The night was deep as Chang Yuncheng stepped into the room. The room was already lit with lamps, but it felt empty and cold.
Qi Yue wasn’t home, having taken three maids with her.
Chang Yuncheng couldn’t help but look back at the courtyard, which also felt empty.
Qiu Xiang, who was following behind him, read his expression.
“The young madam won’t return tonight. She and the young ladies are all staying at Qianjin Hall. The maids have already sent bedding over.” she said in a low voice.
Chang Yuncheng turned around.
“Did I ask you about this?” he said with a stern face.
Qiu Xiang lowered her head, not showing any fear.
“…Lord, this servant knows you’re worried about Yan’er. Miss Yan’er’s surgery went very smoothly. When the maids came back to get things just now, they said she had already… um… that… anesthesia recovery… anyway, she woke up…” she said with a smile.
Why didn’t you say this first? Chang Yuncheng glanced at the maid but said nothing, just grunted in acknowledgment.
He stood looking at the room for a moment, then turned and went out.
“Lord.” Qiu Xiang, who was about to help him remove his cloak, called out in confusion as she hurried to follow.
“I’m going to the study.” Chang Yuncheng said and strode out.
At Qianjin Hall, right next to the operating room was a newly arranged patient room.
“I’ll count one, two, three, and everyone lift together.” Qi Yue said.
“Young madam, let me do it.” a disciple said, wanting to take over the middle sheet that Qi Yue was holding.
“No need, this is the first time, I’ll do it. You can do it next time.” Qi Yue said.
Although it was a simple bed transfer, Hu San, Coffin Boy, and Zhang Tong, each holding a corner, were also slightly nervous.
With Qi Yue’s count of one, two, three, Yan’er was steadily moved to the gurney.
Chang Chunlan was already waiting in the patient room. Seeing her unconscious daughter being wheeled in, she couldn’t help but shed tears.
Using the middle sheet to transfer beds once more, A’Ru led Que Zhi and A’Hao to help cover Yan’er with blankets and set up the blood pressure monitor and thermometer.
“It will be very painful, won’t it?” Chang Chunlan asked Qi Yue with a sob.
Having witnessed the surgery process firsthand, Chang Chunlan didn’t know how she had managed to get through it. If she had known it would be so frightening, she would have preferred not to have the surgery at all…
“An ugly caterpillar must endure the pain of breaking out of its cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly.” Qi Yue smiled. “Anesthesia was used during surgery, so it won’t hurt. It’s just that after surgery…”
Chang Chunlan looked at her with teary eyes.
“But pain is also a good thing. Only through pain can one grow. First bitter, then sweet; first pain, then joy.” Qi Yue smiled and patted Chang Chunlan’s shoulder. “Alright, you can stay here tonight to keep watch. I’ll be here too. Don’t worry about anything. In half a month, you’ll be able to see a new Yan’er.”
Walking out of the room, the disciples in the courtyard hadn’t dispersed yet. Liu Pucheng was directing several disciples in sterilizing instruments and disinfecting the room. Old Physician An was watching carefully from the side, occasionally asking a question or two.
Seeing Qi Yue come out, everyone quickly stopped what they were doing.
“Thank you for your hard work.” Qi Yue looked at everyone and smiled, then habitually clapped her hands.
This “thank you for your hard work” made everyone feel flustered.
“What hard work did we do…”
“It’s you who worked hard, young madam…”
The disciples reacted with confused chatter.
“Surgery cannot be done well by one person alone.” Qi Yue smiled while calling to Hu San, “Hu San, go see which restaurant is still open and have them deliver a banquet. I’m treating everyone to a late-night meal.”
The disciples had never received such treatment before and didn’t know how to react for a moment. Hu San already knew Qi Yue’s temperament, responded loudly, and ran out to change clothes.
“Miss Qi, you’re making it impossible for me to manage in the future.” Liu Pucheng shook his head and smiled.
Qi Yue laughed heartily.
“It’s fine, teacher. You do what you can do, and I’ll handle the rest.” she smiled.
Liu Pucheng shook his head with a smile.
Old Physician An had been sitting quietly to the side, and hearing this, he also smiled slightly.
Qi Yue walked over.
“Physician An, it’s getting late. You should go home and rest.” she said.
“I only regret that this disciple is disabled and cannot serve master…” Old Physician An said.
Qi Yue burst out laughing.
“Physician An!” she raised her voice, “You’re really serious about this!”
Physician An smiled. Just from those words, this girl – yes, she was a girl – this girl had left an impression on him as a crude, ignorant, and dark woman. But seeing her in person, although the words he heard were still arrogant and sharp, she felt refreshingly straightforward, honest, and open.
What a strange feeling indeed.
“The young madam has worked hard today. I’ll take my leave first.” He didn’t answer but said this instead, cupping his hands in salute.
Qi Yue didn’t mind and nodded with a smile, saying “good.”
She had said she was always a polite person, as long as the other party was polite. From beginning to end, Old Physician An had been very polite. This elder gave her the same feeling as Liu Pucheng. As for that Young Physician An…