Cheng Yuan immediately responded, “Mother, this won’t do. Miss Xu has both parents living. Although her family isn’t considered wealthy or noble, they’re still moderately well-off. How could they let their daughter become a concubine? She’s not one of our household servants.”
“Third Young Miss is right. We should choose someone from a poorer family who would naturally listen to you and be under your control. But if she lacks nothing, how could she possibly obey you? We don’t want to nurture a tiger that will turn on us later,” Mama Zhao said.
Zeng Shi considered this reasoning sound. Cheng Yuan and Mama Zhao offered many detailed suggestions, and fortunately, she was able to take them in.
Miaozhen remained unaware of the near disaster that had almost befallen her. She understood very clearly the difference between having a father and not having one in feudal society, especially since her father was both kind and capable. Therefore, she still felt quite safe and even made sure to avoid the men of the Cheng Family in her daily life.
A rustling sound came from outside. When she went to look, she found that Li Yao’e had returned. Although she still wore the same green bijia and was the same person, there was something different about her. Her usually plain face now had a natural rosy glow, making her appear much more charming.
“Sister Li,” Miaozhen greeted her.
Li Yao’e smiled and said, “Younger Sister Xu, the young lady over there has recovered, so I’ve returned. We’re neighbors again.”
Miaozhen replied, “I see that after your stay at Da Fang, you’ve become more beautiful and more talkative. Come, let me help you get settled.”
Li Yao’e touched her cheek shyly. Speaking of matters between men and women, it was truly strange. Her looks weren’t as good as Yu Zhoujin’s, nor even as striking as the Eldest Young Madam’s. Yet in affairs between men and women, sometimes just a glance was enough for understanding.
That day, while she was singing lullabies to comfort the child, the Eldest Young Master had lifted the curtain and entered. Their eyes met, and he asked what song she was singing. Later, they secretly stole several intimate moments away from others’ notice.
Once inside the room, Li Yao’e gave Miaozhen a sweat towel. “I know you like pine needle color. This one happens to be new, and I haven’t used it yet. Please take it.”
“Thank you, sister,” Miaozhen said with a smile.
Then, Miaozhen brought her two maids to help Li Yao’e tidy up. After they finished, Li Yao’e asked Mama Gu to have the kitchen send over a feast. She smiled and said, “My brother has bought a house outside, and my mother has been successfully helping neighbors with childbirths to earn some hard-earned money. Now we can finally say we’ve established ourselves in Nanjing.”
Housing prices during the Ming Dynasty weren’t expensive. Even the old residence where Miaozhen used to live, with its eight rooms, had only cost fifty taels, and that was a newly built house. Thinking that Li Yao’e’s family could afford to buy property showed they had good planning. Miaozhen said, “Sister Li, congratulations.”
“Please don’t say that, or you’ll make me embarrassed. My mother plans to hold a housewarming celebration. Our family doesn’t have many other guests, Younger Sister Xu, and I’d like to invite you,” Li Yao’e said, looking at her expectantly.
Miaozhen replied, “Certainly, but it would be best if it’s held at noon so I can return by evening.”
“Whatever you say,” Li Yao’e agreed.
After informing Third Madam, she sent two matrons and two servants along with them. Miaozhen had already prepared gifts in advance: two jugs of olive wine bought for three qian of silver, one roasted duck, two chickens, and tea leaf rolls.
The Li family’s residence was approximately one and a half courtyards deep, purchased for about thirty-five taels as a secondhand property, yet it was well-maintained inside. Miaozhen promptly stepped forward to pay respects to Old Madam Li, who remarked upon seeing her, “Miss Xu has grown even more lovely. The cinnabar mole between your eyebrows makes you the very image of a female Bodhisattva.”
After speaking, she personally accepted the gifts Miaozhen had brought, thinking to herself what a courteous young lady Miss Xu was.
“You flatter me too much. I believe Sister Li is the truly fortunate one. My mother always told me that those with high foreheads are blessed with good fortune—they are sure to enjoy peace, health, and longevity.”
As they conversed, the group entered and took their seats. Old Madam Li served Yunpian cake and red dates, then went to the kitchen herself to bring out several dishes, complete with chicken, duck, fish, and pork.
During the meal, Miaozhen toasted Old Madam Li and brought up a matter: “Since childhood, I’ve had a close friend who lost her mother and was taken in by her maternal family in Jinling. I’d like to ask you, Auntie, to help deliver a letter for me. Would that be acceptable?”
Old Madam Li smiled and said, “Why even ask? You can rest assured, Miss.”
