Feng Jin's fingers rested on the infant's pulse, her furrowed brow gradually relaxing.
She had been worried that the baby, having been in the womb for too long and having inhaled amniotic fluid, might have suffered oxygen deprivation and consequently intellectual impairment. However, the pulse was now strong and healthy.
"The baby was in there for too long. The pulse is fine now, so care for it diligently. If anything seems amiss, come to the Ling mansion to find me immediately."
There weren't many obvious problems visible now; only as the child grew and developed would more be revealed.
"Thank you, Madam. My wife is weak; please take good care of her."
Liang Chen had already learned from the maid how Feng Jin had delivered the child. After hearing it, his heart had been greatly shocked, and it took him a long time to recover.
Even the imperial physicians were unable to properly care for the Qingping County Princess's condition. The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it; they could only request Feng Jin to look after the mother and child.
"Naturally, I will come to the mansion daily to check on their condition."
Her initial intention was to visit every three days, but considering it was ancient times and medical technology was not as advanced, her greatest concern was post-operative infection.
If the surgery succeeded but failed due to post-operative infection, she could not evade responsibility.
"Thank you, Madam!" Liang Chen cupped his hands in gratitude.
"This is merely a small token of my appreciation, Madam. It is nothing, please accept it!"
A servant boy held out a box and placed it before Feng Jin.
Feng Jin opened the box, revealing it to be filled with gold ingots, totaling a thousand taels.
"Saving lives and healing the injured is the duty of a physician. I absolutely will not accept this money!"
Feng Jin's attitude was resolute. How could mere gold and silver compare to the favor of the Duke of Yue's mansion?
As Feng Jin prepared to leave, she gave some instructions on precautions.
On the way back, Ling Mohan's gaze kept returning to Feng Jin. After a pause, he spoke, "Your injuries..."
"It's nothing. Just some superficial wounds, not worth mentioning. I'll apply some medicine when I get back."
Feng Jin turned her head away and said faintly.
Inside the carriage, they both looked out the window. By the time they returned to the mansion, they still hadn't spoken a word.
"Young Madam, you're back." Cai Qing was waiting by the door. The moment she saw Feng Jin, she hurried to greet her. Then, seeing Feng Jin's back, she gasped, "Young Madam, why is your back garment torn? And it's bleeding!"
Ling Mohan, who was walking ahead, heard the commotion and immediately turned around to ask, "What's wrong!"
He turned Feng Jin around. Her back garment was indeed torn, and red blood was seeping through.
Ling Mohan's brow furrowed. He directly swept Feng Jin into his arms and dashed into the house, "Lu Shi, fetch a doctor."
Inside the room, Feng Jin clutched the bedding tightly. A burning pain surged across her back, and a cold sweat beaded on her forehead.
"Be gentle!" Ling Mohan yelled sharply. "Does it take this much force to clean a wound?"
The doctor wiped the sweat from his brow and replied with a trembling voice, "Young Madam's wound has wood splinters in it. If they are not removed promptly, infection will set in, and the situation will become dire."
"Ling Mohan, you shut up!" If he hadn't been babbling on like that, the wound would have been treated long ago. All he was doing was wasting time.
"If you say one more word, you can get out. Don't be a hindrance here!"
It was true that one shouldn't fear a divine enemy as much as a pig-headed opponent.
After being reprimanded a few times, Ling Mohan dared not speak further. He closed his mouth and sat quietly to the side, occasionally reminding the doctor to be gentler.
A wound that should have been treated in half an hour took over an hour due to Ling Mohan's constant nagging.
Once the wound was dressed, the doctor let out a sigh of relief. He had practiced medicine for many years, but this was undeniably the most challenging day.
"Young General, this is the medicinal ointment. Apply this to Young Madam daily. It's best to avoid any strenuous movements for the next two days."
The doctor left the ointment and quickly disappeared.
Ling Mohan sat by the bed with a grim expression, his gaze fixed on Feng Jin. After a pause, he commanded, "Stay in bed for these two days. You are not to go anywhere without my permission!"
"No, I still need to check on the Qingping County Princess!"
Feng Jin refused without a second thought. She had gone through immense effort to ensure the safety of the Qingping County Princess and her child; not the slightest oversight was permissible.
"Lu Shi, issue an order: from today onwards, the Young Madam is confined to her quarters. No one is to let her out without my command!"
Ling Mohan ordered with a dark expression and left without looking back.
"You scoundrel, I truly regret saving you. I should have left you bedridden!"
That damn man, repaying kindness with enmity. She shouldn't have saved him in the first place.
"Young Madam, the doctor instructed you not to move around recklessly. If the wound reopens, it will be bad!"
The wound on her back was a full ten centimeters long, with several bruises.
She had gone to a banquet, only to return with such injuries.
Feng Jin now lay on the bed like an octopus, with Cai Qing standing guard beside her, watching her closely.
"Cai Qing, I'm hungry. Go get some pastries."
"Young Madam, the pastries are already prepared. I'll bring them to you!"
Cai Qing stood up and brought the pastries from the table to Feng Jin: "Young Madam, here are your favorites: steamed sugared custard, osmanthus steamed chestnut cakes, and rose crisps. Which one do you want?"
"I'm not hungry anymore..."
The little maid was becoming increasingly clever. Everything was prepared, making it difficult to send her away.
"Get out of the way! How dare you block me!"
"Miss Cousin, the Young General has ordered that no one is to disturb the Young Madam's rest."
"Have you eaten bear gall and leopard bile? There's nowhere in the Ling family I cannot go! Get out of my way!"
The noisy commotion outside the door instantly dispelled the drowsiness Feng Jin had just managed to cultivate.
"Cai Qing, go see who is outside."
"Yes, Young Madam."
Cai Qing had only opened the door a crack when a powerful force from outside shoved the door open.
Struck forcefully by the door, Cai Qing stumbled and fell to the ground.
Ling Yan, accompanied by her maids and servants, stood menacingly at the door: "Blind servant, how dare you block me."
In the Ling family, no one dared to offend her, and there was no place she could not go.
"I heard that Eldest Sister-in-law was injured and came to visit. I've already dealt with the incompetent servants outside!" Ling Yan sat down beside the bed with malicious intent.
Seeing Feng Jin injured and unable to move, Ling Yan's mood was greatly improved.
"I have a new bottle of medicinal ointment that is extremely effective. I will apply it to Eldest Sister-in-law now!"
With that said, she signaled for a maid to lift Feng Jin's clothes.
"What are you doing? Stop! The Young General will not forgive you if he finds out!"
Cai Qing's hands and feet were pinned by the maids and servants. She struggled and shouted hoarsely.
"Muzzle her!"