During the New Year, the Xu family spent the festivities at Miaozhen’s home. Learning that her cousin Miaolian was still studying surprised her, considering Third Aunt was notoriously frugal. Last year, when they had New Year’s Eve dinner at her place, she blew out all the candles to save money once it got late, leaving everyone to chat in complete darkness.
But soon Bao Shi revealed the reason herself: “Zhenzhen has stopped studying, but our Lianjie’er continues—after all, she’s being taught by a proper Xiucai.”
So it was about competing with her. Miaozhen recalled how Bao Shi had previously forbidden Miaolian from studying, complaining about the expense. Now she acted as if their lessons with Chou Niangzi were frivolous. “You can’t discuss ice with a summer insect,” Miaozhen thought, unwilling to engage.
However, Xu Third Uncle broached the subject of Little Aunt’s dowry with her father: “Second Brother, even I contributed twenty strings of cash. How can you stand by and let our sister go without a dowry?”
Xu Erpeng was not one to be trifled with. He retorted bluntly, “Family expenses boil down to weddings and funerals. When Grandfather passed, I gave thirty taels without asking you for a single coin. I also helped Siniang purchase fifty or sixty taels’ worth of weaving equipment. Haven’t I contributed enough to the family? Spend within your means. If you can’t afford a dowry, either call off the engagement or don’t marry her off. You’ve already driven Eldest Brother away, and now you’re targeting us? Why must you be so vain?”
Miaozhen couldn’t help but applaud her father inwardly. When it came to arguments, no one in the family was his match.
Sure enough, the others fell silent.
Mei Shi smoothed things over: “Let’s eat before the dishes get cold. They won’t taste good otherwise.”
Xu Laotai and Xu Laoguan, who rarely enjoyed such fine food, stuffed their cheeks until they bulged. Zhang Ge’er devoured the pipa prawns incessantly, and even Miaolian gulped down bowl after bowl of sweet soup—it was a scene of ravenous consumption.
Miaozhen wondered why Third Uncle’s family, who clearly could afford meat regularly, ate as if they’d never seen food before.
Unbeknownst to her, the third branch of the Xu family merely boiled their meals, unlike the second branch, which employed a maid for cooking. Mei Shi was meticulous and skilled—even her stir-fried cabbage tasted better than anyone else’s.
That night, the third branch stayed over for the vigil. Everyone ate until they were stuffed, too full even for tea.
The matter of Xu Siniang’s dowry was dropped. Miaozhen reflected that it had been resolved so simply, yet Eldest Uncle’s family had left for Jinling over it—hardly worth the fuss.
This incident taught her that no one could truly force you to do something you refused.
All difficulties ceased to be difficult once you faced them head-on.
On the second day of the New Year, they returned to the Mei family home outside the city. Though the thatched roof appeared humble, the foundation was stone, the courtyard featured rugged rockeries and clustered plum trees, and the interior had tiled rooms with smooth, white walls.
Mei Taitai’s quarters even boasted a huanghuali screen, with several maids in attendance. She was Mei Shi’s stepmother and Qiao Yimu’s birth mother, and had dispatched seven or eight servants to welcome Qiao Yimu.
Qiao Yimu arrived with her usual pomp, surrounded by an entourage and adored like the moon among stars—unchanged from before. Even her daughters received lavish attention. In such settings, Mei Shi and Miaozhen simply observed quietly and ate in silence.
After the Lantern Festival, Miaozhen and Ru Shi went out together for a medical visit, precisely to the Qiao Family.
When their eyes met, Miaozhen pretended not to recognize Qiao Yimu. Ru Shi inquired, “What seems to be the trouble with Madam Qiao?”
Qiao Yimu had originally intended to summon the female physician who usually treated her, but that healer had returned to her hometown. Thus, she called for Ru Shi, never expecting to encounter her own niece—the daughter of the sister she had always looked down upon.
She felt her old face had been utterly shamed.
“Our lady was extremely angry that day. Unexpectedly, the rage caused her to bleed, resulting in a miscarriage. Her lower abdomen still aches,” explained a matron serving Qiao Yimu.
