Chapter 75: Gathering Autumn Leaves

  Xia Zhi Qi likes birds of course is false.

  She said so for a simple reason. In the past few days, Li Mo found out that Xia Wenqiu, also known as her third sister, particularly liked to raise birds, and Zhao Mianze indulged her by building a birdhouse in the Hui Feng Yuan of the East Palace, where many precious birds were raised. Previously, Li Mo had secretly sneaked into the Hui Feng Yuan several times but did not see that red-beaked green parrot in the birdhouse.

  So Xia Qi guessed that it was probably being raised by Xia Wenqiu in her room.

  She didn't dare ask for the red macaw directly, so she could only try to sound out.

  Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Zhao Mianze did not hesitate and personally led her to the birdhouse in the Returning Wind Courtyard, saying that she could choose any of the birds inside.

  The two of them, accompanied by a group of attendants, went to the back house with an air of caution. Meanwhile, in the wing room leading to the Back Wind House, a little maid hastily opened the door and rushed in, whispering something into Xia Wenqiu's ear. Xia Wenqiu's face turned pale as he sat down heavily on the purple rattan chair under the window.

  "What did Your Highness and he say?"

  "Miss, I didn't dare get too close. It's just like Your Highness said, the birds in the birdcage are at his beck and call."

  "Did he really say that?" Xia asked, her pale face turned upwards towards Qiu even whiter.

  "Yes, Second Mistress, His Highness is leading him here himself." The little maid lowered her eyes.

  Xia asked Autumn, today she wore a deep blue dress with a Lingxu bun on her head, her face was still beautiful, but even with makeup, her face could still show some gloominess, it was clear that she hadn't rested well these days. Holding a handkerchief, she wiped her face in distress and waved at the little maid.

  "The zither is being played, and someone is guarding the door."

  "Yes, milady."

  Nongqin left after closing the door, Xiaxiang's face immediately fell, and a silk handkerchief was tightly clenched in her hand.

  "Father, that Chu Qi is definitely Xia Chu. She changed her identity and personality, thinking she could deceive everyone. I think she's back this time to hook up with Mian Ze. Nowadays, people say she's following Nineteenth Uncle, but I don't believe it. In the past, she was so fond of Mian Ze, can she just forget about him like that?"

  She asked the middle-aged man in front of her.

  The man wore a velvet jacket with a round collar, his right hand grasping two hemp walnuts, turning them back and forth in his palm, his eyebrows furrowed deeply, his eyes glancing towards the corridor outside the window, with an air of gloom that could not be concealed.

  He is none other than Xia Wenqiu's father, the current Duke of Wei, Xia Tiande.

  "Wait, autumn child, let me take a closer look before I say anything."

  Xia asked autumn and nodded slightly.

  The weather cleared up today and the outside light is very good.

  Inside the room, it was quiet and still, without a sound.

  Before long, a line of people slowly emerged from the corridor outside.

  The two people walking in front were Zhao Mianze and Chu Qi. They chatted as they walked, but it was unclear what they were talking about. Judging from Zhao Mianze's expression, he seemed to be in a very good mood. Chu Qi also had a sly smile on her face, similar to that of a fox. Every time she said something, she would glance up at Zhao Mianze with a flirtatious look, and he would exchange a smile with her.

  At first glance, the two of them seemed like old friends who had known each other for many years, chatting very congenially. Moreover, every time they reached a turn in the corridor, Zhao Mianze would always stop and wait for Chu Qi to go first, before following behind her.

  Xia Wenqiu actually knew in her heart that it was Zhao Mianze's courtesy towards people, and not because that person was Chu Qi.

  Things that can be snatched away are not reliable, and in her heart, there is always a lump of ice invading, as long as that person is still alive, it makes her unable to live in peace. The more she looks at it, the more anxious she becomes, and no matter how she looks at it, she feels that Zhao Mianze's behavior is a protection for Chu Qi.

  "Father, take a closer look?" Her voice trembled as she spoke.

  Xia Tingde didn't turn around and didn't respond, remaining silent for a long time.

  "Father, is it really her?"

  Xia asked autumn with slight impatience and added another sentence.

  "Not like that." This time, Xia Tingde furrowed his brow and shook his head.

  With her father's guarantee, Xia Wenqiu's hanging heart finally fell back into place.

  Then Xia Tingde let out another "hmm" and muttered, "It doesn't quite look like it at first glance, but upon closer inspection, there's a bit of resemblance. No, it's extremely similar..."

  "Father!" Xia asked Qiu in a low voice, "Does he look like him or not..."

  "Awesome!"

  Xia Wen's eyebrows were tightly knotted, and her small face was pale again, as if she had been put on the fire to be roasted. She looked at Xia Tingde with resentment and hatred in her eyes.

  "No matter what she's like, whether it's true or not, Father, this person isn't simple. She must have a purpose for coming to the East Palace. Previously, she instructed Mianze not to sleep with me, and he really didn't touch me again. But tell me, can men just sit idle? Now, she herself comes to the East Palace every day, always choosing when Mianze is off-duty, obviously eager to see him, taking advantage of this opportunity to flirt with him."

