Chang Yuncheng’s arrival prevented the excited Hu San from fully expressing his gratitude, but it didn’t affect the class.

“So can this artificial respiration still be used in the future?” the disciples asked, looking at Qi Yue expectantly.

Qi Yue sighed.

“Yes, this is one of the most effective and commonly used emergency rescue methods,” she said. “After this incident, the public must have some understanding of it. Next time you encounter such an emergency, explain clearly to the family members without affecting the rescue. Even if you suffer misunderstanding at the time, as long as you save the person, you can answer all doubts.”

The disciples nodded.

“Also,” Qi Yue looked at everyone and smiled, “I’m here. If you suffer losses, I’ll go get them back for you.”

The disciples laughed, and after laughing, someone led them all in bowing to Qi Yue.

“Thank you, Master.”

Having such a person standing fearlessly behind them at all times, blocking in front of them – what great fortune this was.

While the disciples practiced in class, Qi Yue spoke quietly with Liu Pucheng.

“That matter…” Qi Yue asked in a low voice.

Liu Pucheng knew what she was asking about.

“Almost ready. I’ll go ask tomorrow,” he said quietly. “Over there… usually only one can be obtained per month… This time I’ll find a way to ask him for a few more…”

“Don’t worry about spending money,” Qi Yue said. “I’m here.”

Liu Pucheng nodded with a smile.

“Oh right, there’s also the matter of dyeing and marking for positioning. Look at these medicinal herbs I found…” he continued.

Qi Yue’s eyes lit up with joy.

“Definitely no problem. With you handling it, teacher, it’s foolproof,” she said with a smile.

Liu Pucheng smiled again.

“However, the anesthesia issue still needs more time,” he said.

Qi Yue nodded.

“Sharpening the knife doesn’t delay chopping wood – we’re not in a rush,” she said. “We must consider everything thoroughly. This surgery can’t be completed in one attempt anyway. We have patience.”

After leaving Qianjin Hall, it was already mealtime.

“We’re going out to eat?” Hearing Chang Yuncheng’s words, Qi Yue was very happy. “That’s wonderful! Since I came here I haven’t been to… ahem… I mean I’ve never been to a restaurant to eat.”

Seeing this woman’s childlike excitement, Chang Yuncheng’s stern expression couldn’t help but soften.

“If you want to eat out, I’ll bring you every day,” he suddenly blurted out.

Qi Yue looked at him and smiled.

“Really?” she said. “You promise?”

Chang Yuncheng snorted and ignored her ignorant question, walking ahead.

Qi Yue smiled and followed.

After dinner they strolled through the night market, and by the time they returned home it was completely dark.

Chang Yuncheng came out from washing and saw Qi Yue had already dried her hair and was organizing her writing materials, looking lazy and alluring under the lamplight.

“Good, the lip bow problem can be solved. The most important thing left is the scar issue,” Qi Yue muttered to herself, then suddenly saw Chang Yuncheng approaching.

“Not sleeping yet? You must be tired,” she asked with a smile.

Chang Yuncheng looked at her, swallowing.

“Not tired,” he said, his eyes dark, approaching Qi Yue. “Are you tired?”

In the dark night, the man spoke these words in a low, husky voice, making Qi Yue break out in goosebumps.

“Tired, tired,” she said hurriedly, her face flushing. “You should rest quickly. I’m going to sleep too.”

Chang Yuncheng felt restless all over, not knowing what to say, so he simply reached out and pulled the woman to him.

“Then, then let’s sleep,” he said, pulling her toward the bed.

“What sleep!” Qi Yue raised her hand to hit him. “Go away, go away!”

This annoying woman always hitting and pushing!

“Didn’t you want to!” Chang Yuncheng glared and said in a muffled voice.

“I don’t want to now!” Qi Yue spat, shaking him off. “Get out quickly!”

This annoying woman! Chang Yuncheng glared at her and angrily walked away.

Sometimes wanting it, sometimes not – what kind of person was this! He was spoiling her! Too much!

Dawn was just breaking when Qianjin Hall opened.

Qianjin Hall always opened early, but the early bird catches the worm – two disciples yawning as they removed the door boards suddenly saw someone approach.

“Is Dr. Liu in?” he asked with some urgency.

It wasn’t unusual for someone to seek treatment so early. The disciple was about to answer while rubbing his eyes when he suddenly saw who was in front of him and jumped back several steps in fright.

“Hey hey, Coffin Boy, who told you to come? Quick, stand farther away!”

The two assistants frantically shooed him away.

Coffin Boy was used to this treatment. In the city, except for the gambling den and the tea stall run by Granny Wang at the bridge, no shop would let him approach.

So he basically never went to these shops either. This time he really couldn’t wait any longer.

“Is Dr. Liu in?” he asked again.

“No, no, master went home last night,” the two disciples answered irritably. Anyone woken up early to see Coffin Boy wouldn’t be in a good mood.

“Then I’ll wait a bit more,” Coffin Boy said, stepping further aside.

