Chapter 19: Disguised Entry

“Indeed, Madam, this is no trivial matter. Consumption has never been cured by physicians before, and if one is careless, they might catch it themselves,” Xia Yu expressed her disapproval.

“Miss, perhaps we should choose another patient; that way, we can still make a name for ourselves,” Zi Yue also opposed the plan.

“Yes, Miss. Let Brother Chunlei inquire around first to see if any family has a suitable patient, then we can make our decision,” Jiang Hua added her voice of caution.

“Rest assured, I can cure this illness. Consumption is not as contagious as you all fear. With proper precautions, infection is unlikely. I chose Lord Jin because I want to do him a favor in hopes he will accept my father as his student,” Yu Yuanzheng explained.

Seeing their reluctance, the attendants gave up persuading her.

“I rarely get to leave the mansion. Today, after speaking with Mother Consort, I’ve been permitted to be out all day. We shall visit the Jin residence today.

Chunlei, Xia Yu, you two go buy some outfits immediately.

Get me a set of men’s clothing, a mask, a medicine box, silver needles, and some medicinal herbs to make a convincing appearance.

In short, gather a complete set of a doctor’s essentials, then rent an inconspicuous carriage.

Time is tight; move quickly.”

Yu Yuanzheng handed a silver note to Chunlei.

The two swiftly went about the tasks.

The three—mistress and her attendants—waited inside a small shop, hiding the Wang family’s carriage in the backyard.

Once everything was prepared, a delicate young lad stepped out of the shop. His brows were clear and eyes bright, dressed in a white long robe with a pale blue silk ribbon tying his hair high—a blend of a wandering gentleman’s flair and the poise of a noble son.

“Miss, your attire looks splendid,” Zi Yue complimented with a smile.

“Enough. Put on your masks and face coverings. Let’s go.”

The rented carriage was modest, but had two rows of benches inside.

Two men took the reins, heading toward the Jin Hanlin residence.

The Jin family was not located in the southern district where nobles gathered but in the eastern district, where officials predominantly resided.

As the carriage stopped at the Jin estate gate, another carriage arrived simultaneously.

The emblem showed it was the Jin family’s own.

A man in his thirties alighted, followed by an elderly doctor, likely around seventy, carrying a medicine box and wearing a square, flat-topped cap.

“Madam, that is Jin Lin, the eldest son of Lord Jin Hanlin and current Deputy Magistrate of Jingzhao Prefecture,” Chunlei whispered to Yu Yuanzheng.

“Oh? Have we coincidentally run into their summoned doctor?” Yu Yuanzheng noticed the old man and realized they had a clash ahead.

An awkward situation indeed.

But it mattered little; skill would prove the truth.

Yu Yuanzheng stepped forward confidently. “Greetings, Lord Jin.”

She bowed politely.

“And who might you be?” Jin Lin scrutinized them, noting their masks and the one carrying a medicine box.

“Lord Jin, allow me to introduce myself. I hail from Medicine King Mountain, where my master is a recluse of great renown. I have studied medicine under him since childhood and am now venturing into the world to gain experience.

I heard that Lord Jin is unwell with consumption. What a coincidence—I specialize in this illness and have come to offer my services,” Yu Yuanzheng fabricated a grand background with vivid detail.

Yet Jin Lin regarded her as if she were mad.

“Where did this charlatan come from, daring to deceive my Jin residence? Leave at once,” Jin Lin said harshly. He had recently been swindled out of a sum and now faced another impostor—he was fed up.

“Please, Lord Jin, I am not a fraud—I truly am a doctor,” Yu Yuanzheng pleaded.

But Jin Lin ignored her and turned to leave. Yu Yuanzheng was not about to give up and grabbed his sleeve.

“Lord Jin, you cannot let this chance to save your father slip away. Otherwise, you would be the greatest unfilial son,” she urged relentlessly.

“Let go,” Jin Lin snapped, visibly angry.

He had sought countless doctors for his father’s illness, trying every possible means.

How dare she accuse him of unfilial conduct?

“I won’t let go. Just give me a chance. I won’t charge a fee—consultation is free.”

“Guards! Drive this unknown fraud far from my presence!” Jin Lin ordered.

Four guards by his side, plus four footmen from inside, immediately surrounded Yu Yuanzheng’s group and attacked without hesitation.

Yu Yuanzheng had not expected such force.

She quickly pulled the two maids back.

Chunlei and Xia Yu would not allow anyone to touch the Crown Prince’s consort; they leapt forward, delivering a flurry of punches and kicks.

In no time, the eight assailants lay sprawled on the ground, unable to rise.

Of course, they did not strike to kill—only enough to discipline.

Yu Yuanzheng watched in awe; it was her first time seeing such martial prowess—it was magnificent.

Her subordinates were truly formidable; when she had money, she would reward them handsomely.

Jin Lin was stunned by their fighting skill.

What kind of impostor dared to attack his men so boldly?

He was forced to reassess the four.

Yet their shabby carriage hardly looked like those of reputable families.

Yu Yuanzheng caught his gaze and understood his meaning.

“Lord Jin, appearances can be deceiving. You cannot measure the ocean’s depth by a bucket. The carriage is rented temporarily; we have just arrived in the capital and haven’t had time to purchase our own.”

Jin Lin noticed among the five were two young women. Though masked, they were clearly young ladies dressed as maids.

“Are you truly a doctor?”

“Of course. If you doubt, you can ask the old doctor behind you some questions to test my knowledge,” Yu Yuanzheng replied confidently.

“Master He, please ask him,” Jin Lin actually invited the elderly doctor.

Master He, seeing such a spirited youth, was amazed by his audacity.

A young novice challenging the Jin Hanlin residence—truly fearless.

Though professional rivalry existed, the elder felt some sympathy for the young man.

“Boy, let me test you: what is the difference between typhoid and common cold?” Master He asked kindly.

“Typhoid’s primary symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, weakness, muscle pain, dry cough, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, rash, and sometimes gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, hepatosplenomegaly, and severe pneumonia.

Common cold mainly presents with chills, fever, headache, nasal congestion, and clear nasal discharge.

Treatment for typhoid involves clearing heat and detoxifying, while common cold requires dispelling wind and cold,” Yu Yuanzheng answered smoothly.

Master He nodded approvingly.

“Well done. Lord Jin, she indeed understands medical principles.”

“Lord Jin, one’s skills may be limited alone, but two together are stronger. Why not let me and Master He diagnose your father together?” Yu Yuanzheng was pleading for an opportunity to treat a patient for the first time—fortune’s wheel had turned.

Jin Lin studied her for a while before deciding.

“Very well, come along.”

After all, the young woman had offered free consultation.

Yu Yuanzheng exhaled deeply.

She hadn’t expected offering medical help to involve such a struggle.

The group followed Jin Lin into the Jin estate.

Though not as grand as the royal mansion, the Jin residence was elegant.

They walked through winding corridors until arriving at a side courtyard.

The gate was closed, indicating protective measures were in place; everyone knew this illness was highly contagious.

Master He now took out a mask-like covering to shield his mouth and nose.

At that moment, uncontrollable coughing sounded from within.

“Father,” Jin Lin moved to push open the gate without taking any precautions.