Jiao Niang’s Medical Record Chapter 456

Fortunately, this time Duke Jin’an did not climb over the wall with a ladder, sparing Lady Huang another fright.

When the front gate opened, Lady Huang led Cheng Jiao-niang and the child, along with a group of servants, maids, and attendants, to bow deeply and greet him with full ceremony.

Seeing the courtyard filled with people saluting him, not only did those in the yard feel ill at ease – even Duke Jin’an himself felt a bit awkward.

Not because of the bows, of course, but because of the memories.

The boy who used to perch on that wall had changed, and this once quiet, lonely courtyard had changed as well.

Thinking of that, Duke Jin’an felt a faint pang of wistfulness.

He used to think those days were the hardest in his life – but now, looking back, they seemed so free, so full of quiet joy.

You never know what kind of suffering awaits you in the next moment, nor do you realize that what once felt like suffering might, in truth, have been happiness.

“…Liu Ge’er, today I am going to do something joyful.”

Before leaving, he sat in the main hall, watching Prince Qing fiddle with a pile of toys.

“Do you want to know what it is?”

He leaned forward, sitting cross-legged, a trace of boyish pride in his tone.

Prince Qing paid him no mind, humming and chuckling to himself.

“All right, I’ll tell you – but don’t tell anyone,” he said with a laugh. As usual he sat in front of Prince Qing and babbled on.

“Remember I told you before: he harmed you, so I’ll harm him – tit for tat. He made you stupid, so I’ll make him neither fully human nor ghost.”

“…What do you mean by ‘neither fully human nor ghost’? Remember that year we traveled, the village where they found that thing burned to death – that wasn’t a monster, it was someone afflicted with li-feng…”

“…Yes. I had the idea even then. After we came back I had people look for those li-feng sufferers, and not long ago good news came: they found one and confirmed how it spreads, and they’re bringing him to the capital. Liu Ge’er, when the time comes do exactly as I told you – put things that the li-feng patient has used in his place…”

“You’re worried about hurting other people? Liu Ge’er, you really are a kind child… They’ve already checked it elsewhere – ordinary meetings and talking are fine. Besides, he loves books so much; he doesn’t like seeing people…”

“…But now Cheng Fang has come. How to put it – I’m glad, truly, but it’s also a real dilemma…”

“…If the First Prince were to get this disease, he’d certainly call for her to treat him. If she refuses to treat him, or if she can’t cure him, it would get her into trouble – His Majesty, the Imperial Consort, and the others would all think ill of her…”

“…Alright. Actually I’m more worried that if she can cure him, then everything we’ve done will have been for nothing.”

“…I want her to leave, to be away from the capital. Of course it mustn’t look like we forced her to go – best would be to have Gao Lingjun and the Imperial Consort force her out…”

“How do we force her to leave? Just as I feared she might cure the First Prince, Gao Lingjun and the Imperial Consort fear she might cure you…”

“…Once you know what people are afraid of, it’s easy. We’ve arranged everything. On that day she’ll come into the palace, and I’ll invite her to our place to see you. Then we’ll close the doors, ask whether she can treat him – or not even ask at all. And when the Empress Dowager asks, if I answer that she can’t cure him and just hesitate a little, that alone will make the Imperial Consort’s heart race…”

“…She’ll start to suspect, she’ll desperately want to know what we said behind closed doors, but she’s destined to get no answers. That lack of answers will drive her mad…”

“…She’ll be determined to drive Cheng Fang out – at all costs she’ll want to eliminate this threat, even if it’s only a sliver of hope…”

“…Liu Ge’er, think about it: if she’s forced to send Cheng Fang away, and then the First Prince’s illness worsens and he dies… wouldn’t she truly lose her mind? That would be her killing the First Prince with her own hands…”

Duke Jin’an threw his head back and laughed; his laughter echoed through the hall, making Prince Qing look at him, a little startled.

“Liu Ge’er, isn’t this the best plan?” he asked, seizing Prince Qing by the hand.

Prince Qing shrugged him off, seemed to see something else, and crawled to one side.

The room had been carefully arranged so nothing would bump him; Duke Jin’an sat back down.

