Chapter 67: An Ailment of the Heart

Jiang Miaodan was furious, shouting and cursing at Shen Qingyun, but the Celestial Physician Pavilion was not a place anyone could make a scene. Before long, both of them were driven out.

Jiang Lin gazed up at the second floor of the Pavilion, puzzled as to why only Shen Qingyun was allowed to meet the divine physician. Suddenly, he felt his mother was right—perhaps marrying Shen Qingyun truly had many advantages. Yet, what about Sisi? What should he do?

If Shen Qingyun knew what he was thinking at that moment, she’d probably want to hang him upside down and weigh him, so he could see just how much he was worth.

But at that moment, she was too stunned to speak.

The man before her wore a white robe embroidered with a subtle pattern of silver feathers, his dark hair simply tied back. He stood tall and graceful, his features as exquisite as a painting, a faint herbal scent lingering about him as he smiled warmly at her.

“Miss Shen, my name is Lian Rufeng. Thank you for your book.”

Yesterday, the divine physician’s voice sounded like that of a weathered old man—how could he now appear as such a handsome young gentleman?

“I just heard someone causing a commotion outside, uttering wild words. Would you like me to teach them a lesson?” Lian Rufeng smiled and winked.

For some reason, Shen Qingyun felt a spark of curiosity. “How would the divine physician do that?”

Lian Rufeng handed a porcelain bottle to the little medicine boy, who immediately understood and slipped downstairs, quietly tossing it into the carriage of the Jiang Marquis’s household parked outside the Pavilion.

Jiang Miaodan and Jiang Lin, seeing their request refused, boarded the carriage to return home. Unexpectedly, there was now a small blue-and-white bottle inside.

Jiang Miaodan picked it up curiously. “Brother, what is this?”

She uncorked it without a second thought.

A powerful stench exploded in the confined space, making their eyes water and forcing them out of the carriage, coughing and gasping for air.

From the second floor, Shen Qingyun watched it all unfold, laughing aloud. “What was that?”

The medicine boy returned, stifling laughter behind his hand. “That’s a Stink Pellet. Once the bottle is opened, the smell spreads instantly. If anyone inhales it, their breath will stink terribly for three days.”

Pearl laughed so hard her stomach hurt. “Ha! They probably won’t dare leave the house for days, and it’ll stop them from bad-mouthing Miss!”

Lian Rufeng, seeing Shen Qingyun so delighted, brought out a prepared box of Eastern pearls.

“Miss Shen, you’ve gifted me the precious 'Spring in Apricot Grove.' Please accept this humble return gift.”

Shen Qingyun took the box and saw ten large pearls inside. Each was perfectly round, every one identical in size. Most astonishing of all, they shimmered with shifting colors as the light played across them—truly beautiful.

Such large pearls were rare enough, let alone ten with such radiant luster.

Shen Qingyun hesitated, her face showing concern. “This is far too valuable. Besides, the divine physician has already agreed to treat Madam Liu, which repays the gift of 'Spring in Apricot Grove.' I cannot accept another gift.”

Lian Rufeng gently shook his fan, carefree. “Miss Shen, you worry too much. Since I’ve agreed, I will see Madam Liu cured. These pearls are simply a token of goodwill. If possible, I’d very much like to be friends with you.”

Leaving aside the pearls, after these few encounters, it was clear Lian Rufeng’s medical skills were truly exceptional and not just famed in name. If they became friends, she could ask him to treat Lady Han as well.

So Shen Qingyun was pleased. “If the divine physician is willing, it would be my honor. I do have a request—my mother’s health is frail. Might I ask you to examine her when there’s an opportunity?”

“Of course. Bring her to the Pavilion anytime. Since we’re friends, there’s no need for titles. You may call me Rufeng, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to call you Qingyun.”

It seemed somewhat improper, but seeing Lian Rufeng’s relaxed manner, Shen Qingyun agreed. She also promised to keep his secret, telling others he was merely the divine physician’s apprentice.

Lian Rufeng was delighted, though he maintained the demeanor of a refined gentleman. He thought he must thank Simoli later.

Meanwhile, in the King of Li’s residence, Simoli felt a faint oppression in his chest, as though something ominous was about to happen.

He summoned the steward. “How are the arrangements with the Third Prince?”

The old steward replied respectfully, “Everything is going as planned. The Third Prince is now utterly absorbed in palace affairs and no longer meets with Shen Sisi.”

“And what about Jing’an?”

“We’ve sent someone to watch over the Princess. She won’t have another chance to harm Miss Qingyun.”

The steward glanced at Simoli’s dark, brooding expression. If not for the Princess’s father’s favor, the prince would surely have cast her out by now. Should she make another move against Miss Qingyun, no one could save her.

But Princess Jing’an had not given up her schemes against Shen Qingyun.

A servant reported, “You say Shen Qingyun visited the Minister’s residence and asked the divine physician to examine Madam Liu?”

“Yes, Princess.”

“Go investigate Madam Liu’s situation and report back.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Unaware of the coming danger, Shen Qingyun summoned Madam Liu to the Pavilion.

She had intended to deliver the medicine directly to the Minister’s residence, but for one, she did not want to expose Lian Rufeng’s identity, and for another, she wished to avoid Lin Zhiyuan.

Madam Liu arrived and thanked Shen Qingyun profusely.

Lian Rufeng disguised himself as an old man once more and examined Madam Liu’s pulse.

“Strange, why has your condition worsened after just one night?”

Shen Qingyun grew anxious and looked to Madam Liu. “What happened? Did something occur last night?”

Madam Liu smiled bitterly. She no longer wished to shield Lin Zhiyuan, hoping Shen Qingyun would see his true nature sooner, but she naturally concealed his plot against Shen Qingyun, unable to speak of it.

Pearl, indignant, commented, “Young Master Lin looks so refined—how could he be so heartless towards Madam?”

Madam Liu sighed. “At one time, love ran deep, but now... better left unsaid.”

Lian Rufeng advised, “A wound of the heart must be healed from within. Madam, I will do my utmost to treat you, but if you cannot let go of your obstinate grief, I fear your days may truly be numbered.”

Shen Qingyun took Madam Liu’s hand. “Madam, life is but a fleeting journey. Think of little Yu. Can you bear to entrust him to another?”

Madam Liu’s gaze grew distant. She should have let go long ago—she was once so bright and full of life, but this marriage had tormented her into hysteria, constantly doubting herself, unable to see hope.

But now, with her health failing, what could she do?

She looked into Shen Qingyun’s gentle yet resolute eyes. For a moment, she thought, if she entrusted Yu to Shen Qingyun, perhaps she could finally rest in peace.

Her heart quivered—how could she entertain such a frightening thought? Yet once it took root, it began to grow.