  Xia Tingde suddenly turned around, "Is there such a thing? Why didn't you say it earlier?"

  Her face turned red, Xia Wen's eyes were dim and she bit her lower lip tightly.

  "Father, how can Qiu say such a thing? I also thought that her medical skills were good, and maybe she could help me conceive a healthy child. But now, seeing the Crown Prince's illness getting better day by day, the people in the East Palace, from top to bottom, are trusting her more and more each day. Especially Mian Ze, you see how he is also laughing and talking with her..."

  She seemed to have said all she could, her throat choking back several times before she managed to hold back tears and turned away with a bitter expression, speaking in a soft voice that was barely audible.

  "Dad, I'm feeling uneasy in my heart..."

  The house fell silent for a moment again, and Xia Tingde's eyes gazed coldly at the courtyard.

  "Qiuer, your concerns are well-founded. You don't have any children now, and you can't stand firm in the Eastern Palace. Especially this person who looks just like Xiaoqi, always a major hidden danger. A man's heart is unreliable, even if Mianze is good to you now, you must be more cautious..."

  He paused and looked into Xia Wenqi's eyes.

  "Besides, the Crown Prince's illness..."

  Xia asked, her hand trembling slightly, "How?"

  "It can't be helped."

  When Xia Tingde said that, Xia Qi grasped the hand that was trembling slightly and whispered, "Father's meaning, Autumn understands. If Chu Qi really cured the Crown Prince, he is still in his prime, when can Mian Ze take over? Emperors have many children and many worries, whether there will be changes later is unknown..."

  Seeing her satisfied, Xia Tingde nodded and didn't say more.

  He took another glance at the courtyard outside and the two walnut shells in his hand spun faster.

  "This Chu Qi - can't stay anymore."

  ……

  ……

  The conversation with Zhao Mianze on the way to the birdhouse was just a courtesy, but Xia Chuyi didn't expect that after talking all the way down the mountain, they would actually get along so well.

  Zhao Mianze was raised in the palace since childhood, with a gentle and elegant temperament. When not discussing politics or awkward topics, he is just an ordinary young man who has just turned twenty years old.

  He talked about his childhood admiration for his nineteenth uncle, who could dance with a treasured sword, and his envy of his uncle's travels across the country, seeing the beauty of the world. His face was full of smiles. Sometimes he would quote classics, sometimes he would talk about poetry, songs, and chess, wine, and music, with a unique flavor...

  Of course, he said Xia Zhiqiu didn't understand much either.

  She was used to speaking to people in their own language, and she could make three points sound like seven. She had a way of making Zhao Mianze's words sound brilliant. The more humble she seemed, the more enthusiastically Zhao Mianze spoke. And the more enthusiastically he spoke, the brighter her smile became.

  "His Excellency Long Sun is indeed knowledgeable and insightful, I have gained a lot from him today."

  Looking at her smiling face, Zhao Mianze suddenly asked.

  "Does the Chu physician always seem so lively? You're always smiling whenever I see you?"

  "What's the point of living if you don't smile and instead walk around with a sour face all day, inviting ghosts?"

  "As long as one is alive, there will be troubles; how can one be happy?"

  He let out a snort of laughter, and Xia Chuqi turned his face to the side, hugging his arms with a pleased expression as he glanced at him. His pair of black grape-like eyes darted back and forth several times before suddenly turning sideways, and with a fierce movement, he bumped his chest against his, just like buddies would do, and let out a hearty laugh.

  "Because I have nothing to lose, I am not worried."

  The birdhouse in the Huifeng Courtyard is more spacious and luxurious than Xia Zhichu imagined. The wooden frame of the birdhouse is covered with a layer of plain white gauze, which flutters in the wind. The fruit trees planted around the birdhouse are still lush and green even in the snowy season, as if they didn't know about the cold winter. As soon as you walk closer, you can hear the happy chirping of the birds, it's indeed a great place to raise birds.

  "How is this birdcage? Official Chu."

  Looking at the birdhouse in front of him, Zhao Mianze seemed to have seen his kingdom, with a slight tone of complacency.

  "Your Highness Zhangsun, did you build this yourself?"

  At the beginning of summer, Xiaoyi casually guessed that Zhao Mianze would nod his head, and his slender fingers poked at the cage of the skylark. A smile appeared on his face, "Autumn has no other hobbies, she likes to raise birds. I remembered that she was usually lonely in the mansion, so I personally built this bird shed for her..."

  At this point, perhaps thinking of his miscarried child, he sighed before continuing.

  "It's also good for her to have someone to accompany her."

  Looking at Zhao Mianze's deeply emotional expression, Xia Chuyi's eyes narrowed slightly.

  It seems that Zhao Mianze has really put his heart into Xia Wenqiu. Building a birdhouse himself is secondary, given his identity and status, he doesn't have a son and hasn't taken a concubine yet, from this point of view, Xia Wenqiu has indeed made a big profit.

