Chapter 27 - Leg Treatment

  There were naturally rules for paying respects in the household. If Rong Jing were awake, Rong Heng could simply go to his room for the morning greetings. But now that Rong Jing was unconscious, and since Chao Xi was of simir age to Rong Heng, they had to avoid suspicion. After the Old Madam had greeted everyone, she noticed Rong Heng didn’t respond at all. Surprised, she looked over at her grandson and saw him standing by the folding fan, dazed, deep in thought.

  The Old Madam calmly sipped her tea. After a moment, Rong Heng finally came to his senses. Earlier, when the old dy mentioned his "mother," he didn’t quite process it. Once he did, his feelings became complicated. Logically, he didn’t like her. But seeing this scene still made him uncomfortable. She was supposed to be the woman he would marry—yet she had become his father's wife. He didn’t know how to face her.

  Still, he collected himself.

  Rong Heng bowed to Song Chaoxi in greeting, but no matter what, he couldn’t bring himself to call her "mother." He hesitated for so long that even the Old Madam began to lose patience. She knew Rong Heng was upset, but this was still the Duke’s household—it wasn’t his to control. In the entire realm, there wasn’t a rule that said a father needed his son’s permission to marry. Rong Heng ought to know the etiquette and ws of noble families.

  Now, staying silent—was he trying to make things hard for his new stepmother? With that thought, the Old Madam became protective.

  “Heng Ge'er, your mother married into this house to bring blessings to your father. She is a benefactor to our Duke’s household.”

  Her reminder snapped Rong Heng back to attention. Clenching his sleeves, he forced out in a dry voice, “Mother…”

  Song Chaoxi curled her lips lightly, her heart filled with satisfaction! Look at that—Rong Heng called her "Mother"! If she didn’t have to keep up the act of being aggrieved, she would’ve ughed out loud. Those who schemed against her were now the ones being outwitted. She’d destroyed the engagement, and Rong Heng probably hated her deeply. But there was nothing he could do about it—because now, she was his mother. Etiquette and filial piety weighed heavily on him. If she were a wicked woman, she could easily frame him and ruin his life.

  He probably loathed calling her "Mother," right? But he had no choice. From now on, every time they met, he’d have to bow, greet her respectfully, and act with care. What a delicious irony!

  Song Chaoxi’s mood improved by the second. The sky was clear, the breeze gentle—it felt like everything in the world was beautiful today.

  She pursed her lips and softly responded to his greeting, accepting it with calm ease, as if it were only natural he should bow to her.

  This gave Rong Heng an odd feeling—as if Song Chaoxi had slipped naturally into the role of his stepmother.

  Surrounded by elders, Rong Heng had no pce to speak, so he stepped aside, frowning. She really had adapted fast. She didn’t seem like a new bride at all. It was the first time he truly felt the weight of seniority. His fists clenched—his heart heavy with discomfort.

  Soon, other branches of the family arrived. Throughout it all, Song Chaoxi remained composed, showing not a hint of panic.

  Truth be told, Song Chaoxi was under pressure too. Being of a higher seniority had its drawbacks—she now had to prepare gifts for all the younger members of the household. If she didn’t do it right, it would reflect poorly on the Duke’s family. The money flowed out like water, and she suddenly realized that seniority only brought superficial perks. People calling her “aunt” or “sister-in-w” might sound nice, but she was clearly the one taking the loss.

  Still, hearing Rong Heng call her "Mother" today made everything worth it. If he dared to make trouble for her in the future, she’d assert her authority as an elder. In this dynasty, filial piety was of utmost importance. If he wanted to take the imperial exams and become an official, he’d have to honor her. If word spread that he was unfilial, his career would be over.

  After introducing everyone in the household, the Old Madam sent Song Chaoxi off to rest. Gao shi, standing nearby, couldn’t help frowning in jealousy.

  That was it? Just dismissed like that? Wasn’t something missing?

  She remembered how, when she and the other daughters-in-w married into the family, the Old Madam had always recited the Duke’s household rules after tea. Since the te Duke was a general, the family rules were strict, nearly like military w. The Old Madam had always emphasized this to every bride. But now, facing Song Chaoxi, she hadn’t mentioned a single word. Was she pying favorites?

