Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 186

Madam Yang was dressed modestly in a plain blue satin jacket embroidered with a Ruyi pattern. Her demeanor was dignified, and though she wore a warm smile, her complexion was tinged with an unhealthy yellow. “Please sit,” she said gently. “My health has been poor lately, I had meant to greet you outside the residence.”

Note: Ruyi pattern originated from “claw battle,” is one of the classic traditional Chinese auspicious patterns.

The room was filled with an overwhelmingly strong incense, so pungent it stung the nose. Yu Jiao subtly furrowed her brows, though she made no comment.

“Please, don’t be so formal, sister. I’m hardly an outsider,” said Third Madam Mu with a smile as she sat down. She then introduced, “This is Miss Meng. She came with Second Master from the countryside in Zhangkui.”

Madam Yang looked at Yu Jiao and smiled faintly. “She doesn’t look very old, has she come of age yet?”

Yu Jiao shook her head. “Not yet. I’ll turn fourteen after the New Year.”

Third Madam Mu had already informed Madam Yang in advance. She knew that the Mu family’s Second Master had brought a young female physician from the countryside. Though Madam Yang had privately consulted numerous doctors in Qingzhou, she had avoided public attention to prevent gossip. She originally had no intention of meeting another doctor. But after several visits and heartfelt letters from Third Madam Mu, she could no longer decline the Mu family’s goodwill.

“Don’t be fooled by her youth, she’s quite skilled. Our Second Master has praised her many times,” Third Madam Mu added quickly with a smile, afraid that Madam Yang would assume they were merely humoring her with an inexperienced girl.

Madam Yang smiled and waved the handmaids in the room to step outside, leaving only a trusted old maid to attend. “So it was this young lady who cured the Second Master Mu’s illness?”

Madam Yang had heard bits and pieces from within the inner quarters about Mu Yan’s struggle with a severe abscess and his search for treatment.

“Yes, this very girl. Truly, a hidden gem in plain sight,” Third Madam Mu replied with a smile as she looked at Yu Jiao.

Madam Yang took a sip of tea, smiling. “Second Master Mu is known for his discerning taste. If he speaks highly of you, Miss Meng, you must have remarkable talent.”

Setting down her teacup, she looked at Yu Jiao kindly and beckoned. “Come take my pulse.”

Yu Jiao stepped forward. Yu Fuling handed her the medical kit, and Yu Jiao took out a pulse pillow before standing beside Madam Yang. The fragrance of the incense was even more intense up close, nearly suffocating. Yet everyone in the room seemed used to the smell, as if it were nothing.

After taking the pulse, Yu Jiao said, “Madam has signs of internal heat due to deficiency. Do you often experience shortness of breath, dizziness, and night sweats?”

Madam Yang’s eyes lit up. She glanced at Third Madam Mu and nodded. “Yes, I often have those symptoms.”

“It’s caused by yang deficiency, nothing too serious,” Yu Jiao replied as she packed away the pulse pillow. The cloying scent was making it difficult for her to breathe. As she opened the medical box, she discreetly tucked a peppermint leaf into her sleeve, bringing it near her nose for a breath of relief.

Madam Yang found it odd that Yu Jiao hadn’t mentioned her gynecological issue. Had Third Madam Mu not told the girl? Or had she failed to diagnose it?

Third Madam Mu was equally puzzled. Any average physician could prescribe something for yang deficiency. She regretted not briefing Yu Jiao on Madam Yang’s condition earlier. She wanted to mention it now but hesitated, afraid Yu Jiao might turn out to be a fraud.

Then Yu Jiao spoke again. “There’s another underlying condition I need to examine directly before prescribing treatment.”

Third Madam Mu exhaled in relief.

Madam Yang’s cheeks flushed slightly. Fortunately, she was the mother of two children and not as shy as a young girl. She had previously consulted older female physicians for her condition. Her expression remained calm as she stood and said, “Miss Meng, please follow me to the inner room.”

She gave her maid a look, and the woman immediately understood, closing the room’s door behind them. Yu Jiao followed Madam Yang past the screen and into the inner chamber.

Once Madam Yang had disrobed, an acrid, foul odor immediately filled the air. At that moment, Yu Jiao understood why such heavy incense was burned, clearly, it was meant to mask the smell. Madam Yang’s clothing had likely all been scented for the same reason.

After examining the afflicted area, Yu Jiao’s brows knit slightly. Madam Yang noticed and her heart sank. “Is it… untreatable?”

Over the years, she had seen many doctors. Because of gender taboos, male physicians couldn’t examine her directly and instead prescribed various medicines, none of which had worked. The itching and burning never stopped, and the odor was unbearable. Worse yet, there were now alarming growths.

“I need to confirm the diagnosis,” Yu Jiao replied. “Does the household have any white vinegar?”

Madam Yang pulled her clothing back into place. She had never stepped foot in the kitchen and wasn’t sure what kinds of vinegar they had. Although curious why Yu Jiao needed vinegar to diagnose her, she didn’t ask. After dressing, she said, “I’ll have my maid ask.”

The maid was sent to the kitchen but reported back that the household only had yellow vinegar, while Yu Jiao had specifically requested colorless white vinegar. The maid quickly ordered someone to purchase it from outside.

With nothing to do in the meantime, Madam Yang asked curiously, “Miss Meng, may I ask, what is vinegar for? Can it cure an illness?”

Yu Jiao replied calmly, “It’s not for treatment per se, though vinegar can indeed be used medicinally. It disperses blood stasis, stops bleeding, detoxifies, and kills parasites. Combined with other herbs, it can treat postpartum dizziness, jaundice, excessive sweating, nosebleeds, bloody stool, boils, and also counter food poisoning.”

Madam Yang was impressed by her knowledge. She had underestimated the young girl. Smiling, she said, “You’re still so young, and yet your medical insight rivals that of experienced male doctors.”

Third Madam Mu beamed with pride. “Our Second Master certainly has an eye for talent.”

About half an hour later, the young servant returned with the white vinegar. The maid handed it to Yu Jiao with a smile. “This kind of vinegar is quite rare. The boys searched every vinegar shop in Qingzhou, and finally found some at a local farmhouse.”

Yu Jiao asked for a basin of hot water and some clean cotton. Once back in the inner chamber, she had Madam Yang undress again. Dipping the cotton in vinegar, she gently wiped the afflicted area and observed it closely. After a moment, her brow relaxed, it wasn’t HPV as feared, only a case of pseudo-condyloma.

Once Madam Yang had dressed, Yu Jiao said, “No need to worry, Madam. It’s just inflammation. I’ll prescribe an internal and external treatment regimen. In the future, be sure to change undergarments frequently and wear breathable cotton fabrics.”

Madam Yang’s face lit up with joy. She had struggled with the condition for years and thought she would suffer forever. Now, hearing it was curable, her composure nearly broke. Even her usual elegance gave way to visible relief.

“Will the odor… will it go away too?” She asked, her voice trembling.

Yu Jiao nodded. “Once the inflammation is gone, the smell will disappear.”

In truth, gynecological illnesses were rarely severe. But in the restrictive world of ancient inner chambers, where women were barred from easily seeking treatment and most doctors were men, such ailments often became lifelong burdens.