Bai Li’s Dream – Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Excess

Early the next morning, during Zhou Jingyun’s day off, he took Zhuang Li to pay their respects to Madam of Dongyang. The main purpose was to inform her about their outing.

Seeing Zhuang Li come to pay her respects, Madam of Dongyang didn’t refuse to see her. Hearing that they were going to visit a colleague together because someone in his family was ill, she didn’t stop them either.

And she even took a longer look at Zhuang Li.

Seemingly guessing what they were going to do.

“Human life is at stake, don’t overexert yourself,” she said, her tone neither salty nor bland.

Zhuang Li bowed and replied, “Thank you, Mother, for your guidance.”

Watching the two take their leave, Madam of Dongyang couldn’t help but say to Mama Xu, “How dare I guide her.”

Mama Xu laughed and said, “Young Madam is just being polite, you just listen.”

Madam of Dongyang curled her lip, “Didn’t sound that polite.”

Mama Xu said, “You’ll get used to it.” Then she proactively asked, “Madam, the boxes you packed yesterday, are they for Young Madam? I’ll have someone send them over.”

Knowing what happened with Madam Xue, Madam of Dongyang didn’t say anything, but she was grateful to Zhuang Li. Last night, she even prepared a box full of fabrics, jewelry, and precious stones.

As a mother-in-law, she was too shy to thank her daughter-in-law directly, so she let her servant break the news.

Sure enough, Madam of Dongyang said with a twisted face, “Send them over. While she’s not home, so she won’t refuse them to our face.”

“How could Young Madam refuse? What she’s wearing today is all given by Madam,” Mama Xu said with a smile, calling the maids and servants to carry the boxes.

Zhou Jiuniang, who came to pay her respects, saw this and asked curiously. Mama Xu told her about how Young Madam cured the illness, causing Zhou Jiuniang to exclaim in surprise. She went to tell her other siblings and wanted to learn medicine from Zhuang Li, but was scolded by her wet nurse and maids.

The courtyard, inside and out, became lively.

Leaning on the Arhat bed, Madam of Dongyang listened to the bustle and didn’t feel annoyed. She even couldn’t help but smile.

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

Because Zhuang Li’s appearance had been scrutinized by Zhang Ze, this time, Zhou Jingyun lifted the carriage curtains and window shades, allowing them to see the street scenes along the way.

Zhuang Li looked curiously at the tall archway ahead, with the inscription “Changshou Ward” written on it.

“This area is close to the West Market, it’s very lively,” Zhou Jingyun said, thinking that Zhuang Li had barely left the house since entering the capital. He added, “It would be reasonable for us to visit the West Market and buy some gifts.”

Zhuang Li was about to say something when a greeting came from outside the carriage, “Eh, Marquis Zhou’s Heir!” “Where are you headed?”

Zhou Jingyun followed the sound, and Zhuang Li looked over as well. They saw two middle-aged men riding donkeys, accompanied by servants pushing carts loaded with some tools.

“We’re going out of the city to climb the mountains,” they said with a smile, their eyes also glancing at the person beside Zhou Jingyun.

“This is Director He and Vice Minister Zhang,” Zhou Jingyun introduced to Zhuang Li.

The young woman with a graceful figure bowed with her head lowered.

“My wife and I are going to visit a friend,” Zhou Jingyun said.

The two men smiled and said “Good, good,” then looked away without further scrutiny, bidding farewell to Zhou Jingyun and watching his carriage slowly depart.

“Is that his new wife? They look quite well-matched.”

“Marquis Zhou’s Heir, a man of divine stature, naturally needs to marry a beauty of divine grace.”

The two men discussed briefly and were about to urge their donkeys forward when someone emerged from a nearby teahouse and bowed, “Mr. He.”

The two men looked over and saw a man in a blue robe, about forty years old, with a neatly trimmed beard and a refined face. He carried a guqin on his back. Although his attire was simple, he exuded an extraordinary air.

“Ah, isn’t this Master Shen!” Director He exclaimed with delight, quickly dismounting his donkey. He then introduced him to Vice Minister Zhang, “This is Shen Qing, the palace musician from back then. During the late Emperor’s examination, he won first place with his guqin performance and was bestowed the title of ‘Guqin Prodigy.'”

The extravagance of the late Emperor had created countless scenes of indulgence and revelry, as well as dazzling individuals who shone within those scenes.

Vice Minister Zhang smiled and bowed, “I’ve long admired your name, it’s an honor to meet you today.”

Shen Qing returned the courtesy, “You flatter me, I’m just a humble musician.”

“Master Shen, don’t be so modest, skill transcends social status,” Director He sighed. “Back then, I learned a great deal from you about guqin playing. I had hoped to invite you to teach my daughter, but unfortunately, Empress Jiang was jealous of your favor with the late Emperor and drove you out of the capital… It’s been almost ten years since we last met.”

Driven out by Empress Jiang? Vice Minister Zhang had only entered the capital after Prince Changyang ascended the throne, so he was unaware of this. He hadn’t expected that Empress Jiang would even tolerate musicians.