“Go find some pine and cypress branches to boil water and sprinkle around…”

“…I think we should go to the temple to pray later, this is really unlucky…”

The two disciples chattered on, while Coffin Boy standing not far away showed no expression. All this was perfectly normal to him – it had been with him since the moment he was born and would accompany him until the moment he died.

As more and more shops opened and pedestrians increased on the street, Coffin Boy was constantly driven away. Finally he could only stand in the corner by Qianjin Hall’s wall. Winter was still very cold, and being against the wall was even colder. Wearing only his tattered robe, he had to constantly stamp his feet and rub his hands for warmth.

Liu Pucheng hurried over, not seeing Coffin Boy in the corner at all. Fortunately, Coffin Boy quickly called out.

“Little Coffin?” Liu Pucheng was very surprised.

“I was just looking for you to say…”

Two voices sounded simultaneously. Both Liu Pucheng and Coffin Boy paused.

“I’ll speak first,” Coffin Boy said urgently, but about to speak, he remembered they were on the main street. With this hesitation, pedestrians around looked over with wariness and avoidance in their eyes.

“You, come with me to the gambling den,” he said in a low voice.

That was the second place he could freely enter and exit without being noticed, safely and comfortably.

The first was naturally the morgue.

Liu Pucheng nodded.

“You go first, I’ll come shortly,” he said quietly.

After all, what they needed to discuss couldn’t be said openly. Coffin Boy nodded and left immediately.

Liu Pucheng stood for a moment, looked around, pretended nothing was happening as he brushed his clothes, then entered the pharmacy. After a moment, he came out carrying a medicine box. A doctor making house calls – no one on the street paid attention.

This was Liu Pucheng’s first time at a gambling den. The people at the entrance were surprised, but given the nature of their business, they absolutely didn’t ask questions about customers, so they gave an enthusiastic greeting without extra words.

As a doctor, Liu Pucheng naturally entered the lower-class gambling hall. Upon entering, the light was dim, the smell foul, and the noise overwhelming. He couldn’t tell which was which for a moment when a hand reached out from the side and grabbed him.

“What took you so long?” Coffin Boy said with some impatience.

Liu Pucheng made an “oh” sound and opened his mouth to speak.

“Place your bets! Hurry up! No more bets!” came loud calls from the gambling table. “Coffin Boy, are you betting or not?”

Coffin Boy didn’t look back, casually tossing a bag of money he held, which landed on the gambling table.

“Got it! Betting big!” came enthusiastic calls from the table.

They say this Coffin Boy was addicted to gambling – was this how he always gambled?

This wasn’t gambling – it should be called throwing money away!

He didn’t care at all.

Liu Pucheng couldn’t help but think as he watched Coffin Boy.

Coffin Boy paid no more attention, and because it was noisy here, he had to lean close to speak.

“Why haven’t you been coming?” he said.

“I was just looking for you too, Little Coffin,” Liu Pucheng, hearing only that he hadn’t been coming, quickly leaned close to say, “See if you can find one more…”

“I already found them for you. Why haven’t you been coming?” Coffin Boy, hearing his words clearly, complained somewhat.

Liu Pucheng heard his words this time but was somewhat confused.

“Why haven’t you come for so many days?” Coffin Boy complained again with undisguised dissatisfaction.

Liu Pucheng understood but found it hard to believe.

“Little Coffin, you’re saying you’ve prepared them for me?” he asked.

“Of course,” Coffin Boy said. “Use as many as you want – I have plenty.”

Liu Pucheng was too surprised to speak.

What doctors most wanted was to practice on human bodies, but these were unspeakable matters. If the authorities found out, it would be classified as the serious crime of corpse theft. So whether for doctors or those providing corpses, it was very risky business. Therefore, having one opportunity per month was considered good luck.

Moreover, Coffin Boy had a strange temperament – whether he would help depended entirely on his mood and money…

Money…

Usually one time cost quite a lot. This way the price would definitely be more expensive.

“Money…” Liu Pucheng came to his senses and asked urgently.

Though Miss Qi wasn’t short of money, he couldn’t not ask.

“What money? Dr. Liu, what’s our relationship? Don’t be so formal,” Coffin Boy patted Liu Pucheng’s shoulder.

Our… we don’t have any relationship?

Liu Pucheng was even more confused by his words, and even after returning to Qianjin Hall still couldn’t figure out what was going on.

But if he couldn’t figure it out, he wouldn’t think about it. Liu Pucheng immediately happily made arrangements with him.

Qi Yue didn’t come to Qianjin Hall today, nor was she at home – she was pulled out to the streets again by Chang Yuncheng.

Though they had another unpleasant parting last night, this time Chang Yuncheng didn’t show a sour face the next day.

Getting used to it… Qi Yue speculated. Habit becomes nature…

“What are we eating this time?” sitting in the carriage, Qi Yue asked curiously.

“Meat,” Chang Yuncheng answered simply.

“What kind of meat? Would it kill you to say a few more words?” Qi Yue lifted her foot to kick him.

