The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Master Buhui has reached the mansion gates.

Master Buhui has entered the mansion.

Master Buhui is resting in the guest courtyard, and the Prime Minister has also gone over.

One piece of news after another reached Song Ci at Chunhui Hall.

Song Ci couldn’t help but feel a bit curious, and asked Nanny Gong: ”This Master Buhui, have you heard much about him? Is he famous throughout the world?”

”Of course I’ve heard of him. It’s said that his medical skills are exceptionally good, and he is kind-hearted and often holds free clinics to help the poor. But if he treats the wealthy, he charges a fortune in gold and silver. For those who are utterly wicked, even if they offer a mountain of gold, he won’t treat them.” Nanny Gong smiled and said: ”Master Jinghui is renowned worldwide for his profound wisdom and boundless Buddhist teachings, while Master Buhui is famous for his medical skills. However, he has a peculiar character and rarely goes out.”

Song Ci smacked her lips: ”As for how peculiar his character is, Lin Qing would know best, but then again...”

She showed a hint of gossip on her face and said, ”I’ve heard from Madam Gu that Lin Qing once had romantic feelings for this master before he became a monk, but whether it’s true or not, I don’t dare ask her. If it is true, wouldn’t it be quite awkward for them to meet? Nanny, do you think we should have Lin Qing come over to chat and maybe ask if she needs to avoid him?”

Nanny Gong poked fun at her: ”You just want to gossip about their past affections, don’t you?”

Song Ci coughed: ”I’m not that kind of person. I’m just being considerate, afraid she might feel awkward.”

Haha.

Nanny Gong smiled faintly and said: ”Dr. Lin is already thirty this year. Even if she once admired him, it’s all in the past. She’s moved on. She reached out and invited him here to treat you, seeing it as bygone. Why would it be awkward now?”

”Ah.” Song Ci wagged her finger: ”That’s why you’re just an old palace maid. You don’t understand feelings. Just as they say, ’Once you’ve seen the vast ocean, no other water will do.’ Even if she has moved on, suddenly encountering him again, her heart might still feel a bit sentimental.”

”Oh, so you’re underestimating Dr. Lin’s poise.”

”Women are inevitably sentimental,” Song Ci clicked her tongue and said. ”Well, as you say, since Lin Qing invited him, she must be prepared, and any awkwardness might just be momentary. It’s Master Buhui who shouldn’t embarrass the young lady too much.”

In the guest courtyard, Buhui sneezed several times, scratching his itchy nose.

Song Zhiyuan said with concern: ”With the snow and wind along the way, I’ve heard many roads are blocked by heavy snow. Master, you might have caught a cold. Would you like to bathe, drink some ginger soup, and rest for a day before examining my mother?”

Song Zhicheng also said: ”Indeed, Master, since you’re already here at the mansion, there’s no need to rush. You can rest before attending to the pulse-taking.”

”I’m not in a hurry. I worry about your urgency.” Buhui smiled and said: ”Let’s meet your esteemed mother first.”

Seeing his attitude, the brothers had no choice but to accompany him.

News reached Chunhui Hall, and preparations began. Since Song Ci was older and had her sons accompany her, and the visitor was a monk, there was no need to set up screens. She simply changed into clothes suitable for receiving guests and waited for them to arrive.

Soon, Song Zhiyuan and his brother led the monk inside.

Song Ci had heard snippets of his achievements from Lin Qing, as Lin Qing admired him and knew of his worldwide fame. She thought, according to the pattern, he ought to be another exceptionally handsome high monk, just like Master Jinghui.

Yet upon seeing Buhui, her smile froze slightly at the corners of her mouth.

Unexpectedly, her Lin Qing’s aesthetic was this peculiar, a second Lu Zhishen?