“But in the end, I didn’t do it,” he said slowly. “When I watched her happily – so earnest – eating the pastries and fruit I gave her, when I watched her trustingly listen to me, Liu Ge’er, I couldn’t do it…”

“She already has nothing left. She’s been through so much; the world keeps pushing her, and I would have been the one to push her, to use her…”

“…Yes, she’s formidable. The Imperial Consort and Gao Lingjun may not be able to harm her – they might even end up turning her into an enemy. Just like all the others who offended her and were bitten back in return…”

“…That would actually be the best outcome – for you and me…”

“…But I couldn’t bear it. I couldn’t bear to see her suffer like that… Why must everything always be so hard for her…”

“…So, the moment I stepped out, I regretted it. I called it off…”

“…And then, we were finished – set up, cast out, separated, each to our own residence. Getting close to the First Prince again became even harder…”

“…But strangely, I didn’t regret it at all. On the contrary, I felt… happy. Relieved…”

“…Liu Ge’er, I think there are a thousand paths in this world. If one is blocked, we can always take another. As long as we keep walking, we’ll find a way…”

“…Don’t you think so too? I’ll go and apologize to her. Even though I stopped myself in time, after all… I did take that first step.”

“Your Highness?” someone called.

Duke Jin’an came back to himself and, seeing the courtyard still full of people frozen in their bows, smiled.

“I have some acquaintance with Lady Cheng through matters of medicine, so I happened to stop by for a visit. There’s no need for alarm,” he said, raising a hand to signal them to rise.

Fan Jianglin was not at home, and Lady Huang, as the elder sister-in-law, had no choice but to handle the reception with the help of the maids. Fortunately, she was not required to stay and entertain him; once the formal greeting was done, she busied herself with the maids preparing tea.

“What a coincidence – Zhang Ban Qin is here! Quick, make us some of your specialties,” one of the maids said, glancing to the side.

The young lady she spoke to stood smiling. Hearing this, she casually reached over to grab a handful of melon seeds and began cracking them.

“You say my surname’s Zhang – I’m a guest too. How could I take over your duties?” she said with a laugh.

The maid laughed as she reached out to tug her sleeve.

“Who in the whole capital wouldn’t be proud to have a cook from the Zhang household? Come on, it’s rare to have you show up uninvited – let our household share in the honor!” she teased.

Watching the two girls banter so easily, without a hint of the nervousness one might expect when a member of the imperial family suddenly visits, Lady Huang felt both puzzled and gradually at ease.

“Madam, what are you afraid of? Both the young master and the lady have met His Majesty before,” the maid said with a smile.

Met the emperor? More than that – they even dared to wager with him. Hearing this, Lady Huang couldn’t help but smile too, turning her head toward the guest hall.

It didn’t look like a simple acquaintance over medical matters – more like two old friends, long familiar with each other.

“It’s been two years since I last came.”

Duke Jin’an looked around, a trace of emotion in his eyes, then smiled faintly. “The house feels much livelier now.”

Cheng Jiao-niang nodded.

“Your Highness can come through the gate now, too,” she said.

So, even in hardship, there are still things worth being glad about.

Duke Jin’an laughed and lifted his teacup.

“To shared joy,” he said.

Cheng Jiao-niang smiled as well, raised her cup, and tilted her head slightly to take a sip.

“You must have heard by now,” Duke Jin’an said.

“The maids and servants go out shopping every day,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied.
So whatever there was to know – she already knew.

“Everyone thinks I was driven out,” Duke Jin’an said, “but in truth, it was just what I wanted.”

Cheng Jiao-niang nodded.

“There’s a time for everything. When the time comes, one should act,” she said.

Duke Jin’an’s smile deepened.

“To tell the truth, I once had some unworthy thoughts – thoughts that might have dragged you into trouble, made things difficult for you,” he said, then set aside his smile and bowed solemnly. “You already know what I mean, so today I came to apologize.”

Cheng Jiao-niang looked at him for a moment, then shook her head.

“No person and no matter can make things difficult for me,” she said.

The maid and the serving girl carrying tea and refreshments stopped under the veranda, exchanged a glance, and their expressions grew grave.

What had happened that day when their lady entered the palace? Why did something sound… off?

The maid shook her head.

She and Ban Qin had only accompanied her as far as the palace gates – they hadn’t gone inside.

Inside the hall, Duke Jin’an’s voice continued, but the previous topic seemed to have been abruptly cut off, as if it had never been spoken at all.

“…Don’t worry. This time I knew they meant to drive me out, so I simply went along with it. And as I wished, I brought Prince Qing with me, so I can look after him. I’ve thought it through – even standing upright and aboveboard, I can still do what I want to do.”