  A gust of cold wind blew over, and she thought of Xia Chu's unjust death, her heart filled with icy chill once again.

  "The Crown Prince's feelings for his wife are deep and sincere, it makes me envious too."

  "You and my nineteenth uncle..." Zhao Mianze hesitated again after saying this, looked at her men's clothing, and then asked awkwardly, "Didn't your nineteenth uncle treat you well?"

  Hehe, Xia Qiuli smiled lightly, "He's just a bit more disgusted with me."

  She says so with her mouth, but the smile on her face is radiant and captivating.

  "But you're willing to be despised by him?"

  "Yeah, he dislikes me and I dislike him. We fight every day." After finishing with a smile, Xia Chuqi paused, then raised her eyes to look at Zhao Mianze, her gaze deepening a bit, "But he won't allow anyone else to dislike me or hit me. And I won't allow anyone else to dislike him or hit him either."

  Zhao Mianze gazed quietly at her.

  A pair of thoughtful black eyes, with confusion, with incomprehension...

  Xia Chuqi slightly raised the corner of her lips and hooked up a smile, interrupting his thoughts.

  "Your Highness Crown Prince Longsun, the bird that Consort Ce likes, if I were to bring it back for her, she wouldn't be displeased, would she?"

  "It won't do." Zhao Mianze came back to his senses, with a warm smile. "Autumn's temperament is the best, apart from liking small birds and animals, she also likes to communicate with people who like small animals. If she knew that Dr. Chu also had some elegant hobbies of loving birds, she would be very happy."

  "Is that so, then it's all right."

  In the spacious birdhouse, Xia Zhichu teased the cloud sparrow, flirted with the painted eyebrow, and poked at the green bird. Listening to their chirping sounds, she walked back and forth in a circle, seemingly lost in thought. Suddenly, she turned her head around, hooked her lips, and gazed at Zhao Mianze.

  "I heard that the Wei State had once presented a red-beaked green parrot to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty gave it to Crown Prince Changsun. That parrot was particularly good at mimicking human speech... I've always been curious about it, but it seems like it's not here today?"

  Zhao Mianze's face solidified, "Is Chu Yiguan interested in that red-beaked parrot?"

  With a faint smile, Xia Qiuzi withdrew her gaze from his face and focused on the embroidery on his sleeve, laughing with great pleasure. "That's a must. Anyone who likes birds would be interested in that parrot, wouldn't they? I suppose Madam Xi loves it too?"

  "Yes, that is Autumn's beloved thing."

  Zhao Mianze calmed down, his eyes still showing some emotion, but he deliberately pretended to be nonchalant, and the warm smile on his face remained unchanged.

  "Did Chu Yiguang know about such rumors when he first arrived in the capital?"

  Xia smiled on the seventh day of summer, revealing a few small white teeth.

  "I'm just curious. Prince Changsun, I wonder if I have the good fortune to take a look at that parrot?"

  "The birds here, even Chu Yiguan can't appreciate?" Zhao Mianze's face wore a faint smile.

  "Yes." Xia Chuqi curled up the corner of his mouth and glanced at him, "The Painted Brow's legs are too thick and uneven, the Eight Brother's paw pads are too thin, and the Cloud Sparrow's back feathers are too thick...... Young Master Changsun, good birds should have distinct colors, a straight and sharp beak, and standard bones. These birds of yours are all inferior goods, nothing to be proud of."

  She commented too bluntly, and Zhao Mianze's face suddenly looked a bit unsightly.

  But also because she said it was indeed too professional, he was not only somewhat unable to get down from the stage, but his previous doubts had also been dispersed.

  "The doctor from Chu has seen much and knows widely, but I am a rustic and unsophisticated person who has heard little."

  In the early summer, with a sudden burst of laughter, she smiled slyly and teased two birds, then quickly turned her head around, winked at Zhao Mianze, and seemed to be thinking of something, twirling a few fingers thoughtfully.

  "Let's calculate it again, okay?"

  "Can Chu medical officers not only diagnose illnesses but also tell fortunes?"

  When he asked, Xia Chuqi's smile at the corner of his lips grew wider.

  "No. But there's a good friend of mine downstairs who can do it. Not only can she calculate, but also guess people's minds. She once taught me two tricks, let me try to see if they work..."

  "What's on your mind?"

  Zhao Mianze looked at her slender figure under the blue robe, and then glanced at her gentle and elegant demeanor, his eyelids twitching slightly. "I wonder who Officer Chu is calculating in his heart?"

  Whose heart is it?

  Should I tell you?

  Xia Zhi Qi suddenly raised her eyelids, blinked at him, and then tilted her head to one side, saying in a low voice, "Your Highness, don't move, there's bird droppings on your head." Then, she was seen tiptoeing, with one hand grasping Zhao Mian Ze's shoulder, forcing his body to lean down, while the other hand reached up towards his head, as if to wipe it clean.