“Let’s not dwell on the past,” Shen Qing said, smiling. “Now, His Majesty is preparing for the Winter Solstice Sacrifice and has invited me back.”

So that’s why. Director He was overjoyed. “That’s wonderful! We can hear Master Shen’s guqin playing again.”

Shen Qing smiled and asked what they were doing, then seemingly casually inquired, “Was that Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir just now?”

Hearing their confirmation, he looked in the direction the carriage had gone, his gaze falling on the carriage amidst the crowd on the street, the thin gauze curtains revealing two figures sitting side by side.

“The handsome young man from back then has become even more graceful.”

✿✿✿

…….

Zhou Jingyun looked at the swaying carriage curtains, about to continue their previous conversation, “When we get to the West Market…”

“Let’s go directly to Director Lin’s house,” Zhuang Li said playfully, “Marquis’s Heir is too dazzling, we’ll run into acquaintances everywhere we go on the street.”

Zhou Jingyun understood her concerns. Although her appearance was different from the wanted poster and Zhang Ze hadn’t recognized her, there were many eyes on the street, and nothing was truly foolproof.

“It’s indeed inconvenient within the city,” he said, “Let’s go mountain climbing outside the city another day.” He became genuinely enthusiastic at the thought, “Bring your flute.”

He remembered her saying that the mountains and forests were more suitable for playing the flute. Zhuang Li smiled and nodded, agreeing.

Director Lin’s residence was located at the very end of Changshou Ward, a small courtyard adorned with flowers, trees, and rocks, showing the meticulous care of the mistress.

Director Lin, around thirty years old, was refined and elegant. Seeing Zhou Jingyun and Zhuang Li, who wore a veil, he bowed deeply, “Thank you, Marquis’s Heir, Young Madam.”

Behind him, a servant woman held a young boy by the hand and carried a one-year-old girl in her arms. The little girl didn’t understand what was happening, but the four or five-year-old boy already understood and bowed solemnly like his father, saying in a childish voice, “Thank you, Marquis’s Heir and Young Madam, for visiting my mother.”

Although the little girl didn’t understand, upon hearing the word “mother,” she immediately burst into tears, “I want Mother! I want Mother!”

Reaching out and leaning inwards.

The servant woman hurriedly held her tightly in both arms and tried to soothe her.

Seeing his sister cry, the boy, who had been trying to act like a little adult, also started to tear up.

At this moment, a maid led Zhang Shilin from the back.

Seeing Zhuang Li, Zhang Shilin wasn’t surprised.

“I was just about to ask Young Madam for guidance,” he said, then bowed to Zhou Jingyun, “Thank you, Marquis’s Heir, for your open-mindedness.”

Although he wanted to ask for guidance, he knew Zhuang Li was, after all, the Young Madam of the Marquis’s Residence and shouldn’t be seen practicing medicine publicly. He hadn’t expected Director Lin to ask Zhou Jingyun, and even more unexpectedly, Zhou Jingyun was willing to accompany his wife here.

Zhou Jingyun said, “Thank you, Doctor Zhang, for your dedicated care of my aunt’s illness. I’m merely following the principle of ‘caring for the young as if they were my own, and respecting the elderly as if they were my own parents,’ treating others as I would treat my own family.”

Zhang Shilin smiled and nodded, no longer being polite.

“Young Madam is already aware of the illness, right?” he said, sighing, “Madam Lin has fallen asleep again.”

Director Lin said urgently, “Didn’t I ask someone to keep her company and talk to her?”

✿✿✿

The maid who came out with them said tearfully, “Master, we were talking to Madam, and then she just fell asleep.”

Director Lin murmured, “She’s falling asleep more and more frequently.”

Because it involved female quarters, Zhou Jingyun didn’t enter. Director Lin accompanied him to have tea in the living room, while Zhuang Li followed Zhang Shilin, accompanied by maids and servants, inside.

“Not only is she falling asleep more frequently, but it’s also becoming increasingly difficult to wake her up,” Zhang Shilin said in a low voice.

As they spoke, they entered the inner quarters and saw a beautiful woman reclining on a folding stool, sleeping peacefully.

A maid stepped forward and called out “Madam” a few times, but the woman remained fast asleep.

Zhang Shilin looked at Zhuang Li, “Young Madam, please check her pulse.”

Zhuang Li stepped forward and, with the help of a maid, had a pulse pillow placed. She took Madam Lin’s hand and checked her pulse, carefully observing her complexion at the same time.

Madam Lin was very beautiful. In her sleep, her brows were relaxed, and the corners of her mouth held a smile, indicating a lack of worry in her heart.

I wonder what she looks like when she’s awake?

Zhuang Li withdrew her hand and asked Zhang Shilin, “Do you have gold needles?”

Zhang Shilin nodded and took out a gold needle case from his medicine box. Zhuang Li picked up a needle from it.

