Renxin Hall was one of the most renowned clinics in the capital.
Its resident physicians were all highly skilled, and their consultation fees were exceptionally affordable. As a result, commoners formed long queues outside Renxin Hall every day.
For those who didn’t want to wait, a donation of 100 taels would grant them priority treatment.
These donations helped sustain the clinic’s operations, so ordinary patients had no objections.
If one wanted a Renxin Hall physician to make a house call within the capital, the fee was 200 taels.
Wealthy households could easily afford this, making Renxin Hall the top choice for those who couldn’t secure imperial physicians.
This time, the visiting doctor was Physician Liu, said to be around fifty years old.
Yet with his thick, glossy hair and ruddy complexion, one might mistake him for a man in his thirties if not for the weathered look in his eyes and the faint wrinkles at their corners.
Rumor had it that many noblewomen had sought his skincare prescriptions—with remarkable results.
Of course, Physician Liu’s medical skills were also superb, and he was known for his discretion.
Accompanying him was a handsome young apprentice carrying a medicine chest.
Upon entering the estate, Qingying personally escorted them to Haitang Courtyard to examine Sheng Mingzhu’s foot injury and prescribe a mild tonic.
Only afterward did she bring Physician Liu to Peony Courtyard.
Since both the physician and his apprentice were men, Qingying took them directly to the reception hall.
At the moment, only the mistress and Xiangxiang were present, but to avoid gossip, all doors and windows were left open, allowing servants passing by in the distance to catch glimpses of the proceedings.
“Physician Liu, how is my sixth daughter’s foot recovering? Will there be any lasting effects?”
Once the physician was seated, Sheng Minmin inquired with concern about Sheng Mingzhu’s condition.
“There is no need for concern, Madam Huang. The young lady’s foot is healing well. In a few days, she’ll be able to move freely. As per your request, I’ve also prescribed a mild restorative tonic.”
Physician Liu’s expression was always stern, his demeanor cool, but he never omitted necessary details.
“That’s a relief—”
Sheng Minmin nodded with a smile, though inwardly she felt a twinge of regret—why couldn’t Sheng Mingzhu suffer a little longer?
“Your hand, please, madam.”
The handsome apprentice had already placed a pulse-resting pillow on the table. Physician Liu gestured for Sheng Minmin to extend her wrist.
On the way, Qingying had mentioned that the mistress had caught a slight chill and wished to be examined.
Sheng Minmin complied obediently. After taking her pulse, Physician Liu confirmed it was merely a cold and found no issue with the prescription from the estate physician.
“Could Physician Liu also examine my maid?”
Sheng Minmin smoothly directed attention to Xiangxiang, who removed the scarf around her neck, revealing a ring of dark red marks that looked rather alarming.
Yet Physician Liu’s expression remained unreadable as he swiftly took her pulse and wrote a prescription.
Xiangxiang accepted the prescription, and soon after, Qingying arrived with Xianjie and Matron Du in tow.
After ordering the physician’s visit that morning, Sheng Minmin had instructed Qingchi to inform Xianjie that a Renxin Hall doctor would be coming.
Xianjie, ever perceptive, had arrived early with Matron Du.
In her past life, Xianjie had died young, so Sheng Minmin was deeply concerned about her health.
She doubted Sheng Yong would be deranged enough to harm a child this young—but what if he did?
After examining Xianjie and Matron Du for some time, Physician Liu finally spoke.
“This matron has been overworked and burdened with worry in recent years. With adequate rest and peace of mind, she will gradually recover.”
“As for the young lady, she suffers from innate frailty and a delicate constitution, compounded by inadequate nutrition… She will require careful nurturing.”
Inadequate nutrition?
In the past, Xianjie’s meals had barely kept her fed—let alone nourished.
Though Sheng Minmin had never mistreated Xianjie, the original owner of this body, Huang Yaning, had paid her little attention.
Now that she occupied Huang Yaning’s body, Sheng Minmin felt a sting of shame at the physician’s words.
Still, the absence of any chronic poisoning was a relief. She exhaled slowly.
“Physician Liu, how should their health be restored? No matter how rare the ingredients, prescribe whatever is necessary…”
Physician Liu nodded and swiftly wrote two restorative prescriptions.
Sheng Minmin gave Qingying a meaningful glance, and the latter promptly presented a purse to the handsome apprentice, who accepted it with a grin that screamed money lover.
Qingchi then escorted the two out of the estate.
“Auntie, thank you…”
Once the physician was gone, Huang Xianjing bowed with red-rimmed eyes, gratitude overflowing.
To Xianjing, aside from her aunt, Matron Du was the closest person in her life. That her aunt had sought a renowned physician for Matron Du moved her more than any personal treatment could.
And for Matron Du, nothing mattered more than Xianjing and her granddaughter, Du Juan. Being able to live well and care for them was all she desired.
Sheng Minmin personally helped Xianjing up, ruffling the girl’s soft hair with a heart full of warmth.
“Auntie… Xian’er wants to study.”
Xianjing’s damp eyes shone with admiration and determination.
Sheng Minmin had previously suggested sending Xianjing to school, but the girl had hesitated at the time, so she hadn’t pressed the matter.
Now that Xianjing had made up her mind, she was overjoyed.
“Good. Very good. I’m glad you’ve decided this—”
“Qingying, prepare generous gifts and personally inform Tutor Lin. The start date will be at her discretion…”
“Though Tutor Lin may seem stern and reserved, she is kind-hearted and fair. Her erudition is exceptional—Xianjie must study diligently under her. If you ever face any grievances, come straight to me…”
After giving a few more instructions, all of which Xianjing accepted obediently, Sheng Minmin considered that sending the girl alone might draw undue attention.
Moreover, she had always intended to elevate the other two young masters in the household, especially the fourth son, Sheng Mingshu.
In her past life, had it not been for Sheng Mingshu stumbling upon her outside the estate, she might have been dragged back by the Zhang family and tortured to death.
Now was the perfect time to have both boys begin their studies under Tutor Lin, then enroll them in an academy come spring.
The capital boasted several prestigious academies, the most illustrious being the Imperial Academy.
Its students were broadly divided into two factions:
One comprised scions of the imperial family and noble houses, while the other consisted of scholars who had earned their place through merit.
Sheng Mingjian, Sheng Mingyi, and Sheng Mingbo were all enrolled there—the first two on their own merits, the latter thanks to Huang Yaning’s hefty donation.
Since those three were already at the Imperial Academy, Sheng Minmin had no intention of sending Sheng Mingshu and Sheng Mingli there as well.
After much deliberation, she concluded that the Yuelu Academy would be the best choice.
Outsiders might assume this stepmother was being harsh, but how many stepmothers truly treated their stepsons well? Sending them to a slightly less prestigious academy would raise the fewest eyebrows.
Besides, while Yuelu Academy’s faculty might not rival the Imperial Academy’s, its tutors were all accomplished scholars—more than capable of nurturing talent.
If Sheng Mingshu and the others had academic potential, they would certainly not be wasted there.
