Chapter 52: The Imperial Surname

Chapter 52: The Imperial Surname

Feng Chuchen admired Lord Hu's character even more. Despite having few offspring, he had no children from concubines.

Since he could always remember the kindness shown to Midwife Feng, he could naturally always remember the kindness of his first wife.

Madam Hu had fair skin, an elongated face, and kind, gentle features that made people feel an instinctive sense of closeness.

The eldest daughter of the Hu family had beautiful features, but the dense freckles on her nose and around her eyes detracted somewhat from her appearance.

Feng Chuchen performed a formal curtsy, and Feng Buji bowed deeply.

In unison, they said, "Greetings, Madam Hu, Eldest Miss Hu, and Miss Hu."

Madam Hu smiled and said, "This is the first time I have met Chuchen and Buji; they are truly talented individuals. I, however, have met Midwife Wang many times."

She spoke with great familiarity.

A maid invited the Feng siblings to sit in the chairs on the right and brought a cushioned stool for Auntie Wang.

Madam Hu added, "Although we do not visit Dr. Feng often, we have always kept each other in our hearts. There is no need for formality; you may call me Aunt, and call the eldest daughter-in-law Sister-in-law."

She did not call her "Midwife Feng," but instead used the respectful title "Dr. Feng."

Feng Chuchen and Feng Buji bowed again and addressed her, "Aunt, Sister-in-law."

Hu Youjia asked urgently, "What should you call me?"

Madam Hu smiled and said, "Chuchen, call her younger sister; Buji, call her elder sister."

The Feng siblings then greeted her

"Sister Hu."

"Sister Hu."

Hu Jia also greeted them, "Sister Feng, Brother... Feng."

Feeling the latter title was too formal, her face flushed slightly.

Feng Chuchen smiled and said, "Buji is a year younger than Sister Hu, so it is fine to call him by his name."

Hu Qingluo realized who they were. She held up the sheep plushie in her arms and said softly, "I like the sheepy, it's very pretty."

Hu Youjia nodded with a smile, "It is, I like it too."

Feng Buji said, "My sister also designed chicken and duck plushies; they are incredibly cute. I will bring them to you next time."

Hu Qingluo clapped her small hands, "Yay, yay! Thank you, Brother Feng."

Everyone laughed.

Madam Hu smiled and said, "Monkey, you've got the generations wrong. You should call him Little Uncle Feng."

Feeling embarrassed about just accepting gifts, Hu Youjia said, "The rose paste made by my family's cook is very sweet and fragrant. I'll give you two jars."

She then looked expectantly at her mother.

Madam Hu laughed, "You are right, Jia'er. Our rose paste is indeed sweet. Have them prepare two jars for you to take back to eat with steamed buns."

Having heard that the Feng siblings had bought a small house in the city, she added, "That is for the best. We have always worried about you two siblings, fearing that people might play dirty tricks. If something were to happen, it would be too late to catch them."

Before long, Lord Hu arrived from the outer courtyard, leading his son and his twin grandsons.

Lord Hu was in his forties, fair-skinned and elegant, with a neatly trimmed beard.

Hu Youming resembled Madam Hu more, looking fair and scholarly. Hu Youjia resembled Lord Hu more, with more refined features.

The Feng siblings rose to greet them, "Lord Hu, Eldest Young Master Hu."

Lord Hu smiled, "You are too polite. Call me Uncle, and call Youming Big Brother."

Hu Qingsong and Hu Qingyang looked at Feng Buji, who was a head shorter than them, feeling quite indignant that such a small child was still their "uncle."

They could only bow and say, "Aunt Feng, Little Uncle Feng."

Feng Buji blushed and smiled with pursed lips.

Hu Youming looked at Feng Buji with some surprise and smiled, "Brother Buji, you have grown fatter and taller, and you look much more energetic."

He had seen Feng Buji the previous year when he went to pay respects to Midwife Feng.

Feng Buji then proceeded to praise his sister, "My sister changed my medicine, and she even did acupuncture and bloodletting. Even Old Dr. Fang said my sister's medical skills are excellent."

The eldest daughter-in-law said, "We have also heard that Sister Feng's medical skills are profound, specializing in gynecology, pediatrics, migraines..."