  Just as Song Chaoxi was about to leave, she was called back. Turning around, she saw the Old Madam had followed her.

  She smiled, “Mother.”

  The Old Madam was in good spirits. “Good child, how is Jing Ge'er doing today? Any better?”

  Song Chaoxi replied honestly, “I gave him some medicine yesterday. He seemed more spirited than before. If you’re worried, why don’t you come with me to check on him?”

  The Old Madam had pnned for this and had already summoned a sedan chair for the long walk. Song Chaoxi accompanied her, swaying gently in the four-man sedan. When they reached the covered corridor, they stepped out and walked toward the keside cottage.

  The Old Madam had only made a quick visit the previous day due to the wedding. Now she had time to take a proper look, and was pleasantly surprised.

  How strange! Yesterday, Rong Jing’s complexion was pale and his breathing bored. But after just one night, he looked healthier than ever—his cheeks were flushed, and his breathing steady. He looked better than most healthy people.

  Excited, the Old Madam asked, “Good child, have you taken his pulse? How is he really?”

  Song Chaoxi smiled and answered, “I checked this morning before serving tea. The Duke’s pulse is steady, and clearly improved. But for an unconscious person, no matter how healthy their body, waking up still depends on their will.”

  Relieved, the Old Madam grew joyful. “He must want to open his eyes and see you, his bride. I truly hope this joyous marriage brings him back to us. I’d love to wake up tomorrow and hear that Jing is awake. But at the same time, I fear bad news.”

  Song Chaoxi gently supported her. “Don’t worry. I will heal the Duke and bring him back.”

  She checked Rong Jing’s pulse again, then opened her medicine box and took out a pack of needles. Pulling out a fine golden one, she inserted it into his calf.

  The Old Madam blinked. “What are you doing?”

  Song Chaoxi smiled and took out another needle. “A person bedridden for so long will have trouble walking—just like a toddler learning to walk again. It’s hard on them. I’m stimuting his limbs with acupuncture to help him recover mobility. This way, when he wakes up, he won’t suffer as much.”

  The Old Madam, who had once followed the te Duke on military campaigns, understood such matters. She was increasingly impressed by her daughter-in-w. Other doctors only treated Rong Jing as a patient, focusing solely on his recovery. Only Song Chaoxi thought ahead—this was the care of a wife toward her husband.

  As Song Chaoxi bowed her head, the Old Madam studied her side profile and grew more pleased. Her second daughter-in-w was breathtakingly beautiful, more skilled than even the royal physicians. And that dowry! News of her hundred-plus sedan loads of wedding gifts had spread throughout the capital. Everyone said the new bride was blessed with wealth and luck—maybe enough to wake Rong Jing from his coma.

  Though the Old Madam didn’t care about dowries—what’s hers stays hers—she couldn’t help but feel pleased by the gossip.

  She wished she could shake her son awake right now and ask him if he was satisfied. She had introduced him to so many women over the years, and he’d always refused to remarry, citing military duties. She wondered what expression he’d wear waking up to find himself suddenly married.

  After finishing the acupuncture, Song Chaoxi asked a servant to buy some massage tools.

  “The Duke’s legs need stimution. I’m having them buy some scraping boards. When I have time, I’ll massage his pressure points. I’m sure he’ll wake up soon.”

  As the Old Madam left, she was smiling. As she crossed the water corridor, the head maid turned back and said with a grin:

  “Old Madam, Second Madam is so kindhearted and takes such good care of Second Young Master. He looks even healthier than before. Maybe you’ll hear good news tomorrow.”

  The Old Madam’s smile deepened. Her gratitude toward Song Chaoxi grew stronger.

  Just then, Song Chaoxi was about to remove the needles from Rong Jing when her bracelet suddenly grew warm. Looking up, she saw droplets of sweet dew falling like rain. The dull gray herbs around them instantly turned lush and green.

  She looked at the vibrant field of spirit herbs by the stream and narrowed her eyes with delight. Every one of these herbs was priceless. If she could sell them, she’d be rich. The sudden abundance of herbs was exhirating.

