Jiang Li wore a jade-hued jacket embroidered with magnolia branches, layered with a skirt of raised floral patterns. Draped over her shoulders was a moon-white cloak patterned with bamboo and drifting clouds. She sat quietly and with composure inside the carriage. Opposite her, Xue Qi gazed with satisfaction.
“Though Ling’er grew up in the martial world, her bearing is no different from the noble daughters raised here in Chang’an. Your master raised you well. A pity she has retired to nurse her health—otherwise she should be brought to Chang’an to enjoy prosperity.”
Jiang Li’s lips curved slightly. “Master is elderly and unaccustomed to the bustle of Chang’an. Father need not worry.”
Xue Qi had spoken without much sincerity; hearing this, he only smiled and let the matter drop. Lifting the curtain, he saw the distant Zhuque Gate and said, “Your aunt has endured much in the Eastern Palace these years. When you meet her, mind your manners.”
Jiang Li tilted her head in puzzlement. “But Aunt is the Crown Princess, the future mistress of the Inner Palace. How could her life be difficult?”
Xue Qi was not surprised—how could one from the jianghu understand the intrigues of the imperial clan? He explained: “It all comes down to heirs. Sixteen years ago, your aunt married the Crown Prince and soon conceived. But the child born a year later was a daughter. Though she was granted the title Princess Anle, what use is a daughter in the royal house? Three years later, your aunt conceived again, but the child was lost after three months, and her health suffered. Since then, she has borne no more children.”
Jiang Li’s expression softened with regret. “Yet Aunt’s position as Crown Princess remains secure. As long as the Crown Prince loves her, who would dare criticize?”
Xue Qi gave a bitter smile. “Foolish child. In the royal family, affection never lasts. The Crown Prince cannot have only your aunt. Besides one favored consort who has no children, there is Consort Ning Yao—your aunt’s greatest rival.”
“This Lady Ning is the daughter of the Minister of War, Ning Xuyuan. She entered the Eastern Palace two years after your aunt but bore a son—the Crown Prince’s eldest, Li Yi. The boy was gifted beyond measure: reading at three, composing verse at five. The Emperor adored him, and at five he was named Imperial Grandson. With the Emperor still vigorous and the Crown Prince long established, the Imperial Grandson’s favor only strengthened the Crown Prince’s position…”
Here, Xue Qi sighed, his tone heavy. “But fortune was short-lived. A calamity struck, and the Imperial Grandson died. Worse still, before his death, Consort Ning bore another son, Li Jin. Though not as brilliant, the Emperor dotes on him to ease the grief. He was swiftly ennobled as Prince Xuancheng, often summoned to accompany the Emperor, and taught personally in riding and archery. Compared to the late Imperial Grandson, he is hardly lacking. As the saying goes, when one rises, all rise with him. With two sons in succession, the Ning family has won imperial favor, and Consort Ning enjoys the Crown Prince’s deep affection. Your aunt has held her place as Crown Princess under the name of virtue, but the future is uncertain.”
Xue Qi’s smile faded. “So today, when you enter the Eastern Palace, remember your aunt’s situation. If you encounter the Crown Prince or Consort Ning, be cautious and respectful. And above all, anything concerning the Imperial Grandson is taboo. Do not speak, do not ask. Even if others gossip, you must never join in.”
Jiang Li frowned slightly. “Taboo? Because of their grief over losing a son?”
Seeing her clear, guileless gaze, Xue Qi finally said, “Not only that. The Imperial Grandson did not die of illness—he was murdered…”
Jiang Li feigned shock, and Xue Qi continued: “Six years ago—during the thirty-third year of Jingde—a plague swept through Chang’an and lasted half a year. Thousands perished, and the palace was sealed tight. Yet somehow, the Imperial Grandson in the Eastern Palace fell ill. To treat him, physicians from the Imperial Pharmacy and the Court of Imperial Doctors were stationed there. After two months of medicine, he seemed to improve, but on New Year’s Eve he suddenly worsened and died. The Emperor and Crown Prince were furious, and suspicion fell on all who might have profited from the tragedy.”
Jiang Li asked gravely, “First among them was Aunt?”
