Jinyi Spring

Chapter 142 Doubt

In the afternoon, Master Wang brought over a jar of medicinal powder. "Miss, the medicine you requested has been prepared."

Feng Chuchen glanced at it; it was ground extremely finely and emitted a rich medicinal aroma.

The next day, Feng Chuchen did not go to the clinic, citing feeling unwell.

She locked herself in the main room, had Peony turn up the stove to heat the kang (a heated brick bed), and then put the thousand-year-old ginseng into the steamer.

Peony said, "It's too hot here, Miss, go and rest. I'll stay here."

"No need, I can do it myself."

This vigil lasted for two days and two nights.

Steam rose up, and the fragrance of herbs wafted through the air, gradually permeating the entire main room.

It was too hot in the east room, so Feng Buji slept on the couch in the west room that night.

Steamed three times and sun-dried three times.

The ginseng has changed from a deep ochre to a warm, reddish-brown, and its aroma fills the room.

On the morning of the third day, the final drying was complete.

She took the ginseng, carefully mixed it with the medicine in the jar, added the Vitex honey that had been refined to the point that "drops of water form beads", and then kneaded, pressed, rubbed, and rolled it into a ball.

My fingertips were covered in medicinal paste, and my palms were warm.

One, two, three...

The pills weigh two qian each, are round and smooth like pearls, and have a faint reddish sheen from the ginseng in their dark brown color.

She sealed each Rongyang Pill into a wax shell, placed it into the small celadon jar she had prepared beforehand, and gently closed the lid.

It's not heavy, just a small jar.

The aroma of medicine lingered in the room, and a thin sliver of sunlight filtered through the paper windows.

Feng Chuchen washed her hands, looked down at the small jar, and smiled. She carefully placed the jar in the cabinet and locked it.

One hundred and eight pills, enough for my mother to take for nearly two months.

She felt an overwhelming sense of relief and couldn't wait to see her mother tomorrow.

She asked Guo Hei privately, "I've made a kind of pill, could I give her a few pills privately?"

After asking Ming Shanyue, Guo Hei returned and reported, "My master said that it's best if everything remains as normal for now."

Two days later, Feng Chuchen was again invited by the Imperial Censor Fan's residence to wait in front of the delivery room.

The infant was born lifeless, but fortunately, the Life Incense was lit and Feng Chuchen used the Yin Spirit Needle to revive the little one.

At that time, the second mistress of Deputy Commander Fang's mansion was having a difficult childbirth and went to invite Feng Chuchen, but Feng Chuchen had already gone to the Fan mansion.

Grandma Fang died along with her unborn child.

The Fang family was furious, both angry that the Fan family had snatched her away first and regretting that they hadn't sent their daughter-in-law to the clinic sooner...

This news spread throughout the capital.

After repeated discussions with his family, Shangguan Yunqi's cousin and others consulted Shangguan Yunqi, and finally decided to send his eight-month pregnant daughter-in-law, whose fetus was quite large, to Tongji Women and Children's Hospital for delivery.

Although they were relatives of Marquis Weiyong, and their head was a third-rank military officer.

Following them, two more daughters-in-law of mid- to high-ranking officials checked into the maternal and child health clinic to prepare for childbirth.

They found the superior wards too cramped, so they rented a small courtyard not far from the clinic specifically to provide meals for new mothers.

This represents a further step forward in contemporary society's acceptance that pregnant women should stay in regular medical clinics for delivery.

One day in late June, as the sun set, the fading light, like blood, dyed the clouds on the horizon a breathtaking crimson.

A fast horse galloped to the city gate. The rider did not dismount, but simply raised his token and waved it before spurring his horse into the city. The sound of hooves was rapid as he headed straight for the Xue residence.

The visitor was led directly to the outer study by the gatekeeper. Minister Xue, Xue Jicheng, and several other members of the Xue family had just finished their official duties and were gathered there to discuss matters.

The guard bowed and reported, "Reporting to you gentlemen, we have discovered that besides our men, another group is secretly monitoring the Wen family..."

Minister Xue's gaze suddenly sharpened: "There are others? Can you find out which family they belong to?"

"Reporting to your master, the other party is extremely cautious, and we have been unable to ascertain their origins. We originally intended to secretly capture one or two prisoners alive, but they were too careful and we failed."

Third Master Xue turned to Xue Jicheng, his expression grave. "Second Brother, who could those people be?"

After pondering for a moment, Xue Jicheng looked up and said, "Before Wen Qian died, only Ming Shanyue and Shangguan Ruyu had seen him. Shangguan Ruyu is not a threat, but Ming Shanyue... although young, he is extremely cunning. Moreover, Wen Kai and Ming Shanyue have been friends since childhood. Could it be that Wen Kai said something to him?"

He looked up at Minister Xue and said, “Brother, I have a feeling that there’s something wrong with Ming Shanyue. The Ming family has been sticking to us so hard lately, I’m afraid… it’s not just because of those two young ladies.”

Minister Xue nodded slowly, “We certainly cannot be careless.” After a moment’s thought, he instructed, “Have the women arrange a meeting with Madam Xia to see if we can get any information out of her.”