  After a while, she removed the needles from Rong Jing, who still y there as if asleep. She plucked a leaf and fed it to him, then ughed softly:

  “Duke, I finally met your whole family today. There sure are a lot of them—I couldn’t even tell who was who. My cheeks almost froze from smiling too much. It’s fine that I did all the greeting today, but for the third-day home visit, don’t expect me to go alone again! You, the groom, really got off easy—closed your eyes and skipped the hard part, opened them and gained a wife. No matter how you look at it, you made a great deal!”

  Naturally, she received no response. Since she couldn’t use up the herbs quickly, Song Chaoxi picked them out and pnned to mix in some pearl powder to make a facial mask. Although her skin was in great condition, the effects of herbs weren’t permanent—it needed regur maintenance. So, she thought of preparing some pearl powder just in case.

  Wearing women's clothing was inconvenient, so she simply changed into a light moon-white long robe with narrow sleeves and a cinched waist. This robe had been custom-made by her Aunt. Though it appeared ordinary, the gold and silver threads used in the embroidery reflected light in the sun, making the originally subtle patterns stand out, further enhancing her aura.

  When Dong'er came in with water and saw Song Chaoxi’s appearance, her face turned red on the spot.

  Ruined. Why did she always blush whenever she saw the young dy in men's clothing?

  Clearly, the young dy looked even better in women's attire.

  It must be because she had seen too few men—nothing to be shocked about, this was normal!

  See? Qingzhu blushed too when she entered—no better than herself.

  After all, who could resist a refined young master with a slender waist?

  “Miss, what are you doing?” Qingzhu held a key in her hand, looking confused.

  “I want to make something for facial application, and also try making some powder.”

  Qingzhu could understand the facial product part. She had somewhat noticed that the young dy knew medicine—probably something she had deliberately concealed while in the marquis manor. Qingzhu had heard that many doctors made beauty products—some young dies had skin conditions and couldn’t use regur products, so they had to rely on doctors’ custom blends. So it wasn’t surprising that the young dy could make such things.

  But making powder was truly strange.

  “The four young masters included plenty of rouge and face powder in your dowry. I looked through them—well-known brands, no worse than the best products from Liuli Pavilion.”

  Song Chaoxi smiled. Her Uncle now dealt in salt, a business with generous profits. Her Aunt and Uncle treated her as their own daughter, and her four cousins all doted on her. Naturally, the things they gave her wouldn’t be cking. However, the current powders didn’t suit her taste. They made the skin look fair temporarily, but over time would turn the complexion sallow and worsen the skin. Now that she was the Duke’s wife, she’d inevitably need to use powder, but she didn’t want her well-maintained skin to be ruined by poor-quality products.

  Back when she often dressed as a man, she hadn’t needed such things. But now that she did, she wanted to see if she could make her own.

  Besides, there weren’t many people around this keside cottage—she could do whatever she liked with ease and freedom.

  Song Chaoxi asked Qingzhu to help her tie her hair. Qingzhu followed her usual minimalist style and used a single long ribbon. The robe truly had a subtle elegance that highlighted Song Chaoxi’s jade-like beauty.

  As they were talking, a young servant came to report: “Imperial Physician Zhang has arrived.”

  Song Chaoxi paused and instinctively reached to change her clothes—then remembered she was already dressed in men’s clothing, so she simply sent Qingzhu and Dong'er out.

  When Zhang Huan arrived, he saw from afar that Song Chaoxi was seated on an embroidered stool by the screen, busying herself with something.

  He called out joyfully, “Brother Song!”

  Song Chaoxi raised her eyebrows and replied with a faint smile, “Imperial Physician Zhang, long time no see.”

  Zhang Huan was delighted. In the sunlight, Song Chaoxi looked calm and ethereal—a truly unmatched, elegant young gentleman.

  His heart raced at Song Chaoxi’s beauty, though he kept a calm face while inwardly flustered. “Brother Song, we must be fated!”

  “...” Not really.

  Song Chaoxi responded ftly, the corners of her lips slightly lifted. Yesterday, she had worn a bridal veil, so Zhang Huan definitely hadn’t seen her face. That was fine—once he found out the truth, he would have to keep his distance, which would be rather boring.

