Chapter 64: Divine Healer

Shen Qingyun caught the crucial part of the conversation. “What miracle doctor?”

Madam Liu glanced back at the Suspended Healer’s Pavilion. “It’s just hearsay, but they say there’s a miracle doctor here, a master of bringing the dying back to life, who spends years traveling the land to heal the sick. Lately, he’s returned to the capital, so I thought to try my luck.”

“Then why won’t he see you?” asked the head maid, her face clouded with disappointment.

“Inside, they said the miracle doctor only treats those with whom fate brings him together, or those who can offer something that piques his interest in exchange. We’ve already listed countless rare treasures, but we haven’t even been granted a meeting,” she replied.

Shen Qingyun frowned.

Pearl, feeling indignant, muttered, “What does it mean to be fated? It sounds more like you have to be rich. Refusing to treat people—how can he be called a miracle doctor?”

Madam Liu coughed lightly and smiled. “It’s no matter. If everyone could see him for every little ailment, he’d be overwhelmed. I understand.”

Shen Qingyun signaled Pearl to hold her tongue. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Why don’t we try again?”

Madam Liu shook her head. “No need, Qingyun. Don’t trouble yourself for me. You should hurry back, lest the princess causes you more trouble.”

But Shen Qingyun’s gaze grew resolute. “Since we’re already here, even a sliver of hope is worth pursuing.”

Pearl grinned. “Madam, I believe our young lady always finds a way out of danger. Perhaps she is the one the doctor is fated to meet.”

The head maid seemed moved, tugging gently at Madam Liu’s sleeve, looking at her imploringly.

Madam Liu sighed with a soft smile. “Very well, Qingyun. Your kindness is received. Whether it succeeds or not, I am grateful.”

So they returned to the Suspended Healer’s Pavilion. Inside, the building had three floors. The ground floor was crowded with common patients. To seek the miracle doctor, one had to go to the second floor.

There, a young apprentice leaned idly against a wooden table, not even glancing up when he saw Madam Liu return, his attention still on his medical texts.

Shen Qingyun stepped forward. “Little doctor, how might one obtain an audience with the miracle doctor?”

Upon hearing such a clear and refreshing voice calling him “little doctor,” the boy looked up in surprise and saw Shen Qingyun—her beauty was like a pearl glowing in the light, flawless as jade. He blushed. “Miss, why do you seek the miracle doctor?”

“I hope the miracle doctor might take the pulse of the lady over there,” Shen Qingyun answered honestly.

The apprentice shook his head. “You’d best give up. The miracle doctor does not see just anyone, nor treat just any case.”

Pearl, curious, asked, “Then what does it take to be treated by the miracle doctor?”

The boy’s head shook like a rattle, and he sighed. “Just go home. Don’t waste your time. Judging by the lady’s complexion, she should rest at home and not wander about.”

Madam Liu managed a bitter smile and was about to persuade Shen Qingyun to leave.

But Shen Qingyun quietly asked, “If I were willing to exchange ‘Spring’s Birth in the Apricot Grove’ for a single chance for the miracle doctor to take her pulse, would that be enough?”

The apprentice leaped to his feet, eyes wide with disbelief. “Miss, are you jesting? Do you truly possess that rare volume?”

Madam Liu, not versed in medicine, looked at Shen Qingyun in confusion. Judging by the boy’s reaction, this book must be extremely precious.

Indeed, “Spring’s Birth in the Apricot Grove” included the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, causes and mechanisms of disease, internal organs and meridians, and listed common illnesses from internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and ENT, with corresponding treatments and prescriptions. The book was organized by disease names, with methods and prescriptions as subheadings, discussing pulse signs, the state of the organs, the advance and retreat of evil and righteous qi, all based on the classics and the wisdom of past masters. It was both profound and accessible, a medical rarity.

“I have it, and am willing to give it to the miracle doctor in exchange for a single consultation,” Shen Qingyun replied calmly.

The boy, however, was anything but calm. He paced anxiously—knowing his master’s passion for collecting rare medical texts, but seeing no way around it, he finally relented. “Please wait here. I will go and ask.”

The head maid, surprised by this turn, squeezed Madam Liu’s hand excitedly. “Madam, if we can see the miracle doctor, we might have a chance!”

Madam Liu’s heart was pounding, yet her face was hesitant. “Sister Qingyun, this book must be exceedingly rare and priceless. I cannot possibly repay you. Perhaps we should leave.”

Shen Qingyun smiled and shook her head, her demeanor serene as the wind and moon. “I came by this book by chance. In my hands, it serves little purpose. If giving it to the miracle doctor can help save more lives, surely that’s what the author would have wished.”

She had found the book from memories of her previous life. If it could save Madam Liu, perhaps it would change her tragic fate in this life as well.

And as for her own mother, perhaps the miracle doctor could uncover something in her condition, too.

A man stood behind a secret door, listening to Shen Qingyun’s words, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes.

Soon he spoke to the apprentice, “Invite this young lady in.”

The boy, surprised but suddenly understanding, bowed and made a circuitous route back to the entrance. “Miss, the miracle doctor will see you. Please come with me. Only you may enter.”

The head maid grew anxious and wanted to speak, but Madam Liu calmed her.

Shen Qingyun nodded and followed the apprentice to a private room.

Inside, the space was empty except for a beaded curtain, behind which a silhouette could be seen.

An aged voice spoke, “From the lady’s complexion and breathing, even I could only extend her life by a few years. A cure is beyond me. Will you still trade ‘Spring’s Birth in the Apricot Grove’ for this one chance at treatment?”

Shen Qingyun asked in return, “Would the miracle doctor be willing to pass on the knowledge within the book to others?”

“Naturally.”

At this, she smiled radiantly, her deep eyes shining with a captivating light. “Then what harm in giving it? I only ask that you do all you can for the lady’s sake.”

“Very well. Bring the lady here. I will take her pulse.”

The apprentice protested, “Master, aren’t you worried this young lady won’t give you the book? Or perhaps she doesn’t have it?”

The old man laughed heartily, “Rest assured, she will keep her word.”

Facing the beaded curtain, Shen Qingyun bowed deeply. “I am Shen Qingyun, second daughter of the Shen Marquis household. Tomorrow, I shall send the medical text as promised. Thank you, miracle doctor, for trusting me and granting this opportunity.”

The old man fell silent. The apprentice led Shen Qingyun out, then brought Madam Liu in.

After the consultation, the miracle doctor prescribed a formula, but noted that one rare ingredient was still needed. He promised to provide it when Shen Qingyun delivered the book the next day, showing true diligence.

Madam Liu felt as if she were in a dream. The maid was so grateful to Shen Qingyun that tears welled in her eyes.

Carefully clutching the prescription, the two returned home, poring over it again and again.

They had barely taken a sip of water when Lin Zhiyuan arrived, brimming with excitement. “I heard you saw Shen Qingyun today?”