Grandpa Xue hesitated for a moment, "Father, will the Xia family really help us?"

Minister Xue scoffed, "If the price is right, even one's own parents can be sold, let alone a godparent who only cares about profit?"

He paused, then continued, "Isn't Ming Shanyue still unmarried? He's already twenty-two, and the old Duke and Princess Changning are getting very anxious. They want him to find a wife quickly, settle down, and stop thinking about all that... I heard Wan Fei's eldest daughter is quite good, and she was even born in an unlucky month and time..."

The next day, another swift horse galloped in as dusk fell. After verifying the token, the rider did not stop and headed straight for the Ming residence.

Laughter filled the Fu Rong Hall as everyone chatted and laughed with the old Duke and his wife.

An old woman quietly approached Ming Shanyue from behind. "Master, Guo Hei has sent someone to report that there is an urgent matter in the outer study."

Ming Shanyue remained expressionless and politely took his leave.

The outer study was brightly lit.

Guo Hei stepped forward and reported in a low voice, "Number Eight requests an audience."

"Let him in."

A robust man in his early twenties slipped inside. He clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, saying, "Reporting to the master, the Xue family's secret guards have discovered our whereabouts and are relentlessly pursuing us."

Ming Shanyue's eyes narrowed, and after a moment of contemplation, he said, "Send a few more people over there to specifically protect the Wen family. You, No. 7, and No. 9, do your best to deal with the Xue family's secret guards. If necessary, you can reveal some insignificant flaws to distract them. Make sure to hold the line."

"Yes!" Number Eight withdrew.

"Song Xian".

Song Xian, who was waiting outside the door, entered in response.

Ming Shanyue's voice was low and firm, "Send a message to Number One in Xiangxi: arrange for two people to leave traces to distract the other group. The rest of you, conceal your identities. If there is any movement of Jiang Huaizhao, bring him to the capital immediately. Ensure his safety at all costs..."

"Yes!" Song Xian turned and left. Ming Shanyue lowered his eyes in thought, his fingertips tapping lightly on the table.

There was still no news from Wang Tu in western Hunan. Could he... do the opposite and head straight for the capital?

My identity has been exposed, and I'll be a fugitive no matter where I hide. It's better to stay under the emperor's nose, in the most dangerous place, and wait for the most opportune moment to reveal all those old secrets.

Moreover, the most dangerous place is often the safest.

He paused, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Guo Hei" (a derogatory term for Guo Wengui).

Guo Hei entered in response.

"I contacted Hu Rui privately; I want to see him."

Hu Rui, the Vice Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture, had spent twenty years navigating the treacherous waters of officialdom, never forming cliques or currying favor with others, making him a rare example of an upright official in the court. More importantly, he had a deep connection with the Feng family and a very close relationship with the Feng siblings.

If Hu Rui were to secretly investigate Wang Tu's whereabouts in the capital, the people of the Jingzhao Prefecture would have a better chance than him, both inside and outside the city, in the streets and markets—he was entangled with Xue Jicheng and couldn't do many things freely.

Guo Hei accepted the order and left.

Even in July, the summer heat remains intense.

That morning, Lady Wei, the fourth wife of Shangguan, began to have labor pains, which lasted for a day and a night, but the child was still not born.

This is her first pregnancy, and the fetus is larger than average.

Wei's husband, Shangguan Rulin, along with her mother-in-law, rushed to the clinic. The women stayed outside the delivery room, never leaving her side. Shangguan Rulin didn't go in; he just paced anxiously back and forth outside the clinic.

Shangguan Rulin was nineteen years old and served as a seventh-rank captain in the Flying Eagle Guard. Although he was also a member of the Flying Eagle Guard, he was not under Ming Shanyue's command, but rather in the Thousand Household Office, where he was specifically in charge of the Emperor's parasol.

Wei's voice was hoarse, and sweat soaked her temples. She grasped the midwife's hand and pleaded weakly, "Please perform an episiotomy... I beg you..."

During her stay at the hotel, she personally witnessed two women undergoing episiotomies. Not only were their babies safe, but they also said afterwards that they did not experience much pain.

Aunt Wang said gently, "This matter requires the approval of both Madam and General Shangguan."

Ultimately, it requires the family members to sign and affix their fingerprints.

Although episiotomy was a common practice among ordinary people, it was unprecedented in official families. To have surgery and stitches done in such a private place was not only a matter of risk, but also an unspeakable loss of face and shame.

Therefore, Madam Shangguan and Shangguan Rulin refused to budge.

As evening fell, Shangguan Ruyu came directly from the yamen to discuss medical principles with Feng Chuchen. Sitting in his carriage, he spotted his cousin, who was practically leaping out of the clinic.

Upon hearing the reason, Shangguan Ruyu frowned and said, "Why aren't you performing an episiotomy? Are you waiting for the baby to suffocate and the mother to suffer from postpartum hemorrhage?"

Shangguan Rulin looked worried. "Second brother also thinks... it's okay to cut it? But if word gets out, I'm afraid..."

