Lu was not highly regarded within the Lu family.
Suddenly becoming the focus of everyone's attention, he couldn't bear the weight of their gazes. Instinctively, he tried to avoid them, his face flushing red.
"I—earlier this afternoon… Grandfather, you heard it too. Miss Zheng said she specializes in acute conditions. My eldest brother's injury—this counts as an acute case, right?" Lu's voice trembled slightly as he subconsciously sought support.
Unfortunately, his father stood too far away.
Everyone snapped back to attention and looked toward the old master.
"Are you referring to that Miss Zheng—the one rumored to bring the dead back to life?" Physician Sun asked.
He had also heard of Zheng Qian's reputation.
Her story had spread in an almost legendary manner.
Ordinarily, such legends began in the streets and only later reached noble households. But Zheng Qian was different—her reputation spread first among the wealthy and powerful, even reaching the imperial court.
Physician Sun specialized in minor surgery—bone-setting and treating abscesses—so he did not fully believe in Zheng Qian's abilities. In his view, the rumors were likely exaggerated.
"Yes, it's her," Lu said.
All eyes turned toward the old master.
Lu Shu's father was overjoyed and quickly said, "Father, my wife and I will go to the Marquis of Jing'an's residence. Though it is late, this concerns a life—surely they will make an exception."
He motioned for his wife to accompany him.
Lu Shu's mother, unable to enter the cramped room filled with physicians, stood outside anxiously, her heart in turmoil.
But the old master hesitated.
Earlier that day, Zheng Qian had demonstrated emergency techniques. While impressive, they seemed more like clever tricks.
But did she truly have the ability?
Summoning her in the dead of night—offering hope only to face disappointment—wouldn't that also place her in a difficult position?
She was an unmarried young woman. Though the Zheng family had declined in status, their standing was still higher than the Lu family's. Would she even come?
Prince Ancheng finally spoke. "It's best not to disturb her at this hour. Besides, Miss Zheng may not be able to treat every illness."
He worried about Zheng Qian's reputation.
Previously, when the emperor and Empress Dowager summoned her for Prince Rui's illness, she had admitted she could not cure him. This had displeased them.
Zheng Qian was not all-powerful.
If she were summoned now and failed again—how would she recover from that?
She still relied on her reputation to maintain her standing within her family.
As someone who knew her, Prince Ancheng did not wish to see her publicly humiliated.
"Old Master, in my opinion, you should not delay," he added. "Use whatever methods you have left. Even if Miss Zheng comes, she would only be attempting something… After all, no one has ever cured an injury like this."
Ruptured viscera—no matter how skilled the physician—was a death sentence. Why struggle in vain?
But the old master's expression hardened with resolve.
Yes—if it was a fatal injury, what did they have to lose?
If Zheng Qian could treat it, then so be it. If not, the Lu family would not lose anything.
Wasn't she claiming to be a disciple of the Ghost Doctor?
If she wanted to benefit from the Lu family, she should also contribute.
"Your Highness, forgive us—we must still request Miss Zheng's help," the old master said. "If she refuses, then it means my grandson simply lacks fate."
He turned to the eldest master. "Take your wife and bring the old ancestor from our family!"
Everyone: "..."
Prince Ancheng: "..."
This time, it seemed the one setting the trap had backfired.
The old master was quite ruthless. If Zheng Qian refused, she would lose the credibility of her "Ghost Doctor disciple" title. If she came and failed, she would also lose it.
The Lu family was forcing her to stake everything on this.
Prince Ancheng thought of her earlier words about Prince Rui's illness and shook his head.
It seemed she was about to offend the Lu family just as she had offended the emperor and Empress Dowager.
That girl really was unfortunate.
All the reputation she had gained only brought her trouble.
To ensure the Lu family didn't mistreat her, Prince Ancheng decided not to leave. He would stay and observe. At the very least, if they later slandered her in front of the Empress Dowager, he could speak on her behalf.
"You, too, go," the old master said to Lu.
Everyone glanced at him again.
For such an important matter, the old master had instructed him to go—did that mean he truly knew Miss Zheng?
This lowly illegitimate son might finally gain a place in the Lu family.
Lu agreed.
Before they departed, Prince Ancheng stopped them once more and handed over his token.
"If the main gate of the Marquis of Jing'an's residence refuses to open, go through the side entrance on the west. That's where the eldest young master resides. Tell him I am present and ask him to inform Miss Zheng."
Lu accepted it gratefully.
At the Marquis of Jing'an's residence, the night watch attendant at the main gate refused them outright.
"Get lost! Do you think this is any place you can barge into in the middle of the night? Disturb the masters, and you'll pay for it!"
The eldest master and his wife glanced at Lu.
But Lu didn't argue. Instead, he said, "Uncle, Aunt, let's go to the side gate. It doesn't matter where we enter—as long as we can ask for help."
The eldest master nodded.
At the side gate, the attendant recognized the token and asked them to wait.
Moments later, Zheng Chi personally came out.
He first asked about the situation and the patient's condition.
Lu explained everything in detail—even mentioning how Princess Baoqing's guards had kicked his brother.
"Prince Ancheng sent you?" Zheng Chi asked.
Lu replied cleverly, "Yes, young master."
Zheng Chi gave him a sharp, assessing look, then nodded. "Wait here."
He made his way to Hui Ning Courtyard.
Zheng Qian had only just lain down—she had not yet slept.
Upon hearing the knock, she got up again.
"Ruptured viscera… a fatal injury," Zheng Chi said. "Even martial artists know this. Prince Ancheng is also there—he sent them to request you. I don't know what their intent is, but you should refuse at the side gate."
Zheng Qian's heart tightened.
Ruptured viscera—internal abdominal injury?
Internal bleeding?
Without CT scans, the only way to confirm was abdominal puncture followed by exploratory surgery.
She had surgical tools, sterile clothing, antibiotics, and all necessary medicines in her space.
This was a surgery she could perform.
But… could she?
Would people see her as a monster and have her killed?
After a brief silence, she said, "I'll go take a look."
Whether she was killed or not—she would treat the patient.
She could. She wanted to.
At the side gate, Lu immediately knelt before her.
"Old ancestor, my grandfather begs you to save my brother."
Zheng Chi: "..."
To save Lu Shu, the Lu family was even willing to address her as "old ancestor"—fully acknowledging her as the Ghost Doctor's disciple.
Zheng Qian's heart stirred slightly.
No matter how difficult the procedure, she had to attempt it.
If she succeeded, the Lu family would vouch for her. Her medical skills would gain legitimacy, and she could survive in this world more easily.
"Get up. I'll go," she said.
Zheng Chi gave her a deep, warning look, his gaze sharp and piercing.
Zheng Qian ignored him.
Instead, she turned to the servant. "Go to Hui Ning Courtyard and have Caiyuan bring my medical kit."
She needed that small box as a cover.
Yu Zhong acknowledged and left.
Seeing that he could not dissuade her, Zheng Chi turned to Shi Yong.
"Go to the front and get a carriage," he said.
He would go as well.