Chapter 56: Saving Lives — “I Will Convince Doctor Yu”
Yihuan whispered, “I will make sure Doctor Yu agrees.”
Ah-Miao, seeing Yihuan so determined, gained some confidence herself.
The scorching sun beat down mercilessly, and the line for consultations was incredibly long. After waiting for half an hour, beads of sweat had already formed on Yihuan’s forehead.
She glanced at Ah-Miao and saw that her face was flushed from the heat, her back soaked in sweat.
“If you’re feeling too uncomfortable, go rest in the shade. Be careful not to get heatstroke,” Yihuan said with concern, noticing Ah-Miao’s red face.
Ah-Miao shook her head. “I’ll stay with Miss and wait!”
Yihuan smiled and said, “Why don’t we take turns in line? That would be better, wouldn’t it?”
Ah-Miao replied, “Then Miss should rest first!”
Handing her a handkerchief, Yihuan said, “Be good and take a break. Come back and switch with me in a while.”
Unable to refuse, Ah-Miao, who was indeed feeling a little unwell, crouched down in a shady corner to rest.
After making sure Ah-Miao was settled, Yihuan turned back to look at the people ahead in line. Judging by Doctor Yu’s pace in seeing patients, it seemed unlikely she’d get her turn before the end of the day.
If she missed today’s opportunity, she would have to wait several more days to see Doctor Yu again.
This made Yihuan anxious.
Just then, the elderly woman in front of Yihuan suddenly swayed and looked as if she might faint.
Yihuan noticed immediately and rushed to ask, “Madam, are you alright?”
The old woman didn’t have time to respond before she collapsed straight to the ground.
Yihuan quickly reached out and caught her, supporting her body. “Madam! Wake up!” she called out urgently.
The people around turned their heads to watch the commotion but made no move to help.
Yihuan raised her voice and shouted, “Doctor Yu! Doctor Yu! Someone has fainted! Please help!”
Hearing her call, Doctor Yu immediately stopped what he was doing and stood up.
“Make way!” His usually indifferent face now showed a rare sense of urgency as he pushed through the crowd to reach the unconscious woman.
Doctor Yu knelt beside the elderly woman and felt her pulse. At that moment, a man standing nearby muttered, “Doctor Yu, it’s my turn now! Why are you suddenly treating someone else!?”
Doctor Yu shot him a cold glance and replied, “If you fainted, I’d treat you first too.”
The man was stunned into silence and shut his mouth.
Doctor Yu spoke calmly, “She has heatstroke. Help me get her inside.”
Yihuan nodded immediately. “Alright! Ah-Miao, come help!”
Ah-Miao, who had just come over, helped Yihuan support the old woman into the consultation room.
After administering acupuncture, Doctor Yu successfully revived the elderly woman.
“Madam, how are you feeling?” Yihuan asked with concern.
The old woman slowly opened her eyes and said weakly, “I’m fine now… Thank you, young lady, and Doctor Yu, for saving my life…”
As Doctor Yu removed the needles, he instructed, “Next time you come for a consultation, have a family member accompany you. You have vertigo, so don’t go out alone anymore.”
The old woman nodded weakly and mumbled, “My children are all working far away… It’s just me, an old woman, at home most of the time…”
It was only then that Yihuan noticed the woman’s plain attire, which marked her as an ordinary commoner. Looking at the crowd lined up at the clinic’s entrance, it became clear that many were of similar modest backgrounds.
People often said that Doctor Yu of Chengji Hall was a doctor who truly practiced benevolence, offering fair-priced medicine. Although located in the Eastern Market, it was not exclusively for the wealthy elite but served commoners as well. The reputation was clearly well-earned.
The old woman glanced at Yihuan, her expression turning curious. “Aren’t you… the young lady from Shengjing Dessert Shop, Miss Yihuan?”
Yihuan was taken aback. “Yes… Have you visited my shop before?”
The old woman smiled warmly. “My son works on Changming Street. He loves the food from your shop and once brought some home for me. Later, I even visited the shop myself. You treat customers very kindly.”