  Zhao Mianze is a very clean person?

  As soon as I heard about bird poop, I was completely stunned, who would still dare to oppose?

  The people outside also opened the door of the birdhouse at this moment.

  As if startled, Xia Chuiqi suddenly dodged away quickly.

  "Manze——" Xia Wenqiu's tone had changed a bit.

  From her perspective as a newcomer, it was obvious that Xia Qiuzi had wrapped her arms around Zhao Mianze's neck, and the two were hugging and kissing. That scene was like poking at her heart, causing her immense pain.

  "Qiu Er, how did you get here?" Zhao Mianze's eyes narrowed as he glanced at Xia Chuqi, knowing that something was amiss but not wanting to say anything more. He quickly walked over and helped up Xia Wenqiu, explaining, "Officer Chu also likes birds, so I brought her to take a look..."

  Normally, Xia should follow her husband's lead in this situation.

  Most of the time when a woman is being jealous, she is irrational.

  Her eyes flashed with a hint of bitterness, and her face changed color in an instant.

  "These birds are all liked by Qiū'ér and don't want to give them to others."

  "Autumn..." Zhao Mianze felt a bit awkward.

  "Side concubine!" Without giving him a chance to explain, Xia Chuyi took over the conversation and sneaked another glance at Zhao Mianze, that meaningful gaze made her own hair stand on end, before she bashfully looked away, then smiled sweetly at Xia Qiu, her eyes almost becoming crescent moons, "Just now, Prince Changsun was still praising you for being wise and gentle, with a temperament that is considerate and warm, and your relationship with him is very deep, could it be...?"

  Her meaningful doubts indeed provoked Xia Wenxiang's anger.

  But once a woman's vinegar intention moves, her sharp and bitter nature can no longer be hidden.

  "I'll handle the matter between me and the Mizusawa couple, so please don't worry about it, Doctor Chu. You'd better spend your free time on treating my father, the king, instead of indulging in frivolous activities like bird fighting and pretending to be a noble..."

  "Autumn!" Zhao Mianze interrupted her.

  Seeing her looking over with a wronged expression, he slightly furrowed his brow and softened his tone.

  "Qiū ér, your body is not well, let Nong Qin take you back to rest first."

  "Manzei..."

  Misunderstanding his evasive tone and defensive attitude, Xia Xiang bit her lower lip, somewhat regretting her impulsive words earlier. After thinking for a moment, she was about to say a few more words to smooth things over when a sudden cramp in her abdomen forced her to clutch her stomach, pale-faced and groaning softly.

  "Qiuer, what's wrong?" Zhao Mianze supported her.

  Sweat broke out on his forehead, and Xia Wenqiu suddenly turned pale and looked at Xia Chuyi.

  "Mian Ze, I took two doses of Chu Yiguan's new medicine today and now my stomach doesn't feel well."

  "Madam, you can't say that." Xia Chuqi walked over with a smile, observing her complexion before slanting his lips, "People eat all kinds of grains and get sick often, it's nothing unusual. Madam, you're not a doctor, nor have you taken my pulse, so what makes you think it's because of the medicine I gave that caused your stomachache? Such blame, Chuqi can't bear."

  "You... you're clearly the one who poisoned me!" Xia Wenqiu's face was pale with pain.

  "Madam, please don't talk nonsense!"

  Xia Zhong Qi swiftly pinched her thigh, and the pain made her eyes redden instantly.

  "In the next small doctor, carrying his head in the East Palace walking, originally tight to save lives, who dares to do such a thing? For the side of the lady opened the medicine, that under is also sincerely hope you and the Lord's people can have many children and grandchildren, now you accuse me like this, I am wronged?"

  Xia asked Qi and her face turned red, "You, you're still pretending——"

  "Enough!" Zhao Mianze had never seen Chu Qi look so wronged, and seeing her eyes redden, he was convinced that Xia Wenqiu was being unreasonable. Such things had never happened before, and Xia Wenqiu was always generous and tolerant, even advising him to take a concubine and have children. Suddenly, she became so sharp-tongued, which made him somewhat dissatisfied. He thought that he had already spoiled her so much, but she still wasn't satisfied, and for such a small matter, she would make him lose face in front of Chu Qi, which was unbearable.

  "Qiu Er, let Nong Qin send you back first."

  "Manzei..."

  He let out a low moan, and Xia Wen's lips began to tremble.

  "My stomach hurts...... it really hurts......"

  Xia Zhong Qi rushed towards her with a smile and approached her with concern.

  "Your Highness Crown Prince Longsun, why don't you let me take a look at your pulse as a courtesy to the imperial concubine?"

  "Alright, thanks Doctor Chu."

  As soon as Zhao Mianze agreed, Xia Wenqiu struggled desperately.

  "No, I don't want her... Mian Ze, I didn't deceive you... I really only ate the medicine she gave me and that's why I'm like this..." Xia Qiuyu stammered with a pale mouth, clutching his stomach tightly, cold sweat finally pouring down. "Mian Ze, my belly hurts so much it's like being strangled, it's unbearable, hurry up and find Lin Taishi... I want Lin Taishi... Don't get her..."

