Chapter 20: The Prince is a Woman 20

Handing the empty bowl to the maid, she popped a candied fruit into her mouth.

The medicine was truly bitter. Over the years, she had consumed countless doses of such bitter concoctions; they had become so integrated into her life that she had grown accustomed to them.

Gently stroking her abdomen, Ning Yulan let out a silent sigh. Who could blame her belly for being so uncooperative?

She felt a sense of guilt deep within. Since she was unable to conceive, her parents-in-law had done nothing more than search for medicinal formulas to help her nourish her body, without saying much else.

Given the current circumstances, it wasn't that she couldn't accept her husband taking a concubine; rather, it was that her husband refused to do so even under threat of death. He even claimed it didn't matter if the two of them never had children, and he had even caused a scene before his parents to demonstrate his determination not to take a concubine.

Her husband was the late-born son of his parents. Having been pampered since childhood, he was incredibly stubborn; once he made up his mind, no one could talk him out of it.

Her parents-in-law did not hold much of a grudge against her.

However, her sisters-in-law were prone to gossip, and her married sisters were also quite concerned, frequently searching for medicinal formulas to help her conceive.

Ning Yulan believed her life was quite good. Since she truly wanted a child in her heart, she had never refused to take the medicine.

It was just that after so many years, it had proven to be utterly useless.

The maid had already withdrawn. Lost in thought over her troubles, Ning Yulan had momentarily forgotten about Azhen.

Suddenly snapping back to reality, she hurriedly said, "Forgive me, Azhen, I was daydreaming."

"Nothing is wrong here, so you needn't worry," Ning Yulan guessed. She surmised that Azhen had come to see how she was faring.

Though she had married young, her life was not bitter.

With a loving husband and reasonable parents-in-law, she was luckier than most. Being the subject of occasional gossip regarding her lack of children was nothing significant; in this life, how could one not encounter some dissatisfaction?

Outsiders said she was jealous—that she was "occupying the latrine without using it," unable to conceive herself yet unwilling to let her husband take a concubine.

Her husband had indignantly explained to those people that it was his own choice not to take a concubine and had nothing to do with her.

But those outsiders didn't care to listen; they remained convinced it was her fault.

Life is lived behind closed doors. At first, the rumors made her sad, but as her husband devoted himself to protecting her, she gradually stopped caring.

If Heaven could grant her a child one day, that would be even better.

"I brought a physician today to check on you, Eldest Sister," Azhen said. "If the problem can be solved, it would be better than drinking this bitter medicine every day."

Ning Yulan realized this made sense. Her situation was something that could be learned through a little inquiry.

Azhen had resolved the issues for several of her other sisters; knowing her situation, she would surely want to come and see for herself to be at peace.

The Ning Prince's Mansion was now running a large business, and Azhen had many capable people at her disposal. She had even sent a female physician to the Third Sister. At a recent gathering, the Third Sister's complexion looked much better than before, and she had even chatted with her about the female physician.

A hint of anticipation appeared on Ning Yulan's face, and she did not refuse the physician Azhen had brought to help with the diagnosis.

"Has the physician checked Eldest Brother-in-law over the years?" Azhen asked while the physician was conducting the examination.

Ning Yulan smiled and said, "He was checked long ago. I know what you're thinking; your Eldest Brother-in-law has no issues. The problem lies with me. Don't overthink it; he is a considerate man."

Her husband was not like Jiang Weiming or Li Bianxing, so she wasn't afraid of Azhen paying too much attention to him.

"Since the physician is already here, why not check him as well? It doesn't have to be for that specific issue; they can also diagnose his general health and see if there is anything that needs nourishing," Azhen suggested. "Sister, Physician Yun is an expert at nourishing the body. Since she is already here, let her examine everyone in the Duke's Mansion. I heard the Duchess hasn't been sleeping well lately; isn't this a perfect coincidence? Physician Yun is quite skilled at treating insomnia."

"There might be minor ailments or hidden illnesses; it's better to diagnose them early so we can find a way to treat them."

"Physician Yun is very capable," Azhen added. "You'll see in a moment."

This was someone she had personally trained. Yun Qing possessed medical skills and exceptional talent; she was one of the beauties sent to her. Without going into detail, Yun Qing was now absolutely loyal to her.

