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墨書 Inktalez
The eaves of the Daming Palace still held the droplets of water from the previous night. Qin Fenghua, dressed in a plain palace gown, had a white jade hairpin tilted at her temple, her hair styled elegantly and simply. She walked with a light step.
Inside the Empress Dowager's chamber, the palace maids moved cautiously. The Empress Dowager reclined on a brocade couch, her expression serene, silver strands in her hair, and her attire adorned with patterns of phoenixes and mythical birds, exuding both dignity and authority.
Qin Fenghua lowered her hands in greeting, her voice gentle and clear. "Please, Your Majesty, step forward to the couch; I wish to take your pulse."
The Empress Dowager nodded slightly and extended her wrist, the skin delicate yet carrying a hint of coldness.
Qin Fenghua pressed her slender fingertips gently against the pulse point, examining it with care, neither hurried nor slow, her demeanor calm and composed. She took out a silver needle and lightly pricked three inches above the Empress Dowager's wrist, the needle entering as if it were nothing.
The Empress Dowager gazed at her, a hint of appreciation flickering in her eyes.
"Your technique is remarkably steady; there is not a trace of hesitation," she said softly.
Qin Fenghua smiled slightly and replied warmly, "A healer's heart is one of compassion; I only wish to help those in need. With steady hands and a calm heart, one can bring peace to others."
The Empress Dowager rarely displayed such softness; she studied Qin Fenghua for a moment before suddenly asking, "This Palace has heard that you come from humble beginnings yet possess such medical skills. Do you have any ambitions?"
Qin Fenghua lowered her eyelashes modestly but retained her confidence. "My father taught me to cultivate my body through learning and to establish my place in the world through virtue. Though I have no grand ambitions, I hope to use my modest abilities to protect the health of the court."
The Empress Dowager nodded with a smile and then recited softly, "The fragrance of medicine reveals the heart before it is discerned; changes in fortune can deceive even the eyes. Do you know where this line comes from?"
Understanding her meaning, Qin Fenghua responded with a light verse: "With gentle hands stirring in the golden cauldron, a loyal heart only knows the jade steps."
The Empress Dowager's eyes clearly held more appreciation as she gently commanded, "Someone, reward her with a phoenix-patterned silk skirt and bestow it upon Qin Female Official."
The palace maids exchanged glances, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.
Consort Jin Yi's gaze turned slightly cold, and among the imperial physicians, some clenched their teeth in silence.
The newly appointed junior female official, Shen Wan, wore a faint smile, but shadows danced in her eyes.
During lunchtime, the aroma of the meal wafted through the palace dining hall.
Shen Wan personally inspected the dishes and discreetly signaled to a maid, who stealthily swapped out the herbs in the medicinal dish.
Turning to Qin Fenghua with a smile, she said, "Today, the Empress Dowager seems to have a good appetite. Please take extra care, Qin Female Official."
Qin Fenghua accepted the meal, lightly sniffing it with a furrowed brow. She remained composed, lowering her head in thought.
After the Empress Dowager had eaten for a while, Qin Fenghua suddenly spoke up, "Your Majesty, this dish has an unusual medicinal aroma that may harm the spleen and stomach. I dare to request a public inspection."
Shen Wan's expression shifted slightly as she replied nonchalantly, "All meals are meticulously prepared by the imperial kitchen; how could there be any mistakes?"
Qin Fenghua gently explained, "This dish should have been balanced with Sand Ginger but was instead replaced with Cang Zhu. Sand Ginger warms and harmonizes the stomach, while Cang Zhu is harsh and can damage Yin. If misused, it may cause discomfort to the Empress Dowager's stomach."
She lightly pushed the bowl away and scanned the dining hall with calm eyes. "In matters of the palace, nothing is trivial. The scent of medicine should not be overlooked; appearances can deceive. Though I may be foolish, I am fortunate not to have failed in my duty."
Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression hardened as she waved her hand to order an investigation.
The maid responsible for the meal trembled on her knees, stuttering as she admitted her momentary mistake.
Shen Wan's face was pale, and she forced herself to remain calm. The Empress Dowager shot her a cold glance and said, "Lady Shen, you must be cautious. If there are any more mistakes, you will not be spared."
Qin Fenghua lowered her gaze, but her eyes were clear and bright.
The palace ladies watched quietly, whispering among themselves.
The imperial physicians were even more vigilant; Qin Fenghua's medical skills and resourcefulness had already made them wary.
Qin Fenghua returned to her small courtyard.
The courtyard was simple, with moonlight spilling over the damp green moss. The osmanthus tree swayed gently, and dew reflected the starlight.
She sat quietly in front of the couch, a palace map spread out on the table before her. The candlelight cast a warm glow on her serene profile.
Cui Huan entered quietly and whispered, "Miss, the Junior Official from the Imperial Kitchen is waiting outside."
Qin Fenghua nodded slightly and instructed, "Please bring him in."
The Junior Official entered, trembling with apprehension, and bowed respectfully. Qin Fenghua spoke gently, "You two must investigate the medicinal herbs and food used in each palace, as well as the movements of the palace ladies. Remember, only report the facts; do not embellish."
Cui Huan bowed in acknowledgment, while the Junior Official repeatedly agreed.
Qin Fenghua took out two fragrant sachets and handed them to the two of them. "These contain calming scents. Wear them on your person. If anyone asks, say they are a gift from me to help soothe the mind and nurture vitality."
The two expressed their gratitude and then withdrew.
The sky was faintly brightening. Before the morning drum sounded, Qin Fenghua rose and dressed herself.
She changed into a dignified gown of azure satin, draped a moon-white gauze shirt over it, adorned herself with a jade hairpin that swayed gently, and pinned elegant flowers in her hair.
As she entered the imperial study, the officials had already gathered, with palace consorts, imperial physicians, and female officials standing respectfully.
The Empress Dowager sat on the high seat, her expression solemn. When Qin Fenghua approached the front of the hall, the Empress Dowager spoke loudly, "Qin Fenghua possesses medical ethics and a compassionate heart. Today, I bestow upon her the title of Imperial Pharmacist, responsible for medicine and safeguarding the court."
A moment of silence fell over the hall before everyone simultaneously exclaimed, "Congratulations to Imperial Pharmacist Qin!"
The palace consorts whispered among themselves, smiles on their faces, yet their eyes betrayed an unmistakable jealousy.
The imperial physicians gazed at her with varying degrees of coldness or warmth, while the female officials each harbored their own thoughts.
Qin Fenghua bowed in gratitude, suppressing her emotions as she silently mused, "A sudden rise to power brings countless trials. The palace walls are deep; every step must be taken with caution."
In the evening, Qin Fenghua returned to her quarters alone.
The sky had darkened; the spring breeze carried a hint of lingering rain, and shadows danced among the trees. On her desk lay a plain white letter, sealed with only the words "Dear Friend."
Qin Fenghua opened the letter. The ink on the plain paper was clear and elegant—"The willows within the palace grow dense; when wind and rain approach, be cautious, be cautious."
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a gentle glow on her tranquil face.
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