Qi Yue didn’t like wearing shoes and socks. Whenever she had the chance, she would take them off. Now in the carriage, she had removed her shoes and, wearing only white socks, softly kicked Chang Yuncheng a few times.

Chang Yuncheng reached out to push away that soft little foot.

“Don’t touch me,” he said coldly.

Oh my, putting on airs now. Qi Yue pursed her lips and smiled, obediently sitting properly.

The carriage left the city gates and stopped in front of a shop. Qi Yue got out and looked around – it seemed very ordinary.

“Mutton?” she asked, seeing the characters on the shop sign.

Chang Yuncheng made an “mm” sound and was about to step inside when he heard a surprised greeting from the second floor.

“Oh my, Prince!” Fan Yilin called out in surprise and joy, leaning half his body out the window, frightening the servant inside who quickly grabbed his legs, afraid he would fall.

Chang Yuncheng’s expression changed slightly upon hearing the voice. He didn’t want to look up and tried to pretend he hadn’t heard, but Qi Yue had already looked up.

“Young Master Fan,” she said with a smile, waving.

“I was about to leave, but still felt unwell, so father-in-law asked me to stay a few more days… Young Madam, Prince, you’re also coming here to eat… I heard this is the best mutton restaurant in your Yongqing Prefecture…”

The hall was filled with Fan Yilin’s chatter and laughter. Because distinguished guests had come, Fan Yilin threw a bag of money to the shop owner and drove away all the other diners. Of course, money alone wouldn’t work so well – it was mainly his father-in-law’s reputation that intimidated them.

“Young Master Fan, you eat your meal. Don’t trouble yourself,” Chang Yuncheng interrupted his chatter.

“No trouble, how could it be trouble?” Fan Yilin looked shocked. “Prince and Young Madam are my lifesavers. I could never repay this debt in my lifetime.”

He had been thinking of how to find an opportunity to establish connections with the Marquis Dingxi’s household. He hadn’t expected to encounter them – what fate!

Since it was fate, how could he let it pass?

Fan Yilin employed the spirit and methods he used at home to coax his mother, wife, and concubines. Plus, his father-in-law had been generous in handling the incident with the Marquis Dingxi’s household – not looking at the monk’s face but the Buddha’s face – he finally got Chang Yuncheng to enter the room. Since the husband came in, naturally the wife would come in too. They were acquaintances, no need for such formal avoidance…

Fan Yilin enthusiastically watched the beauty cross the threshold.

Chang Yuncheng stopped and turned back.

“You should go back first,” he said.

Both Qi Yue and Fan Yilin were stunned.

No… Fan Yilin cried inwardly.

“I haven’t eaten yet,” Qi Yue said, frowning.

This woman always talked back! Why couldn’t she just obediently listen when her husband said something? Not once did she just do what he said!

Chang Yuncheng frowned.

“Alright then,” Qi Yue said, seeing his expression. Not being allowed to eat and avoiding men was something she could not care about – after all, she would still observe some rules of this era. Of course, the premise was that it didn’t harm her fundamental interests.

She smiled and curtsied to Fan Yilin to take her leave.

“Young Madam, there’s a private room next door…” Fan Yilin couldn’t help saying urgently.

Qi Yue, who had already turned to leave, looked back and smiled at him, waved without speaking, and continued walking.

Fan Yilin stared dumbly as the beauty swayed away and disappeared in the corridor. His expression suddenly flashed with a hint of doubt, and he unconsciously made a sound of surprise, turning to look at Chang Yuncheng who was now calmly seated in the room.

Chang Yuncheng poured and drank alone, using this brat’s expression from surprise to disappointment as accompaniment to his wine – it was absolutely delicious.

Fan Yilin rushed from the door to the window again, leaning out to look down.

This was too much! Chang Yuncheng snapped and crushed his wine cup.

“Young Master Fan,” he said, his voice cold. “Enough is enough.”

Fan Yilin seemed not to hear Chang Yuncheng’s warning and displeasure. He drew back, looked at Chang Yuncheng, and seemed to want to say something but hesitated.

“Yes, yes, Prince, I was presumptuous. I apologize,” he finally said, raising his wine cup and draining it.

“Good that you know,” Chang Yuncheng snorted, then stood up. “We’ve talked and drunk. I take my leave.”

Fan Yilin quickly stood up too.

“Prince,” he called, wanting to say something but finding it difficult.

Chang Yuncheng was already walking toward the door, having no feeling for Fan Yilin’s strange expression. Having his thoughts exposed, he should feel embarrassed and ashamed.

“Prince,” Fan Yilin called again. Seeing Chang Yuncheng reach for the door, he steeled himself. “You, you aren’t, unable, are you?”

Chang Yuncheng’s hand stopped on the door.

“What?” he asked with a frown, turning back.

Since the most difficult beginning was out, Fan Yilin spoke more smoothly.

“That is, that is,” he looked at Chang Yuncheng and lowered his voice, “that is, unable to… perform marital duties…”

Chang Yuncheng felt his brain explode with a roar.

This! Damn! Bastard!