There were also some less pleasant rumors, but she found it difficult to speak of them.

Lord Hu asked, "What is the matter with the 'Upper Yin Divine Needle'? Some say you can perform it, while others say you cannot."

Feng Chuchen then explained the incident of saving the child at the Marquis of Wuyi's manor and her refusal to perform the acupuncture at the Jiang manor.

Lord Hu snorted coldly, "Some people are arrogant and overbearing, acting as if others' lives do not matter. Back then, Dr. Feng suffered many grievances because there were certain infants upon whom the Divine Needle could not be used... What are your plans for the future?"

Feng Chuchen said, "I wish to participate in the Imperial Medical Academy's assessment. Old Dr. Fang has already agreed to act as my guarantor."

Lord Hu nodded with satisfaction, "To inherit Dr. Feng's legacy—that is very good."

Feng Chuchen added, "I also wish to open a medical clinic, though I do not know if it is permissible."

A flash of admiration crossed Lord Hu's eyes; he finally understood why Feng Chuchen had been so "impulsive" back then.

This child was like Dr. Feng—possessing integrity and a dislike for constraints, yet more understanding of social graces than Dr. Feng had been.

He said, "Although there are no precedents for women opening medical clinics in either the previous or the current dynasty, there is no explicit prohibition. Recall that Empress Shengde and Princess Changning rode horses alongside the Founding Emperor to conquer the land, contributing immensely to the Great Yan Dynasty."

"If a woman can cross battlefields to slay enemies, she can certainly open a clinic to save lives. Moreover, the current Emperor is wise; he praised Dr. Feng for saving countless lives and instructed his officials to care for the orphans she left behind."

"It is a good thing, and a legendary tale, for her descendants to carry on her will. If anyone questions it, this official will explain the situation."

Overjoyed, Feng Chuchen rose and performed a deep bow of thanks.

In her heart, she gave the Emperor a mental thumbs-up. Not only did he care for a lowly midwife, but he also cared for her descendants.

Feng Chuchen had also heard that Empress Shengde was a legend of the Great Yan Dynasty, who fought side-by-side with the Founding Emperor and eventually died on the battlefield.

The Founding Emperor was devastated; he never appointed another Empress and instead named the Empress's only son as the Crown Prince.

That was the late Emperor Taishuo.

The royal surname of this dynasty was very unique, the same as Feng Chuchen's surname in her previous life: "Shui."

In the history of her previous life, no emperor bore that surname.

Because of this rare surname, Feng Chuchen felt a natural sense of kinship.

The Great Yan Dynasty had gone through three generations since Emperor Gaozu. The founding emperor, Emperor Gaozu, was a man of great ambition who conquered the realm. The second emperor, Emperor Taishuo, reigned for only thirteen years, during which the people were allowed to rest and the economy was developed.

The third emperor, Emperor Jianzhang—the current one—is thirty-nine years old this year. He emulates Emperor Gaozu by expanding the borders, having led a personal expedition once before his ascension and twice after.

Currently, the Great Yan Dynasty is strong and prosperous, with a transparent administration...

He was truly a wise ruler.

As for Princess Changning, this was the first time Feng Chuchen had heard of her.

Lord Hu wanted Feng Buji to move to the new residence to study with the twins at the Hu manor, and the Hu family would send a carriage to pick him up every day. They had hired a good tutor, a *juren* (successful candidate in the provincial imperial examination).

Feng Chuchen politely declined, "Although my brother's health is better than before, he still cannot endure the same hardships as a normal child..."

Lord Hu said, "Health comes first; we will discuss it once he is better." He then encouraged Feng Buji, "Dr. Feng was a woman of extraordinary strength; as her descendant, you must make her proud."

Feng Buji quickly expressed his determination.

After lunch, Lord Hu and his wife, along with the couple of Hu Youming, chatted with Feng Chuchen in the main hall, while Hu Youjia and the twins took Feng Buji to the side room to play.

Interacting with the Hu family gave the Feng siblings a sense of home—it was very warm and casual.

With such a wonderful family, they would have to visit often in the future.

(End of Chapter)