Chapter 41: Consort Zhen (Part Two)

Consort Zhen nodded, recalling that this had indeed happened—Qin Fu had sent someone into the palace early to consult with her, saying he had invited a miraculous physician whose medical skills were said to be extraordinary. She simply hadn't expected this so-called divine doctor to be so young.

"She's just a young girl," Consort Zhen said with a smile, beckoning her forward. "Come closer and let me have a look at you."

Obediently, Anran stepped forward and stood before Consort Zhen, allowing herself to be scrutinized.

"You know medicine?" Consort Zhen asked, eyeing Anran. At such a tender age, she herself had spent her days secluded, learning embroidery, music, and court etiquette. How could a girl go out into the world and make a living with her skills?

"Your Ladyship, I merely know a little of the art of healing, enough to get by. Nothing worthy of attention," Anran replied respectfully, eyes lowered.

Consort Zhen smiled at her words. She had never placed much faith in rustic physicians, but she appreciated the servants’ intentions. "Then, please, examine my mother."

"Yes, madam." Anran did not protest. She handed Snowball to a nearby maid, had another bring a basin of clear water, and meticulously washed her hands. After drying them with a clean cloth, she proceeded to take Lady Qin’s pulse.

Since their arrival, Lady Qin had only nodded in greeting to Jun Moli, saying not a word from start to finish.

"What brings Your Highness to the residence today?" Consort Zhen invited Jun Moli to take a seat, her curiosity piqued.

"I was passing nearby and thought to check on Lady Qin. Your Ladyship has been worried about her, unable to eat or sleep. My father, too, is displeased but busy with affairs of state. As his son, it is my duty to share his burdens," Jun Moli replied with a calm, steady voice and a gentle smile, his answer flawless.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Highness."

Anran paid no mind to their exchange, focusing patiently on her examination. As she observed Lady Qin, she noted the pallor and fatigue in her face, along with a hint of weariness in her expression. Once she had studied Lady Qin’s complexion, Anran turned her attention to the hand resting in her own for the pulse reading. At first glance, there seemed nothing unusual, but upon closer inspection, there was a faint, thin black line running from the palm toward the wrist, as if she had carelessly brushed against something dirty.

Without betraying her scrutiny, Anran also glanced at Lady Qin’s nails. What should have been a healthy pink now bore traces of black—so faint that only the most careful observer would notice. Yet her pulse was steady, which was rather odd. Still...

At last, Anran withdrew her hand, stepped back, and stood quietly to the side.

"What do you think?" Consort Zhen asked with a gentle smile.

"I am but a humble woman with limited knowledge. May I suggest that Imperial Physician Shen examine Madam instead?" Anran replied softly.

Consort Zhen smiled as if she had expected this outcome, nodding for Imperial Physician Shen to come forward and tend to Lady Qin.

Lady Qin, accustomed to being attended by Imperial Physician Shen, opened her eyes anxiously and said, "Lately I have been feeling weary, my mouth dry and tongue parched, my breathing labored. At times I feel inexplicably agitated, and yet all I want to do is sleep. Doctor Shen, what could be the cause?"

As he checked her pulse, Imperial Physician Shen replied, "Your pulse is steady, Madam, though your complexion is a bit poor. There’s nothing seriously wrong. This summer heat lingers, and a little drowsiness is only natural. You need not worry."

Anran kept her head lowered, her face composed, though her eyes inconspicuously swept the flower hall. The room was filled with a variety of blossoms, but one pot of Drunken Heart flowers was particularly striking. As she listened to the conversation between Lady Qin and Imperial Physician Shen, it seemed he had noticed nothing amiss.

Qin Ruoyang and Jun Moli sat below, sipping tea, but both caught the subtle upward curve of Anran’s lips. Did this little girl know more than she let on? Had Imperial Physician Shen failed to detect the real cause of Lady Qin’s illness?

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