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  Song Huaizhang gave a faint smile. “Still holding a grudge against Big Brother?”

  Since his older brother had taken the first step to make peace, continuing to sulk would be unbecoming of a younger brother.

  Song Huaiyu bowed respectfully. “I wouldn’t dare.”

  “You say you wouldn’t dare, but your actions say otherwise.” Huaizhang csped his hands behind his back and shook his head. “Zhiyin is right—if a marriage alliance is possible, why make enemies? Second Brother, as your elder brother, I must ask: you helped that maid out of trouble—was it for love, or out of compassion?”

  Song Huaiyu looked unconvinced. “Are those the only two options? Big Brother, can I not act out of a sense of legal duty?”

  Now it was Song Huaizhang’s turn to frown in disapproval. “You and I were raised in the ways of officialdom—do you really need me to remind you of its nuances?”

  Song Huaiyu thoughtfully replied, “Big Brother, the complexities of life often defy simple definitions of right and wrong. In the realm of officialdom, this ambiguity is even more pronounced; it requires a delicate bance, an understanding of when to push forward and when to pull back. I grasp this nuance, as do you. Our father, with his years of experience, comprehends it deeply. Yet, while I can accept the occasional occurrences of favoritism in these gray areas of decision-making, I draw a firm line when it comes to crime. That is a boundary I simply cannot cross.

  Song Huaizhang’s gaze lingered on Song Huaiyu’s face for a moment, then he let out a ugh that was equal parts exasperated and amused. “Second Brother, you really are suited for your post at the Kaifeng Prefecture. Father pced you there as an Officer because your experience and record were still shallow—it was meant to polish your credentials, not to turn you into some upright, incorruptible magistrate.”

  Song Huaiyu remained firm in his stance. “Big Brother, our views may differ, but the reason the Song family has stood strong for a century is precisely because, while there may be self-serving exchanges, everything has remained within legal bounds. The bottom line is the w—that cannot be crossed.”

  “Enough, I won’t argue about such lofty ideals with you.” Song Huaizhang changed the subject. “I’ll ask you pinly—do you have feelings for Ji Ping’an?”

  “Yes,” Song Huaiyu answered without hesitation. “She’s a refined and virtuous woman—what gentleman wouldn’t admire her? I have nothing to hide.”

  “In that case, make it official as soon as possible.” Song Huaizhang pinched the space between his brows. “But Father has already selected the daughter of the Censorate Vice Minister, Li Qingqian, as your future wife. Talks are already underway. As for Ji Ping’an…”

  Originally, he had pnned for Ji Ping’an to be a concubine. But with news of her growing favor with the Princess, he hesitated. That word “concubine” lingered in his throat, but he ultimately swallowed it down.

  “If you both are sincere, then come to an agreement with her. Once the daughter of the Vice Minister enters as your main wife, you can then take Ji Ping’an into the household.”

  Song Huaiyu remained silent.

  Huaizhang tried to persuade him. “I know you're eager when feelings are involved. But to bring in a secondary wife before a primary one is not proper.”

  “I haven’t yet asked her intentions,” Song Huaiyu said.

  “Since ancient times, marriages were arranged by parental order and matched by the words of a matchmaker. If you like her, she must marry whether she wants to or not.”

  “If she’s willing, she will be my main wife,” Song Huaiyu replied firmly.

  “Are you insane?” Song Huaizhang nearly lost his composure. “Ji Ping’an is merely a merchant’s orphaned daughter. Making her your official wife—do you not care about your future?”

  “I can carve out my future on my own,” Song Huaiyu said.

  “In this court of back-scratching and mutual favors, you think you can just earn it?”

  Song Huaiyu pressed his lips together. Even his normally light pink lips looked pale at this moment.

  “If it were Sister-in-w,” he asked quietly, “would you let her be a concubine?”

  Song Huaizhang’s expression darkened immediately. “How could Ji Ping’an be compared to your sister-in-w? Her father, though now semi-retired, still holds the title of Grand Academician. He was once Deputy Prime Minister—a first-rank official—with countless prominent disciples. Ji Ping’an is just the daughter of a merchant. Aside from a little money, what does she have to offer? Comparing the two is an insult to your sister-in-w.”

  Huaiyu once again fell silent.

  Not because he agreed with the idea of her being a concubine, but because he knew that no amount of arguing could sway his brother—or their father. All he could say was, “I will ask her first.”

  If she was willing, he would do whatever it took to marry her with full honors.

  If she was not…

  He clenched his fists.

  Then he would spend the rest of his life pursuing her.

  Huaizhang sighed deeply. His feelings for this younger brother were a mix of affection and helplessness. He shook his head and walked off first.

  Song Huaiyu also turned and left along his original path.

  Peach blossoms fluttered gently, pink as the morning glow.

  Not far away, Han Qi stood frozen in pce.

  Her maid Xiuluo supported her, her expression filled with joy. “Madam, the Young Master truly respects you.”

  “Does he?” Han Qi replied as if nothing were wrong, but her eyes were full of bitterness.

  He respected her family background, that was all.

  If one day she were no longer the daughter of the former Deputy Prime Minister, would he still honor her so?

  Probably not.

  Under her long sleeves, Han Qi’s hands were clenched tightly, her knuckles white.

  …

  After searching through several vilges, Ji Ping’an and Doctor Yan finally found fresh leeches. They baked them with lime, ground them into powder, and added the powder to the medicine. After a few days of taking it, the Princess’s bloated belly had completely subsided. Then, with the help of yellow wine and acupuncture, two more days passed.

