Chang Yuncheng looked up at Madam Xie in astonishment.

“Mother, why do you say such things?” he asked. “Naturally, I listen to Mother…”

Madam Xie looked at him and let out a cold laugh.

“What did you do today?” she asked.

Chang Yuncheng hesitated for a moment…

“Had quite a good time playing around with that woman, didn’t you?” Madam Xie asked with a cold smile. “This also wouldn’t be something your father forced you to do, would it?”

“No, it wasn’t.” Chang Yuncheng hurriedly said. “I… I wanted to go to Qianjin Hall to take a look, after all… after all, this matter is somewhat related, so I went to see if there were any follow-up matters to handle. Yueniang, she heard about it and also wanted to go. She and Doctor Liu and the others have been through hardships together, so I had no reason not to let her go…”

Madam Xie looked at him with a scrutinizing expression.

“Is that really so?” she asked.

That’s how it was… that’s what he thought.

Chang Yuncheng nodded emphatically.

“Don’t go there anymore from now on.” Madam Xie’s expression softened slightly as she reached out to pull him up, saying, “It’s just a pharmacy and medical clinic, what’s there to see? Those lowly people are like blood-sucking flies and insects – once they latch onto you, you can’t shake them off. Stay away from them.”

Chang Yuncheng stood up.

“Mother, they’re actually quite good people,” he said.

This child always said whatever was on his mind and wouldn’t speak nonsense just to please her. Hearing this, Madam Xie wasn’t angry but rather felt more at ease, because it meant he wouldn’t lie to deceive her.

“Your father does absurd things, but it’s always you who has to bear the consequences.” Madam Xie sighed and said, gesturing for Chang Yuncheng to sit down. “That woman didn’t cause you any trouble, did she?”

Chang Yuncheng smiled somewhat unnaturally and shook his head.

“No, how would she dare? Besides, what would she have to make trouble about?” he said.

“Is she the type of person who knows her place?” Madam Xie sneered disdainfully.

Chang Yuncheng touched his nose.

“Mother, actually, Yueniang, she… she…” he hesitated before saying.

“As for her, I have my own plans. Don’t worry.” Madam Xie said, looking at Chang Yuncheng’s conflicted expression with great heartache.

It was all because of this lowly servant that Chang Yuncheng couldn’t even have peace in his own home.

“With New Year approaching, I can’t get away, but you’ve been back for so long without visiting your grandfather and the others. Why don’t you go deliver New Year gifts?” Madam Xie said.

Chang Yuncheng nodded in agreement.

“When I first returned, I went to see Grandmother, and her health wasn’t very good. I’m quite worried about her,” he said.

Speaking of her mother, Madam Xie’s expression became even more gentle.

“Yes, she’s getting on in years. If you can visit her more often, then do so. Who knows about next time…” she said with a sigh.

Chang Yuncheng’s expression also became somewhat downcast. Grandmother’s health had never been good. If… if that woman could go take a look and cure her…

Would Mother then like her a little more?

Chang Yuncheng’s expression immediately brightened.

“I’ll go prepare right away,” he said.

“Just like when you were little – mention going to Grandmother’s house and you become all eager,” Madam Xie smiled.

Chang Yuncheng touched his nose and took his leave with some embarrassment.

Madam Xie then reached for the calendar book, discussing with Nanny Su which day to go, finally settling on the day after tomorrow.

“Go tell the Second Madam,” Madam Xie said, putting down the book.

Nanny Su was slightly stunned. Why would they need to tell the Second Madam about the Prince going to visit his own grandmother? But she asked no questions and went out with an acknowledgment.

Meanwhile, Chang Yuncheng returned to his courtyard, where Qi Yue was already asleep.

“…The Young Madam and Sister A’Ru were both extremely tired and went to sleep as soon as they returned…” Qiu Xiang said carefully, watching Chang Yuncheng’s expression, afraid he might be angry that the Young Madam hadn’t waited for him.

Chang Yuncheng glanced at the curtain hanging down from the partition over there.

“Has she eaten?” he asked in a low voice.

Qiu Xiang was actually startled by the question.

“No…” she answered hastily.