Visiting the Li family brought Miaozhen a long-missed sense of familial warmth. She handed the pre-written letter to Old Madam Li and gave her four mace of silver for travel expenses before returning home.
Preoccupied with thoughts of Lin Xiaoxiao, Miaozhen had little attention for anything else. It was Xiao Xi who remarked, “Miss, Li Dajie’er’s family seems quite wealthy now. They used to wear simple cloth garments, but now they’re dressed in fine clothing. There’s even a pile of satin fabrics stacked mountain-high in the back. She doesn’t treat as many patients as you do, nor are her patients of such high status. How did they become so prosperous?”
“One shouldn’t make assumptions about others, understand?” Miaozhen shook her head.
Shortly after returning, they encountered Huan’er, Second Madam’s maid, who invited Miaozhen over. Second Madam greeted her joyfully: “I never thought I’d truly recover—thank you so much, Miss Xu.”
Her private condition had made intimacy with her husband difficult, leaving her fearful after each encounter. Surprisingly, just after the mourning period ended, their intimacy had miraculously healed. This being a deeply personal matter, she couldn’t discuss it openly with Miaozhen, but Second Madam reflected that while she’d spent five hundred taels on prayers and temple offerings without success, this young girl had cured her. Having only given her some clothing in return, she felt compelled to make proper repayment.
Thus, she selected a package of her own jewelry for Miaozhen, urging, “Open it and see.”
When Miaozhen opened it, she was startled and quickly protested, “Last time you gave me a silver thread cloud hairpin, which I declined.”
“These are nothing special. Though I have a daughter, as you know, she can’t wear bright jewelry. Now that you’ve cured my illness, a great weight has been lifted from my heart. You’ve also kept my secret well, telling others only that I suffered from blood deficiency—that was perfect,” Second Madam explained.
The package contained a silver thread chignon adorned with twelve or thirteen pieces: a gold filigree “Butterflies Among Flowers” hairpin, four insect-and-flower hairpins, two filigree jade-peony side combs, a gold narcissus hair ornament, two peach-blossom hair dividers, and a pair of “Children Holding Lotus” gold earrings.
Miaozhen touched her own hair and said, “I’m not yet at the age to wear a chignon, am I?”
“You’re approaching the hair-pinning age now, different from others. Keep these for the future,” Second Madam replied, gazing at the cinnabar mole between Miaozhen’s eyebrows and feeling her gifts were truly well-bestowed.
Miaozhen could only repay their kindness with her medical skills. Aside from this matter, Second Madam also suffered from chronic lower back pain. Using massage techniques from her previous life, Miaozhen adjusted Second Madam’s condition.
After leaving the second branch household, Miaozhen first returned to put away her things. She hadn’t expected to gain so much – no wonder everyone wanted to climb upward. The view from the top was indeed different.
Yet she reflected on herself: in such circumstances, it was easy to become more dedicated to those who paid more while developing resentment toward those who paid less. Just like in this mansion, everyone flocked to those who gave the most generous rewards. She couldn’t be like that. She needed to maintain equanimity and not be corrupted by money.
However, when she secretly checked her little treasury before bed that night, she still felt delighted.
About ten days later, there came news about Lin Xiaoxiao. Elder Brother Li delivered a letter stating that Lin was currently at her maternal grandparents’ home, where everything was fine, though her movements were restricted. They likely wouldn’t be able to meet, but hearing that Miaozhen had become a retainer for the Cheng Family, Lin knew Miaozhen had achieved something and encouraged her to keep working hard.
Though disappointed she couldn’t see her good friend immediately, Miaozhen understood that Lin Xiaoxiao was at least living comfortably now. The pink stationery Lin used for her reply was evidence enough – if she were being mistreated, it wouldn’t be like this.
After putting away the letter, Miaozhen took out “Complete Collection of Effective Prescriptions for Women” and “Danxi’s Mastery of Medicine” to study side by side. Medical texts always revealed new insights no matter how many times one reread them.
She copied several prescriptions and pondered the various medicines before finally setting them aside.
Just then, Yu Zhoujin and Li Yao’e arrived together. They mentioned that several maids would be assigned specifically to prepare medicines, and henceforth all medications for the inner courtyard would be decocted within the inner quarters.
This separation of tea preparation and medicine brewing areas was beneficial, with dedicated personnel for each task and physicians overseeing them.
“I thought we would leave after treating the illnesses,” Miaozhen said. “But currently the Cheng family doesn’t have that many patients for us.”
“Rubbish,” retorted Yu Zhoujin. “People eat all kinds of grains – how could they not get sick? There are so many people here from top to bottom. The Cheng family can certainly afford to keep us. Besides, with so many women in these different branches, there’s no way they’d let us go. Don’t worry.”