Duke Jin’an’s tone was easy and cheerful.

“Openly and righteously – Heaven does not deceive.”

Cheng Jiao-niang, however, was very solemn.

The maid took the tray from her and quickened her steps as she went inside.

The young girl remained standing under the eaves outside, her expression dazed. Hearing Duke Jin’an’s voice from within – now even lighter, more cheerful, clearly pleased at having been agreed with – she couldn’t help but shake her head and smile.

His Highness the Duke, she thought, probably doesn’t realize – her lady is someone who dares even to deceive Heaven itself.

A low rumble of thunder seemed to pass by her ears.

If anyone truly did something to anger her lady – whether done in secret or in the open – “Heaven does not deceive”? Then she would deceive Heaven.

After a bowl of tea and a few pastries, Duke Jin’an took his leave, perfectly content.

“I still must thank you for your generosity,” he said with a proper bow before departing.

“I’m not generous,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied, shaking her head. “I’m very petty.”

Duke Jin’an was startled, then burst out laughing.

Indeed – if one were to think about it, she really was a little petty. Because of ‘Passing Immortal,’ she had ruined the household of a court official who had spent decades building his career; because of a mere military commendation, she had driven one man to his death and toppled a swath of northwestern officers.

“Then you should thank yourself for being generous,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.

“Yes – those who harm others only harm themselves, and relying on others is never as good as relying on oneself,” Duke Jin’an replied with a grin. “I really should thank myself – I’m such a good man, aren’t I?”

Though the maid following behind didn’t know exactly what had passed between them, hearing the exchange, she couldn’t help but smile – clearly, whatever had been between them had now been set right.

A servant came in from outside.

“Your Highness, a number of people have arrived outside…” he said, his tone somewhat grave.

“There’s no need to worry, Your Highness – it’s been like this these past few days,” the maid said with a smile.

Duke Jin’an looked surprised and turned toward the courtyard. Before he could see clearly, someone strode straight in.

“I don’t care about the others – you just write me ten, eight pieces of calligraphy so I can take them to sell,” the newcomer said as he walked, then stopped short when he saw the crowd standing in the courtyard. His gaze landed on Duke Jin’an.

It was him!

Duke Jin’an recognized him at once – the man who had crossed the river with her by boat two years ago.

Qin Shi’san-lang – Qin Hu of the Qin family.

Qin Shi’san-lang, too, was momentarily taken aback. Though of imperial kin himself, he had never entered the palace as a child due to his crippled leg; after recovering in recent years, he had been absorbed in his studies. He had only heard of this duke who lived deep within the palace, never met him so close. Realizing who it was after a moment, he quickly bent down and saluted.

“I pay my respects to Your Highness,” he said.

Duke Jin’an nodded, lifted his foot, and walked out.

Outside the gate indeed stood a group of people – young and old alike – but they were polite and composed, keeping their distance. Even when they saw Cheng Jiao-niang and the others come out, there was only a slight stir among them; no one rushed forward or raised their voice.

“They’re admirers of Miss’s calligraphy,” the attendant, having already inquired, reported.

No wonder, then – scholars always mind propriety and decorum.

Duke Jin’an showed a slightly proud smile, sharing in her honor. When he turned back again, Cheng Jiao-niang and her companions were bowing to him in farewell.

After getting into his carriage and riding off, Duke Jin’an couldn’t resist lifting the curtain for another look. He saw the people still standing neatly before the Cheng residence, Qin Hu beside Cheng Jiao-niang saying something to her – and a faint smile seeming to appear on her lips.

The horse was swift, the carriage light – and in the blink of an eye, the scene was gone.

“You can write such beautiful calligraphy and never told me,” Qin Shi’san-lang said as he followed Cheng Jiao-niang through the doorway.

Lady Huang, already accustomed to his visits, greeted him with a bow while holding her child.

Qin Shi’san-lang returned the bow solemnly.

“You never asked me,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied. “Besides, it’s not that good.”

Qin Shi’san-lang raised a hand to his forehead, then pointed toward the door outside.

“Don’t let them hear you say that – or else a few more might go mad with excitement,” he said with a laugh.

Cheng Jiao-niang only smiled faintly and said nothing.

The two of them sat down in the main hall while Ban Qin and the maid brought in tea.