Xue Qi nodded. “Your aunt, Prince Su—who was at odds with the Crown Prince—and even palace maids and eunuchs punished for negligence all came under suspicion. But after thorough investigation, it was found that Earl Guang’an Wei Jie, then Chief Imperial Physician, had erred in his treatment, causing the Imperial Grandson’s sudden death.”
Jiang Li frowned. “Erred in treatment?”
Xue Qi nodded again. “You are of the medical line, so you know: even if symptoms resemble one another, treatment differs by patient. Wei Jie possessed a unique acupuncture method called the ‘Nine Needles of Fuxi.’ It was endlessly variable, the Wei family’s secret art. Crucially, its principles required not only tailoring to the patient’s condition but also to the season.”
Seeing Jiang Li’s solemn attention, Xue Qi went on: “I do not understand medicine, but the gist is this: a method suitable in spring could be fatal in winter. His needlework was intricate and unconventional, even contrary to common medical practice. Thus, outsiders found it nearly impossible to master. At the time, medicines were prescribed by collective consultation, but the acupuncture was performed by him alone. When disaster struck, all physicians were confined and investigated. None could prove his method wrong—until it was revealed that he was not the only one who knew the Nine Needles. He had a young disciple.”
Jiang Li’s breath caught. Xue Qi sighed. “That disciple was taken in by his wife. She had long wished for a daughter, but miscarried early. That same year, she met an orphan girl, whom she cherished and adopted as a foster daughter, teaching her medicine. The girl proved talented, learning the Nine Needles. At the time of the incident, she was attending the Empress’s chronic ailment. Summoned for questioning, she did not realize the Eastern Palace was in chaos. Believing the Emperor was merely testing her skill, she answered every question truthfully.”
Xue Qi sneered. “Her account of the same principles described a completely different method of needling. When the other physicians compared notes, they realized Wei Jie had deliberately ignored key conclusions from their earlier consultation. Reflecting further, it seemed he had recklessly pursued glory with a dangerous approach—thus killing the Imperial Grandson.”
“With the truth exposed, the Wei family was imprisoned and condemned. Your aunt and Prince Su were cleared. Yet Wei Jie never confessed. In prison, he claimed he was framed, even fabricating a false medical record. Consort Ning, the Imperial Grandson’s mother, refused to believe that Wei Jie—renowned for never failing—would kill her child without cause. She accused him of acting under someone’s orders, but no proof was found. The Wei family was executed, and the matter was buried. Still, Consort Ning carried the grievance. For years, she and your aunt have appeared cordial, but have secretly clashed many times. That is why you must be especially cautious when you meet her.”
Jiang Li asked, unsettled, “Then was Wei Jie truly acting under someone’s orders?”
Xue Qi clicked his tongue and dismissed the thought. “Of course not. Father judged the case with the Three Judicial Offices. Wei Jie cried injustice, claimed he was framed, but never named anyone—”
Jiang Li pressed further: “But what if what he said was true?”
Xue Qi’s face hardened. “Child, who would ever admit to such a catastrophic crime? His entire household—forty-three souls—was executed. With punishment that severe, do you think he would dare confess?”
His eyes narrowed; his tone was cold. “The Imperial Grandson’s death is the Emperor’s deepest wound. Who would dare stir it up? Besides, the case was sealed tight. That disciple of his knew nothing of the Eastern Palace’s affairs—her testimony could not have been false. With that evidence, along with the other imperial doctors’ descriptions of his arrogant nature and reckless methods, and the pulse records from those months, the proof was overwhelming. Earl Guang’an was guilty beyond dispute—it was his misapplied needles that killed the Imperial Grandson.”
Xue Qi spoke with finality, then added: “I tell you this so you will not err. The case was nailed to Earl Guang’an. What you asked just now is fine to say to me, but never repeat it to others. Because of your aunt, even the Xue family’s loyalty was once questioned. You must be especially careful not to misspeak.”
Jiang Li’s fingers tightened inside her sleeves, though her face remained composed. “Yes. Your daughter understands.”
Xue Qi exhaled, relieved. Yet he felt that though his daughter appeared gentle and proper, at times there was a streak of defiance—as if her calm decorum were only a mask. Studying her clear, steady gaze, he finally attributed it to her upbringing in the martial world, where freedom runs deep in the bones.