Chang Yuncheng frowned and looked again toward that direction before going in to wash and change.

Qiu Xiang rubbed her eyes. Good heavens, am I seeing things? It seems like the Prince’s expression was… somewhat worried?

Qi Yue woke up in the middle of the night. The charcoal fire in the room was still burning warmly, and she reached out from under the covers, using the light from the floor lamp to get up.

Listening carefully, she could hear complete silence outside, clearly indicating it was already past midnight.

Since she was accustomed to not having servants stay in the room, Qi Yue got up herself to pour water. She had just walked over to light the lamp when footsteps could be heard from outside.

“Awake?” Chang Yuncheng’s voice immediately came from outside.

Qi Yue was startled, watching him lift the curtain and enter.

He was wearing casual azure crab-shell colored undergarments, trousers, and soft cloth shoes as he walked over.

“You’re such a light sleeper,” Qi Yue frowned and said. “Then you can’t blame me for disturbing you.”

Chang Yuncheng glanced at her.

This woman’s mind always worked differently from normal people – what was she thinking about!

“Do you want some midnight snacks?” he asked.

Qi Yue looked at him while drinking water.

“What are you looking at?” Chang Yuncheng felt inexplicably irritated and somewhat flustered being looked at like that. Had she guessed that he had specially prepared this for her? This… this was simply too embarrassing…

“You’re quite good-looking,” Qi Yue said casually, tilting her head back to finish half a cup of water.

Chang Yuncheng was bewildered by this non-sequitur response.

“I’ve always been good-looking,” he said sullenly.

Qi Yue chuckled.

“Bring the midnight snacks,” Chang Yuncheng said somewhat urgently, turning his head to call out.

There was a patter of light footsteps outside, and soon two night-duty maids came in carrying food boxes, setting them on the table before respectfully bowing and withdrawing.

Chang Yuncheng opened the food boxes, and fragrant aromas immediately wafted out.

Qi Yue couldn’t help but sniff, her appetite thoroughly aroused.

“This is spare rib and chestnut soup,” Chang Yuncheng said while serving it.

Qi Yue sat down and rubbed her hands together.

“You didn’t poison it, did you?” she asked, looking up at Chang Yuncheng again.

“I did – enough to kill a bull,” Chang Yuncheng replied matter-of-factly.

Qi Yue laughed heartily, reached out to take the bowl, and took a big gulp.

“Mm…” she raised her eyebrows approvingly. Not bad, not bad – it was even better than what she’d eaten in modern times. After all, the meat and chestnuts here were all natural and pollution-free, and the ingredients for making soup were all fresh and natural too.

Chang Yuncheng sat down and served himself a bowl. Under the lamplight, both of them sat with their heads together, eating happily and contentedly.

“You’re actually not bad as a friend,” Qi Yue suddenly said.

Chang Yuncheng’s soup spoon stopped.

“That requires no judgment from you,” he said coolly.

Qi Yue pursed her lips and said nothing more, finishing her bowl in a few quick gulps and setting it down.

“Have some more,” Chang Yuncheng said.

“No, I need to go back to sleep, and I can’t eat too much.” Qi Yue waved her hand and stood up.

Chang Yuncheng kept his head down, biting a piece of meat.

“We’re going to Shanning Prefecture the day after tomorrow,” he said.

Shanning Prefecture?

“Your mother’s family?” Qi Yue asked.

Why was he speaking so roundabout?

“My maternal grandfather’s family,” Chang Yuncheng said with a frown.

Qi Yue made an “oh” sound and said nothing more.

Chang Yuncheng slowly drank his soup. The night wind whistled against the windows, and the draft coming through made the candle flames flicker.

With another person in the room, this winter night had a different kind of atmosphere.

The corners of Chang Yuncheng’s mouth couldn’t help but curve up slightly.

“Hey, are you finished eating?” Qi Yue asked. “I’d like to sleep a bit more.”

Chang Yuncheng stopped eating and lowered his face.

The little maids cleaned up and burned fresh incense before withdrawing. Chang Yuncheng also stood up and walked toward his bedroom.

“Hey, thanks,” Qi Yue called after him.