Wishing to mentor Miaozhen, Ru Shi said to her, “First take her pulse, then tell me your diagnosis.”
Miaozhen did not address her as aunt but said, “Please extend your hand. Let me examine you first.”
Seeing her composure, Qiao Yimu extended her hand. After feeling the pulse, Miaozhen calmly stated, “In my opinion, this isn’t unresolved liver fire but blood failing to return to its channels. As the saying goes, the uterine vessels connect to the kidneys, and the Uterus Palace communicates with both the heart and kidneys. Previously, the lady’s intense anger injured her liver, causing qi and blood to reverse and stagnate. This disruption easily blocks the connection between the heart, kidneys, and uterine vessels, leading to miscarriage. Now, after the miscarriage, abdominal pain persists because the blockage between the heart, kidneys, and uterine vessels remains. Where there is obstruction, there is pain. To cure this, we must regulate qi and blood, guide blood back to its channels, and ensure sufficient liver blood.”
“Very good, that’s correct. However, we shouldn’t only guide blood back to the liver but also calm liver fire to prevent further disruption of liver qi and blood,” Ru Shi added.
Miaozhen asked, “In that case, Master, how would you prescribe?”
Ru Shi said, “White Peony Root five qian—it nourishes blood and softens the liver, alleviating pain. Chinese Angelica five qian—it tonifies qi and activates blood. White Atractylodes three qian—this goes without saying strengthens the spleen and boosts qi. Gan Cao one qian—it harmonizes the formula. Schizonepeta three qian—it also has astringent and hemostatic properties. As for Ophiopogon and Moutan Bark, both nourish yin and clear heat…”
Miaozhen listened and noted everything down, summarizing beside her. These herbs served to nourish blood, soften the liver, soothe liver qi, and strengthen the spleen. Adding Cyperus and Turmeric to soothe the liver and clear heat made it an excellent prescription.
The prescription was given to Qiao Yimu’s servant. Ru Shi instructed the Qiao Family on decoction preparation and other details before taking their leave. The Qiao Family paid a consultation fee of two qian and sent them back by sedan chair.
This matter involved the patient’s privacy, so she didn’t even tell Mei Shi.
Now that she no longer attended the Girls’ School, she left the Tao Family early and returned late each day. Sometimes, she would spend half a day performing acupuncture on patients and even go hungry. Nevertheless, she was genuinely learning.
Her eyes opened only to see patients, with no other concerns.
She not only had to study gynecology but also read various books, case studies, and summarize her own experiences—it felt like one person doing the work of two.
She only knew that her father had contributed ten strings of cash, her third uncle provided twenty strings for Xu Siniang’s dowry, and Xu Laoguan contributed the remaining seventy-five strings, barely making a total of one hundred strings. Including the loom, they managed to gather one hundred and fifty strings.
At the beginning of the year, Miaozhen turned eleven. Her family’s debts were finally paid off, and she sensed her father’s burden had lightened. He, who usually buried himself in his study writing books, could now come out and chat with them occasionally.
On the Flower Morning Festival, Qiao Yimu invited them to the Qiao Family garden to admire the blossoms. Mei Shi said to her daughter, “You spend all day dealing with medicinal herbs. It’s time for you to go smell the flowers, relax for a day, and let your fatigue dissipate.”
“Very well, I’ll go with you, Mother,” Miaozhen replied with a smile.
The mother and daughter rode together in a carriage to the Qiao residence. In just a month and a half, Qiao Yimu seemed to have regained her vitality, though Mei’s eldest aunt cautioned her, “Although you’ve recovered well now, you still need to take good care of yourself.”
Mei Shi couldn’t help but ask, “What happened to my sister?”
Qiao Yimu thought Mei Shi was being sarcastic and glanced at Miaozhen. “Haven’t you told your mother?”
Miaozhen said, “This is a patient’s private matter. How could I casually tell others? Aunt, you underestimate me too much.”
To be honest, Qiao Yimu had always been somewhat intimidated by Miaozhen. This girl would often skip the most bustling events every year—no matter what red envelopes were given or what feasts were held—she only focused on her own affairs. As the saying goes, “When one doesn’t need to ask favors from others, one stands equally tall; when one doesn’t seek help, matters remain equally significant.” That was precisely the case.