In Yu Zhoujin’s experience, once you entered such households, there was rarely any intention of letting you leave.
Li Yao’e added, “I think they probably want these young maids to learn some medical knowledge from us. When the young ladies marry in the future, they can serve as accompanying attendants.”
Miaozhen nodded. “That’s possible too. Well, we should follow the host’s arrangements.”
Before the Dragon Boat Festival, the three women moved to the western Picking Fragrance Pavilion. The pavilion had surrounding corridors, five main rooms, and three summer annex rooms. Yu Zhoujin, disliking stair climbing, occupied the eastern quarters. Miaozhen, preferring more privacy, chose upstairs rooms, while Li Yao’e selected the three summer annex rooms.
Two additional rooms served as dormitories for maids and space for medicine preparation with stoves.
Three young maids arrived, named Doukou, Peilan, and Chenxiang. Mama Gu brought them to meet the physicians. Miaozhen gave each twenty coins and a plain handkerchief as welcoming gifts.
After moving to their new residence, they enjoyed much more space. There was an outdoor terrace for drying clothes, and the two maids had beds in the secondary rooms. Though the furniture was made of common wood, it was painted red and much more comfortable than before.
After they had settled in, the Cheng family also received good news. The elder master had taken a new beautiful concubine, said to be personally arranged by the First Wife. The girl was somewhat literate, as beautiful as flowers and jade, and her father had been a Xiucai. Unfortunately, her father had passed away from illness, her mother was bedridden, and she had two younger brothers. Around twenty years old and unable to afford a dowry, Zeng Shi bought her into the household.
These matters originally had nothing to do with Miaozhen and the others, but they did receive some wedding candies distributed by Da Fang, which were quite delicious.
As Miaozhen ate the wedding candies, she found them bland and tasteless. She thought this concubine’s family situation was quite similar to her own, except that her own father was still alive and could support the family. If she were in the same situation, how would she handle it?
Thinking this, she felt a sense of shared sorrow for those in similar circumstances.
But then she reconsidered: first, she knew how to treat illnesses, had her own savings, and was literate. Even if she couldn’t open a medical clinic, she could still become a female tutor. After all, her situation was different.
While the First Wife arranged a concubine for the elder master, one person felt uneasy—this was First Madam Ji Shi.
Ji Shi also began enthusiastically “selecting beauties” for the elder master. Instead of hiring from respectable families, she chose from household-born servants. The entire household grew apprehensive. Miaozhen even overheard some newly assigned young maidservants saying, “It’s a good thing we were assigned to the medical bureau. If we had been sent to Da Fang, it would have been the end for us.”
She beckoned one named Doukou over and asked, “I just heard you all talking together? Why is no one willing to go to Da Fang?”
“Miss Xu, you don’t know—our First Madam’s maiden family is a ducal mansion. The servants who came with her are all military men, their arms thicker than ordinary people’s thighs. Originally, our elder master also had a concubine who was pregnant with such a big belly. Guess what? After one visit to First Madam, she was gone.” Doukou gestured to indicate the size of the belly.
“Gone? What do you mean by gone? Did she die?” Miaozhen was horrified. Although she had watched family rivalry dramas in modern times, she had never actually encountered such things in ancient times.
Doukou shook her head: “The child was gone. There was a lot of blood.”
Tsk, tsk—Miaozhen found it hard to imagine such a family doing such things.
“Miss Xu…” Doukou was still waiting for further questions.
Miaozhen grabbed some fruits and handed them to her: “Share these and go eat.”
These fruits were sent by the matron in charge of the second gate. She also suffered from women’s ailments and usually took random medicines from itinerant doctors or bought remedies from female healers. Since Miaozhen had cured her illness, she often sent fruits and snacks here.
The young maidservants who were favored and served in the main rooms fared better, but those not assigned to room service didn’t get such treats. Whenever Miaozhen had some, she would first give portions to her two personal maidservants, and if there were extras, she distributed them among the maidservants who prepared medicines.
Doukou was overjoyed to receive the fruits and went off to find a secluded spot to eat them alone.
Meanwhile, Li Yao’e had originally only thought Ji Shi’s rules were strict, but after hearing all this, she grew anxious and uneasy. Although she was infatuated with the elder master, who was like an immortal figure, her own life was ultimately more important.
Moreover, she wanted to become a proper second wife, not this kind of sold-into-servitude concubine. Her own mother had been pawned as a concubine before—having one’s life held in others’ hands was nothing good.