Azhen had come today with everything prepared.

Before this, she had already found opportunities to diagnose Ning Yulan; today was merely a formality.

Ning Yulan's body itself was not the problem, but after years of being forced to drink various medicines, some of which were mixed with other substances, it would be strange if her body didn't have issues.

Some people are unable to conceive but dare not admit it, instead pinning all the blame on others. Not only that, but they also pretend to be saints—it is utterly ridiculous.

She was referring to her Eldest Brother-in-law, Yuan Bingjun—a man who was incapable of fathering children.

"Can it really be treated?" Ning Yulan gripped Yun Qing's hand tightly, her eyes turning red. "Physician Yun, can my body really be cured? Can I still have a child?"

It wasn't just because of her husband; she truly wanted a child herself, regardless of gender—she simply wanted her own bloodline.

Yun Qing imperceptibly smoothed the slight tension at the corners of her lips. She stole a glance at Azhen, who appeared to know nothing, and her mouth twitched. She patted Ning Yulan's hand. "Yes. I will prescribe medicine for the Young Mistress shortly. You will see some results within a month. To fully regulate your body so that it does not affect your future health or the health of the child, it will take at least six months."

It wasn't long; six months was not long at all.

"It really is effective! Physician Yun just gave me two acupuncture treatments, and my body feels much more refreshed immediately," spoke the Second Young Mistress of the Duke's Mansion. She usually had a good relationship with Ning Yulan and happened to be passing by. Recalling Azhen's suggestion, Ning Yulan had asked Yun Qing to examine Wu Fangfang.

Because Wu Fangfang had mentioned a few days ago that she felt unwell everywhere, Ning Yulan had kept it in mind for this sister-in-law with whom she got along well.

Facing Yun Qing's instructions regarding the prescription, Wu Fangfang nodded rapidly, stating she would follow the instructions to take the medicine, and then left happily.

By the time Ning Yulan took Azhen and Yun Qing to see the Duchess, Wu Fangfang had already spread the word throughout the mansion that Yun Qing was a divine physician, and that she might even cure Ning Yulan's condition.

"Is it really that effective?" Lady Chen, the Eldest Young Mistress of the Duke's Mansion, curled her lip. "Don't let it be another case of much ado about nothing."

"Ning Yulan is also a stubborn person. She won't let her husband take a concubine, yet she's been drinking medicine for years to no avail. Isn't she just a burden to him?"

A maid said, "I heard the Fifth Young Mistress is taking Physician Yun to help the Duchess with her insomnia."

"She certainly knows how to please people."

"No wonder the Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, and Brother-in-law all cater to her," Lady Chen said, somewhat irritated. "She had better produce something this time. Otherwise, I'll have to properly advise my parents-in-law. Is continuing like this meant to end the Brother-in-law's lineage?"

"Come, I'll go take a look too, to see what this Physician Yun is capable of."

On this side, after explaining the reason, Ning Yulan waited for the Duchess to agree to let Yun Qing treat her insomnia.

However, the Duchess seemed lost in thought, her mind wandering for a while.

"Mother?" Ning Yulan called out.

The Duchess finally snapped back to reality. Her gaze fell upon Ning Yulan before shifting toward Yun Qing. "Can you really cure Yulan?"

Yun Qing caught an accidental glimpse of the Duchess's clenched hands. The corners of her lips curled; as expected, this was very interesting.

Fun.

Suddenly sensing a gaze, she didn't even need to look to know it was her profound and mysterious master.

Most likely, she was urging her to hurry up.

With a silent huff in her heart, showing nothing on her face, Yun Qing replied very professionally, "Yes, Duchess. My specialties are infertility and insomnia."

As for what she was "specialized" in, she could say whatever she wanted; as long as it satisfied her master.

She hoped that after this matter was handled, her master would teach her a few more tricks.

Unfortunately, her master seemed uninterested in her beauty; otherwise... she might have learned even more using a honey trap.

The Duchess was somewhat dazed. While her mouth spoke words of joy, agreeing to let Yun Qing perform the diagnosis, her heart was in turmoil.

Ning Yulan thought the Duchess was in disbelief, unaware that the woman was actually worried that Yun Qing might truly possess such ability.