  Zhang Huan grinned again. “Brother Song, you’re amazing! That prescription you gave my... friend—it really worked wonders! In just a few days, his scalp started sprouting dense hair, and his hair loss has improved significantly. With his hair growing back, his looks shot up—he’s practically the reincarnation of Pan An!”

  Song Chaoxi gnced at the bck fuzz barely hidden under Zhang Huan’s hat, then at his face.

  She put on the cssic fake smile doctors used: As long as you’re happy.

  Zhang Huan beamed. “If my friend keeps using it, will he fully recover soon?”

  Song Chaoxi nodded. “If he persists for another month or so, it should be fine. After that, only external application is needed—no more internal consumption. You’re the Imperial Physician, you should understand this better than I do.”

  Zhang Huan chuckled. Physicians can’t always treat themselves. Though his medical knowledge was extensive, he had to admit that there was always someone better. Wasn’t the heavens a bit unfair? He used to think himself rather talented, but upon meeting this young Brother Song, he realized his so-called talent was nothing. Just look at Song Chaoxi—so young, yet already so skilled. Even the famed Divine Doctor Xue might pale in comparison!

  He hadn’t even dared mention that he’d used Song Chaoxi’s method to treat the young prince in the pace—acupuncture at the scalp and bdder meridian points. After just a few sessions, the child had stopped wetting the bed.

  “You came so early today, Brother Song?”

  Song Chaoxi was momentarily startled. She coughed, then gnced at Rong Jing lying in bed. “From now on, I’ll be coming regurly to treat the Duke. If you're busy, Imperial Physician Zhang, there’s no need for you to come daily.”

  Zhang Huan nodded. Truth be told, the Duke's condition was now stable. There wasn’t much he could do, but the Emperor worried constantly, and insisted on hearing daily updates about the Duke’s condition. Could he, as a humble servant, dare sck off when the Emperor was anxious? Did he have a death wish?

  Zhang Huan noticed the rge red candles in the room and finally remembered that the Duke had recently married. When the maid led him in earlier, he’d assumed the new bride wasn’t staying at the keside pavilion. But now he saw the ruby-inid incense burner on the desk and the screen with jade and gold inys by the bed—clearly women’s items. These hadn’t been in the Duke’s room before.

  Looking around and not seeing anyone else, he leaned in and whispered, “Brother Song, did you see the Duchess when you came in? What does the bride look like?”

  Song Chaoxi raised an eyebrow, smiling. “Oh? Curious about the bride’s looks, are you?”

  Zhang Huan flushed, afraid of seeming lecherous. “Of course not! It’s just... no one got a proper look at her st night, so everyone’s a little curious. Our Duke is so handsome—if he married an ugly woman, wouldn’t that be a waste of his looks? I’m just casually asking for the group, that’s all.”

  Song Chaoxi tapped her finger on her leg, eyes narrowing mischievously. “The Duchess, hmm…”

  When she smiled, her eyes sparkled. Zhang Huan felt like an arrow had shot straight through his heart—it was hard to even breathe.

  “Well? Is she beautiful?”

  “Graceful enough to make fish sink and birds fall, to shame the moon and flowers. Brows like green feathers, skin like white snow, a waist slender as silk, teeth like jade shells. Would you call that beautiful?”

  “…Uh.” Suddenly, he found himself speechless.

  Song Chaoxi pressed her lips together, stifling a ugh. There were benefits to dealing with someone this simple-minded. Anyone else might question why a "man" like her was lounging so boldly in a newlywed couple’s room.

  But with someone as dense as Zhang Huan, everything felt much easier.

  When she saw the admiration in his gaze, Zhang Huan blushed again. Looks like Brother Song has a good impression of me, he thought. I’ve got to make the most of this! After examining Rong Jing, he came rushing back out, amazed. “You’re a miracle worker! If I hadn’t been treating the Duke myself, I’d have thought the whole household was lying. His pulse feels completely normal!”

  Song Chaoxi ughed. She had given him a lot of medicinal herbs st night and more this morning—if he didn’t show improvement after all that, that would be strange!

  Zhang Huan leaned closer and whispered, “When do you think the Duke will wake up?”

  This stumped Song Chaoxi. She really didn’t know. Rong Jing’s condition was perfectly stable—he could wake at any time… or not at all. It was all up to fate.

  “Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after. Maybe… never.”

