The matter of Lu Shu was kept within the Lu family and not widely publicized.
However, their public acknowledgment of Zheng Qian as a disciple of Lu Qi caused an uproar. It quickly became a hot topic of discussion.
"Just because she saved a merchant's son, the Lu family is going this far to flatter her?"
"The Jing'an Marquis Manor is declining. Even with its title, it's not as prestigious as the Lu family. Why would they curry favor with the Marquis' eldest daughter like this? Even acknowledging her as a Ghost Physician disciple?"
More than curiosity, people felt confusion. No one understood the Lu family's intentions.
Empress Dowager Hu summoned the Lu family patriarch into the palace again. Lu Shunyan explained everything in detail, including the full story behind the matter.
He also took the opportunity to file a complaint against Princess Baoqing.
"She takes after her mother," Empress Dowager Hu snorted. "Consort Dantai is just as arrogant and domineering. Someone, summon the Consort."
The palace attendants obeyed.
Consort Dantai looked down on this imperial mother-in-law but dared not show it. After being scolded, she felt wronged and defended her daughter:
"Didn't the Lu family boy survive?"
"That's because of the Ghost Physician!"
"Your Majesty, that's just something to fool the elderly. It's not real. The Lu boy wasn't seriously hurt—just kicked a couple of times. He blocked the princess' path. What's wrong with that?"
Empress Dowager Hu was furious but powerless.
She wasn't like Empress Dowager Qi, who held both capability and authority over the harem. The consorts didn't respect her, and all she could do was vent her anger.
She sent for the emperor.
The emperor, already burdened with state affairs, was irritated by his mother's complaints. He came, scolded Consort Dantai lightly, and dismissed the matter without real consequence.
"...Your Majesty, I'm not wrong. The Lu boy didn't die. The old man is just complaining to the Empress Dowager," Consort Dantai insisted.
The emperor cast her a cold glance. "Return to your palace."
He had no interest in the details of Lu Shu's injuries or Zheng Qian's medical skill. His mind was occupied by something far more pressing—Xiao Zhan.
Xiao Zhan was his younger brother and a key general. It was late July. The Xiongnu at Baiya Town still had grazing land and strong livestock, so they wouldn't invade yet. But once winter came, resources would run out, and raids would begin again—as they did every year.
The old general at Baiya Town planned to retire. Xiao Zhan was the emperor's only reliable choice. Other generals either lacked loyalty or ability.
If Xiao Zhan couldn't take command, the coming winter could bring disaster.
The emperor felt little attachment to the women in his palace, including the empress.
When Princess Baoqing heard of the situation, she didn't blame the Lu family—only Zheng Qian. She still resented being rejected when she had sent an invitation before.
Zheng Qian, however, knew nothing of this.
She was busy.
Busy revising the medical text left behind by Lu Qi.
The book recorded surgical procedures but omitted the most critical elements—no mention of anesthesia, no infection control, no postoperative care.
Lu Qi's intention had been noble. Without the necessary medicines, recording such details might mislead others or alter the course of history.
Zheng Qian didn't care about that.
She wasn't bound by historical purism. She believed change wasn't something to fear.
The book was thick. It would take her one or two months to revise.
During this time, she stayed home—editing the text, playing with her cat, doing daily physical training, and having dinner with her younger brother while teasing him.
Zheng Chi occasionally brought her small gifts—food or trinkets—to cheer her up.
Wen Zhao came often to visit, but Zheng Qian was too busy. He usually had to come three times before she would see him once.
She even teased him:
"Why not visit my second sister?"
Wen Zhao immediately shook his head. "No, I'm scared."
"Scared of what?"
"She's fierce."
"And I'm not?"
"You have a beauty mark between your brows. Even when you're fierce, you look like a bodhisattva. She doesn't—when she's fierce, she looks like a ghost."
Zheng Qian: "..."
Half a month later, Lu Shu had recovered enough to go out. He came personally to thank Zheng Qian.
But his gratitude faltered at the very first words:
"Miss Zheng…"
Zheng Qian coughed heavily.
Lu Ze, who accompanied him, quickly reminded him:
"Elder Brother, you must call her 'Ancestor.'"
Lu Shu: "..."
He struggled for a long time but still couldn't bring himself to say it.
Meanwhile, the Zheng family's attitude toward Zheng Qian had begun to change.
The Jing'an Marquis even sent for her, inviting her to his study to appreciate a newly completed landscape painting.
Through inherited memories, Zheng Qian knew her father was a master painter. His works could fetch high prices, though he never sold them openly to preserve his dignity.
Whenever he finished a masterpiece, he would invite Zheng Yutan to admire and learn from it.
The original Zheng Qian had always wanted to go—but was always refused.
Now, he was inviting her.
Zheng Qian curled her lips in disdain.
"I need to do needlework. That is my proper duty. I won't disturb Father."
She no longer needed to give him face.
The Marquis felt both surprised and displeased.
"I finally show her favor, and she dares to put on airs?"
The Old Madam still favored Zheng Yutan and disliked Zheng Qian. The Third Young Master Zheng Hao and Zheng Yutan were secretly plotting revenge.
Zheng Qian ignored them all, living quietly behind closed doors.
By mid-July, after an autumn rain, the air turned cool. The oppressive heat vanished.
In Hui Ning Courtyard, an osmanthus tree bloomed early. Under the morning glow, it looked as though the branches and rooftops were draped in rosy clouds.
The maids chattered excitedly—today, Mid-Autumn Festival gifts would be distributed.
Hearing this, Zheng Qian said to Nanny Dai,
"Prepare additional gifts for the courtyard. If the official allotment is too little, everyone will feel disappointed."
Nanny Dai agreed gladly.
Just then, Third Young Master Zheng Hao arrived.
Dressed in deep purple robes, sleeves flowing elegantly, he carried himself with refined grace.
He smiled. "Little Sister, it's been a while."
The servants grew wary.
Only Zheng Qian remained calm, smiling with her cat in her arms.
"What brings Third Brother here?"
"Can't I come visit you? You used to invite me here often."
"Please, come in."
They entered the main hall. Tea was served, and the servants withdrew, leaving only Zheng Qian and her cat.
Zheng Hao smiled.
"Little Sister, I came because I have something to discuss."
Zheng Qian smiled back.
"What is it, Third Brother?"