  The Princess began vomiting and had severe diarrhea. Her face turned as pale as paper.

  Cuiyun was so anxious she was crying, repeatedly asking, “Is this okay? Will the Princess be alright? How long will this go on?”

  Ji Ping’an patiently expined each step until the sun dipped below the horizon, and finally, most of the decayed substances in the Princess’s body were purged.

  These were the residual toxins from lead poisoning, which had corroded her internal organs and festered inside her. Now that they were expelled, the offensive stench on her body faded significantly.

  Cuiyun wept with joy.

  Even the Princess’s eyes reddened. At st… at st, the stench was leaving her body.

  Reward!

  Ji Ping’an was to be rewarded!

  Doctor Yan was to be rewarded!

  The entire residence was to receive rewards—everyone, without exception.

  As soon as the Princess spoke, the whole household dropped to their knees in gratitude. In that moment, the Princess’s estate was filled with pure, unbridled joy.

  With the bloating gone and the toxins mostly cleared, Ji Ping’an only needed to steadily accompany the Princess in daily care and conditioning to eliminate the st remnants. Once that was done, the final traces of the smell would vanish completely.

  However, due to organ damage, the Princess would need to follow a strict diet and maintain careful treatment for the rest of her life.

  Despite the reward, Ji Ping’an didn’t rex. She double-checked the prescription before handing it off to the servants to fetch the medicine.

  Now that the Princess’s condition had stabilized, Ji Ping’an had a bit of free time. She and Dongchun left the estate and bought some gifts to visit and thank Doctor Li.

  Doctor Li modestly accepted the gifts after a few pleasantries. As they chatted, Ji Ping’an mentioned her dream of opening a medical clinic and charity hall to help the poor who couldn’t afford treatment.

  Doctor Li cpped his hands in support and said he knew a couple of experienced old friends who were preparing to retire and return to their hometowns—one of their clinics was about to be transferred, and he could help connect her with them.

  Ji Ping’an gratefully agreed, and the two sealed the deal with a handshake and a smile.

  At that moment, Li Tinghui returned from gathering herbs in the countryside. Upon seeing Dongchun, she immediately asked, “Little sister, have your injuries fully healed?”

  Dongchun took the herb-filled basket from Li Tinghui’s back and replied, “All healed, all healed—thanks to your wound salve, they healed up really fast.”

  “That’s good to hear.”

  Doctor Li beckoned Li Tinghui over and introduced her to Ji Ping’an. “Miss Ji, this is my granddaughter. She’s five years older than you and has been studying medicine with me for fifteen years. Though she may not be as skilled as you, she’s already known as one of the more reputable female doctors in Bianjing.”

  Ji Ping’an smiled as she looked Li Tinghui over. Her long hair was wrapped in a pin blue cloth, and she carried herself with quiet grace and intellect.

  Ji Ping’an stood and gave a polite thanks. “Thank you, Miss Li, for treating Dongchun’s injuries.”

  “I’m a doctor, and she’s a patient—there’s no need for thanks,” Li Tinghui replied with a straightforward, cheerful tone that made her immediately likable.

  Doctor Li stroked his beard proudly. “Don’t be fooled by her age—she’s already passed two rounds of the medical board exams. Once the final round takes pce in two months, she’ll officially be certified.”

  After the final exam, physicians would be registered with the Imperial Medical Bureau under the Ministry of Personnel and receive an official license to practice medicine.

  Of course, vilge healers and itinerant doctors weren’t strictly reguted. But anyone wishing to open a medical clinic was required to register with the authorities and have at least one physician officially listed under the bureau to legally operate.

  Thinking of this, Doctor Li asked, “Miss Ji, have you secured a licensed physician to serve as your head doctor?”

  Ji Ping’an replied, “Not yet. I was hoping to ask Her Highness the Princess to recommend me for the national physician exam next month.”

  Doctor Li nodded. “Understandable. With your skill, it’s only right that you take the general exam, even if out of turn. But to take the national exam early, even with a recommendation from the Princess, you’ll still need guarantees from two senior physicians with over twenty years of experience. Have you found your sponsors?”

  Ji Ping’an merely smiled and looked at him.

  Doctor Li instantly understood and chuckled, stroking his beard. “Ah, yes, yes—both my senior brother and I have practiced medicine for over twenty years. We’re more than qualified. I have full confidence in your skills, Miss Ji. Count me in.”

  “Many thanks, Doctor Li.” Ji Ping’an thanked him repeatedly, and seeing that it was getting te, she left with Dongchun.

  Not long after leaving Huichun Hall, a guard on horseback stopped their carriage. “Might you be Miss Ji Ping’an?”

  Mu Sheng eyed him warily.

  Dongchun asked, “Who are you?”

  The man replied, “There is an ill person in the residence of Chengping Marquis. We wish to invite Miss Ji for a consultation.”

  Dongchun turned to Ji Ping’an. “Miss, we shouldn’t go. That troublemaker at the birthday banquet—Zhou Pingping—is the youngest daughter of the Chengping Marquis. Now they’re calling you over again? They’re definitely up to something.”

  While she spoke, she lifted the curtain slightly. Ji Ping’an could see the man clearly through the slit.

  He sat upright on his horse, eyebrows sharp, frame strong, and carried a strong aura of killing intent.

  Normally, retainers at officials’ residences weren’t allowed to carry weapons.

  But this man was wearing a Dragon Guard uniform and had a long bde at his waist. Clearly, he wasn’t an ordinary person.

  Ji Ping’an looked farther down the road—four more men in identical uniforms were stationed across the street.

  The message couldn’t be clearer: refusal wasn’t an option.