When the carriage halted at the Zhuque Gate, a young eunuch was already waiting. He hurried forward: “Greetings, Lord Censor, greetings, Miss. Please follow me.”
Led by the eunuch, Jiang Li walked behind Xue Qi through the gate into the forbidden precincts. They followed the long palace road for a quarter hour before reaching Jiafu Gate, then passed through Chongming and Jiade Gates, and along the eastern corridor of Jiade Hall to Chongjiao Gate, continuing north another quarter hour until they arrived at Jingyi Palace, residence of Crown Princess Xue Lanshi.
Jingyi Palace lay east of the Heir’s quarters, its halls richly carved and painted, its interior adorned with pearl curtains and brocade. As Jiang Li entered the main hall, she saw the treasure shelves lined with pots of orchids, their fragrance filling the air. Crown Princess Xue Lanshi sat with Princess Anle, Li Yan, by the western window on a couch, trimming blooming black orchids with bronze scissors.
The eunuch announced: “Your Highness, Lord Censor and the Young Lady have arrived.”
Xue Lanshi, thirty-six years of age, wore her hair in a lofty winged coiffure adorned with pearl hairpins. Her face was powdered, brows like ink strokes, her crimson peony-embroidered palace gown lending her a stately brilliance. A faint smile touched her lips, but her gaze weighed heavily on Jiang Li. Seeing the girl bow with measured composure, neither humble nor arrogant, she smiled and said: “Your manners are excellent. Yan’er has spoken of you these past days. Come closer to me.”
Xue Qi folded his hands behind his back. “Let the Crown Princess take a good look at you.”
Jiang Li obeyed. Princess Anle rose first. Her hair was styled in cicada wings with a falling horse-tail bun. She wore a green jacket patterned with linked pearls, a skirt of red and yellow, and a gauzy blue overskirt embroidered with grape motifs. At her waist hung a jeweled belt strung with pearls and ornaments, glittering as she moved. Smiling, she circled Jiang Li half a turn, as though inspecting some rare curiosity.
Xue Lanshi set down her scissors. “You grew up in Xuzhou until the age of ten?”
Jiang Li answered yes.
Xue Lanshi asked again: “Other than your foster parents, you have no kin?”
Jiang Li replied: “I once had an uncle and aunt with their family, but this year’s floods claimed their lives as well.”
Xue Lanshi spoke with measured gravity: “Yes, it was a strange twist of fate. This summer’s floods in Xuzhou claimed nearly ten thousand lives. None of your foster parents’ kin survived. What surprised me most was the jade longevity lock your grandfather gave you—it has never been lost all these years. Truly a blessing amid misfortune. When the kidnappers took you south, they never thought to steal it?”
Jiang Li had been found by Jian Bocheng precisely because of that jade lock. It was carved by the elder of the Jian family himself. Though the Xue clan reported to the authorities that little Xue Ling had been abducted with the lock, they never described its pattern in detail. Thus, no one could impersonate her over the years. The lock was of fine green mutton-fat jade, and its survival was indeed remarkable.
Jiang Li answered firmly: “When my foster father bought me, he acted with a kind heart. He thought that if one day I needed the lock, he should pay the kidnappers extra silver to keep this one token safe.”
Xue Lanshi rose, circled behind Jiang Li, and gently laid a hand on her thin shoulder blade. “This scar has been here for years. You suffered greatly. When you were taken, you were ill with rashes.”
The Xue family could not risk error in reclaiming their eldest daughter. When news reached Chang’an in September, Xue Qi sent Xue Yu to Xuzhou to confirm. Besides hearing Jian Bocheng’s account and verifying the jade lock, the family matron also inspected her body. What convinced them beyond doubt was the scar on her back.
Jiang Li said softly: “My foster father told me that when he bought me, my shoulder was already frostbitten. They thought it was chilblains and treated it for a long time before it healed. Because it was delayed, the scar remained.”
Xue Lanshi smiled faintly, withdrew her hand, and sat again. “You are a fortunate child. Though you suffered outside all these years, you learned skills. I hear you have already treated many since returning to Chang’an.”
Jiang Li acknowledged this.
Xue Lanshi asked: “What illnesses do you treat best?”
Jiang Li replied cautiously: “My studies with Master were broad, but I am most skilled in women’s and children’s ailments.”
