Chapter 123: After “Plastic Surgery,” Life Changes
The Ghost Doctor was stunned, then burst into a playful laugh, “I transformed your face without charging you a penny, and when you were young, you nearly ruined my reputation. How do you figure I owe you?”
The Ghost Doctor found this incredibly amusing; it had been a long time since he heard such a funny jest. Qingqing remained calm, “When I was young, your medical skills were not up to par, and you couldn’t cure me, which had nothing to do with me. Now, you’ve turned my once ugly face beautiful, that’s why you owe me.”
The Ghost Doctor let out an “Oh?” sound, intrigued by Qingqing’s continued reasoning.
“That ugly me could have lived in the simplest happiness or died directly. But you changed that, and with it, my whole life.”
The Ghost Doctor was finally at a loss for words, letting out a long sigh, looking as if he were at Qingqing’s mercy. Qingqing smiled, “Don’t be angry, Master, the palace will be much more interesting than this bamboo forest.”
The Ghost Doctor simply closed his mouth, deeply understanding the saying, “Only women and small-minded men are hard to deal with!”
Qingqing, seizing the moment, added, “I also want to bring Yan Shu with us into the palace. Having a martial artist will ensure our safety.”
Chapter 124: The Ghost Doctor Reappears
At this moment, the Ghost Doctor was even angrier than when Qingqing had accused him of lacking medical skills. It was as if the one insulted as a “barbarian” was him. He snorted coldly, “He went wandering. Otherwise, your dear ‘sister’ wouldn’t have hurt me so easily.” He deliberately emphasized “dear sister,” as if determined to carry on the grudge. Only then did Qingqing realize that the aloof and quiet Yan Shu had gone wandering. She remembered that their Lin family also had an eldest son who had gone wandering, and he had not yet returned. Since the Ghost Doctor had tacitly agreed, the group hurried back to the palace. Qingqing thought of how Yafu’s nose would be crooked with anger, and she felt extremely pleased. It was indeed a beautiful nose. The Ghost Doctor remained silent throughout the journey, only staring blankly when he saw Yuzhen. Qingqing secretly found it amusing; men love beautiful women, even old men are no exception. Although he might never have Yuzhen, secretly looking at her and occasionally fantasizing was quite delightful.
The Ghost Doctor, indeed living up to his past title as the “Enemy of the King of Hell,” had not lost any of his medical prowess despite years away from practice. He handled the ailments that baffled the court physicians with ease, and the Empress Dowager was able to get out of bed three days later. Initially, the palace staff opposed his eerie appearance and ghastly mask, but thanks to Li Qin’s persistence, they eventually accepted him. The court physicians were left speechless. His methods were extremely unconventional, often contrary to common sense. When opposed, he would leisurely drink tea, waiting for Li Qin to convince everyone before he would slowly start treating the patient.
On the day the Empress Dowager recovered, she looked at Qingqing with an indescribable warmth, thanks to Yuzhen’s embellished tale of how Qingqing had begged on her knees to bring the Ghost Doctor to the palace. The Ghost Doctor was deservedly appointed as the Imperial Physician, and the Empress Dowager even wanted Qingqing to stay by her side, saying she needed someone to comfort her heart. Li Qin smiled without comment. Qingqing, unsure of the Empress Dowager’s intentions, could only smile in agreement and thank her for the favor. “After all this effort, I’ve ended up as a ‘maid.’ How laughable,” Yafu remarked coldly as they left the Empress Dowager’s Cihui Palace, just loud enough for Qingqing to hear. Qingqing ignored the sarcasm, laughing lightly, “The best is yet to come.”
Back at the palace, Qingqing immediately packed her belongings to move into the Empress Dowager’s quarters, ready to play the role of an obedient, pitiful songstress. The Empress Dowager arranged for her to stay in a room closest to her own. She watched Qingqing pack with a smile, looking much better than when she was ill, wearing a bright red robe, her face carrying a serene smile like a kind mother. Suddenly, she asked a question that shattered this peaceful scene, “Who are you?” Qingqing was truly annoyed; why did everyone in this palace ask her, “Who are you?” Yet, she dared not show any disrespect, quickly lowering her head in a display of feigned shock and pitifulness, whispering, “I am the songstress, Anu.”
P.S.: Thanks to those who care about me. I’ve had IV drips for three days now, and my fever has gone down. I’ll continue to update diligently, thank you!
Chapter 125: Why Did the Songstress Summon the Enemy of the King of Hell?
The Empress Dowager’s expression changed momentarily, scrutinizing Qingqing with a hint of doubt, her tone carrying an undeniable sense of crisis: “Why would a mere songstress go to such lengths to find the Ghost Doctor for me?” Qingqing was slightly surprised internally; it seemed the Empress Dowager wasn’t senile yet. But playing with such a simple opponent was no fun and might dull her “scheming” skills. Being “dull” or “underestimating” any enemy was a grave mistake. Qingqing put on a look of confusion and surprise, satisfied with the Empress Dowager’s approving reaction, stuttering, “I… I…” She bit her lip as if making a monumental decision: “I indeed sought the Ghost Doctor to gain favor from the Emperor and the Empress Dowager, not out of the selfless nature I portrayed.”
The Empress Dowager’s eyes showed she had everything under control, her smile returning, “You’ve saved your life today.” Qingqing feigned ignorance with a bewildered “Ah?” and a face full of confusion. The Empress Dowager laughed heartily, dropping all prior suspicion: “If you had made up some excuse, I would have dealt with you. But you told the truth, and I’ve always liked children who speak honestly.” She sipped her tea, casually mentioning the hidden threat in her words, which sent chills down one’s spine. Qingqing lowered her eyes, not daring to breathe heavily.
The Empress Dowager laughed, “Do you know why I still keep you by my side, knowing your intentions?” This was exactly what Qingqing was wondering, why the Empress Dowager would reduce her and Li Qin’s opportunities. “Because you’re too beautiful.” The Empress Dowager continued slowly, “The late Emperor once said, ‘Do not marry a woman too beautiful,’ for a beautiful woman can easily enchant the Emperor, and you are a songstress…” Qingqing solemnly knelt down, “I understand the Empress Dowager’s careful considerations and will not hold any resentment.” The Empress Dowager sighed heavily, leaving Qingqing to pack alone. Her affection for the late Emperor and her love for Li Qin were genuine. Perhaps she was deeply scheming and jealous, but she was undoubtedly a good wife and mother. A woman who does anything for her husband and son is always forgivable.
Chapter 126: The Pitiful Often Deserve Hate
Qingqing, of course, felt no sympathy. The pitiful often deserve hate; one shouldn’t harm others’ happiness out of personal greed, nor should one mercilessly destroy it. For example, the beautiful abbess in the temple. Since Qingqing had promised her, she would follow through. The abbess had said, “If you want to live peacefully and happily in the palace, you must not harbor any emotions, including love.” And sympathy was a luxury, even more luxurious than Li Qin’s imperial meals once were.