TSWRLM -Chapter 74 Madam May Accompany Me

According to the Zhaoling laws, only royal descendants or officials of the fourth rank and above were eligible to request an imperial physician.

The title of Marquis Qingyuan had long been ceremonial, and Shen Qingyuan’s position wasn’t high enough—Madam Mo never expected an imperial doctor to arrive. But since the physician had been sent by the palace, she couldn’t simply turn him away.

Flustered, Madam Mo hurriedly tidied herself, still unsure how to handle the situation, when Imperial Physician Zhang entered the room.

Helpless, she had no choice but to extend her hand.

She repeated the same excuses she had used earlier for Huichun Hall’s doctor, but her heart raced, her breath came in gasps, and her head pounded as if hammered—it was unbearable.

Zhang carefully took her pulse and murmured thoughtfully: “Madam’s pulse, though somewhat floating, is strong. It does not resemble that of a grave or life-threatening illness.”

Madam Mo frowned, weak and in pain. “But my head hurts so badly, and it’s hard to breathe. What could have caused this?”

“Has your head ever suffered a serious blow?”

“Before I was married, I once fell and cut my head. Does that count as a serious blow?”

Zhang stroked his beard thoughtfully, then opened his medicine box and took out a set of acupuncture needles. The silver needles of varying lengths were laid out slowly before Madam Mo’s eyes.

The room was brightly lit by candlelight, the needles reflecting a cold gleam.

Madam Mo felt a chill down her back. “Doctor, what are you going to do?”

“Madam’s headache is severe, perhaps a residual effect from the head injury years ago. I will perform acupuncture to see if I can unblock the meridians in your head and relieve the pain.”

Zhang took the longest needle and held it over the candle to heat it.

Such a long needle into the head—even a healthy person would feel pain, right?

Cold sweat broke out on Madam Mo. She forced herself to speak: “This needle is so long… won’t it hurt terribly?”

“It will hurt a little,” Zhang nodded, “but compared to the headache you’re suffering, it should be nothing.”

Madam Mo: “……”

But I don’t actually have a headache.

Once the needle was heated and cooled, Zhang prepared to insert it into Madam Mo’s head. A shadow fell across her, and she broke into a sweat, finally speaking at the last moment: “Doctor, I get faint with needles. Is there any other treatment for headaches?”

Zhang paused, then said, “I can first prescribe an internal medicine. If it doesn’t work by tomorrow, acupuncture would be better.”

Madam Mo nodded repeatedly. “Good, good. I’ll take the medicine first; if it doesn’t work tomorrow, we can try the needles.”

By the time the servants delivered the prepared medicine, it was past midnight.

Madam Mo took it and quickly fell asleep. Shen Qingyuan personally arranged for Zhang to stay in the guest room.

On the way there, Shen Qingyuan asked with curiosity: “The notice seeking a doctor was posted only this afternoon—how did the palace find out?”

“It was Lord Wei who delivered the news to the Crown Prince. Upon hearing it, His Highness was concerned for you. The Prince said that the Xuzhou case is highly sensitive and hopes you can depart as soon as possible to bring justice for the people there.”

Zhang, trusted by the Empress and on good terms with the Crown Prince, naturally treated Madam Mo diligently.

Shen Qingyuan’s eyes flickered slightly. After a moment, he said to Zhang: “Please inform His Highness that I will do everything to thoroughly investigate this case and give the people of Xuzhou a proper resolution. I also have one humble request, which I hope His Highness will approve.”

“Please speak, sir.”

——

Zhang’s prescription was excellent. Madam Mo slept soundly and awoke the next day feeling refreshed, applying a thick layer of powder just to make her pale face seem normal.

When Zhang arrived, she eagerly called him a “miracle doctor” at every turn.

There was no other choice—if she didn’t recover, Zhang would have to pierce her with needles.

Zhang also prescribed some tonics to strengthen her body and regulate her blood. Before leaving, he deliberately told Shen Qingyuan in front of Madam Mo: “The Xuzhou case is complex. Since Madam’s health is not serious, I advise you, Sir Shen, to depart soon to investigate. If the Emperor blames you, the entire Hou Mansion could suffer.”

Madam Mo’s eyes twitched.

Previously, even when Shen Qingyuan investigated other cases, the Emperor hadn’t been so concerned. Was this case really only for him?

Hearing Zhang’s words, Madam Mo dared not resist further. Shen Qingyuan personally saw Zhang out and returned to the Heart Clinic.

Chun Xi had just returned from outside. She handed a thick stack of silver notes to Shen Qingyuan: “I made some trades today and also exchanged funds at the bank. Sir, take these. When you reach Xuzhou, use them as needed—don’t hesitate to spend. If it’s not enough, write to me and I’ll send more.”

Shen Qingyuan didn’t take them immediately, just glanced over them roughly. Chun Xi had at least ten thousand taels in hand. “Where did you get so much money?”

“Madam Xiao sent me two boxes of things, which were valuable. I pledged a small portion and got over three thousand taels. Plus, the Crown Prince recently rewarded me three hundred gold coins, and Lord Mu compensated me with a thousand taels. That’s how I have so much.”

In fact, she also had a thousand taels from Lady Wei when leaving the Wei household.

This was all of her wealth.

Chun Xi cheerfully pushed the silver into Shen Qingyuan’s hands and handed him a small booklet.

“This is a list I made after sorting the private stores with Nanny Jia. You can mark the items that are meaningful to you so I can set them aside, to prevent accidental spending.”

She reached for a pen, but Shen Qingyuan stopped her, his voice low: “No need. This money is already enough.”

“We should still prepare more—what if something unexpected happens…”

Chun Xi frowned, still uneasy.

Shen Qingyuan suddenly stepped forward, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly.

It was hot, and through their thin clothing, Chun Xi could clearly feel Shen Qingyuan’s strong heartbeat. Then he patted her head gently: “Nothing unexpected will happen. Don’t worry.”

His tone was gentle but carried an unshakable sense of reassurance.

Chun Xi wrapped her arms around his waist, inhaled deeply, and whispered: “Alright, I trust you. I’ll wait at home for your safe return.”

The scene reminded her of the last farewell to her father.

She had thought, as before, that she would soon see him again—but it had been a final goodbye.

Her eyes grew warm, and she felt a rare pang of sadness. Then Shen Qingyuan said: “You don’t need to wait at home for me.”

“Ah? Why?”

Chun Xi looked up in confusion. Shen Qingyuan wiped the corner of her eye and said solemnly: “I petitioned the Crown Prince. Madam may accompany me to Xuzhou.”

Chun Xi: “……”!!!