Chapter 30:

By Sunday, as planned, Qin Chaoyu was supposed to visit the Xiong family. However, she was somewhat worried about how to get there since she didn’t know where the Xiong residence was located. She also had little knowledge about the people and affairs within that social circle and wasn’t sure whom to ask for help. Initially, she considered asking Old Man Li for assistance, but given how much she had already troubled him, she felt too embarrassed to do so again.

Xiong Bochang, likely aware of her predicament, suggested that he accompany her to the Xiong family.

Qin Chaoyu was genuinely relieved.

In the following two or three days, Qin Chaoyu didn’t idle around. She diligently researched how to effectively treat postpartum hemorrhage.

There were many specific causes of postpartum hemorrhage. For instance, some women experienced excessive mental stress during childbirth, which could weaken uterine contractions and lead to hemorrhage.

Other causes included retained placenta, such as incomplete placental detachment or adhesions, which could also result in severe bleeding.

Another factor was coagulation dysfunction, such as blood disorders or severe hepatitis. However, Qin Chaoyu thought this possibility was relatively low.

Although she had studied traditional Chinese medicine and her soul was that of an ancient person, her master’s teachings had kept her from being rigidly conservative. After entering modern society, she found Western medicine quite fascinating, with many theoretical concepts worth learning. She aimed to integrate the strengths of both disciplines, combining their essences. Thus, she had also studied Western medicine, though her current understanding was limited. Still, she had a grasp of basic modern medical knowledge.

Nowadays, pregnant women undergo thorough examinations before delivery. Given the Xiong family’s status, if the lady of the house had been diagnosed with conditions predisposing her to bleeding—such as blood disorders or hepatitis—she would have been hospitalized in advance, with her blood type checked and blood reserves prepared to prevent emergencies during childbirth.

Moreover, based on the age of Xiong Bochang, the eldest son, Qin Chaoyu deduced that the lady of the Xiong family must have been at least in her thirties or forties when she gave birth to her youngest child—an age considered advanced maternal age, which carries significant risks. If the lady had indeed suffered from such conditions, the Xiong family would never have allowed her to bear children at that age, especially since they already had heirs.

But the exact cause wasn’t urgent. She could discuss it with the patient later. The main focus was the treatment method. Her knowledge was extensive but eclectic, which had both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage was her ability to quickly diagnose and treat patients, while the disadvantage was the overwhelming number of treatment options, making it difficult to choose the best one. Thus, for every patient, she carefully considered how to provide the most effective and swift treatment.

Early that morning, Qin Chaoyu packed her medical kit and, after sternly refusing Bai Pengpeng’s request to tag along—ignoring her pitiful gaze—prepared to leave.

It wasn’t that Qin Chaoyu was heartless, but this wasn’t a routine visit to Tongrentang, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to bring her along. She hadn’t even brought Tuantuan this time.

She had arranged to meet Xiong Bochang at Tongrentang before heading out together.

When she arrived, Xiong Bochang was already there, chatting amiably with Old Man Li and a group of elderly folks.

Outwardly, he appeared stern and reserved, yet here he was, patiently engaging in small talk with the elderly, even smiling occasionally, earning him praise as a “fine young man.”

Somehow, the conversation took a turn, and the elderly women began enthusiastically discussing matchmaking for him. Upon hearing he was single, their excitement soared. As Qin Chaoyu approached, she overheard one woman insisting that the girl she had in mind was both beautiful and kind-hearted.

This was typical of the elderly—when they admired a young person, their immediate response was to play matchmaker, though usually only with those they felt close to. Clearly, Xiong Bochang’s social skills were exceptional, winning over the elders in such a short time.

Seeing Xiong Bochang’s awkward discomfort, Qin Chaoyu found it amusing. It took considerable skill to fluster such a serious and composed man.

Xiong Bochang, genuinely overwhelmed by the elderly women’s enthusiasm, was searching for an escape when he spotted Qin Chaoyu watching the scene with amusement.

Quickly, he said, “Everyone, Dr. Qin is here.” His relieved expression made Qin Chaoyu chuckle.

The elders’ attention immediately shifted to Qin Chaoyu, greeting her warmly.

Seeing Xiong Bochang’s relief, Qin Chaoyu decided to let his use of her as a shield slide—after all, he was a guest and would soon be guiding her to his home.

She smiled and responded to the elders’ greetings, then said, “I’m sorry, everyone, but I have an appointment today and won’t be able to see patients. However, you needn’t worry—Old Man Li’s medical skills are exceptional, as you know, so he’ll be taking care of you today.” She felt bad about leaving the patients without care but had no choice.

Old Man Li, who had been leisurely sipping tea, suddenly found himself roped into the situation. Under everyone’s expectant gaze, he couldn’t refuse and forced a smile in agreement.

This was a loss for him—these patients had come for Qin Chaoyu, and now he’d have to handle them all, leaving no time for his tea.