  Just by looking at her like this, anyone can tell something's gone wrong.

  This time, Zhao Mianze was suddenly panicked. He couldn't care about his face and calculations anymore, nor did he dare to delay any longer. With one swift motion, he swept her up in a waist-high hug and took large strides towards the outside. But before they had even left the bird shed, he suddenly stopped in his tracks, turned around with an icy expression, and shouted out loud.

  "Officer Chu, would you also like to come along?"

  "Alright..."

  Hit the nail on the head

  On the seventh day of summer, a person burst out laughing in an empty birdhouse.

  "Alright! Let's go."

  ……

  ……

  The Zeqiuyuan in the East Palace was a courtyard specially prepared by Zhao Mianze for Xia Wenqiu. As Zhao Mianze had not yet married, he basically lived here and when he entered that warm little nest, seeing its name and layout, Xia's footsteps became somewhat floating, it took some effort to replace his cool smile with a doctor's professional smile.

  "Dr. Chu, this way, please."

  There is a little girl in front guiding the way.

  "Thank you."

  On the seventh day of summer, before entering the inner room, I saw a magnificent parrot stand in the outer hall. On it was a red-beaked green parrot with emerald green feathers all over its body, a small cluster of red on its forehead, looking proud and arrogant, with round and wide eyes, so noble that it seemed inviolable.

  Is that it?

  At the beginning of summer, she felt a sudden chill run down her spine.

  "Chirp—chirp—"

  She learned two bird calls to tease it.

  The bird's gaze was very solemn, its posture proud, and it said nothing.

  He twisted his mouth, and Xia Qi suddenly hummed, "A stupid bird that can't say anything."

  The red macaw flapped its wings and grasped with both claws.

  "You're stupid, you're stupid—"

  Oh!

  On the seventh day of summer, his heart began to beat violently.

  What a clever parrot!

  No wonder Xia asked Qiu so tenderly, if it were another bird, it would have been silenced by humans long ago...

  "Dr. Chu, Your Highness invites you in."

  The little girl named Baoqin came out of the inner room, looking at Xia Chuyi with a displeased expression.

  "Thank you, sister."

  Smiling with narrowed eyes, Xia Chuyi's expression was relaxed and tight at the same time.

  When they entered the inner room, Lin Taizhong had not yet arrived. Xia Wenqiu was still curled up in bed, cold sweat dripping down her face as she glared at her angrily. Zhao Mianze, on the other hand, was at a loss for what to do and could only comfort her by stroking her back, occasionally turning his head to glance at Xia Chuyi.

  "Officer Chu, your medicine had better be effective, otherwise, I will not forgive you."

  Zhao Mianze is obviously heartbroken for his little wife.

  "With a clear conscience! Don't wrong me, Your Highness Longsun!"

  Xia Qi sat down on a stool, not bothering to explain, and simply pursed her lips, occasionally casting a glance at Xia San Miss, who was in so much pain that she had forgotten her dignity, with a cold smile in her heart...

  Before long, Dr. Lin came over.

  That was an old man of about fifty years, wearing a five-product official uniform, and the dress was the Taichang Hospital's hospital. As usual, he first performed a set of courtesy rituals, and then, under Zhao Mianze's urging, he looked at Xia Chuyi with a hint of surprise, taking his pulse for Xia Qiū.

  "How is it?" Zhao Mianze's voice was full of worry.

  Lin put down his hand and Judge Lin's face turned somewhat solemn.

  "The pulse is weak and thin, the qi and blood are out of balance, and the emotions are not comfortable. I think it's because she took some medicine that causes coldness in the palace..."

  "Is it due to cold in the palace?"

  Xia Wen's mouth opened slightly, as if she had been startled, and then pointed at Xia Chuqi.

  "It must be her, it's her... the medicine she prescribed for me... She didn't have good intentions..."

  "Lin Taizhen, is there a major problem?" Zhao Mianze's eyebrows furrowed.

  Lin Taiyi stroked his beard and continued, "The Shengji Zonglu says: Women who are childless are all due to the insufficiency of Chong Ren, the emptiness of kidney qi, and coldness. Therefore, taking this type of medicinal soup for a long time will make one's body cold, appetite poor, emotions dull, and possibly unable to conceive again. You can't drink it anymore, Madam."

  In short, the spearhead is pointing directly at Xia Chuyi.

  Almost instantly, Zhao Mianze's eyes snapped over.

  "What else can you say, Chu Yiguan?"

  With a faint smile, Xia Chuqi sat up straighter, not looking at Zhao Mianze, but only gazing at Lin Yuanbai of the Imperial Hospital, curling up the corner of his lips and asking in a calm and unhurried tone.

  "How many years have you been practicing medicine, Mr. Lin?"

