Tang Dynasty: Saving Lives and Helping Others, Li Lizhi Falls for Him

At dawn, just as the sky was beginning to lighten, Shen Chang'an got out of bed.

After a quick wash, he slung his medicine kit over his shoulder, pushed open the courtyard gate, and headed towards the free clinic.

This was a habit he developed after arriving in the Tang Dynasty—opening his clinic at dawn and closing at noon every day, without fail.

From just three or five patients at the beginning to long queues every day now, it has only been half a month.

Shen Chang'an was quite satisfied with this.

Curing an ordinary person's illness is a way to accumulate merit.

Although the amount is small, it is stable, and little by little it adds up to a steady, long-term flow.

While treating the illnesses of wealthy and powerful individuals is more troublesome, it yields higher merit points and occasionally triggers system tasks with generous rewards.

Just like Li Chengqian.

Five hundred merit points, plus a Qi-Nourishing Pill, are equivalent to him treating three to five hundred ordinary people.

"If only we could have more patients like this," Shen Chang'an thought to himself, his steps unhurried.

The free clinic was held in an open space southeast of Qixia Gate, not far from his small courtyard, about a quarter of an hour's walk away.

From afar, he could see the long queue.

There were men, women, young and old, including beggars in tattered clothes, herbalists carrying medicine baskets, and several women in coarse clothes holding children.

They lined up quietly, without a trace of impatience on their faces, their eyes all fixed in the same direction—the simple wooden table.

"Dr. Shen is here!"

Someone shouted, and the entire line immediately stirred.

"Good morning, Dr. Shen!"

"Dr. Shen, have you had breakfast yet? My wife steamed some buns and brought one for you!"

"Dr. Shen, my husband took your medicine yesterday, and he said he's feeling much better this morning!"

Voices rose and fell from the ranks, mixed with local accents, simple and fervent.

Shen Chang'an walked along, nodding with a smile, occasionally responding with a few words. He walked to the wooden table, put down his medicine box, and bowed to everyone.

"Fellow villagers, I am late. I hope to see as many people as possible today, so that you will not have waited in vain."

Upon hearing this, the people praised it and consciously quieted down, maintaining order.

Shen Chang'an sat down behind the wooden table, opened his medicine box, and began his day of free medical consultations.

……

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Palace, at the Hall of State Administration.

Lizheng Hall is the main hall of the inner palace, where the empress resides. It is magnificent in scale and imposing in presence.

Two ancient locust trees stand in front of the hall, their branches and leaves flourishing, providing a dense shade. Inside, the furnishings are dignified and elegant, with the fragrance of sandalwood filling the air, creating a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Empress Zhangsun was sitting in front of her dressing table, having her hair styled by a maid.

She is thirty-two years old this year, in the prime of her life.

She has a dignified and beautiful face, with a gentle and graceful air about her. Although she has given birth to several children, she is well-maintained and still retains her charm.

His complexion was slightly pale, and his lips were a little lighter in color, a trace left by years of illness.

"Mother Empress."

Li Lizhi's voice came from outside the hall, carrying a hint of cheerfulness.

Empress Zhangsun turned her head slightly and saw her daughter enter through the bronze mirror. A smile appeared on her lips: "Lizhi is here. Why are you up so early today?"

Li Lizhi walked to the dressing table, took the comb from the maid, and gently combed Empress Zhangsun's hair, saying in a coquettish tone:

"Mother is going to Tangquan Palace today, and I would like to accompany you."

Empress Zhangsun glanced at her, her gaze filled with a hint of inquiry.

"You went out of the palace yesterday?" she asked casually, but her tone left no room for evasion.

Li Lizhi paused slightly, then continued combing her hair as if nothing had happened: "Nothing can be hidden from the Empress Dowager."

"Your Majesty is wise." Li Lizhi lowered her eyes and said softly, "Yesterday I was feeling down, so I went out of the city for a walk to clear my head."

Empress Zhangsun remained silent for a moment, without pressing further.

She knew perfectly well why her daughter was upset—His Majesty had already decided on the arranged marriage.

Changsun Wuji's son, Changsun Chong, was a perfect match for him, with no faults whatsoever.

But how could a mother not know what her daughter is thinking?

"It's good to clear your head."

Empress Zhangsun gently patted her daughter's hand, "Let's go to Tangquan Palace together today. We'll stay outside the city for a few days to relax."

