Chapter Sixty-One: The Female Physician Lin Qing

Madam Gu harbored a certain jealousy toward her elder sister-in-law. In Great Qing, it was commonplace for men to take multiple wives and concubines; even the Loyal and Brave Marquis had two concubines and chambermaids to warm his bed. Yet Gu Xiangyi, her elder sister-in-law, had none. After nearly twenty years of marriage, her husband, Song Zhiyuan, had never taken a concubine—not even when Gu Xiangyi was pregnant or after she gave birth. He refused to allow a chambermaid to serve him at night.

In the past, when Song Zhiyuan lacked power and status, it was understandable that he dared not take another woman for fear of the Marquis’s influence. But as his official rank grew, he remained steadfast. Now, having reached the pinnacle of power and seated as Prime Minister, he still devoted himself solely to Gu Xiangyi. How could one not be envious?

It wasn’t only Madam Gu who felt jealousy; many women in the capital envied her as well. Yet, jealousy aside, from the standpoint of interests, they were secretly pleased. After all, with no other woman vying for Song Zhiyuan’s favor, Gu Xiangyi’s position remained unthreatened, and the alliance through marriage with the Loyal and Brave Marquis’s household was secure. Even if another woman did arise, she might not pose a threat, but where there are more people, gossip follows.

Thus, if Song Zhiyuan truly harbored such intentions, it would be better for Gu Xiangyi herself to elevate a maid openly. With the contract in her own hands, the girl would have no means to stir trouble.

“My dear sister, it’s not that I wish to sow discord between you and your husband,” Madam Gu said earnestly, “I simply fear you might become stubborn and let some wretched woman seize the opportunity. If you choose someone yourself, you’ll know her background and keep her under control.”

Madam Song smiled. “I know you mean well, but the Prime Minister genuinely has no such desire. Just a few days ago, I even suggested to him that Furong could serve him, but he refused.”

Seeing this, Madam Gu said no more. “You’re about to become a grandmother soon. As long as you know your own mind, that’s well.”

Madam Song nodded.

“Fang Mama, please invite Miss Lin, the physician, for a conversation.”

Fang Mama responded with a smile and left. Moments later, she returned, leading in a slender woman of twenty-seven or twenty-eight, dressed in a misty blue gown. Her features were delicate, her hair braided and coiled atop her head, adorned with a jade comb and two simple pearl silver hairpins. Her eyes were clear and luminous, reflecting the light.

This was Lin Qing, the physician.

Lin Qing stepped forward gracefully and bowed to Madam Song and Madam Gu, her voice crisp, her manner neither servile nor haughty.

“Divine Physician Lin, please sit and have some tea,” Madam Song said, smiling as she ordered tea to be served.

Lin Qing seated herself on a nearby stool. “I do not dare claim the title of divine physician. Madam, please address me as Doctor Lin, or simply by my name.”

“Doctor Lin,” Madam Song readily corrected herself. “I believe my sister-in-law has spoken to you about the duties of our household physician? We already have one physician who tends to everyone, but there are matters women find difficult to discuss openly. This time, we’ve invited you mainly to care for our Grand Madam. I’ve heard you excel in medicinal cuisine as well?”

Lin Qing replied with a smile, “I have some skill. Since learning pharmacology, I have also studied medicinal cuisine. Caring for the Grand Madam is no trouble, but I will only serve your household for three years. Should any changes occur, I will inform you in advance. If you find my terms agreeable, I will do my utmost to look after the Grand Madam.”

“Of course,” Madam Song replied, sipping her tea and hesitating for a moment before asking, “Doctor Lin, since the birth of my son, it has been thirteen years since I conceived again. In your opinion, is it still possible for a woman of my age to have another child?”