  As for this young junior, Lin Taishou naturally had heard of her. However, since ancient times, people in the same profession have always been at odds with each other, and no one has ever looked up to anyone else. As early as when he heard about Chu Qi's treatment of the prince, Lin Taishou was already looking down on him with disdain, let alone now that he had seen her in person - a skinny 15- or 16-year-old boy, how could she possibly enter his eyes?

  "For a moment, his tone was somewhat arrogant, 'I have been practicing medicine for over thirty years.'"

  Nodding slightly, Xia Qi's tone was still that of a junior showing deference to a senior.

  "May I ask, Lin Tai Ren, how many years have you been treating illnesses for the masters and mistresses in the palace?"

  "I have been in this hospital for fifteen years since I was admitted."

  "Is there anything wrong?" she asked closely.

  Lin Yuan hesitated for a moment, his old face somewhat unsteady, "I have never made a mistake."

  At the beginning of summer, Yu'er smiled and said, "Why didn't you treat the illness of that prince?"

  She scolded him, and Lin Yuan's face turned somewhat unsightly. "I specialize in gynecology."

  Lin understood and nodded slightly, Xia Chuqi pursed her lips and replied with a hint of respect, "So, may I ask Lord Lin, since Concubine Yi had three miscarriages previously, making it difficult for her to become pregnant again, did you find anything unusual during the examination or is there any treatment plan in place?"

  That "hmm" was raised extremely high, with a hint of intention, looking at Lin Yuan's judgment, a pair of eyes that wanted to say but hesitated, slightly smiling, sarcastic, and mocking, flashing complexly, looked harmless, but it startled Lin Yuan so much that his back broke out in cold sweat.

  "This is not a one-day or one-night achievement; if Madam Xi takes good care of herself, she will naturally be able to give birth again."

  Looking at his awkward expression, Xia Chuqi knew she had guessed correctly.

  The first time Xia asked Qiu to take her pulse, she knew that the reason for her miscarriage was not physical, but actually her body was fine, nothing was wrong with it, except for some loss due to three miscarriages. It was absolutely impossible to have habitual abortion, so there was only one explanation: she had been framed by someone.

  Ke Zhao Mianze had no official wife and no concubines, the entire backyard only had Xia Wenqiu alone, and he doted on her to the bone, who dared to lay a hand on her, and could even do so?

  Now looking back...

  Who doesn't want Xia Wen to give birth to a child? Although it's not yet certain, she dares to be certain that Lin Yuan is also someone who knows the truth. Since he knows the truth, how can he still speak nonsense? Unless he wants to force her to reveal the true facts in front of Zhao Mianze, which would be embarrassing for everyone.

  "What Mr. Lin said is absolutely right."

  On the seventh day of summer, she let out a hearty laugh, suddenly lifted her chin, and raised an eyebrow.

  "Mrs. Ce had three miscarriages before, resulting in adhesion and blockage of the fallopian tubes. The prescription I gave her was mainly to promote qi and blood circulation, dispel stagnation and remove stasis. In clinical practice, some people with special physical conditions may experience abdominal distension, intestinal rumbling, or even severe abdominal pain like diarrhea after taking such medicine. These are normal phenomena, indicating that the condition is improving..."

  "What pipe is leaking?"

  "Tubal obstruction."

  At the beginning of summer, she had no interest in explaining middle school physiology and health education to these ancient people. If she didn't explain it clearly, it seemed that they wouldn't be convinced. After thinking for a moment, she casually pulled off two leaves from the potted plant, wrapped them around her hand, and demonstrated the shape of conception, making Xia Wenqiu and several little maids blush, while Zhao Mianze's gaze at her became even deeper.

  "Lin Taiyi, what the Chu physician said makes sense, doesn't it?"

  "As for what Crown Prince Changsun said, there is some truth to it..."

  Lin Taichang looked much more honest now, and after humming for a moment at the beginning of summer, he continued to ask with a smile.

  "The medicine I prescribed for Madame is mainly to clear the channels. Danshen and Sanqi promote blood circulation and dispel stasis, which can loosen adhesions. Chuan Shan Jia, Zao Ci, and Lu Lu Tong are all good at clearing the channels. Mai Dong nourishes yin and generates fluids, which can moisten and unblock. Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish blood and liver, Xiang Fu regulates qi and menstruation, and can also stop pain. Master Lin, come and evaluate for me, isn't this a case of treating the symptom with the right medicine?"

  Her words were like pearls, her sentences were embroidered with brocade. She spoke with such righteousness and confidence that she made Lin's face turn bright red with shame.

  "This this..."

  Xia Chuqi also looked at him, with a faint smile playing on her lips.

  "Does Lord Lin think what I said is correct?"

  "Right. Very right..."

  "Is the accusation made by the lady on the other side a misunderstanding of this official?"

  "Right, right, extreme..."

  At the sight of Lin Pan's words, Zhao Mianze's face, which was normally as smooth as jade, lost some of its usual warmth and only gave Xia Wenqiu a faint glance before speaking to Xia Chuyi.

  "For now, please let Dr. Chu administer some pain relief to Autumn first."

