Chapter Sixty: The Physician Arrives at the Mansion

While Song Ci was strolling through the bustling streets with several children, Lady Song, the chief mistress of the Prime Minister’s residence, was hosting her elder sister-in-law from her natal family, the Lady of the Loyal Marquis’s household.

“I heard your mother-in-law has fully recovered. Both your elder brother and I are greatly relieved, and Mother has been observing a vegetarian fast for three days to give thanks. Xiangyi, you truly are blessed with good fortune.” Lady Luo, wife of the Loyal Marquis and Lady Song’s sister-in-law, grasped her hand with heartfelt emotion.

Lady Song smiled graciously. “It is all thanks to Mother’s prayers and the help of everyone at home. This time especially, we were fortunate to find a skilled female physician so quickly. Sister-in-law, does this Doctor Lin truly possess such talent?”

Madam Gu clicked her tongue playfully and replied, “Your elder brother and I are well aware how important your mother-in-law is to your household. Without genuine skill, how could we dare bring a physician to the Prime Minister’s residence? Rest assured, this Doctor Lin comes from the renowned Lu family of healers. Her medical expertise is exceptional.”

Lady Song was taken aback. “The Lu family? Could it be the same Lu family whose son once became a monk yet was famed for miraculous healing skills?”

“The very same,” Madam Gu replied with a radiant smile. “Doctor Lin was personally taught by Master Buhui’s nephew and has inherited remarkable medical abilities.”

Lady Song was puzzled. “If she is heir to the Lu family’s tradition, why would she agree to stay as a resident doctor in one household?”

Madam Gu took a delicate sip of tea before continuing. “After completing her apprenticeship, Doctor Lin worked at the Lu family’s clinic, occasionally making house calls. During one such visit, she caught the eye of the magistrate of Linchuan’s wife’s brother, who sought to take her as a concubine. Doctor Lin is a self-combed woman, steadfast in her refusal. Offended by her rejection, the man began harassing the clinic daily. Not wishing to bring trouble upon her mentors, she chose to leave on her own accord.”

“To offend the Lu family, a lineage of renowned healers—only a fool would dare such a thing,” Lady Song scoffed. “Of all people, doctors are the last you’d want to cross. Can anyone guarantee a lifetime without falling ill or needing a physician? And with the Lu family’s reputation, how could anyone be sure they’d never seek their help?”

Madam Gu lowered her voice, adding, “That’s the version told to outsiders. There’s another rumor: it is said Doctor Lin admired Master Buhui, but he was unwilling to leave monastic life. Disheartened, she left.”

Lady Song suddenly understood.

So she had suffered heartbreak.

“But whatever her reasons, her medical skill speaks for itself. Moreover, she has agreed to stay for only three years. After that, she may depart to travel and provide charity as a physician. Whether you can retain her beyond these years depends on your own efforts,” Madam Gu advised.

“As long as she is truly talented, no price is too high,” Lady Song assured her.

“She does have remarkable abilities. For instance, I…” Madam Gu leaned in, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment, and whispered a few private words in Lady Song’s ear.

Lady Song, too, blushed, cleared her throat, and pressed her lips together before saying, “Sister-in-law, do you think if I asked her to take my pulse, she could help regulate my health so I might have another child?”

Madam Gu frowned. “Has your mother-in-law said something?”

“No, it’s my own wish. You know, I have only Su’er. Without a brother to support him, there’s always a sense of regret.” Lady Song bit her lip. “If I bear another myself, it’s better than letting someone else bear a child for the Prime Minister.”

Madam Gu’s expression grew serious. “Has the Prime Minister expressed such intentions?” After a pause, she added, “Xiangyi, you are too stubborn. If you were to lift one of your own maids up, it would at least be easier to manage than if he went looking himself. At least you’d have some say in the matter, wouldn’t you?”

Lady Song’s mood soured at these words. “No, it’s not like that. The Prime Minister has no such thoughts. Even if I brought it up, he would not agree.”