While Song Ci was walking down the street with several children, Madam of the Prime Minister’s Mansion was receiving her sister-in-law from her maternal family, also the Marchioness of the Duke Zhongyong Mansion.
"I heard your mother-in-law is completely recovered, both your elder brother and I are relieved, and Mother even fasted for three days. Xiangyi, you truly have a blessed life." The Marchioness, whose maiden name was Luo, held Madam’s hand with much emotion.
Madam smiled and said, "It’s all thanks to Mother’s blessing and the support from the family, and this time as well, we found the medical lady so quickly. Sister-in-law, does this Lady Lin have genuine skills?"
Lady Gu clicked her tongue and retorted, "Your elder brother and I know very well how important the matriarch is to your mansion. How could we dare bring a medical lady with no real skills to the Prime Minister’s Mansion? Rest assured, this Lady Lin is trained by the renowned Lu Family of doctors, and her medical skills are excellent."
Madam was startled, "The Lu Family? Could it be the Lu Family known for having a son who became a monk yet had extraordinary medical skills?"
"Precisely," Lady Gu smiled brightly, "This Lady Lin is the direct niece of Master Buhui, and possesses outstanding medical skills."
Madam seemed puzzled at the words, "Since she’s trained by the Lu Family, why would she be willing to stay long-term as a mansion’s physician?"
Lady Gu sipped from her teacup and said, "After completing her apprenticeship, Lady Lin worked as a doctor at the Lu Family’s medical clinic and also took private consultations in her spare time. During one such visit, she caught the eye of the wife’s brother-in-law of the Magistrate of Linchuan who wanted her as his second wife. Lady Lin, being unmarried by choice, refused, and the man, feeling offended, harassed the clinic daily, so Lady Lin left to avoid implicating the clinic."
"The Lu Family is a renowned family of doctors, anyone daring to offend them must be a fool, right?" Madam sneered.
Offending a doctor is never wise, as you can never guarantee you’ll never fall ill and need a doctor, especially with the Lu Family’s medical prowess. Can you guarantee you’ll never need them?"
Lady Gu lowered her voice and said, "This is the story for outsiders. Another version is that Lady Lin admired Master Buhui, but he refused to leave monkhood. Heartbroken, she left."
Madam suddenly understood.
So, she was heartbroken.
"Regardless of her reasons, her skills are what matter. Plus, she said she’d only stay for three years, and after that, she might leave to wander and practice medicine." Lady Gu added, "So whether you can keep her during these years is up to you."
Madam said, "As long as she has real skills, we’re willing to spend any amount."
"I think she has some tricks up her sleeve, for instance, I..." Lady Gu blushed as she leaned closer to Madam and whispered a few private words.
Madam also blushed, coughed, pursed her lips, and said, "Sister-in-law, do you think if I ask her to take my pulse, she can help me conceive again?"
Lady Gu frowned, "Why, did your mother-in-law say something?"
"Not really, it’s my own wish. You know, with only Su’er, not having a sibling to support him is always a regret." Madam bit her lips, "It’s better if I bear another child than someone else bearing one for the Prime Minister."
Lady Gu’s expression turned stern, "Has the Prime Minister had such thoughts?" She paused and said, "Xiangyi, you are stubborn by nature. Actually, if you allow one of your maidservants to be raised up, it’s far more manageable than letting him find one on his own, at least you can have control, right?"
Madam was somewhat upset at this, "No, the Prime Minister doesn’t have such intentions, even if I bring it up, he wouldn’t agree."