Shangguan Ruyu's handsome face darkened, and he became unusually serious. "Is the life of your wife and children more important, or your own pride? Episiotomy is a life-saving medical procedure. What's so shameful about it?"
"Besides, the episiotomy was approved by Director Li and Chief Physician Fang of the Imperial Medical Academy. With Aunt Wang performing the surgery and Miss Feng overseeing things, and with the best doctors in the clinic here, what could possibly go wrong?"

Please have Feng Chuchen wait here, mainly in case the mother experiences a sudden massive hemorrhage, as she can administer hemostatic injections.

Shangguan Rulin dared not argue any further, and Shangguan Ruyu then had an old woman bring out Madam Shangguan.

Despite her reluctance, Madam Shangguan dared not utter a word of dissent when faced with her somewhat unruly nephew.

So Aunt Wang performed the surgery, with Feng Chuchen supervising.

The baby was delivered smoothly in less than 15 minutes.

It was a boy weighing 6.8 pounds, with a loud cry and handsome appearance.

As Lady Shangguan held her healthy, crying grandson, all her dissatisfaction was instantly overwhelmed by ecstasy.

She carried him outside again and gave him a hug, which made Shangguan Rulin so happy that his eyes narrowed into slits.

Shangguan Ruyu, who was keeping watch with him, also hugged the child and felt a touch of emotion as a doctor.

Life blossoms because of oneself. He, Shangguan Ruyu, was sent by heaven to save people from life and death!
He will use his hands to save even more people...

Madam Shangguan rewarded Feng Chuchen and Aunt Wang with ten taels of silver each, and the two midwives with two taels of silver each.

It was completely dark by then, and the sky was filled with countless bright stars.

Shangguan Ruyu, who was originally going to Feng's residence to consult Feng Chuchen, could no longer go. She simply waved to Feng Chuchen from across the gate and left with Shangguan Rulin and the others.

Madam Shangguan and Shangguan Rulin assumed that Shangguan Ruyu had come to see whether Madam Wei had given birth. Although they felt that he sometimes thought differently from ordinary people, they were still very grateful and felt very honored.

The news that the young mistress of the Shangguan family had a difficult childbirth at the Tongji Women and Children's Hospital, but successfully gave birth after an episiotomy, quickly spread among the upper-class circles in Beijing.

Along with this, a rumor also spread: the handsome young Guan Ruyu not only loves to visit prisons and study medical theory, but now he has even become interested in women giving birth, even interfering with whether it is a surgical incision or a natural birth. He is nothing like a young man who has not yet married.

His former close friends, Master Xue and Master Jiang, specifically went to the imperial prison to find him and make fun of him.
“People used to say we led you astray. Now that you’re no longer with us, have you made something of yourself? No! At least the two of us brothers have official positions, while you’re still working as a prison doctor in the imperial prison.”

"He's not just a prison doctor; he even cares about how women give birth. He's really quite accomplished to be so concerned about women's private parts."

After saying that, the two exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

Shangguan Ruyu glared at them with her peach blossom eyes and shoved one of them. "Screw you! I'm interested in those kinds of women, so what? Humph, you guys hang out with women all the time and still have the nerve to laugh at me. Get lost, if you keep making a fuss here, I'll have my cousin come out and beat you up."

These two fought with Ming Shanyue a lot when they were young, and both lost badly.

Master Xue said, "When you go out in the future, don't say you used to hang out with us. You're so ugly that it disgusts me."

The two slunk away.

Princess Yanghe was so angry when she heard these rumors that she smashed several teacups.

The Imperial Son-in-Law Shangguan laughed and gently advised, "As an imperial physician, Ruyu devoted himself to studying medical principles, dared to promote new laws, and was not afraid of worldly opinions. This is his courage."

"Our ancestor often said, 'The foundation of the nation lies in the people, and the foundation of the people lies in life,' instructing us to recuperate and nurture the power of new life. Yu's attention to this matter may seem unconventional, but it actually aligns with the ancestor's teachings and reflects his concern for the very foundation of the nation's longevity."

"Outsiders laugh at him for not doing his proper job, but we, as parents, should see that he has the courage to break with convention, and even more so, the decisiveness to take responsibility in the face of adversity."

Hearing his exaggerated claims, Princess Yanghe's anger subsided slightly. "Yu'er, is it really as good as you say?"

The Imperial Son-in-Law Shangguan's gaze was resolute. "Naturally. Given time, Ruyu will surely become an invaluable physician, perhaps even a talent capable of saving the world."

Princess Yanghe chuckled, feeling delighted. "What kind of father praises his son like that?"

The Imperial Son-in-Law said in a serious tone, "It's not that I'm biased, our son is just that good. Tomorrow I will go to the palace to meet the Emperor and tell him about his excellence. The princess should also speak to the Empress Dowager, and it would be best if you could also reward the chief surgeon, Physician Wang, to shut up those gossipers."

He paused for a moment and then said, "Yu'er's path is not an ordinary one. We should trust him more and pave the way for him."

Princess Yanghe agreed wholeheartedly, and her gloom vanished completely.

The Imperial Son-in-Law Shangguan then changed the subject, saying, "Speaking of which, we should thank Miss Feng. Ruyu's medical knowledge and insights are largely thanks to her guidance."