Chapter 45: Shadows of Suspicion in the Qian Residence

“So, little sister is unaware of what your elder sister expects in return for helping you resolve such a thorny problem.”
“Or perhaps, elder sister has already made her inquiries? Aside from my humble skills in medicine, there’s nothing else I can offer! I am but a country girl from a small village, hardly worthy of your generosity!”

Hearing the underlying meaning in Hua Qinci’s words, Shang Jinxiu remained composed, only to smile again in response.

“What’s this? I didn’t expect my bold little sister to know fear.” She spoke lightly, leaving Hua Qinci unable to decipher her true intentions.

Yesterday, she had sought out information about that maid, only to learn that Lady Shang Jinxiu was the wife of Master Qian, the wealthiest man in the region.

Though Shang Jinxiu herself was the daughter of a prominent merchant, after marrying Master Qian as his principal wife to cement a business alliance, she, like the previous wife, remained childless and was unable to bear an heir for the Qian family.

While the principal wife had no children, all of Master Qian’s concubines bore him sons and daughters. The only possible reason, then, must lie with Lady Shang Jinxiu.

Shang Jinxiu was young and beautiful, and her family was well-off. Her father married her to Master Qian for the sake of business. Yet, three years had passed, and her womb remained silent. She could only watch, anxious, as the concubines gave birth one after another. In time, Master Qian’s affection waned, and with the pillow talk of the concubines, Shang Jinxiu’s days in the Qian household grew increasingly difficult.

Hua Qinci had originally thought Shang Jinxiu must have had a physical problem and had hoped to cure her, thinking that would settle the matter. But now, seeing Shang Jinxiu’s vibrant spirit, her bright eyes, and cheerful demeanor, there was no sign of any secret illness.

If there was no illness in the mistress, perhaps the problem lay with Master Qian? But if Master Qian had fertility issues, how had all his concubines borne so many children? And what, after all, did Shang Jinxiu want from her?

Frowning in thought, Hua Qinci found herself at a loss as to Lady Shang Jinxiu’s motives. Yet, beyond her skills as a healer, she knew nothing else, nor did she wish to expend effort on other matters.

“Elder sister, your complexion is radiant, your eyes are clear and lively. Even without taking your pulse, I can see you are not ill. As I’ve said, I am but a doctor and can be of no help with other affairs. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave. As for those three hundred taels of silver…”

Before Hua Qinci could finish, Shang Jinxiu interrupted, “The silver was a gift for our first meeting, but the patient is not me.”

“I trust you have already learned the truth. There are matters too delicate to speak of, and I have no wish to revisit them.” Shang Jinxiu paused before continuing, “To be honest, I discovered long ago that the one with the hidden ailment is my husband. But as you know, the Qian family is large and prosperous, with many concubines, each having borne him children, so…”

“So, elder sister wishes me to secretly treat Master Qian?” Hua Qinci realized at last that she was dealing with a clever and perceptive woman.

“Indeed. My husband enjoys much prestige and appears robust and powerful, with no obvious faults. Not a single famed physician in the city dares comment on the affairs of our household; all outsiders lavish him with flattery, and the concubines and their children are evenly matched. No one dares expose the truth—myself included—for the consequences would be far-reaching, harming not only his reputation but his health and the very foundation of the Qian family. Yet I refuse to be like the other concubines, deceiving him with empty pretense. Still, I know that, if things continue as they are, I will not be able to stand firm in the Qian household.”