Xue Lanshi nodded slowly. “I know. Your master is famed as the Immortal Lady Taixuan, often practicing medicine in Jiangnan.”
Jiang Li had been back in Chang’an for ten days, yet only now summoned by Xue Lanshi. Clearly, it was not due to illness but to inquiries into her background.
Jiang Li answered calmly: “Yes. Taixuan is my master’s familiar name. She is from Lianzhou, now in seclusion on Mount Yuexiu, with a senior disciple attending her.”
Xue Lanshi inclined her head. At that moment, Princess Anle, Li Yan, could not contain herself. She stepped forward: “Everyone says you revived Zheng Qianshan, the master of the Liedao Sect, after he had been dead for seven days. They say you can bring back the dead. Is that true?”
Li Yan was only fifteen, with almond eyes and peach cheeks, her tone still childish.
Jiang Li smiled gently: “Princess, physicians are not immortals. We cannot truly raise the dead. I did save Master Zheng, but he was not yet gone.”
Li Yan’s curiosity grew. “Not yet gone? But wasn’t he already prepared for burial?”
Jiang Li smiled: “Master Zheng was harmed by villains. His reputation in the martial world was so high that if the killer had used only one method, then with all the famous physicians striving to save him, he could never have died. That was why the culprit employed a deception. Master Zheng was poisoned twice. The doctors managed to resolve both toxins, yet he did not awaken—his breath even ceased. Everyone thought him dead, but in truth, this was the murderer’s scheme.”
Li Yan’s eyes shone, and even Xue Lanshi listened intently.
Jiang Li continued: “In fact, while the second poison was being treated, the culprit mingled among the physicians. Seizing the chance, he used fine poisoned needles to seal six acupoints—Dayu, Chengguang, Fengfu, Shentang, Pohu, and Hunmen. Thus, while the poison was being dispelled, he forced Master Zheng’s heart pulse into a false-death state. The doctors, seeing him expire despite all remedies, believed he had succumbed to lingering poison. Had he been buried, he would have suffocated alive. At that time, I was practicing medicine at the foot of Liedao Mountain. Hearing the details of his condition, I guessed the truth. Fortunately, Master Zheng’s deep inner strength protected him, and I arrived in time.”
This tale, born in the martial world and later spread in Chang’an, was far more intricate than anyone had imagined.
Li Yan’s eyes sparkled: “How could you know the truth just from hearing his symptoms?”
Jiang Li smiled: “The human organs and meridians hold vast mysteries. To treat illness, one must unravel it thread by thread. Every change in condition has its cause. My master excelled in acupuncture and decoctions, and I knew the physicians’ methods were not wrong. Yet Master Zheng’s breath ceased—that told me the killer had a third hidden strike, unseen by others.”
Li Yan sighed in admiration. “So that’s it! No wonder your fame spreads—you are a hundred times cleverer than other doctors.”
Jiang Li only smiled. At that moment, Xue Lanshi, who had been watching her closely, suddenly asked: “Ah Ling, are you skilled in women’s ailments?”
Jiang Li met her gaze. “I dare not claim mastery, but I can try.”
Xue Lanshi looked toward the eunuchs at the door. They exchanged glances, stepped back, and closed the hall doors. Xue Lanshi extended her hand. “Then I ask you to examine me.”
Jiang Li stepped forward. “Your Highness, where do you feel unwell?”
She placed her fingers on Xue Lanshi’s wrist. The Crown Princess studied her for a moment, then spoke plainly: “It is not illness. I wish to bear a child.”
Xue Qi’s face clouded; Li Yan pressed her lips in a sigh, and all three turned their eyes to Jiang Li. She said nothing, only focused on the pulse. After half a quarter hour, her brows knit slightly.
Xue Lanshi asked in a low voice: “Well? Am I truly unable to conceive again?”
At thirty-six, though well preserved, Xue Lanshi had already consulted the finest physicians. Were it not for Jiang Li’s renown, she would not have hoped at all. Thus, even if Jiang Li declared her barren, she would not be disappointed.
But Jiang Li, after a pause, said: “Your Highness is not without hope of conceiving again.”
Xue Lanshi, braced for the worst, was startled by the words. Jiang Li’s gaze grew solemn. “However, before seeking a child, Your Highness must first be cleansed of poison.”