Volume One, Chapter Seven: She Thought Just a Few Sheets of Paper Would Suffice

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“Xiao Tan, once the room is tidied up, bring the paper, ink, brush, and inkstone.”

When the Four Treasures of the Study were all prepared, Lin Chuyao spread out the paper, dipped her brush in ink, and focused for a moment. Then, the tip of her brush glided across the paper like flowing clouds and water, the characters dignified and strong.

As the night deepened, Xiao Tan could no longer resist and leaned closer. “Miss, what are you writing? Why are you so serious?”

Lin Chuyao paused, lifted her eyes to glance at her with a hint of inscrutable meaning, and said, “Just writing something useful.”

She said no more and continued writing until the middle of the night before placing a thick stack of densely written sheets into an envelope. With a light tone, she said, “All done. Go get some rest.”

The next day, after washing up and changing into a simple yet elegant dress, Lin Chuyao took Qing Xing and went to the main courtyard to pay respects to Liu Xishuang.

Liu Xishuang was sitting in the hall sipping tea. Seeing Lin Chuyao approach, a few rays of relief shone in her eyes. “Chuyao is here. Come, sit with me and chat.”

Lin Chuyao smiled slightly and sat down, exchanging a few casual words with Liu Xishuang before saying, “Mother, I haven’t wandered around Shangyang City in a long time. I’d like to go out more often from now on, to clear my mind.”

Liu Xishuang’s expression tightened slightly as she set down her teacup, eyes falling on Lin Chuyao’s veil. “You may go out, but be sure to stay safe. Your face… keep your veil properly so no one recognizes you.”

Lin Chuyao nodded. “Don’t worry, Mother. I will be careful.”

Seeing her respectful attitude, Liu Xishuang’s tone softened considerably. “In that case, go ahead. But remember to return early—do not stay out too late.”

“Yes, Mother.” Lin Chuyao bowed slightly before rising to leave.

The streets of Shangyang City were as bustling as ever, lined with countless vendors shouting their wares, the air filled with the aroma of pastries and charcoal fires.

Qing Xing and Xiao Tan followed behind Lin Chuyao, eyes sparkling with excitement at the lively scene.

Xiao Tan tugged at Qing Xing’s hand, pointing toward a nearby pastry shop. “Qing Xing, let’s buy some pastries! Miss should try some fresh treats.”

Lin Chuyao heard this and smiled faintly. “Go ahead, buy some to bring back.”

Seeing the two happily run toward the shop, she walked alone down a different alley.

The main hall of Qingfeng Clinic was spacious and bright, filled with the scent of medicinal herbs. Banners hung on the walls bore inscriptions like “Healing Hands Restore Life” and “Hua Tuo Reborn,” testaments to its reputation.

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Lin Chuyao entered the hall, her simple attire emphasizing her cool aura, a veil covering her face lending an air of mystery.

The attendant behind the counter looked at her with some impatience. “Miss, are you here for treatment? If you want to get medicine, you must register first.”

Lin Chuyao shook her head, her voice cold and clear. “I want to see Doctor Ye.”

The attendant scrutinized her, noting her plain dress, his brows furrowing. “Doctor Ye is the head of Qingfeng Clinic, not someone you can see just by asking. What you’re saying…”

Before he finished, a low voice came from the inner chamber. “What’s all this noise?”

Doctor Ye stepped out of the inner hall, wearing a long blue robe, his demeanor composed. His gaze swept over Lin Chuyao, eyebrows slightly furrowing. “Miss, what brings you here?”

Lin Chuyao bowed calmly and took from her sleeve a manuscript she had written the night before, holding it out with both hands. “Doctor Ye, I wish to practice here at your esteemed clinic. This is my transcription of the ancient medical text ‘Nine Meridians and Twelve Vessels’ as a token of thanks.”

Doctor Ye’s eyebrows twitched in surprise as he accepted the manuscript and examined it closely, but his expression soon tightened.

