Chapter 94: Lost in Despair Yet Bound by Concern

On May 30th, Yun Qi was secretly subjected to castration punishment in the execution hall. Hua Wuying and Yun Xiangrong both cried themselves hoarse, their voices exhausted, yet they could not change the decisions of the matriarch and Chu Xiu. The punishment was personally overseen by Zhu Ying, and throughout the Yun residence, no one except the second branch was allowed to witness the execution.

Shortly after the hour of Chen, the execution hall sent an official to Rongjin Hall to report back, while Zhu Ying returned to Zhiyan Pavilion to inform Chu Xiu that the punishment had concluded.

The Yun residence appeared to have returned to calm once more. Outwardly, they claimed that Second Master Yun Qi had suddenly fallen gravely ill and was recuperating in Jinlu Hall. Hua Wuying had invited several physicians to reside there to tend to Yun Qi’s injuries. The renowned doctor Qu Fang was contemplating leaving but feared Chu Xiu would not permit it. Therefore, he brought Shen Yu along as an intermediary.

Shen Yu was certain Chu Xiu would not trouble Master Qu Fang, but he was eager to see Chu Xiu himself and thus accompanied him to Zhiyan Pavilion.

“I am but a wanderer beyond the realms, traveling to heal here and there, occasionally saving lives through kindness. This time, I have made an exception in the residence for Madam. Now that matters here are settled, and the great enmity of the two marquises has been avenged, I hope Madam will permit me to depart,” Qu Fang said with some reluctance but sincere respect.

Chu Xiu understood Qu Fang’s predicament. Although their initial intention was to uncover the secret liaison between Zhuo Yan and Yun Qi and clear the legitimate bloodline’s name, Qu Fang’s assistance in feigning pregnancy and concealing the matter had indeed breached medical ethics. Given his current reputation and mindset, this was undoubtedly something he was unwilling to do.

Chu Xiu was unaware of the precise relationship between Qu Fang and the Yun family, but Qu Fang had once earnestly worked to cleanse Yun Ci’s fetal poison; later, when she contracted the plague, he had rushed back from the Nanxi border at Yun Ci’s command; and now, he had used his reputation to help conceal her false pregnancy—a rare act of loyalty.

Chu Xiu was not one to press matters harshly and respected Qu Fang’s wishes. She replied, “This time, you have greatly helped me, and by a twist of fate, you exposed the mastermind behind the poison of secret affections. I hardly know how to repay you… From now on, whatever you command, as far as I am able, I shall serve you.”

Qu Fang did not expect such readiness from Chu Xiu. Recalling his devoted disciple Shen Yu’s heartfelt loyalty, he hinted with a smile, “Madam is too kind... The young marquis has truly learned from me. Now that he resides in Fangzhou, if there is any medical matter, he can serve in my stead.” This was his way of paving a path for Shen Yu.

Chu Xiu glanced at Shen Yu sitting nearby and smiled gently, “The young marquis has also bestowed upon me the gift of rebirth. In sum, I owe you both greatly…”

“Madam is too gracious,” Qu Fang stroked his beard, returning the smile.

“When do you intend to depart, Divine Doctor? And where will you go next?” Chu Xiu asked.

Qu Fang shook his head, “I have no fixed home, accustomed to wandering. Now alone in my old age, I wish to travel while my bones are still strong and supplement the ancient medical texts passed down.”

Upon hearing this, Chu Xiu’s expression grew reverent, “Your virtuous character and dedication to healing the world command great respect.”

Qu Fang waved his hand modestly and was about to say more when Danxin announced from outside, “Madam, Yue Wan from the Nizhang Pavilion has arrived.”

Yue Wan was summoned by Chu Xiu. Since the night of the “spectacle,” when she saw her in the inner garden, Chu Xiu guessed that Yue Wan was the one who had left the note. Remembering her sister’s tragic death, Chu Xiu understood her deep resentment. Thus, she privately conferred with Yue Wan, hoping she would publicly accuse Zhuo Yan at the right moment, preventing the confusion over the legitimate bloodline and allowing Yun Ci to rest in peace.

Ten days prior, Yue Wan had exposed Yun Qi’s affair with Zhuo Yan in the execution hall and implicated Yun Xiangrong as aware, sealing her fate to be unable to remain in the Yun residence. After the second branch was convicted, Chu Xiu had decided to release her with only minor bruises.

The matriarch’s intent had been to send Yue Wan to serve in another Yun estate in Fangzhou. But as long as she remained under the Yun property’s domain, she would not be safe. Fearing retaliation from the second branch, Chu Xiu petitioned the matriarch to return Yue Wan’s indenture contract and allow her to leave to seek her own path.

Unexpectedly, when this was mentioned, Yue Wan expressed a desire to study medicine. Seeing Qu Fang’s own wish to depart, Chu Xiu seized the opportunity to build a bridge by summoning Yue Wan. Whether she could move Qu Fang was up to her own abilities.

Just as Chu Xiu pondered this, Yue Wan stepped in boldly and respectfully kowtowed, “Your servant Yue Wan pays respects to Madam, the young marquis, and Divine Doctor Qu.”

“You are free now; there is no need to call yourself ‘servant,’” Chu Xiu smiled.

That simple sentence choked Yue Wan, “Madam, you remember my sister Yue Ju, whom you only met once, and have given me the chance to avenge her. Now you even let me leave the Yun residence. For such great kindness, I already regard you as my mistress.”

Chu Xiu blushed slightly. Seeing Qu Fang rise to avoid the moment, she quickly asked Yue Wan, “Enough of that. What do you intend to do from now on?”