“Miss, I’ll head to the shop now,” the maid said.

“Our chief manager is truly busy,” Qin Shi’san-lang teased.

The maid laughed and withdrew.

“Miss, I will take my leave as well,” the young girl said.

Cheng Jiao-niang nodded, watching as the girl stepped out.

“This cook from the Zhang household truly inspires envy,” Qin Shi’san-lang said with a smile. “Do you have any maids you could spare? It would do my household some good to have such a fine cook as well.”

At once, Ban Qin grew tense and edged closer to Cheng Jiao-niang.

“No need to swap anyone. Ban Qin can cook too – if you want to learn, have your maid come study from her,” Cheng Jiao-niang said.

Qin Shi’san-lang was taken aback.

“You aren’t joking, are you?” he asked.

“What’s there to joke about? Cooking is just a small craft,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied calmly.

“Then I’ll truly send a maid over to learn,” Qin Shi’san-lang said.

Cheng Jiao-niang gave a quiet “Mm” in response.

“Liu-lang wrote in his letter singing endless praises of the Divine Arm Bow,” Qin Shi’san-lang said with a laugh as he sipped his tea.

“It’s the soldiers who use it well,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied.

“You really don’t claim any credit, do you?” Qin Shi’san-lang said, still smiling.

“Whether I claim it or not – isn’t it all the same?” Cheng Jiao-niang said lightly.

“How could it be the same?” Qin Shisanlang shook his head.

“How is it not the same?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked.

Merit brings fame, fame brings reward, reward brings wealth and honor – and then comes admiration from all.

Qin Shi’san-lang looked at the girl before him – a small, calm figure in plain, unchanging clothes, drinking her own brewed tea, eating the pastries she made herself. The room around her was simple, quiet, and elegantly spare.

For others, glory meant fine robes and spirited horses; but to her, all the world’s splendors and struggles were nothing more than a handful of dust.

By doing nothing, she achieved everything.

“Enough about that – write a few characters for me,” Qin Shi’san-lang said with a smile, pulling himself back from his thoughts.

“Writing for no reason? I couldn’t write a thing that way,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied, pointing toward the study. “There are some pieces already written there. If you like them, go and take what you wish.”

Sure enough, Qin Shi’san-lang laughed, stood up, and unceremoniously went into the study to fetch a stack.

“Sir, those papers could at least be used to start a fire,” Ban Qin said with a teasing smile.

“What a waste of Heaven’s gifts!” Qin Shi’san-lang glared at her.

Ban Qin covered her mouth and laughed.

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Qin Shi’san-lang said with a smile. “These will be more than enough for the young men at home to copy and practice from.”

Cheng Jiao-niang rose to see him off.

“Oh, right – was the Duke here just now for Prince Qing again?” Qin Shi’san-lang asked, remembering something.

“No,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied.

It would have been improper to press further – and Qin Shi’san-lang was a man who knew his manners.

“Then… what did he come for?” he still couldn’t help but ask.

“To apologize,” Cheng Jiao-niang answered without the slightest hesitation.

Apologize?

It must have been because of Prince Qing’s case – he’d already said she shouldn’t treat him, yet still called her in to do so. Didn’t he realize that saying “cannot be cured” before the Emperor would put any doctor in an impossible position?

And after all that had just happened, how difficult must that have made things for her in the Emperor’s eyes.

“He should apologize,” Qin Shi’san-lang said, stepping forward. After a few steps, he paused and turned back to look at Cheng Jiao-niang with a smile.

“What are you smiling at?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked.

“I was just thinking – when I asked you, why didn’t you say ‘not telling you’” Qin Shi’san-lang laughed.

“It’s not as if it’s something that can’t be spoken of,” Cheng Jiao-niang said evenly. “Why shouldn’t I tell you?”

Seeing her answer so seriously, Qin Shi’san-lang couldn’t help but burst out laughing.

“I just thought – hearing you speak like that must be quite amusing,” he said.

Amusing?

Ban Qin, Lady Huang, and the others couldn’t help glancing toward Cheng Jiao-niang.

The young lady stood gracefully, looking up with a touch of playful reproach, a faint smile in her eyes – half teasing, half sincere.

Not telling you.

Ban Qin and Lady Huang shivered slightly, then quickly lowered their heads, hiding their smiles.

Cheng Jiao-niang’s expression didn’t change.

“You’re overthinking it,” she said calmly.