The attendant whispered under his breath, “This girl speaks too arrogantly! Qingfeng Clinic’s medicine is among the best in Shangyang City. Many doctors fight tooth and nail to join, and she thinks a few pages of paper will suffice?”

Doctor Ye glanced at Lin Chuyao with a scrutinizing look. “This ‘Nine Meridians and Twelve Vessels’ is indeed detailed, but it is a rare copy kept only within the Imperial Medical Bureau. No outsider is allowed access. You say you transcribed it from memory—do you have any proof?”

Lin Chuyao replied calmly, “Whether it is true or not, Doctor, you can judge for yourself.”

Doctor Ye looked hesitant, about to speak, when a crisp laugh came from the side. “This girl is far too confident! Doctor Ye, I think she’s probably making it all up.”

The speaker was Xie Zhian, a young doctor inside Qingfeng Clinic and Doctor Ye’s prized apprentice. He looked at Lin Chuyao with contempt. “Just a few sheets of paper and you want to practice here? Miss, I advise you to go back before you become a joke.”

The surrounding staff and waiting patients whispered among themselves.

Lin Chuyao remained calm, quietly withdrawing a silver needle from her sleeve. She spoke in a low voice, “If that is so, why not test my acupuncture? Doctor Ye can then determine if I am genuine.”

Doctor Ye nodded, his eyes brightening slightly. “Very well, let’s try.”

Xie Zhian sneered and stretched out his arm, challenging, “If you want to prove yourself, then try me. If you fail, don’t blame Qingfeng Clinic for throwing you out.”

Lin Chuyao glanced at him coldly, then took several silver needles from the medicine box. After a careful pulse diagnosis, she swiftly inserted three needles into his wrist, elbow, and shoulder.

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Her movements were clean and precise, her technique flowing like water. Before anyone could get a clear look, she had finished.

“You…” Xie Zhian had been arrogant moments before, but now his brow furrowed in surprise. “My arm… it’s not numb anymore?”

His right arm had been numb for over half a month due to improper medication use. Though it did not affect his daily diagnoses, it had never been fully cured. Xie Zhian rotated his wrist in astonishment, disbelief etched on his face.

Doctor Ye’s expression flickered with shock as he hurried forward, removing the needles and examining them carefully. “This acupuncture technique… it’s exactly like that of Du Huaishan, the Imperial Physician!”

“Du Huaishan? Could it be that the senior who taught me medicine daily while imprisoned with me is such a renowned imperial doctor?” Lin Chuyao thought in surprise.

Xie Zhian’s face turned pale and green in succession, speechless. “Who… who exactly are you?”

Lin Chuyao said nothing, only calmly asking, “Doctor Ye, does this acupuncture meet your standards?”

Doctor Ye was deeply moved and cupped his hands in respect. “Your skill truly impresses me, Miss! If I’m not mistaken, you must have some connection to the Imperial Medical Bureau?”

Lin Chuyao nodded lightly. “Doctor Ye, no need to inquire further. I only wish to practice at your esteemed clinic.”

Doctor Ye nodded solemnly, a hint of respect in his expression. “Having you here at Qingfeng Clinic will be a blessing for the people. From today on, you are a distinguished guest of Qingfeng Clinic!”

Lin Chuyao withdrew her needles and nodded gently. “Doctor Ye, I am honored. I shall dedicate myself fully.”

The attendant and those nearby were left speechless, their previous disdain turning to shock and reverence.

After leaving Qingfeng Clinic, Lin Chuyao felt somewhat relieved and reunited with Qing Xing and Xiao Tan.

She walked slowly through the crowd, Qing Xing and Xiao Tan trailing behind with their purchased pastries, faces bright with smiles.

“Miss, these red bean pastries were your favorite when you were young. Try some when we get back!” Xiao Tan cheerfully raised the pastry box.

Lin Chuyao nodded slightly, about to reply when a familiar voice came from behind, tinged with disbelief: “A Yao?”