A Fox Spirit Between Her Thighs - Chapter 1

During the Pre-Qin and Han dynasties, the fox was revered alongside the dragon, qilin, and phoenix as one of the Four Great Auspicious Creatures. In stone carvings and brick paintings from the Han period, the nine-tailed fox often appeared near the seat of the Queen Mother of the West, accompanied by a white rabbit, toad, and three-legged crow, all symbolizing good fortune.

The “Records of the Mysterious Realm” recorded that a fox at the age of fifty could transform into a woman. At a hundred years, it would become a beautiful lady and a divine shaman, able to perceive events a thousand miles away, skilled in enchantment and bewitchment that could cause confusion and madness. When a fox reached a thousand years of age, it could commune with the heavens and would be called an Immortal Fox.

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During the Great Wu dynasty, in the land of Zhao Xi, at the Mu Nan Royal Residence.

It was the turn of spring into summer. The grass and trees thrived, and along the path, grand pavilions and stone carvings stood tall. The lush greenery on both sides looked like flowing clouds and water, a tranquil sight.

Imperial Physician Liu dabbed the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. He walked quickly, clearly in a rush, with no attention left to admire the grand estate. Adjusting the weight of the medicine case slung over his shoulder, he hurried forward. Just as he reached the courtyard, he saw Princess Consort Mu already waiting at the entrance. She was pacing nervously, her face full of worry.

He was just about to bow when the Princess Consort saw him and called out immediately, “Physician Liu, please come quickly and examine the young princess.”

Seeing her anxiety, Physician Liu did not bother with formalities. He nodded and quickened his pace.

Inside the bedchamber, three other imperial physicians stood outside the screen. Their expressions were grim as they whispered to each other. From this, Physician Liu understood that the Princess Consort had already summoned others, but none had found a solution.

Before he could think further, the Princess Consort had already stepped inside. Physician Liu followed quickly. On the bed lay a young girl, eyes shut tightly. Her face was pale as frost, and her small lips muttered in sleep. A maid beside her was carefully swapping out the damp cloth on her forehead for a fresh one.

Physician Liu set down his case beside him, stepped up to the bed, and observed quietly for a moment. Then he took her wrist to check her pulse.

The Princess Consort asked urgently, “Physician Liu, how is the young princess? What illness has befallen her? She returned from the temple just yesterday and has been like this since.”

Physician Liu released her wrist with a serious expression.

The pulse was unusual. At times it was heavy like beating drums, at other times weak as stagnant water. A normal pulse should be steady and regular. A strong pulse could indicate failing organs, a light pulse might suggest a problem with digestion, but when both appeared together, it became hard to diagnose.

He paused in thought and, feeling uneasy, decided to check again. This time, as he lifted her small hand, he noticed a wound on her middle finger. Upon close inspection, it resembled a bite from a small animal.

He had found the root of the illness.

“The young princess appears to have been bitten by a large rat and has contracted the Seven-Day Wind illness.” As he spoke, he pointed out the wound on her finger.

With the cause known, a cure could be devised. The Princess Consort, who had been on edge the whole day, finally relaxed a little. She nodded and said, “That must be it. There is a wild grove behind the temple. She must have wandered in and been bitten by some creature.”

Physician Liu bowed and reported, “I will prescribe medicine for internal use right away. As for the wound on her hand, it should be cleansed with strong alcohol three times daily. Treating both internally and externally should restore her health.”

Upon hearing that recovery was possible, the Princess Consort’s face brightened immediately. “Thank you, Physician Liu. Since it is still early, why not dine at the estate before you return?”

“I thank Your Grace for the offer, but I have pressing matters and cannot stay long.” Beneath the hat of his official garb, Physician Liu’s expression was uneasy. Sweat continued to bead on his forehead.

“In that case, I shall not keep you,” the Princess Consort replied. She turned to a maid and said, “Su Qing, have the sedan bearers escort Physician Liu back to his residence.”

Physician Liu hesitated, then gave a brief pause before replying, “Thank you, Your Grace.”

After prescribing the medicine, it was only when he had entered the sedan and lowered the curtain that Physician Liu dared to let out the breath he had been holding.

If he had to say it outright, the young princess’s pulse suggested severe internal damage. She might not have much time left.

He was a physician, but also a government official. To protect the hat on his head, he could only gamble with what little hope there was.

He could only hope that the young princess was blessed with good fortune and would recover from this crisis.

Author’s Note:
I am not a medical student. Please do not take the medical descriptions in this story as factual.