  “…That’s basically the same as saying nothing.”

  That night, the keside pavilion was eerily quiet. Song Chaoxi stood by the window under the moonlight, thinking about her cousins who’d rushed here from Yangzhou. She didn’t even know where they were staying. They certainly wouldn’t have gone to the marquis manor—they didn’t get along. Now that she was married, she couldn’t just go out and visit them freely anymore. If only her aunt were here. At least she’d have someone to talk to.

  Now that the Duke was still unconscious, the old madam had excused her from morning and evening greetings, and even had maids deliver all her meals. As a newlywed bride with nothing to do, she was getting a bit bored.

  Just then, the door creaked open. Qingzhu came in with a pte of peeled melon seeds. Song Chaoxi blinked in surprise. “Who peeled these?”

  Qingzhu smiled gently. “Dong'er and I did, of course.”

  Song Chaoxi blinked again, then pinched Qingzhu’s cheek with a ugh. “My little Qingzhu is so thoughtful. Knows her zy mistress so well.”

  Qingzhu’s cheeks flushed as she turned to help prepare the outfit for the bride’s visit home.

  Eating peeled melon seeds was pure bliss. Song Chaoxi enjoyed it immensely. The next morning, when she got up, she gnced at Rong Jing lying in bed.

  “Your Grace, it’s the third day since the wedding. I have to visit my family today, and since you’re not awake yet, I’ll have to go alone. Honestly—when are you going to wake up? Don’t tell me I scared you into a coma. I don’t think I look that scary, right? Oh, by the way, I found a screen in your storeroom. They say the ndscape painting on it is your own work, and that your paintings go for a fortune on the market. But I searched everywhere and only found a few! You really should paint more. I could sell them and supplement our household income—it’s not easy living like a grass widow, you know. I’m sure you understand.”

  After twirling her hair for a bit, Song Chaoxi got up in her red undergarments to freshen up.

  Behind her, the man in bed twitched his fingers.

  In the front courtyard, she was greeted by Mama Yang, who served the Old Madam. The old woman smiled warmly. “Greetings, Madam.”

  Song Chaoxi quickly helped her up. “You’re my elder, please don’t bow to me.”

  Mama Yang was quietly impressed. This new madam really knows how to carry herself. Whether her words are heartfelt or not, she’s courteous and easy to get along with. That’s a rare quality. If the Duke woke up, with both her mother-in-w and husband doting on her, she’d live like an immortal!

  Mama Yang smiled. “Madam is too kind. You are the mistress of this house; I am but a servant. Etiquette must be maintained. The old madam knew you’d be visiting your family today, so she’s had the carriage and gifts prepared.”

  Seeing the beautifully wrapped presents loaded on the carriage, Song Chaoxi couldn’t help pouting. She’d wanted to go back empty-handed, but the old dy had clearly pnned everything.

  “Please thank the old madam for me.”

  “You’re very welcome, Madam. You’re the rightful and officially wedded Duchess. All of the Duke's Manor supports you. This is just our duty.”

  It struck Song Chaoxi as odd—this sense of belonging she hadn’t found at the marquis manor now surfaced in the Duke's household. People used to say that marriage was like stepping into hell, but so far, her in-ws treated her with far more kindness than her birth family ever had.

  She smiled. The horse hooves cttered along as the carriage bounced down the road. The noises outside stirred her curiosity.

  Since arriving in the capital, I haven’t had a proper outing. I wonder how the brothels and taverns here compare to those in Yangzhou?

  Halfway through the journey, a thought struck her. She leaned out and told the coachman, “Wait, don’t go through the front gate—take me to the back gate!”

  Dong’er blinked in surprise. The back gate? That’s so like the young dy!

  Qingzhu looked puzzled, but Song Chaoxi just smirked. “You’ll see soon enough.”

  The back gate of the Duke's Manor was usually left open. Song Chaoxi slipped in quietly and headed straight to Xie shi’s courtyard.

  Xie shi was brewing tea in the garden. Nearby, a pale-skinned young man in a light-colored round-colred robe y on a rocking chair in the sun. Though his lips were bloodless, his bck eyes were bright and clear. When he looked at people, his gaze was so pure it instantly made one feel at ease.