  "Yes, Your Highness."

  At the beginning of summer, on the seventh day, he stepped forward with his hands clasped together and sat down in Lin Taizhen's previous position. He stretched out his hand, took a glance at the woman who was in so much pain that her lips were bitten white, and said with a smile, "The pulse of the lady is as thin as silk... According to my observation, it is not caused by taking that medicine, but rather she has eaten something bad, her spleen and stomach are diseased, and therefore she has constipation, which leads to abdominal distension and pain."

  After finishing speaking, she again slowly and leisurely asked about everything under the sun.

  "Excuse me, madam, when was your last bowel movement?"

  In this case, no imperial physician would dare ask in person.

  That summer asked autumn, with a mix of anger and urgency, but she was at a loss for what to do. She merely gave a glance, and the little maid who played the qin came over, saying "Reporting back to Doctor Chu, the lady on the side has not had a bowel movement in two days."

  "That's it."

  Xia Chuqi smiled lightly and looked at Zhao Mianze.

  "Your Highness, would you trouble someone to summon my attendant and bring me my medical kit?"

  Xia asked about autumn and felt unbearable pain, Zhao Mianze was also heartbroken.

  "Can you help Lin Taizhen for once."

  "It's inconvenient." Xia Qi was going to make Xia Wenqiu suffer so much that he would rather die, how could he grant his wish? "The silver needles I use are all personally selected and refined by the Nineteenth Master himself. They have a good effect and work quickly. Lin Taifu's... Ah, I'm afraid I won't be used to using them, and instead will make mistakes in treating Cefu's illness."

  Zhao Mianze furrowed his brow, "Alright."

  A whole family of people, quietly waiting.

  Ke Na Li suddenly appeared, as if she had a spiritual connection with her, and it wasn't until after a while that she came over with the medical box. With a smile, Xia Chu Qi took the medical box from her hand, exchanged a glance with her, said "You wait for me outside", and then took out the silver needle to start preparing.

  Now her reputation in the capital is widely spread, seeing that she was about to give someone an injection, even Lin Yi, the head of the hospital, curiously came over.

  "Excuse me, Lord Lin, could you take a step back?"

  Xia Zhuoqiu retrieved the needle on the seventh day of summer, smiling at him, "Ancestral medical skills are not convenient to show fellow practitioners."

  "That is, that is..."

  Lin's face turned red with embarrassment as he forced a smile and retreated.

  She managed to stall for a bit more time, and as Xia Wen's pain became so intense that she was gasping for breath, her face had lost all its blood. Only then did the bad water in Xia Qi's belly get some relief. After coughing lightly, she felt comfortable enough to press on her belly for a moment, and amidst her moans, she began to insert silver needles into the acupoints.

  "Ah...... it hurts so much......"

  Xia asked Qiu, her lips trembling, and burst into tears.

  "Good medicine tastes bitter, pain can cure illness, Madam, please endure a little longer."

  "You did it on purpose... you did it on purpose..." Xia Wenqiu was in so much pain that tears streamed down her face, pitifully looking at Zhao Mianze, but the man turned his head away.

  At the beginning of summer, she was not flustered or chaotic as she administered acupuncture, looking at her trembling body, with a smile hanging from the corner of her mouth. Her acupuncture technique was indeed effective, and before long, Xia Qiuyu's complexion improved, but as soon as the pain subsided, her belly "gurgled" twice, and her face turned red.

  "Mian Ze, I'm going out to pay respects——"

  Zhao Mianze let out a breath of air and said, "Nongqin, help Madam down."

  "Come, it's too late——"

  Nà xià wèn qiū qīng "ā" le yī shēng ér, yā zhe fù bù xiǎng yào rěn zhù, kě bèi nà yín zhēn cì hòu, liǎng rì méi yǒu dà biàn de tā, cháng zi wū míng zhe, zhěng gè rén dōu jǐn zhāng le qǐ lái.

  "Hurry up and come to offer sacrifices——"

  Several young maids suddenly became flustered, fetching basins, standing behind screens, and undoing their clothes...

  Soon, from behind the screen came a "plop plop" sound that was quite indecent, making one want to laugh but not dare to.

  Coughing several times, Xia Qi finally coughed once and said, "It seems that the lady on the side has passed through, then it's all right."

  Zhao Mianze felt a bit embarrassed, his pale face as white as jade, with an unprecedented awkwardness. "Officer Chu, you've troubled yourself today! Baoqin, send Officer Chu and Lin Yuanbian out..."

  Xia Zhichu made a courtesy call on the seventh day of summer and turned his head to look at him.

  "Your Highness Crown Prince Longsun, I've said it before: a doctor's heart is benevolent. You don't need to doubt me on this matter again."

  Zhao Mianze's eyelids jumped down and he stopped talking.

  Nalin Courtyard Judge didn't dare make a sound, and retreated with a series of "yeses".