During their next secret meeting, she voiced her worries: “I have long admired the elder master, but unfortunately, my mother wants to arrange a marriage for me. What should I do?”
Cheng Junze, the eldest young master of the Cheng Family, said, “At your age, it’s only natural for your mother to be anxious. If you return home, I’ll also provide you with a dowry.”
“Precisely because you’re so considerate, I’m even more reluctant to leave. I do have a clever idea—why don’t you help me find a family not too far nor too close? That way, we can still meet in the future. Even if I go back and tell my mother, she won’t object.” Li Yao’e understood how to leverage opportunities. Her mother and brother wanted to marry her into a good family, but given their limited perspective and connections, it was nearly impossible. Cheng Junze, however, was different—the people he knew were either wealthy or noble. A casual introduction from him would benefit her immensely.
She subtly hinted at the possibility of a secret affair in the future, which pleased Cheng Junze. It reminded him of someone: a former classmate from his Xiucai days, who came from a local gentry family and had been widowed for several years, living aimlessly since. Li Yao’e might not be suitable as a first wife, but she could make a decent second wife.
After Li Yao’e urged him several times, Cheng Junze actually helped arrange it. The Li family, upon hearing that Li Yao’e was to marry a Juren as a second wife—with the family owning several hectares of land and living comfortably—eagerly agreed.
During this time, Li Yao’e continued to receive her monthly allowance and rewards. Cheng Junze never visited empty-handed, allowing her to save up two hundred taels of silver and secure a favorable marriage.
When Miaozhen and others heard the news, they all sent gifts. Li Yao’e, who had a good relationship with Miaozhen, advised her: “You’re of age now, sister, and should plan for your own future. In my opinion, it’s best to rely on a strong backing.”
“Thank you for your guidance, sister. But with you leaving, I won’t even have anyone to talk to,” Miaozhen sighed.
Li Yao’e just smiled. During her time in Da Fang, she had seen that Ji Shi was difficult to get along with, and the eldest young master, constrained by his reputation, didn’t dare to take her in. Thus, she had to find her own way out.
Fortunately, she handled the situation adeptly. Once married, she could raise children—ensuring their success would be her greatest achievement.
Although she was no longer a virgin, she could easily fake it with some blood; she just needed to avoid acting guilty.
Men often had multiple wives and concubines—why shouldn’t women have their own strategies?
Li Yao’e kowtowed to the several madams and had her brother move her luggage out. Yu Zhoujin, however, was deeply disappointed. She had clearly heard from informants in the West Residence that Li Yao’e was having secret rendezvous—how did she end up marrying properly?
She asked Miaozhen, who had no idea and said, “I’m only worried that with her gone, the two of us will have to take turns on night duty.”
Although emergencies requiring a doctor in the middle of the night were rare, a roster still needed to be set up.
Yu Zhoujin was unwilling to agree, but Miaozhen didn’t indulge her. She publicly called for Mama Gu, who said, “It’s indeed proper for you two young ladies to take shifts. This way, if someone comes, we know whom to call, instead of rousing the entire courtyard.”
Only then did Yu Zhoujin consent, and Miaozhen was satisfied.
After Li Yao’e left, Miaozhen also said to Xiao Ruan Shi, “I’m afraid of misleading others—I only specialize in gynecology and acupuncture, and am not skilled in pediatrics…”
“Don’t worry about that. Someone new will arrive in a few days. By the way, you cured that stubborn illness for me at the end of last year. I was fine during the New Year, but now I’ve developed a new issue: excessive menstruation,” Xiao Ruan Shi worriedly said.
Miaozhen spoke first, “Excessive menstrual flow, liver wood overacting on earth, heat with dampness. I will prescribe Siwu Decoction with added Huang Qin and one qian of Bai Zhu. I’ll have it sent over shortly.”
Seeing her speak so matter-of-factly without indicating anything particularly serious, Xiao Ruan Shi breathed a sigh of relief and added, “You can have someone else prepare the medicine. There’s something else I’d like to trouble you with.”
Miaozhen wondered what it could be, only to find it was about accounting. She was famously quick with calculations – in her modern life she could recite two-digit multiplication tables and perform mental arithmetic with vertical formulas rapidly. Even in this lifetime, Chou Niangzi had taught her mathematics.
She sat down and had only completed half the calculations when someone arrived saying First Madam requested her presence. Miaozhen had to say, “I’ll come back tomorrow to help you finish the accounts.”
After First Madam’s return, Third Madam continued managing household affairs. This made sense – the eldest master would surely be reinstated to an official position in the capital or elsewhere, and First Madam would naturally follow him.
It was better to maintain consistency rather than have temporary management.