Yihuan exchanged a smile with Ah-Miao and said, “You’re too kind, Madam. Once you feel better, you’re welcome to visit our shop again.”
The old woman chuckled. “Oh, I certainly will!”
After confirming the elderly woman was fine, Doctor Yu sent her on her way.
Watching the old woman leave, Yihuan realized her spot in line had undoubtedly been taken by someone else.
She sighed softly and prepared to return to the end of the line with Ah-Miao.
“Ahem…”
A light cough from behind made Yihuan pause.
She turned back to see Doctor Yu looking at her.
Doctor Yu glanced at Yihuan and remarked, “Earlier, when you saved that old lady, I thought you were a clever girl. Now, why are you suddenly tongue-tied?”
Yihuan suddenly understood and smiled. “Doctor Yu, you’ve been consulting patients all morning. Why not take a break? I can chat with you to pass the time.”
Doctor Yu let out a soft huff. “Fine, but I’m only giving you 15 minutes.”
At Shengjing Dessert Shop, today’s business was unusually quiet. Only Qing Nu was running the store, while Liu Hexiao remained upstairs, seemingly occupied with something.
Fortunately, there weren’t too many customers today, so Qing Nu could handle everything just fine.
At that moment, as he bent over to organize dishes, he heard the soft sound of footsteps. Looking up, he saw a beautiful young woman enter.
Her hair was styled in a double-ring bun, marking her as a servant, yet she carried herself with a composure and grace that set her apart from ordinary maids.
She spoke softly, “Excuse me, young man.”
Qing Nu quickly stood up and asked, “How can I help you, ma’am?”
The young woman smiled faintly and asked, “Is Liu Shizi here at this shop?”
Qing Nu hesitated and then asked, “May I ask who you are?”
The woman froze for a moment, seemingly surprised by his question. Then, she replied quietly, “Knowing too much may not be good for you.”
Qing Nu’s expression stiffened, unsure how to respond.
Just then, the sound of steady footsteps came from the staircase. Qing Nu turned to see Liu Hexiao descending the stairs. He called out, “Shizi… someone is looking for you…”
But Liu Hexiao ignored him, his gaze fixed on the young woman.
He walked up to her and lowered his voice. “Why are you here?”
The young woman whispered, “Shizi, it’s not just me… there’s someone else as well.” She turned her gaze toward Changming Street.
A luxurious carriage rolled slowly to a stop outside Shengjing Dessert Shop.
Behind the carriage stood seven or eight guards, each exuding a commanding presence. Even the coachman had an air of dignified authority, leaving Qing Nu momentarily dumbfounded.
Liu Hexiao’s expression shifted slightly. “She… why is she here!?”
The young woman replied, “You’ll have to ask the lady herself.”
Liu Hexiao contemplated for a moment and said, “Follow me.”
He led the carriage down an alley beside the shop’s backyard.
The curtain of the carriage lifted slightly, and Liu Hexiao straightened his posture, stepping forward to extend his hand. From within the carriage, a delicate, snow-white hand emerged, resting lightly on Liu Hexiao’s arm.
From his position at the shop entrance, Qing Nu discreetly peered into the alley. The lady in the carriage wore a long veil hat that obscured her face. Her robes were an elegant moon-white, and as she stepped down from the carriage, her movements were graceful and deliberate.
Her skirt flowed like lotus petals, falling softly to the ground with each step.
Qing Nu stood transfixed, feeling as though he was witnessing a celestial being descend to the mortal world. He silently prayed that the dust on the ground would not tarnish the hem of her robes.
The earlier young woman, standing there, noticed Qing Nu’s dazed expression and quipped, “Young man, do you still want your eyes?”
Qing Nu snapped out of his trance, his face turning crimson. Embarrassed, he hurriedly retreated into the shop.
Liu Hexiao guided the lady into the backyard and then into his private quarters.
Everyone else waited outside. Only after entering the room did the woman slowly remove her veil hat.
A face as radiant as jade was revealed. Her enchanting peach blossom eyes carried a subtle charm, blending gentleness with a hint of allure. Even with her calm demeanor, she was undeniably stunning.