Chang Yuncheng didn’t stop walking and seemed not to have heard as he lifted the curtain and went in.

This person really was… quite contradictory. Qi Yue shook her head and blew out the lamp on the table.

Chang Yuncheng didn’t stop until he reached his room and closed the door. In the lamplight, a rich smile spread across his face.

After sleeping through this time, Qi Yue looked carefully in the mirror.

“The red streaks have diminished considerably,” A’Hao said while combing her hair.

A’Ru came in carrying clothes, and hearing this, hurried over to look.

“Mm, not bad,” she said, examining carefully before nodding.

Qi Yue studied her in return.

“Mm, you’re not bad either,” she smiled. “Youth really is wonderful…”

A’Ru coughed.

“Young Madam is only one year older than me – stop pretending to be old,” she laughed.

Qi Yue laughed heartily.

A’Hao watched them with envy.

“Today I plan to teach them suturing techniques,” Qi Yue said to A’Ru. “You should come learn too.”

A’Ru nodded.

“Young Madam,” A’Hao suddenly called out.

Qi Yue and A’Ru both looked at her.

A’Hao was somewhat timid but still gathered her courage.

“I… I also want to learn,” she said.

Qi Yue smiled and nodded.

“Of course,” she said.

This time when going out, A’Hao was brought along.

“What are you learning this for?” Que Zhi asked curiously when she heard about it.

“I also want to help Young Madam like Sister A’Ru does,” A’Hao said.

Que Zhi twisted her little braid around her finger, looking thoughtful.

“I… also want to learn,” she suddenly said.

A’Hao looked at her in surprise.

“I also want to help Young Madam,” she said to A’Hao with a smile.

That day she had witnessed firsthand what a sensation Young Madam’s divine skills had caused…

She had witnessed firsthand how the Marquis had been so servile in the face of such a sensation…

She had seen those looks of awe and worship…

That feeling might be better than becoming a concubine…

This time Chang Yuncheng didn’t come along. With two more maids beside Qi Yue, they drew curious yet shy gazes from the disciples at Qianjin Hall.

A’Hao stood behind A’Ru, still somewhat afraid of meeting people, while Que Zhi was much more outgoing, actively smiling at those disciples, making them blush and not dare to look at her.

“Alright, alright,” Qi Yue clapped her hands, looking at the room that had been arranged according to her requirements with tables and stools. “Everyone sit down.”

The disciples responded affirmatively and found seats, each carrying their own needle kits and leather pieces.

A’Ru hesitated for a moment, then sat down with A’Hao and Que Zhi.

Qi Yue stood at the front, feeling somewhat nervous. She had actually supervised interns before, but this was her first time being a teacher and giving hands-on instruction. She couldn’t help but take a deep breath and recall how her teachers had taught her.

“Before learning suturing, we need to understand many things first, such as human skin, muscles, and the tools we use…” she said, looking at everyone.

Before she could finish speaking, she saw everyone stand up somewhat anxiously, with a clatter of chairs and benches being moved, interrupting her words.

“Master, how can you stand…”

“That’s right, Master, how can we sit when you’re standing…”

Several disciples said anxiously.

Qi Yue was stunned for a moment, then laughed heartily.

“Don’t think about it so much – this is for the convenience of teaching,” she laughed. It took quite a bit of persuasion to get everyone to sit down, but each person still couldn’t sit properly, either sitting on one corner or simply hovering, which was even more uncomfortable than standing. Finally, Qi Yue had to let them stand up again.

“…The purpose of suturing is to bring together the edges of tissues that have been cut or separated by external trauma, eliminate dead space, and achieve hemostasis, early wound healing, and reconstruction of organ structure for cosmetic purposes…”

“…There are many types of manual suturing techniques in clinical practice… simple interrupted suturing…”

Although many words were like hieroglyphs to the disciples, everyone was reluctant to be distracted, writing furiously and carefully recording every word Qi Yue said.

Liu Pucheng quietly walked in from outside, also carrying needle and thread kits, leather pieces, and paper and pen. He gestured for everyone not to be overly courteous, walked to the last table, and stood ready to listen attentively to the lecture.