Chapter Sixty-Six: There Is No Harm Without Comparison

As Song Ci observed her, Lin Qing, for once, seemed a little flustered. Was she mistaken, or did she just glimpse, well, envy in the eyes of this matriarch?

The Lady Song also felt awkward. Staring at someone was hardly polite, so she cleared her throat and said, “Mother, don’t underestimate Doctor Lin because of her youth—she’s been studying medicine since she was a child.”

Song Ci replied, “I didn’t say anything.”

The Lady Song fell silent.

“Doctor Lin,” Song Ci blurted out, but realizing it felt off, she corrected herself, “Physician Lin, come and check my pulse. I don’t ask for immortality, to live on as some ancient monster; I’d be grateful if this worn and feeble body of mine could simply be a little lighter, a little less weary.”

Lin Qing smiled gently. This matriarch had a charming wit; she seemed quite easy to get along with.

“If you trust me, Madam, I will do my utmost.” She stepped forward and sat on a small stool. Sang’er, who carried Lin Qing’s medicine chest, opened it and took out a medicine pillow.

Song Ci and the others took the opportunity to steal a glance inside. The chest was layered and packed with various bottles and jars, as well as a pale blue brocade pouch.

Hong You stepped forward to help Song Ci roll up a sleeve, revealing her wrist. When Sang’er placed the medicine pillow, Song Ci rested her hand upon it.

Lin Qing reached out, inhaled softly, and her slender fingers pressed gently against Song Ci’s pulse.

Song Ci couldn’t help but lament inwardly—oh, how comparison wounds the heart. Look at those fingers, smooth and graceful as spring onions, while hers were shriveled and gnarled, a stark contrast that stung deeply.

“Madam, please relax and calm your mind,” Lin Qing said, puzzled by her sudden agitation.

Song Ci forced a smile. “Physician Lin, your fingers are beautiful, tender as the tips of green onions or lotus roots—not like mine, which are withered twigs.”

Lin Qing’s fingers trembled slightly. Meeting Song Ci’s gaze, she smiled warmly. “Madam, one day these green onions of mine will turn into withered twigs as well.”

“You do know how to comfort people, I feel much better now.”

A faint smile touched Lin Qing’s lips, but she quickly composed herself. “Madam, I must ask you to remain silent for a moment. Otherwise, I won’t be able to read your pulse properly.”

The others in the room exchanged glances. This physician truly was bold—daring to give orders to the matriarch herself.

Song Ci said no more, allowing Lin Qing to focus on her wrist, moving from left to right. After a long moment, Lin Qing withdrew her hand.

“Well?” The Lady Song was the most anxious to know.

Song Ci, too, was concerned for her health, gazing intently at Lin Qing.

“Madam, I believe the chief physician at the Imperial Medical Academy has already explained your condition—apoplexy, or stroke, is common in the elderly. The first episode, fortunately, did little harm, but if it happens again, you may be left paralyzed or unable to speak at best, and at worst...” Lin Qing paused, words left unsaid.

Hearing this, the Lady Song felt uneasy—was it really necessary to be so blunt?

“I know a stroke is no small matter, and there’s no real cure. Keeping a cheerful mind is key. Just tell me—how much can this body of mine still be saved?” Song Ci asked.

No one understood strokes better than she. She had seen those who succumbed to a sudden cerebral infarction, just like the original host of this body. It was clear that maintaining a pleasant mood and avoiding anger was essential.

Lin Qing was surprised and pleased—this matriarch was a sensible woman.

“Madam, you have accumulated various injuries and exhaustion over the years. Your routines have been irregular, your diet undisciplined, and you have suffered from sorrow, anger, and overexertion. Frankly, your body was worn down long ago. Your organs are now weakened, what remains is but a shadow of vitality. I would not presume to boast that I can restore your former health—I am a physician, not a god. I cannot turn back time, nor reverse the effects of age and frailty. But if you are willing to heed my advice, I can at least help you feel lighter and more comfortable for several years yet. That, I can promise you.”