"I haven't even had the chance to thank you properly, Li'er," Leng Xue said with a grateful smile. "Those drawings you made are incredibly cute. The small accessories we produced with those patterns are selling like wildfire. I've had the seamstresses working through the night to keep up with the demand."
Mo Lixia smiled. Regardless of the era, there were always innovators and those who craved the new and unconventional—the "trendsetters" of the Capital.
"I'm glad they are popular. I'll draw a few more for you soon," Lixia said. "By the way, I made a few jars of fragrant balm today and saved one specifically for you. See if you like it." She handed a simple wooden box to Leng Xue.
Leng Xue opened it curiously. "Fragrant balm? What is it?" Inside was a soft, pink, creamy substance that wafted the sweet scent of osmanthus.
"It's for the face," Lixia explained. "Unlike traditional powders that can be drying, this is very moisturizing. It nourishes the skin and gives you a radiant glow." She demonstrated by dabbing a small amount onto her cheek.
"Truly?" Leng Xue followed suit. "Mmm, it really is wonderful! Much smoother than any powder I've used."
"It's great for hydration, but it doesn't have a whitening effect. You should use this first, then apply your powder," Lixia advised.
"Thank you, Li'er. To think of me with such a fine thing... where did you buy it?"
Lixia gave a mysterious smile. "I didn't buy it. I made it myself."
"You made this?" Leng Xue was stunned. She had seen all the luxury products the noble ladies of the Capital used, but she had never seen anything like this.
"Yes. Master taught me the basics, and I spent my free time in the mountains experimenting."
The Clash of Values
Because of her mother's curfew, Lixia didn't stay long. After some snacks, she returned home with her maids.
During dinner, she mentioned treating the female patient at the pharmacy. To her surprise, Madam Mo looked shocked. "Li'er, you... you understand such things?"
"Yes, I studied them in my medical books," Lixia replied, catching herself before mentioning her Master.
"It is not good for a young girl to know such things," Madam Mo warned, her expression serious. "If you know too much about those 'indiscreet' ailments, people will question your own character. In the future, try to avoid treating such patients."
Lixia was momentarily speechless. She wanted to argue, but the words felt heavy in her throat. She could only offer a muffled, "Oh."
Back in her courtyard, she flopped onto her bed in frustration. I am a doctor! To a physician, there is only the patient and the illness; there are no secular taboos. This ancient society is far too stifling!
The Prince and the Uninvited Guest
At the Prince Kang Manor, Yi Junlan sat alone in his study. He looked at the intelligence reports regarding the General's daughter.
Is it really her? When he first returned as a "cripple," he hadn't the heart to search for the girl he had only seen once. He looked down at his legs, his eyes filled with a dark, lingering pain. How can someone like me be worthy of a person so ethereal?
He looked at the painting of the girl by the cave, his brow etched with longing. As long as she is safe and found, I am content to watch her from afar.
"Squeak! Squeak!"
A sound from the windowsill broke his reverie. He looked up and froze. There, sitting on the ledge, was a creature identical to the one in his painting.
It was A'Mu. The chinchilla, covered in dust from its latest adventure, was happily munching on a wild ginseng root.
Yi Junlan watched the little creature for a long time. A rare, genuine smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Little thing... do you recognize me?"
Mochen's Medical Debut
The next morning, Lixia found Mochen waiting for her in the hall.
"Godfather is busy at the camp today, and Brother has duties too, so I'm staying with you, Master!" Mochen announced. He pulled a short sword from his belt—a gift from his godfather. "Look! Brother taught me a few moves. Master, let me show you!"
He began practicing in the courtyard. His movements were still raw, but his focus was intense. Lixia encouraged him; in this world, knowing how to defend oneself was just as important as knowing how to heal.
After breakfast, Lixia and Mochen headed to the pharmacy. The first batch of pills had sold out, and it was going to be a busy day.
Lixia donned her surgical gown and got to work in the back, making seasonal medicines like Six-One Powder and Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Pills to combat the summer heat and digestive issues.
Mochen, meanwhile, was bored. He sat at the consultation desk and began reading Dr. Chai's old case files. "Brother Mo Yan," he called out, "I actually know how to treat all of these symptoms!"
"Truly, Little Master?" Mo Yan asked, surprised.
"Master taught me through real-life examples. These common illnesses are easy!"
Just as Mo Yan was marveling at the boy's confidence, an elderly man was led into the shop by a young child. The man looked gaunt and sallow.
"Doctor, please help my grandfather," the child pleaded. "He hasn't been able to eat for days."
Mo Yan looked at Mochen, then led the old man to the desk. "This is our resident doctor for today. Let him take a look."