” she said with a smile.

Chen Shi looked at her – indeed she showed no panic, nervousness, or anxiety. On the contrary, her demeanor was calm and natural.

Yes, of course she shouldn’t be afraid. What was there to fear? That was originally her home.

The carriage paused slightly at this moment, with voices speaking outside, then began moving again.

“We’ve entered the Imperial City,” Chen Shi said.

Qi Yue made an “oh” sound and sat properly like Chen Shi.

Chen Shi withdrew her gaze, looking ahead.

Your Highness, didn’t you want to see the capital?

Your Highness, you must have wanted to see your palace too?

Your Highness, you didn’t wait for it, but your daughter has.