After giving some instructions, Wei Linxia left Xi Linxuan’s main hall and returned to her room, feeling that Xi Linxuan was somewhat strange, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. In her room, Xi Linxuan bit into a piece of melon, reflecting on how calm Wei Linxia was and her ability to divert attention. It was odd how the rigid Old Master Wei and the simple-hearted Madam Wei could have such a daughter.
A few days later, Madam Wei’s illness had mostly recovered, and Wei Linxia resumed her medical practice. Shortly after sitting down, a middle-aged man she had previously treated rushed in, anxious yet relieved to find her. He said he had been waiting for her for several days. Wei Linxia found it odd since he appeared healed. The man explained that the young master of their medicinal shop, recently released from prison, had developed joint pain in his leg and requested her treatment, offering a generous reward.
Wei Linxia refused to make house calls, insisting that if the man wanted treatment, he must come to the clinic. The man left, and she didn’t give it much thought.
She reasoned that in the royal city, with numerous famed doctors, her demands might cause the young master to seek another physician.
The next day, a sedan chair arrived at the clinic, led by the same middle-aged man. Wei Linxia was shocked to see the young master, with his bronze-colored face, curved eyes, high nose bridge, and thin lips that would surely sound seductive. The woman beside him, Niao Niao, appeared gentle in public but was fierce privately.
The young master’s gaze made Wei Linxia uncomfortable, as if she were a commodity. The woman’s expression was even more unsettling, filled with disbelief.
The middle-aged man, nervous and eager to impress, stuttered during his report. Finally, the young master said, “Zheng Hai, go back and inventory the herbs. Niao Niao can accompany me here.” After Zheng Hai left, Wei Linxia invited them to sit. “Zheng Hai mentioned the issue; it seems to be rheumatism. While acupuncture can provide immediate relief, it only improves blood circulation and alleviates pain. For a complete cure, medication is necessary. However, this isn’t my expertise, so I’ll need you to…”
“Oh, Doctor Xia, aren’t I a doctor too? How could you forget?”
