The doctor taking A Mei's pulse was locally known as Physician Zhang, a renowned expert in women's medicine.
Eunuch An's name resounded like thunder across the southern provinces, so naturally, the physician had heard of him.
Before arriving, Physician Zhang had been deeply anxious, assuming Madam An was suffering from some incurable disease. However, after completing his examination, his mind was finally at ease.
Physician Zhang waited in the hall for less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before Eunuch An arrived. Trembling, the physician paid his respects, but Eunuch An's very first question plunged him into an eerie silence.
He heard that high-pitched yet ruthless voice ask, Physician Zhang, my wife's menstrual blood is dark red and cloudy. Is this related to her abdominal pain?
Physician Zhang could swear on his life that in all his years of practicing medicine, he had never heard a man—well, Eunuch An was a eunuch, but regardless—he had never heard the husband of any female patient speak such words.
The reason was simple: men of this world considered a woman's menses to be filthy and unclean. Some even viewed it as a symbol of bad luck and misfortune. Men avoided the topic like the plague and would never speak of it so openly.
Furthermore, women would also deliberately prevent their husbands from seeing their soiled garments...
Yet Eunuch An and his wife were...
Physician Zhang dared not dwell on the matter. Quickly concealing his complicated thoughts, he replied cautiously, To answer you, Eunuch, if what you say is true, then I can confirm that Madam is indeed suffering from a cold womb, caused by a deficiency and chill in her blood.
What causes a cold womb? An Sheng asked.
Physician Zhang replied, There are many causes for this condition. It could be a natural physical weakness, acquired deficiencies, poor nourishment during childhood, or excessive physical labor. The most crucial factor, however, is the invasion of cold into the body. It all depends on what Madam has endured in the past. For now, the only solution is slow and careful nourishment. With the proper care, her abdominal pain will gradually fade without issue.
An Sheng's expression softened slightly as he asked, Will this have any other impact on her health?
Physician Zhang spoke a bit too quickly, As long as she is properly cared for, there will be no other effects. The only issue is that it might affect her future ability to bear children...
The moment the word children left his mouth, An Sheng shot him a look as sharp as a dagger.
Swept by that sinister, venomous gaze, Physician Zhang shuddered as realization struck him. He wanted nothing more than to slap himself across the face a dozen times!
To speak of his wife's ability to bear children right to a eunuch's face... he must have a death wish!
Physician Zhang dropped to his knees with a thud. Trembling uncontrollably, he stammered, This commoner misspoke! I beg Eunuch for forgiveness!
Eunuch An gave a cold snort. The corners of his mouth twitched into a faux smile as he looked at Physician Zhang. Ignorance is no crime. You only need to cure my wife's abdominal pain. As for the matter of children, you need not concern yourself with it.
Taking out a brush and paper, An Sheng added breezily, Tell me whatever else needs attention. I will write it down.
...
Covered in a cold sweat, Physician Zhang eventually left, his legs feeling like jelly as he clutched a heavy pouch of consultation fees.
A Mei was gently helped up by An Sheng to be fed another bowl of medicine. The brew was so incredibly bitter that A Mei's small face scrunched up in distaste.
Husband, it's so bitter.
An Sheng coaxed her softly, Be a good girl, A Mei. Good medicine tastes bitter. If you want the pain to go away, you have to drink it no matter how bitter it is.
Since her husband was feeding her personally, A Mei forced down the nausea churning in her stomach and finished the bowl.
With a piece of candied fruit her husband had specially prepared melting in her mouth, A Mei snuggled comfortably into his embrace.
Gradually, the pain in her abdomen subsided significantly, though a faint ache lingered. A heavy, dragging sensation in her lower belly left her looking utterly drained of energy.
An Sheng kept his eyes fixed on her face, carefully examining her complexion.
Seeing that she no longer looked so pale and frail, he finally let out a breath of relief.
Looking at her husband's worried expression, A Mei's eyes grew red, and tears began to spill down her cheeks, one after another.
Oh dear, why are you crying? Does it hurt badly again? An Sheng panicked, his face etched with anxiety.
A Mei shook her head and said between soft sobs,
It doesn't hurt. It's just that whenever I think about how good you are to A Mei, I can't help but cry.
An Sheng was utterly helpless against A Mei's tears. He sighed, slipping a hand over her lower abdomen to massage it gently. I really don't know what to do with you. You are my wife. If I don't treat you well, who else would I treat well?
To A Mei, those words were as sweet as honey. She wiped her tears away. Her wet, luminous eyes were filled with love and reliance as she gazed at him. Husband, A Mei is so lucky to have married you.
The corners of An Sheng's lips curled up uncontrollably, though he let out a soft huff. To feel lucky about marrying a eunuch... I suppose you're the first of your kind.
A Mei retorted with pure innocence, No, you're wrong. A Mei married you. You love and protect me. Whether you are a eunuch or not, I will always consider myself lucky.
An Sheng began to chuckle softly, his chest vibrating with laughter. He was in an exceedingly good mood.
You're not wrong about that. I love hearing it.
Feeling the comforting warmth of her husband's hand massaging her belly, A Mei felt a wave of ease wash over her. She spoke again, her voice soft and sweet, Growing up, A Mei was never a delicate girl. I could endure hardships and do heavy chores. But ever since I married you, I've become more and more spoiled. You won't start disliking me for being like this, will you?
An Sheng raised an eyebrow and patiently coaxed her, You are my wife. I will love you no matter how you are.
Delighted, A Mei chatted with him for a little while longer before finally drifting into a drowsy sleep as noon approached.
The experienced old maid that An Sheng had ordered Cheng Wu to find soon arrived. An Sheng met with her, and after she left, he fell into deep thought as he stared at the two full pages of notes he had written that day.
He thought to himself that taking care of a woman was truly a troublesome affair.
Then he thought about how fortunate it was that A Mei had married him. Had she married anyone else, who knew how much she would have suffered in the future? The more he thought about it, the more sense it made.
With these thoughts, a wave of comfort washed over him. Woven into that comfort was a sense of pride, and within that pride lay a trace of profound relief.
Seeing his woman blossom and thrive under his care—that was the ultimate achievement of a husband.
While the atmosphere here was filled with sweet and tender affection,
over on the other side, Lord Cui was slamming his hand on the table!
Cui Gudao had originally rendezvoused with An Sheng with the plan to resume their journey in the afternoon, aiming to reach their next destination as quickly as possible.
But then, An Sheng sent someone over with a message. Gritting his teeth, Lord Cui bellowed,
What? The departure is delayed for two days?! What the hell is An Sheng playing at?!
Standing behind Cui Gudao, Fu Lin wore a look of indignation. I heard that Madam An is feeling unwell. They called for a doctor first thing this morning.
My Lord, look at the time we are in! Yet Eunuch An is still acting entirely out of selfish interests. He's a eunuch, for heaven's sake, but he spends all day doting on his wife! He completely disregards the heavy responsibility entrusted to us by His Majesty. Once we return to the capital, I will definitely submit a memorial to impeach him!
Lord Cui's expression was dark. He merely snorted, Hmph! We will deal with this matter in due time.