Simply put, no matter how wealthy Qiao Yimu was, she wouldn’t give them a single coin.
Qiao Yimu had nothing to say in response. Several concubines of the Qiao family came out to greet everyone, and Miaozhen exchanged pleasantries along with her mother. Mei’s eldest aunt remarked about her, “I think Zhenzhen is somewhat shy and introverted.”
Though Miaozhen was socializing normally, she was described as shy. She knew this was Mei’s eldest aunt helping Qiao Yimu to belittle her, so Miaozhen smiled and said, “Aunt, what are you saying? I’m perfectly capable of normal social interaction. This is the first time I’ve heard such an evaluation of me.”
Mei Shi also spoke up for her daughter: “Our Zhenzhen is the most well-mannered. Whether it’s the talented Miss Chou or Ru Furen, everyone holds her in high regard. Wherever she goes, she receives praise.”
With her parents backing her, she naturally feared nothing. Moreover, she spoke the truth and didn’t casually pick fights.
There were those who appreciated Miaozhen’s character, admiring how accomplished she was at such a young age. Fifth Concubine of the Qiao family was one such person. She found a moment to call Miaozhen over, complaining that she often suffered from backaches, soreness, bloating in her chest and lower abdomen, always felt sleepy, and couldn’t conceive.
“I’ve consulted doctors before who said I have kidney deficiency and insufficient qi and blood. I’ve taken countless kidney-tonifying medicines, but nothing has helped.” Fifth Concubine was hoping for a lucky break and decided to give it a try.
After all, female physicians were rare.
While taking her pulse, Miaozhen also pressed on her abdomen. “Your condition isn’t due to kidney qi deficiency. You have abdominal masses. Moreover, from your pulse, the issue isn’t with your kidneys but rather a deficiency in your Ren and Du Meridians.”
“Masses? Miss Xu—no, Physician Xu—will I die from this?” Fifth Concubine was startled.
Male physicians usually only took pulses from behind a curtain, which was where female physicians had the advantage—they could press on areas like the abdomen. Hearing her concern, Miaozhen quickly reassured her, “No, no, it’s not that serious.”
Fifth Concubine breathed a sigh of relief and urgently begged Miaozhen, “You must help treat me.”
“I’m willing to, but my aunt is your mistress. So, I’ll prescribe the formula, but you must not reveal that it came from me. Take thirty doses first. If the qi in your Ren and Du Meridians becomes unblocked, then take another thirty doses. If you agree, make a vow.” Miaozhen had recently begun learning to prescribe formulas. For over a month now, she had been prescribing independently, and she wanted to test her skills.
After Fifth Concubine swore a solemn oath, Miaozhen finally prescribed the Shengdai Decoction.
Upon returning, she discussed it with Mei Shi and sought confirmation from Ru Shi, who remarked, “You’re being overly cautious. After three years of study, prescribing this formula for such symptoms is completely without issue.”
Thus, while continuing her routine of leaving early and returning late at the Tao residence, Miaozhen remained anxious day and night. On one hand, she feared Fifth Concubine might be poisoned, which could implicate her; on the other, she worried the medicine might prove ineffective.
Meanwhile, Fifth Concubine Qiao, who had always been favored, had her maid procure the medicine. After taking thirty doses, she indeed felt her qi and blood significantly replenished. After another thirty doses, she discontinued the medication and resumed intimate relations with Uncle Qiao. Within a month, she surprisingly became pregnant.
Upon learning of Fifth Concubine’s pregnancy, Qiao Yimu was naturally furious. Outwardly, she instructed others to care for her and praised her good fortune, but inwardly she seethed with hatred. Fifth Concubine Qiao confided to her close attendant, “That woman is obtuse, failing to recognize gold inlaid with jade.”
She then specifically sent a maid to deliver a five-tael silver ingot to Miaozhen, explaining that she had conceived and came specially to express gratitude.
Seeing the silver ingot, Miaozhen finally breathed a sigh of relief and gradually gained confidence in herself.