Gu Youyou smiled and decided not to beat around the bush. She directly asked, "So, what brings Concubine Du to my clinic today?"
Concubine Du glanced at the half-closed door. Gu Youyou immediately understood and got up to tightly close the door, then waited for her to speak.
"During our third young lady’s coming-of-age ceremony, I actually didn’t recognize Doctor Gu. I am truly ashamed."
Gu Youyou let out a dry laugh, "... as long as Concubine Du doesn’t find me presumptuous, it’s fine."
Concubine Du mustered a strained smile, looking quite uncomfortable. After a while, she said, "I don’t know if Doctor Gu can treat infertility? I have been married to my husband for five years now, and there’s still no movement in my belly. I’ve also consulted other doctors, but to no avail. Hearing about Doctor Gu’s exceptional medical skills, I decided to give it a try."
"Infertility?" Gu Youyou raised an eyebrow. She had heard they had not conceived. After a moment, she said, "That’s hard to say. There are many different reasons for infertility. Some can be treated, others cannot. Besides, having a child involves both husband and wife. It’s not necessarily the case that the problem lies with you..."
Concubine Du immediately interjected before Gu Youyou could finish, "It can’t be my husband’s problem. It must be me..."
Seeing her certitude, Gu Youyou got serious.
"Then, Concubine Du, what do you think is wrong with your health?"
Concubine Du hesitantly described her symptoms. After listening, Gu Youyou checked her thoroughly and indeed, the problem was with her.
"Ah! It’s all my fault for not being careful. The same year my sister and I married my husband, although I knew she disliked me, I was not cautious enough. She pushed me into the pond in the garden. It was September, and the water was nearly freezing, which let the chill invade my body. I was sick until the next spring, and that’s when this chronic condition began."
Gu Youyou simply gave a faint smile and began writing a prescription.
In the struggle for favor amongst wives and concubines, who’s right and who’s wrong is not always clear.
But the fact remains that Concubine Du is a victor.
Concubine Du rambled on, "The day my sister fell ill, she was fortunate to have Doctor Gu’s help. She has finally seen reason, and after she recovers, she will divorce my husband. It’s for the best. He doesn’t like her, and staying in the Jie Family, she’s only suffering. I can protect her for now, but I can’t protect her for the rest of her life."
Hearing this, Gu Youyou stopped writing and looked up at Concubine Du.
"Miss Du intends to divorce? Was it her idea?"
"Yes, it was my sister who proposed it. Doctor Gu, it was you who treated her illness. How long must it take for her to recover?" After asking the question, Concubine Du seemed to realize something amiss in her query and quickly added, "What I mean is, my sister has been sick for so long without getting better. Is it something serious? I’m just worried about her."
Gu Youyou scoffed inwardly. Concubine Du was a good actor, no wonder she was favored.
Last time I met Miss Du, she wasn’t this type, which is why she’s at a disadvantage.
"Her illness has dragged on for a while, so it will take some time to heal. To fully recover, it will probably take about a month. It’s been half a month; she should be much better now."
"Much... much better?" Recalling how Xintong still looked weak and listless the day before, Concubine Du furrowed her brows.
Was she faking it? But why would she fake being sick?
"Isn’t that the case?" asked Gu Youyou with an amused look at the changing expressions of Concubine Du.
"No, no, she, she is much better now, thanks to Doctor Gu."
Gu Youyou didn’t inquire further. Instead, she finished prescribing the medicine for Concubine Du and explained how to use it.