  When Xia asked Qiu to pull out comfortably, only Zhao Mianze was left in the inner room. With a sour waist, she glanced at Zhao Mianze's unpleasant face, bit her lower lip and walked over, hugged his waist, and stuck her face on his chest, as if crying and sucking air.

  "Mian Ze, you scared me to death today, I thought I was going to die from pain..."

  Her tenderness has always been Zhao Mianze's weakness.

  Upon hearing this, he patted her back and his tone became much more relaxed.

  "Didn't you let Lin Yuan see the medicine brewed by Fangzi earlier?"

  "Yes, but the medicine soup for these two days was newly prescribed by Dr. Chu, and I didn't bother to ask Lin Yuan to review the prescription again. That's why I had that suspicion, Meng Ze, are you angry with me?"

  "Qiu Er, how I've treated you is clear in your heart. What's the point of being petty with him and suffering yourself?"

  Xia asked Qiu to suddenly lift her head, looking at the man in front of her, this man who had never said a heavy word to her, everything was dependent on her, and suddenly felt that his face had become unfamiliar.

  Her heart skipped a beat, and her voice was hoarse, "Mianze, you suspect I did it myself?"

  Zhao Mianze hesitated for a moment and sighed, "No."

  Her body trembled slightly, and Xia asked Qiu with a bitter face, saying it was extremely heartbreaking.

  "Mian Ze, have you taken a liking to her? I saw you smiling at her earlier and getting cozy with her in that birdhouse..."

  "What are you talking nonsense?" Zhao Mianze suddenly pushed her, feeling annoyed, but after thinking about it, he still ended up pulling her into his arms, gently stroking her back with one hand and brushing his thin lips against her forehead with the other, softly coaxing and explaining.

  "It's nothing, what you saw earlier was bird droppings on my head, she wiped it off for me."

  "Is that so?" Xia asked with a cold smile, "I haven't seen anything on your head."

  Once a woman starts to suspect and falls into the devil of jealousy, it's hard for her to extricate herself.

  But men are completely different. Even the most temperamental man, who is in a high position and surrounded by admirers, will become impatient if he has to explain things to women several times. Zhao Mianze was no exception, and today's events, with Xia Wenqiu repeatedly making him lose face, made his temper flare up even more.

  "You're absolutely unbelievable."

  "Mian Ze......" Xia Chuqi was stunned.

  "In the future, be more careful and don't do things that will bring shame to yourself. Losing your own face is not enough, you'll also lose the face of the Eastern Palace."

  Xia asked autumn, and her face suddenly turned pale, losing all its blood color.

  Why doesn't he believe her but instead chooses to believe what Chu Qi says?

  If it were the usual situation, he would end up protecting her after all.

  How did it end up like this? Yelling at her and staring at her with that kind of gaze?

  Her body trembled slightly, she suppressed the heartache, slowed down her tone, with a hint of a flattering smile, gently hugged Zhao Mianze's body, and that snake-like small hand stretched out from under his hem...

  "Mian Ze, I've been taking this medicine for a long time, it should be fine by now... let's give it a try..."

  "No!" Zhao Mianze grasped her hand, "Listen to Doctor Chu."

  Xia Wen's eyes locked onto his, "You trust her that much already?"

  Zhaomian Ze's tone was gentle, and he let out a sigh. "It's true that the king's body has recovered, and it's also true that he saved you from the pain you were in just now. Autumn, sometimes I wonder if we've been suspecting him wrongly."

  Xia Wen's body stiffened instantly, and tears of grievance hung on her face...

  "Manzei..."

  Seeing her cry again, Zhao Mianze couldn't help but think of the words Chu Qi had said earlier. Why was she so happy? It's because she didn't have anything to lose. A person is happy when they don't have anything to lose, then it means that Autumn has gained too much and is afraid of losing it, which is why she always looks worried and unhappy? Is this what Chu Qi meant by "human heart"?

  He frowned and stood up, shouting outside.

  "Play the zither and come in to attend to your master's toilette, then rest well afterwards."

  Having said that, he was about to turn around and leave.

  Xia asked Qiu, who suddenly panicked, "Mian Ze, where are you going?"

  Zhao Mianze turned around, looked at her and said, "I'm going to take care of something. I promised Dr. Chu a hundred taels of gold earlier. Now she didn't even bring the bird, and I forgot to give her the money."

  One hundred taels of gold?

  Zhao Wenqiu almost fainted.

  It's a doctor's duty to treat Prince Consort, why should they give her extra money?

  And she's still ill, yet Mitomo abandoned her to go get money?

  Xia asked Qi to get heartache, and shouted again "Mian Ze", just about to use her killer trick to keep him here, but saw Zhao Mianze's personal eunuch He Cheng'an hastily pushing the curtain in.

  "Your Highness, Prince Jin has arrived at the mansion..."

  "Okay, I'll go right away."

  Watching the man's relieved expression and his departing figure with large strides, Xia Wenqiu's face turned pale.

  Father is right, that person can't stay here anymore——

  Digression

  Monthly ticket is sought after, come on, little buddies... National Day holiday has ended...