Travels of a Female Physician in the Ming Dynasty

The "Dragon and Phoenix Soup" incident in the imperial kitchen ended successfully. The Empress Dowager not only did not discover that we had secretly changed the ingredients, but she also praised us a few words, which made the chefs in the imperial kitchen look at me differently.

Although I only borrowed a little modern cleverness, in ancient times, it was simply a magical skill!

However, just when I thought the matter was over and was about to return to the daily tutoring of the Third Prince, unexpected news came one after another.

"Master Yang, the Queen Mother invites you."

A young eunuch came running over to deliver a message.

My heart tightened. Why was it the Empress Dowager again?

I just came back from her place not long ago, and she summoned me again this time. Could it be that she discovered the secret of the "Dragon and Phoenix Auspicious Soup"?

I pretended to be calm, straightened my clothes, and followed the eunuch to the Empress Dowager's bedroom.

My mind was racing along the way, wondering why the Empress Dowager wanted to see me this time.

The familiar atmosphere of majesty still filled the Empress Dowager's bedroom.

When I entered, the Empress Dowager was sitting on the couch, holding a cup of hot tea in her hand, and seemed to be savoring something.

When she saw me come in, she raised her eyelids slightly and smiled.

"Master Yang, you are here. Please sit down."

The Queen Mother's tone was so gentle that I felt a little uncomfortable and even more uneasy.

This is not right. When has the Empress Dowager ever been so kind?

I bowed respectfully and replied softly, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace. I dare not."

The Queen Mother waved her hand, signaling me to relax: "It's okay, I asked you to come this time because I have something I want to entrust to you."

My heart skipped a beat. What could this be? Nothing in the palace is easy.

The Queen Mother gently put down the teacup in her hand, her eyes becoming somewhat profound. "I have heard about your performance in the Imperial Kitchen last time. The fact that you were able to come up with a solution under such circumstances proves that you are a smart person. I have something I would like to entrust to you for safekeeping."

"Things?" I was a little confused, wondering what the Queen Mother would ask me to keep.

The Queen Mother waved her hand, and the maid next to her came over with an exquisite box and handed it to me carefully.

I took the box, feeling curious, but not daring to open it rashly. I could only whisper, "Empress Dowager, what is this..."

The Queen Mother smiled slightly, her expression full of meaning. "This is a precious gift I received when I was young, and I don't usually show it to others. Since you are assisting the Third Prince in the palace, I believe you are capable of protecting it."

I felt a little scared. Is this box so mysterious?

Could it be some secret treasure of the palace?

Or is it a major secret about the royal family?

But in front of the Empress Dowager, I naturally didn't dare ask any more questions. I could only answer respectfully, "I will definitely bear in mind the Empress Dowager's instructions and keep this item properly."

"Okay." The Queen Mother nodded with satisfaction, then waved her hand gently: "You can go first. I trust you."

I quickly bowed and took my leave, but my heart was full of doubts.

This matter is definitely not that simple.

After returning to the bedroom, I immediately closed the door and quietly opened the box that the Queen Mother gave me.

Lying inside was an exquisite jade pendant, the jade was warm and smooth, and it was carved with a lifelike phoenix.

"Just... this?" I was a little disappointed. I thought it would be some earth-shattering treasure, but it turned out to be just a jade pendant.

But then again, in ancient times, jade pendants were not ordinary ornaments, especially those with exquisite carvings, which most likely had special meanings behind them.

Just as I was about to study the jade pendant carefully, Yuanbao's voice suddenly came from outside the door: "Master Yang, the Third Prince is looking for you!"

I quickly put the jade pendant away and took a deep breath.

It seems that there must be a story behind this jade pendant, but now is not the time to study it.

When I arrived at the Third Prince's bedroom, the scene in front of me almost made me laugh out loud.

The third prince was squatting on the ground, fiddling with a pile of wood blocks and ropes, with a few small copper pieces next to them, looking like a "mechanical master".

Yuanbao was watching in amazement, and obviously had no idea what the Third Prince was doing.

"Lord Yang, come and take a look! I have invented a new thing!" The third prince waved excitedly when he saw me come in.

I held back my laughter, walked up and took a closer look at the "work" in front of him.

This thing is probably a simple mechanical device, with several wooden pieces stuck together, and it seems to be able to be rotated by the traction of a rope, but I really can't see what special function it has.

"What...is this?" I asked curiously.

The Third Prince looked very proud. "This is the automatic turntable I designed! Just pull this rope and it will keep turning! In the future, I can use it to make many things, such as an automatic book turning mechanism or an automatic stirring device!"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Third Prince, you truly are a genius! However, this device might be a bit complicated to use. It's better to just turn the pages yourself; it's faster."

The Third Prince curled his lips and said, "Ah, you just don't understand the fun of this! But it doesn't matter. I'll try more and I'll always find better ways to improve it."

I smiled and nodded, but started thinking in my heart.

The third prince likes mechanisms. Although it seems like he is just playing around, it actually demonstrates his hands-on ability and innovative thinking.

If he could use this kind of intelligence and talent in governing the country in the future, he might become an extraordinary emperor.

Just as we were discussing the third prince's "new invention", a fragrant breeze suddenly blew over and Empress Defei appeared at the door.

"Mother!" The Third Prince stood up quickly, clearly a little surprised. "Why are you here?"

Consort De walked in with a smile and gently stroked the Third Prince's head: "Why, can't I come to see my son?"

I quickly stood up and saluted: "Greetings, Her Majesty the Virtuous Consort."

Concubine De nodded slightly, then looked at the "mechanisms" on the ground, a helpless smile on her face: "You child, why are you messing with these things again? Didn't I tell you last time to study hard?"

The Third Prince scratched his head, a little embarrassed: "Mother, I am studying hard, but I need to relax sometimes."

Consort De sighed softly, turned to me and said, "Master Yang, the Third Prince is still young. I know he likes these things, but you should remind him more often that studying is the real thing."

I replied respectfully, "I understand. I will urge the Third Prince to study on time."

Consort De nodded, then turned to the Third Prince and said gently, "You must remember that you are the future Crown Prince, shouldering the fate of the nation. You can play with these mechanical devices, but you must not become obsessed with them."

The Third Prince listened, and although he was reluctant, he nodded: "I understand, Mother."

The Virtuous Consort smiled with satisfaction and then turned to leave. As soon as she left, the Third Prince immediately squatted back down and continued fiddling with his mechanism.

I looked at him and smiled helplessly.

Although the third prince is smart, he is still a child after all.

Empress Defei had high expectations of him, and he himself was constantly looking for his own pleasure and direction.

The busy day finally ended. When it was late at night and everyone was asleep, I took out the box that the Queen Mother had given me again and carefully studied the jade pendant.

The phoenix pattern is exquisite and seems to imply some important meaning.

What kind of secret is hidden behind this jade pendant?

The Empress Dowager specifically gave this thing to me, and it was not just for safekeeping.