If you had to choose an identity to go undercover, you'd choose a gynecologist.

The room had already been furnished, with a semi-transparent plain-colored gauze curtain hanging above the partition, behind which sat Zhou Fuhai's five wives and concubines.

Chen Qing carried the medicine box to the octagonal table outside the curtain and sat down. Old Mrs. Zhou and Zhou Fuhai stood to one side waiting, not daring to breathe.

Five silver threads were tied to the wrists of Zhou Fuhai's five wives, leading out from behind the gauze curtain and landing in Chen Qing's hand. Chen Qing twirled them with his fingertips, displaying an inscrutable expression.

The system started up, and Chen Qing observed the words above the heads of the five people.

The first wife, Madam Li, had a gentle complexion and full skin. The system indicated that her "qi and blood were balanced, but her spleen and stomach were slightly weak, which was due to prolonged sitting and lack of exercise." The second concubine, Madam Wang, had alluring eyes and a steady pulse. The system indicated that her "liver qi was slightly stagnant, but there was nothing seriously wrong." The third, fourth, and fifth concubines were either young and charming or calm and reserved. The system's feedback for them was that their "internal organs were healthy, and they only needed to regulate their work and rest and eat a light diet."

Chen Qing understood that these pampered women, who lived in luxury and ease, did not have any serious organic diseases. They only had minor ailments common in wealthy families, which could be effectively treated with a few prescriptions.

But whether one has a son or a daughter is a matter of fate and probability. Not only can his "system" not control it, but even a real miracle doctor has no way to intervene.

He ran his fingers along the silver thread, his mind racing. Suddenly, a brilliant idea struck him: a way to smooth things over and pave the way for Zhou Fuhai to cooperate with Chongqing in the future.

Although he was a playboy in his previous life, his family forced him to read a lot of books when he was young.

Chen Qing picked up the paper and pen that had been prepared beforehand and quickly wrote down five prescriptions to help the five ladies regulate their health.

"They may have slightly weak spleen and stomach or slightly stagnant liver qi, all due to a pampered lifestyle and lack of physical activity. I only need to prescribe a few remedies and encourage them to move around more often to relax, and they will recover."

"Then...then why has there been no male heir for so long?" The old lady frowned, her expression anxious.

Chen Qing feigned profundity: "Although I haven't taken Mr. Zhou's pulse, judging from his complexion, steady breathing, and abundant energy, it's definitely not his fault. The problem may lie elsewhere."

"Other aspects?" the old lady and Zhou Fuhai asked in unison.

Chen Qing picked up the teacup on the table, took a small sip, and slowly said, "Mr. Zhou, you are well-read and knowledgeable in both ancient and modern times. Have you ever heard of Mr. Yuan Liaofan?"

"Yuan Liaofan?" Zhou Fuhai was taken aback at first, then nodded. "Of course I've heard of him. 'Liaofan's Four Lessons' is widely circulated, and I read it in my younger days. But... what does this have to do with having offspring?"

"The connection is very strong." Chen Qing put down his teacup and looked intently at Zhou Fuhai. "In his early years, Mr. Liaofan's fate was predicted by Mr. Kong. Every bite and drink was predetermined. Later, he was enlightened by Zen Master Yung-ku and understood the principle that 'destiny is created by oneself and fortune is sought by oneself.' From then on, he accumulated good deeds and defied the heavens to change his fate. He not only passed the imperial examinations but also had children and enjoyed long-lasting blessings."

He stood up and said solemnly, "In my opinion, Mr. Zhou's situation is quite similar to that of Mr. Liaofan back then. His wives are all in good health, and he himself is also fine, so why is he so childless? Perhaps it is not a physical illness, but rather a matter of his state of mind and virtue."

Zhou Fuhai was stunned, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper, seemingly understanding but not quite: "Doctor Chen means..."

"I have a piece of advice for you, sir," Chen Qing said, enunciating each word clearly and forcefully, "All blessings originate from within; seek them in your heart, and you will find nothing you cannot comprehend."

These words struck Zhou Fuhai like a heavy hammer blow.

He murmured these sixteen words over and over, his eyes flickering as he fell into deep thought.

Chen Qing knew that this was exactly the effect he wanted.