Though disappointed, the elders were reasonable and accepted Qin Chaoyu’s explanation. They were grateful to her and couldn’t very well stop her from attending to her business.

With that settled, Qin Chaoyu glanced at Xiong Bochang, signaling they could leave.

Eager to escape, Xiong Bochang led the way out. He had truly been intimidated by the elderly women’s matchmaking fervor.

As the two left, the elders began speculating about their relationship, some even remarking how well-matched they seemed.

Old Man Li, still annoyed, simply smiled without clarifying, letting them misunderstand.

He was in a petty mood today!

There was no space for large vehicles to park in front of Tongrentang. Last time, Bai Pengpeng had parked her car on a nearby roadside. Xiong Bochang’s car was also parked there.

His car was a black sedan—Qin Chaoyu didn’t recognize the make, but its dignified and understated appearance suited his personality perfectly.

Once she was seated, Xiong Bochang started the car.

Yuzhou had always been a prosperous region, home to countless aristocratic families. Over time, many had declined, some retaining only their prestigious names. But the Xiong family was no mere facade.

Their main residence was an estate in the suburbs, spanning approximately 8,000 square meters—larger than a football field. This alone spoke volumes about the family’s influence. Maintaining such a property, even as an ancestral home, required significant resources—not just wealth but also power.

The so-called “suburbs” weren’t ordinary either—this area was a high-end villa district with lush greenery, inhabited exclusively by the wealthy and influential. Compared to Yuping Garden, where Qin Chaoyu lived, which was merely upper-middle-class, this was truly elite territory.

As they neared the estate, the servants at the gate recognized the eldest young master’s car and opened it promptly. Xiong Bochang drove straight to the main house.

He stepped out first and courteously opened the car door for Qin Chaoyu. “After you.”

Qin Chaoyu alighted with her medical kit, standing composedly.

The servants tending to the gardens were astonished to see their stern and rigid young master return with a beautiful young woman. But no matter how curious they were, they dared not gossip or even steal glances. As servants, they knew to keep their mouths, eyes, and thoughts in check.

Xiong Bochang spoke respectfully, “Dr. Qin, let me take you to see my mother.”

Qin Chaoyu nodded calmly, unfazed by his deference, exuding an air of grace.

Since entering the estate, Xiong Bochang had been observing her. She knew what he was looking for, so she let him observe to his heart’s content.

Her composure only deepened his respect, and he guided her to his mother’s bedroom with even greater reverence.

During their first meeting, he had been disappointed that the doctor was such a young woman. Though her later performance had somewhat alleviated his doubts, he had still been desperate enough to take a chance. With no other options, he had reluctantly trusted the information provided by the Gu family.

But he was well aware of the Xiong family’s stature. He had wanted to see how this confident young woman would react upon witnessing their residence. To his surprise, she remained unflappable throughout, as if such grandeur was commonplace for her.

This gave Xiong Bochang a glimmer of hope—perhaps this young woman truly had the ability to cure his mother!

Little did he know, Qin Chaoyu had indeed seen it all before. In her past life, though an overlooked daughter of the Qin family, her father was still the Marquis of Xuanping. Before her mother’s death, she had lacked for nothing. Even later, when neglected and confined, a mere garden like this wouldn’t have impressed her. To her, the Xiong estate, while grand by modern standards, was just an ordinary wealthy family’s home in ancient times.

To astonish her, this wasn’t nearly enough!

The interior was decorated in an antique style reminiscent of Suzhou gardens—elegant and refined. At first glance, the furnishings seemed unremarkable, but each piece was exquisitely valuable.

Xiong Bochang didn’t linger on the first floor, leading Qin Chaoyu directly upstairs.

At his mother’s door, he knocked gently and entered only after hearing a weak response.

Upon entering, Qin Chaoyu frowned. The room was thick with the scent of traditional medicine, mingled with the faint, elusive fragrance of golden nanmu wood—indicating its considerable age. While not unpleasant, such stagnant, mixed air was unhealthy for a patient, making the environment feel stifling.

Many families made the mistake of sealing windows and doors during illness, believing it protected the patient. In reality, stale air only worsened moods, and without proper ventilation, pathogens lingered, harming recovery.

Xiong Bochang approached the bed and asked softly, “Mom, I’ve found a traditional Chinese doctor. She successfully treated Old Master Gu’s coronary heart disease. May she examine you?”

The woman on the bed coughed weakly. “Ah, my condition… I know it’s hopeless. You’ve all worked so hard.”

Seeing his once-vibrant mother reduced to this state, Xiong Bochang’s eyes glistened with tears.

“Mom, don’t say that. We’re all willing to do anything for you. Just give it a try, please?”

No mother could resist her child’s plea. With great effort, Lady Xiong nodded weakly. Even this small motion left her breathless.

Relieved, Xiong Bochang turned eagerly to Qin Chaoyu.

Just then, the second young miss of the Xiong family, Xiong Yunhan, burst into the room.