“Elder Sister,” Liu Hexiao greeted her with a smile.
Liu Hening observed him for a moment before smiling herself. Then her expression turned stern. “You can still smile? I hear the Prince Qi’s Manor is in complete chaos because of you.”
Liu Hexiao poured her a drink casually and replied, “What does that have to do with me? I’ve already severed ties with Father.”
Liu Hening raised her gaze to him. “How is that possible? Blood is thicker than water.” She paused before adding, “You’ve been sulking for days now. It’s time to go back. Do you really plan to stay here forever?” She glanced around the room. “Or do you want to live in a place like this for the rest of your life?”
Liu Hexiao replied nonchalantly, “What’s wrong with staying here forever?”
Liu Hening’s expression tensed. “You can’t be serious.”
Liu Hexiao merely smiled and avoided answering directly.
Pushing the cup toward her, he said, “Elder Sister, try this. It’s better than anything in the palace.”
Liu Hening glanced at him and asked, “This tea… was it made by that girl?”
Liu Hexiao hesitated for a moment before responding gently, “Yes, it’s Yuanyang Milk Tea.”
Liu Hening fell silent briefly but ultimately said nothing as she picked up the cup.
Her slender hand lightly gripped the cup. Inside, the milk tea had a rich, brown hue, looking distinct from traditional teas.
“Elder Sister, try it quickly,” Liu Hexiao urged with anticipation.
Liu Hening tilted her head slightly and took a small sip.
The creamy sweetness filled her mouth immediately, followed by a subtle bitterness from the coffee undertones. The bitterness, however, quickly faded, replaced by the lingering fragrance of tea.
She froze momentarily, having never tasted a drink with such a complex and layered flavor.
Setting down the cup, Liu Hening remarked, “It’s indeed delicious.” She paused, then added, “No wonder you don’t want to leave.”
Liu Hexiao chuckled. “There are plenty of good things here. I’ll send some with you when you leave.”
Liu Hening gave him a sideways glance. “You’re already trying to send me away? You’re truly heartless.”
Liu Hexiao replied, “I may not know how you managed to leave the palace, but if you don’t return soon, you might get into trouble.”
Liu Hening’s expression stiffened slightly, but she reassured him, “Don’t worry… This time, it’s with his permission.”
“‘His?” Liu Hexiao asked, puzzled.
Liu Hening was, of course, referring to the Emperor.
She lowered her voice and said, “He allowed me to come and check on you, but naturally… he hopes the discord between you and Father will escalate further.”
Liu Hexiao let out a soundless laugh, as if he had already anticipated the Emperor’s intentions.
In recent years, though his father outwardly showed him respect, he often imposed restrictions on crucial decisions. Now that the Emperor’s power had solidified, he was beginning to grow dissatisfied.
As the future heir to his father’s title and military authority, Liu Hexiao was both a threat and an opportunity in the Emperor’s eyes. If Liu Hexiao could be swayed, the Emperor would likely find a way to undermine his father’s influence entirely.
Liu Hening, however, was deeply worried. She didn’t want discord between her father and brother, nor did she want the Emperor to exploit this rift to dismantle the Liu family’s power.
“Ah-Xiao,” Liu Hening said seriously, “Listen to your elder sister. Go back to the manor. If the Emperor finds no opportunity to exploit, the Liu family might have some peace for a while…”
Liu Hexiao remained silent for a moment before suddenly looking up at her. “Elder Sister, a brief period of peace… and then what?”
Liu Hening froze.
He continued in a low voice, “Elder Sister, my time at Shengjing Dessert Shop… it’s not just for Yihuan. I have my own plans. If he wants to use me, I’ll give him the chance.”
Liu Hening immediately tensed up and asked anxiously, “What are you planning to do?”
Translation Notes
- Yuanyang Milk Tea (鸳鸯奶茶):
A blend of tea and coffee, this drink is popular in certain parts of Asia, such as Hong Kong. Its mix of bitterness (coffee) and smoothness (milk tea) mirrors the emotional tensions and complexities between the characters.
Yuanyang Milk Tea :
