Feng Jin, having regained her senses, put on a mask and ensured her entire body was protected before entering. She was no longer alone; she had to consider the child in her womb.
"Madam, you're finally back!"
Seeing Feng Jin's figure appear at the entrance, Yun Yun rushed forward to surround her. Without Feng Jin around for the past two days, Yun Yun felt like she had lost her backbone. She had even thought Feng Jin wouldn't return, so seeing her today put her relieved heart at ease.
"I thought you wouldn't come back, Madam. Are you feeling better?"
"Much better. I'll go check on the patients first."
Feng Jin didn't offer further explanation and hurried to examine the patients. The condition of those she had previously treated with acupuncture remained stable, but a few others had worsened.
After attending to each patient with needles and medicine, and with their conditions stabilized, Feng Jin finally had some time to rest.
Just as she sat down for a drink of water, a commotion erupted outside the door. Feng Jin quickly got up to investigate and saw Ling Mo Han, his face as dark as ink, standing outside the door, with soldiers behind him preparing to break down the door.
Feng Jin's heart leaped into her throat in terror. Was he out of his mind? This was a plague-ridden area, filled with so many plague patients. If he were to rush in carelessly, he could contract the plague.
With no time to think, Feng Jin hastily shed her outer garment, disinfected herself thoroughly, and then ran out.
"Ling Mo Han, are you crazy? What is this place? Are you insane to dare barge in here!"
Feng Jin stood inside the room, several meters away, yelling furiously at the man.
Ling Mo Han's hawk-like eyes fixed deeply on Feng Jin, his expression utterly grim. His cold, thin lips parted slightly, "Come back with me!"
When the soldiers reported that Feng Jin had left, his heart felt as if it were being roasted over an open flame. He had searched for her with his soldiers all night without any news.
He had scoured the entire Ying Zhong Commandery and interrogated everyone. It was only from Lu Shi that he learned Feng Jin was here. All he wanted now was to bring Feng Jin back immediately.
"There are rooms full of patients waiting for me to treat them. Their lives are in my hands, and I cannot go back with you."
Upon hearing Feng Jin's refusal, Ling Mo Han's hands, hidden within his sleeves, clenched tightly. Flames ignited in his eyes, and he furrowed his brow, suppressing his anger.
"One last time, come back with me!"
Feng Jin's gaze was firm as she looked at Ling Mo Han, her voice resolute, "I cannot go back with you now!"
"Guards, take the young madam back!"
Ling Mo Han lost all patience for negotiation with Feng Jin and directly ordered them to forcibly escort her back.
"All of you, stand down!" Feng Jin's angry roar echoed, and she drew a dagger from her waist, pressing it against her throat.
"Ling Mo Han, are you trying to force me to my death?"
"Put down the knife!"
Ling Mo Han's gaze was fixed on the dagger at Feng Jin's throat, fearing that with a single blink, the blade would slice through her neck.
"If you leave... I will put it down!" Feng Jin's voice was extremely firm. She applied a slight pressure, and a trickle of blood emerged from her fair neck, a stark and piercing sight.
The man's hands clenched tightly. After a moment of silence, he suppressed his voice with great effort and said, "Let's go."
As his words fell, Ling Mo Han turned and left without looking back.
Feng Jin watched his retreating back, her gaze growing increasingly dejected. A void appeared in a certain part of her heart, feeling deeply painful. Her eyes stung, and tears fell uncontrollably. Only after Ling Mo Han's figure disappeared from sight did Feng Jin turn and return to the room.
"Madam, your neck is bleeding?" Xiao Niang was the first to notice the wound on Feng Jin's neck and reached for a cloth to bandage it.
"No need to bother. It's just a superficial scratch. Let's focus on treating the patients first."
This was a critical time. Any slight relaxation would render all their previous efforts in vain.
Feng Jin had no time to dwell on these matters of romance. She hurried back to the work of treating the patients.
After a full day of care, a few patients finally recovered, which was the best news for Feng Jin.
"Grandpa, your illness is cured. You can go home in two more days."
"Young lady, is my illness truly cured? Can I really go home?"
Feng Jin smiled and repeated, "Of course. Your illness is cured, and you'll be able to go home soon."
After confirming this, the old man was momentarily stunned, then suddenly knelt before Feng Jin. "Young lady, you are my savior. I must kowtow to you."
Startled, Feng Jin quickly helped him up. "Grandpa, I am a physician. Healing people is my duty. I cannot accept such a gesture from you."
After a pause, Feng Jin continued, "It was Major General Ling who ordered me to come and treat you. All expenses during your treatment were borne by Major General Ling himself. If you wish to express your gratitude, please thank Major General Ling."
After much consideration, she decided to attribute the credit to Ling Mo Han. It was much better than taking it for herself.
"The young general is truly our great benefactor. Had it not been for the young general repelling the rebels, we would have all perished long ago."
"Thanks to the young general repelling the rebels, and the young madam healing our illnesses, the people of Ying Zhong Commandery will never forget your great kindness for generations to come."
"I must tell my children and grandchildren so they will always remember the virtue of the young madam and the young general."
A chorus of praise erupted from everyone. The improvement in the plague brought a glimmer of solace to the hearts of the suffering populace.
Feng Jin's dejected mood also gradually improved.
The sudden relaxation after continuous exhaustion left Feng Jin feeling completely drained. She leaned against the wall, sat on a chair, closed her eyes, and rested.
She truly needed a few days of rest, or she would die of overwork.
"Madam, it's time to eat. A handsome young gentleman asked me to bring this to you."
Yun Yun placed an exquisite food box in front of Feng Jin.
A handsome young gentleman. Feng Jin's eyes suddenly lit up, and she immediately thought of Ling Mo Han. She hastily opened the food box to look. Upon seeing its contents, the light in her eyes instantly dimmed.
This food box was not from Ling Mo Han. He knew she disliked chestnut cake the most and would never prepare it for her.
She surmised that Ling Mo Han was likely still angry with her and wouldn't bother with her.
Holding the chestnut cake, though she didn't like it, Feng Jin mechanically took a bite.
It really didn't taste good... How she missed the pastries Ling Mo Han used to prepare for her.
Feng Jin ate without relish, the chestnut cake tasting like chewing on wax. Unconsciously, she finished the entire plate.
"Young madam... young madam..." A shout from outside the door pulled Feng Jin back from her thoughts.
Putting down the pastry, Feng Jin looked out with a slight frown.