“Well…” Yue Wan glanced at Qu Fang seated in the hall and replied honestly, “I wish to learn medicine. If Divine Doctor Qu does not disdain my clumsy hands, I hope to become his disciple.”

Upon hearing this, Qu Fang was surprised and raised his eyebrows at Chu Xiu, who met his gaze calmly. He knew she had foreseen this and wished to facilitate it.

Qu Fang stroked his beard and asked Yue Wan, “Why do you want to study medicine?”

Yue Wan turned to him earnestly, “I was born into poverty; my parents died of illness. My sister and I sold ourselves into the Yun residence, and through diligence, I have risen to first attendant maid. My sister passed away young due to the plague. Life and death spare no one. I wish to learn medicine to heal and save others, so fewer suffer the loss of loved ones as I have.”

Her words were simple but deeply sincere. Qu Fang sighed slowly and looked at Chu Xiu, bluntly asking, “Madam, you didn’t coach her on this, did you?”

Chu Xiu laughed wryly, “So in Divine Doctor Qu’s eyes, I am a silver-tongued woman?”

Indeed, Madam Chu Xiu had once suffered from a throat ailment, often silent and reserved. Her most talkative moment was during the interrogation in the execution hall, where her sharp words, steeped in law and family code, were filled with righteous anger and struck fear into the hearts of listeners.

Sometimes, resentment truly can be a driving force for change. Even a gentle, taciturn woman like Chu Xiu was driven to conceive the cruel punishment of castration, condemning the second branch mother and son and Zhuo Yan to live in torment.

Qu Fang sighed deeply, “Madam cares so much even for a mere maid like Yue Wan. I hope you keep your heart true and do not let hatred breed greed or anger that you cannot turn back from.”

Chu Xiu understood well that this was in reference to her recent behavior. After a moment’s thought, she replied solemnly, “Divine Doctor, rest assured, I will remember your words.”

Qu Fang nodded and glanced at Shen Yu before sighing to Yue Wan, “I am glad you wish to learn medicine. However... when I accepted young Marquis Shen, I made it clear he was my only disciple, and I will take no more.”

This was a refusal. Disappointment flickered across Yue Wan’s face, but she replied politely, “You are a divine doctor, with many noble disciples desiring to study under you. I, of humble birth, was merely indulging a wild dream. Please forgive my presumptuousness.”

Qu Fang laughed, “Today, most physicians are men. Although medicine knows no gender, dealing with female patients can be awkward. You are young and have the will to learn medicine; that is a good thing.”

Yue Wan thought this mere politeness and replied courteously, “Thank you for your guidance...”

“However,” Qu Fang suddenly added, “I have lived alone all my life, without wife or child. Now that I am old, I feel lonely. Though I no longer take disciples, I can accept an adopted daughter. Yue Wan, if you do not mind, you may stay with me—but it will not be easy.”

An adopted daughter! Qu Fang was willing to take Yue Wan as his adopted daughter! This was an unexpected delight. Not only Yue Wan, but Chu Xiu and Shen Yu were astonished and genuinely pleased for her.

Yue Wan herself looked incredulous, as if in a dream.

“Yue Wan! Bow to your adopted father!” Chu Xiu hurriedly reminded her.

Only then did Yue Wan come to herself, nearly crying with joy, and knelt repeatedly, kowtowing to Qu Fang, “Yue Wan fears no hardship! Yue Wan pays respects to her adopted father!”

Even the long-silent Shen Yu could not help but laugh, “Master has always been proud and picky about disciples. Now that we brothers have all completed our training and left, I was concerned about your old age. This is perfect—having Sister Yue Wan to keep you company, I need not worry anymore.”

Qu Fang seemed pleased with his adopted daughter and smiled at Yue Wan, “A healer must have a compassionate heart. You do not seek wealth or comfort but wish to avenge your sister and now seek to learn medicine for the sake of others. This is fate between us.”

Then he glanced at Shen Yu and teased, “Even for your sake, I cannot slight Madam Chu Xiu’s face.”

Shen Yu looked toward Chu Xiu, but she seemed not to hear, her gaze fixed on Yue Wan with a look of unburdened release.

Unburdened release. The four words struck Shen Yu suddenly, and he rose swiftly to look at Chu Xiu, fearing that after dealing with the second branch and arranging Yue Wan’s future, she might consider joining them in death.

With this thought, Shen Yu grew anxious and signaled Qu Fang.

Qu Fang understood immediately and said to Yue Wan, “I depart tomorrow. You should go back and prepare your belongings.”

Yue Wan quickly agreed, then thanked Chu Xiu profusely before departing. Qu Fang followed, leaving only Shen Yu and Chu Xiu in the room.

Before Chu Xiu could speak, Shen Yu admitted, “I came with Master today because I wanted to see you.”

This made it difficult for Chu Xiu to say anything further. Her long lashes fluttered as she sought a topic, “When will the young marquis move to the garden?”

“Are you in such a hurry to send me away?” Shen Yu misunderstood and sighed bitterly.

Chu Xiu remained silent, unwilling to respond. To deny it would give him false hope.

“I don’t know whether it’s you who’s foolish or me…” Shen Yu sighed again, looking at Chu Xiu, “Han Chu, promise me—whether you accept me or not from now on—you must never again entertain thoughts of dying for love.”

“Who would die for love?” Before Chu Xiu could answer, an old and authoritative voice sounded outside the door. The matriarch, her face stern, entered and fixed her gaze on Chu Xiu like a burning torch, “I was counting on you to select an heir from the collateral branches to adopt for Ci’er, to act as mother and teach the heir. If you’re intent on dying, then at least teach the heir well before you go!”