But First Madam likely thought differently. As the eldest daughter-in-law from a ducal household, she had been raised to embody noble bearing and maintained strict discipline. She believed household management rightfully belonged to her.
Whenever she saw Xiao Ruan Shi wielding authority, she naturally felt displeased.
Yet she knew the most important matter now was producing an heir. Li Yao’e had been regulating her health previously, but since Li Yao’e’s departure, her maid mentioned Miaozhen, saying she was Tan Yunxian’s direct disciple and highly skilled in gynecology.
“That Li Dajie’er never spoke up, leaving everything to her.” Thus Ji Shi summoned Miaozhen.
Ji Shi suffered from vulvar sores. Previously when they appeared, they would subside after taking anti-inflammatory medicine, but this time they persisted. After hearing the description, Miaozhen first checked her pulse before saying, “You have vulvar sores. If the sores are large, persist without healing, and cause discomfort when sitting or standing, it indicates liver heat with damp toxin. I’ll first perform acupuncture, then prescribe medicine.”
Ji Shi asked, “How many days until recovery?”
“The illness didn’t develop in one day, nor will it heal in one. But once the pus discharges, you’ll recover,” Miaozhen smiled.
She applied needles at Ji Shi’s Ligou, Taichong, and Dadun acupoints. When needling Dadun, she warned, “This may hurt somewhat – it’s the liver channel well point. Please endure it momentarily; the liver fire will drain after needling.”
After needling Ligou and Taichong, she applied moxibustion while leaving the needle at Dadun.
Ji Shi gasped, “The pain here has lessened.”
“Just wait for the sores to rupture, then you’ll recover,” Miaozhen continued, mentioning she would use musk and apricot kernels for external application. Ji Shi directly said to apply them there, so Miaozhen prepared two small silk bags, heated them, and had her insert them vaginally.
She returned to have someone prepare Gentiana Longdancao Decoction to Drain the Liver. After Ji Shi drank it that evening, pain began, and the sores ruptured the next day. Several servants cleaned them for some time before they began healing.
After days of suffering, Ji Shi’s illness finally improved. She summoned Miaozhen again, saying, “Miss Xu, you truly are a miraculous physician.”
“This humble one doesn’t deserve such praise,” Miaozhen smiled.
But Ji Shi was someone who cherished those she liked and despised those she disliked, possessing some masculine spirit and appreciating capable people. Seeing Miaozhen’s superb medical skills without claiming credit, she immediately rewarded her with five taels of silver.
Miaozhen thought how fortunate it was that this happened in the Cheng Family, where many held high official positions and the household was well-managed, making them relatively wealthy, so she received more herself.
Having already received festival gifts for Qingming and Dragon Boat Festival, getting another five taels now was an unexpected delight.
When Ji Shi kept her longer to chat and learned that Miaozhen’s father was a Student of the Imperial Academy, she couldn’t help but remark, “Why hasn’t he Donated Supervisor?”
Miaozhen thought to herself that Ji Shi had considerable influence, unsure if she could secure a path for her father. Thus she said, “Our family struggles to make ends meet. My father merely engages in small trade to put food on the table, without much money to spare. Although the court’s establishment of the Jian Student by Donation system is well-intentioned, local officials look down upon such students, exploiting them at every turn. Superiors borrow items like tables and chairs without returning them, demand donations during famines, and when the county is short of funds, force loans upon them. Not to mention the extortion by clerks—if one isn’t careful, they receive more beatings than ordinary people. In the end, families are ruined. My father says it’s better to wait until he can become a Government-subsidized student and earn a respectable position through tribute, but those with connections have the means, while our family does not.”
The matron beside Ji Shi chimed in, “Oh dear, Miss Xu, isn’t there a great Buddha right before you?”
Miaozhen feigned delight and kowtowed again, saying, “I truly failed to recognize the true Buddha. If First Madam can help with this matter, I will have my father prepare silver. If it’s not enough, I’ll add my own savings to thank you, Madam.”
Ji Shi, who loved being praised, leaned back and said, “Your small household can’t have much money. I’ll handle the arrangements—the Education Intendant and the Prefect are both acquaintances of my family. But remember, your medical skills are exceptional. You must wholeheartedly help me regulate my health and ensure I bear a child. That would be better than anything.”
In truth, Miaozhen had already anticipated this and eagerly agreed, showering her with a basketful of sweet words.
“You usually seem so honest and simple, yet you’re quite eloquent,” Ji Shi laughed.
Miaozhen humbly acknowledged the praise. Only after leaving and reaching a secluded spot did she embrace Xiao Xi and Xiao Tao.