Li Lizhi was overjoyed and quickly replied, "Thank you, Mother."

After washing up, Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi had breakfast and then prepared to set off.

The carriage drove out of the side gate of the palace, accompanied by dozens of guards at the front and back. Although the procession was not grand, it was clear at a glance that it was a noble person traveling.

Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi rode together in a carriage, slowly heading south along the official road.

Inside the carriage, Empress Zhangsun held Li Lizhi's hand and whispered some instructions about matters after the marriage.

"After you marry into the Changsun family, you must respect your parents-in-law and get along well with your husband. You know the Changsun family's traditions. Your aunt is a straightforward person and won't make things difficult for you. But that child, Chong'er..."

Li Lizhi wore a polite smile and nodded frequently, as if she was listening very attentively.

But her thoughts had already flown outside the city.

I wonder how things are going on my brother's side.

After the carriage had been traveling for about half an hour, it suddenly slowed down.

"Your Majesty, there are people blocking your way ahead," came the voice of a guard from outside the carriage.

Empress Zhangsun frowned slightly: "Who is it?"

"It is His Highness the Crown Prince."

Empress Zhangsun and Li Lizhi exchanged a glance and then lifted the carriage curtain.

Li Chengqian was seen standing on his horse by the roadside, followed by several attendants, waiting.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." Li Chengqian dismounted and bowed respectfully.

"Chengqian, what are you doing here?" Empress Zhangsun asked. "Aren't you studying in the Eastern Palace today?"

Li Chengqian stood up, walked to the carriage, and said with a smile, "Yesterday, I met a divine physician outside the city and had him treat me. I feel much better now. Today, I went for a follow-up visit, and unexpectedly, I met Mother here."

Empress Zhangsun looked her son up and down, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

She then noticed that her son's complexion was indeed much better than it had been a few days ago.

Although her complexion was still pale, it had become more rosy, unlike before when she was deathly pale. The dark circles under her eyes had also faded, and she looked much more energetic.

"You left the palace yesterday?" Empress Zhangsun asked.

"Yes."

Li Chengqian answered truthfully, "I heard that there was a divine physician outside the city, so I went to try him out. I didn't expect that the physician's acupuncture skills were truly remarkable. After only two needles, I felt my body regain strength."

"Two injections?"

Empress Zhangsun raised an eyebrow slightly. "What kind of acupuncture technique is so miraculous?"

Li Chengqian then briefly recounted his experience at Zuixianlou yesterday—how he consulted doctors, how he took pulses, how he administered acupuncture, how the treatment was effective on the spot, as well as the prescription given by Shen Chang'an and the Six-Character Breathing Method.

"Although that Dr. Shen is young, his medical skills are indeed superb."

Li Chengqian concluded, "After taking his medicine and practicing the six-character mantra he taught me, I felt much better than usual when I woke up this morning."

Empress Zhangsun remained silent for a moment after hearing this.

She knew her son had a weak constitution. Over the years, he had seen many doctors, and the Imperial Medical Academy had been trying to treat him, but the results were never ideal.

The fact that Dr. Shen could get his son to say "I'm much better" shows that he must have some skill.

"How old is this Doctor Shen you mentioned?" Empress Zhangsun asked.

"Around twenty years old," Li Chengqian replied.

Empress Zhangsun frowned slightly.

In her early twenties, she's far too young.

However, on second thought, there is no necessary connection between medical skill level and age.

Since it works on her son, she must have real talent and skills.

Her own ailment had been treated by the Imperial Medical Academy for many years without a cure. If this Doctor Shen really had the ability...

"Has he ever treated qi ailments?" Empress Zhangsun asked.

Li Chengqian and Li Lizhi, who were inside the carriage, quickly exchanged a glance, both of them secretly delighted.

The Empress Dowager is tempted.

"I asked Physician Shen, and he said he is skilled in treating lung and kidney ailments," Li Chengqian quickly replied. "If Your Majesty is interested, perhaps..."

He didn't make his statement completely, leaving some room for interpretation.

Empress Zhangsun pondered for a moment and said, "Let's go and see first. If he is truly capable, it wouldn't hurt to ask him to take a look."

"Your Majesty is wise!" Li Chengqian bowed and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

"but--"

Empress Zhangsun changed the subject, "We can't go with such a entourage. What kind of image is this? Change to an ordinary carriage, dress in casual clothes, and go discreetly."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements immediately."