Despite holding a high position in the puppet government and wielding considerable power, Zhou Fuhai may not have been genuinely willing to serve the Japanese invaders.

This statement serves as both a psychological suggestion, implying that he needs to accumulate good deeds if he wants to have offspring, and a subtle way of enlightening him to understand that "good deeds bring good rewards," thus laying the groundwork for guiding him to align himself with Chongqing and transport strategic materials in the future.

Seeing Zhou Fuhai deep in thought, Chen Qing cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "Mr. Zhou, the ladies can simply follow the prescription. It's getting late, and I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

Zhou Fuhai finally came to his senses. Although he was still confused and did not understand how "mental state and virtue" had any direct connection with offspring, Chen Qing's words just now inexplicably aroused a sense of awe in him.

He quickly returned the greeting with a cupped hand, speaking respectfully, "Thank you for your guidance, Dr. Chen. You've had a long day. Let me see you out."

Zhou Fushan was already waiting outside the door. Upon hearing this, he immediately had two mahogany boxes brought over.

Upon opening the box, one contained precious medicinal herbs, silks, and antiques, while the other box held ten gold bars neatly stacked.

Zhou Fushan said earnestly, "Dr. Chen, this is just a small token of my appreciation, but I hope you will accept it. Thank you so much for curing my mother's illness and for treating my family members. This little thing is really not enough to repay your kindness."

Chen Qing didn't stand on ceremony and said goodbye, getting into the car. The car carried Chen Qing all the way out of Yuyuan Road.

Zhou Fuhai stood at the door, watching the car disappear into the distance, still silently reciting the phrase, "All blessings originate from within; seek them from the heart, and you will find them everywhere," his eyes filled with complex emotions.

This scene had already been observed by those with ulterior motives, and the news quickly reached the ears of a group of high-ranking officials of the puppet government who were still waiting for Zhou Fuhai to return to the city hall.

Minister Zhou stopped the meeting and hosted a banquet at his home for a doctor named Chen Qing. He also sent two boxes of gifts, which he personally delivered to the door. Who is this person?

Some people secretly planned to ask someone to find out Chen Qing's whereabouts later. If they could get in touch with the Zhou family through him, they would surely be able to advance further in their official careers in the future. Others were wary, wondering if Chen Qing's sudden appearance was some kind of pawn planted by Zhou Fuhai, or if he had other forces backing him up.

When Mingcheng returned, he whispered to Minglou, "Mr. Zhou came home specifically to host a banquet for Chen Qing, the doctor who was pulled out of No. 76 that day."

Minglou seemed to be deep in thought. He didn't think Chen Qing was that amazing. Instead, he wondered if this was Wang Tianfeng's doing.

Let's ask Wang Tianfeng later!

………………

The Stypunk sedan returned to Ping An Lane, where the servants unloaded the gifts, carried them inside, and then took their leave.

A crowd of neighbors gathered around, and the landlady squeezed in as well. Seeing so many gifts, she exclaimed, "Dr. Chen has struck it rich!"

"Let us see what good stuff this is!"

The landlady touched a piece of silk, her eyes filled with longing: "This is the finest Suzhou embroidery. If you could make me a cheongsam, it would definitely flatter my figure."

Old Pan, who was standing nearby, joked, "Mrs. Hu, why don't you take a nap with Dr. Chen? He'll definitely cut two feet off your clothes."

"Get out of here! You old lecher!" The landlady blushed, reached out and slapped Old Pan, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

Chen Qing laughed along and simply opened all the boxes of Songhelou pastries and shared them with everyone.

Everyone shared the food without ceremony. The landlady wrapped two pieces in a handkerchief, not wanting to eat them herself, but saving them for her son when she got home.

Just then, they saw Xiao Zheng, the postman who often delivered mail to Ping'anli, rushing towards them on his bicycle, holding a telegram in his hand: "Mrs. Hu, Mrs. Hu, something terrible has happened!"

He stopped the car, panting, and handed over the telegram.

Old Pan snatched the telegram and saw a line written on it: "Mr. Hu was caught in a flash flood while collecting tea in Anxi, Fujian, and his body was never recovered."

The telegram was sent by a fellow merchant who was traveling with Mr. Hu.

The landlady turned deathly pale. She snatched the telegram, saw a line of text on it, swayed, her vision went black, and she fainted.

………………