“Which acupoint does Young Madam intend to stimulate? I’ve tried needling before—” Zhang Shilin started to say, but before he could finish, he saw Zhuang Li insert the gold needle into Madam Lin’s fair and soft fingertip.

Zhang Shilin gasped involuntarily.

So it wasn’t acupuncture, but rather, she intended to p*ick her awake!

As a bead of blood blossomed on her fingertip, Madam Lin also let out a soft murmur and gradually regained consciousness.

“Madam Lin, you’re awake. I’m here to assist Doctor Zhang with your treatment.”

Whether it was the pain or the disorientation of just waking up, Madam Lin’s vision was blurry. She saw a woman sitting in front of her and heard the words spoken beside her ear…

She knew Doctor Zhang, who was treating her.

Assisting Doctor Zhang with her treatment.

Yes, when treating women, there were many inconveniences for male doctors.

There were also women who understood medicine among the common folk.

So it was a female physician.

Madam Lin’s sleepiness receded, and her vision became clear. She saw the woman in front of her, with a delicate and refined appearance. Although young, she had a calm demeanor, a reassuring presence for a medical practitioner.

“Thank you,” she said, then looked at Zhang Shilin standing beside her.

Doctor Zhang was as usual, but his expression was a bit strange.

“Did I fall asleep again?” Madam Lin asked, her expression apologetic. She sighed, “It seems I’m incurable.”

Zhuang Li said, “Don’t worry, Madam, there will be a way.”

Madam Lin looked at her and smiled gratefully, “You’ve gone through so much trouble.”

Zhuang Li stood up, “Since you’re awake, Madam, please take your medicine first and see your children. They were crying earlier because they were worried about you and missed you.”

Wasn’t waking her up for observation and diagnosis? Why was she arranging other things? Zhang Shilin was puzzled.

Madam Lin, however, was delighted. Previously, she rarely let her children come near her for fear of frightening them if she suddenly fell asleep. As a mother, she missed her children dearly.

She obediently drank the medicine that was brought to her and asked for her children to come over.

Director Lin also came along.

“You’re awake so soon.” He couldn’t help but say joyfully, “What medicine did Young Madam use?”

Zhang Shilin wanted to laugh but held back.

“It was still Doctor Zhang’s previous prescription that took effect,” Zhuang Li said calmly.

Madam Lin, embraced by her children on both sides, found this strange and asked, “Young Madam?”

Director Lin hurriedly introduced that this was the Young Madam of Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir, who understood medicine and had just cured Madam Xue’s illness, which even the Imperial Medical Academy found difficult to treat.

Only then did Madam Lin realize her mistake and hurriedly paid her respects to Zhuang Li again.

“I have some knowledge of medical arts,” Zhuang Li said, “Director Lin trusts me, so I came to see if I could be of any help.”

Madam Lin expressed her gratitude, “We’ve troubled you.”

Everyone was talking about Marquis of Dongyang’s Heir remarrying, so she naturally knew about it. Now, observing Zhuang Li, she couldn’t help but smile and praise her.

“Young Madam has a blessed appearance, bringing joy to those who see her.”

Zhuang Li smiled and said, “I may not be able to help. You should spend time with your children first. Doctor Zhang and I will discuss the matter.”

……..

……..

Zhang Shilin and Zhuang Li went to the next room, but Zhuang Li didn’t ask about the illness at all. She just held her teacup, her gaze passing through the moon gate, watching Director Lin and his wife with their two children, laughing and talking.

Taking advantage of her wakefulness, Madam Lin was personally feeding her daughter. The boy also nestled beside her, showing his mother the characters he had just written.

Director Lin sat on the side, occasionally saying a word or two.

The family was happy and harmonious.

“Young Madam, what are you looking at?” Zhang Shilin couldn’t help but ask.

Zhuang Li said, “Madam Lin shows no abnormalities while asleep, so we can only observe her while she’s awake.”

Zhang Shilin understood and also looked over, “That’s the strange thing about this illness. Madam Lin wasn’t feeling unwell before, and then suddenly…”

Zhuang Li shook her head, “She is feeling unwell.”

Zhang Shilin was startled, “What? Her pulse and appearance show no symptoms…”

Zhuang Li watched the laughing family and said in a low voice, “Her brows aren’t truly relaxed, her smile is weak, there’s stagnation in her heart.”

Stagnation? A heart ailment? Zhang Shilin couldn’t help but look again. This was the helplessness of men and women being different. Even as a doctor, he couldn’t stare at a female patient’s face for close observation.

“I asked before if there was anything troubling her at home,” he said softly, “But both husband and wife said there wasn’t.”

He gave a wry smile as he spoke.

There was nothing they could do. Many people wouldn’t confide in doctors, especially women.

Some heart ailments manifested in symptoms, and as doctors, they could prescribe medicine accordingly. But if the thoughts were deeply hidden and there were no outward signs, doctors weren’t gods, they couldn’t know everything.

Forget it. Zhang Shilin didn’t delve further and asked Zhuang Li, “What do you think, can your incense be used?”

Zhuang Li said, “Let’s try it.”