Travels of a Female Physician in the Ming Dynasty

Ever since that "Health and Wellness Lecture", a health trend has swept the palace.

Who would have thought that a few words from a small doctor like me would make these ladies start to "preserve their health".

From that day on, the palace kitchen was no longer filled with the fragrant aroma of barbecue, but was instead filled with the light smell of medicinal food.

Even osmanthus cake was included in the "danger list" and became a "taboo item."

However, Zhu Yuan, the instigator of this trend, still goes his own way.

That day, as soon as I walked into the Imperial Garden, I saw a group of palace maids surrounding Zhu Yuan, listening to him talk about the "Health Preservation Sutra" with great interest.

"Do you know? I really benefited a lot from Dr. Yang's lecture..." Zhu Yuan talked incessantly with a serious face, as if he was an expert in health and wellness.

I was standing not far away and couldn't help but hold my forehead with my hands: When did this guy become a "health spokesperson"?

"Doctor Yang said that you should drink more water and eat less meat, especially greasy food." Zhu Yuan pretended to be profound, as if he had completely understood the true meaning of health preservation.

A young palace maid opened her eyes wide and asked curiously, "Mr. Zhu, do you usually pay so much attention to your diet?"

Zhu Yuan immediately straightened his back and patted his stomach: "Of course! I'm basically... uh, basically eating light food now."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud. This guy was really good at talking nonsense. I saw him yesterday scarfing down three bowls of fried crispy pork at a food stall outside the palace.

Zhu Yuan heard my laughter and immediately turned around. When he saw me, an awkward smile appeared on his face: "Miss Yang! Look, you're here. I was just telling everyone about your health tips for that day!"

I walked over and raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then tell me, were those three bowls of fried crispy pork yesterday considered 'light'?"

Zhu Yuan's face flushed immediately, and he stammered, "Well... that's to investigate the food situation in Yingtian Prefecture. You can't let me give up such a good opportunity, right?"

"Inspection?" I couldn't help but laugh. "You really are good at making excuses for yourself."

The palace maids around couldn't help laughing, and the atmosphere became relaxed and happy for a while.

Just at this moment, the eunuch came hurriedly and said that the queen wanted to see him.

My heart tightened and I hurriedly followed the eunuch to the queen's bedroom.

Zhu Yuan naturally did not miss the opportunity to join in the fun and followed closely.

"Miss Yang, what's going on this time?" he asked as he walked.

"I don't know," I frowned, "I guess the Queen is unwell. Let's not delay any longer."

Zhu Yuan nodded, then suddenly lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Do you think the Queen has been 'overdoing her health' lately?"

I glared at him, too lazy to talk nonsense with him, and quickly quickened my pace.

After arriving at the bedroom, I found that the queen looked a little haggard and was half lying on the couch. The palace maids beside her looked nervous.

"Doctor Yang, you're here." The queen's voice was a little weak.

I hurried forward and carefully checked her complexion, thinking to myself: She hasn't been seriously ill recently, so why is she suddenly so weak?

"Empress, where do you feel uncomfortable?" I asked softly.

The Queen sighed slightly: "I have been feeling chest tightness and shortness of breath these past few days. I am often irritable and restless, and I have trouble sleeping."

When I heard this, I instantly understood: This was probably due to qi stagnation caused by recent excessive stress and depressed mood.

"Your Majesty, have you been worrying about too many things lately?" I asked.

The Queen nodded and said, "The palace has been very busy lately, and I am indeed a little exhausted."

I sighed inwardly: The ancient palace life seemed to be full of luxury, but who knew that the queen also had so many worries?

"My Lady, you have a typical case of Qi stagnation. There's nothing wrong with your body, but you need to relax. You can do more things you enjoy, like taking a walk, listening to music, or looking at flowers and plants, to adjust your mood. This will help relieve the symptoms."

The Queen frowned slightly: "But as the Queen, I have many things I can't let go of. How can I truly relax?"

I looked at her worried expression, and for a moment I didn't know how to persuade her. The Queen holds a high position, and with so many affairs to attend to, it's hard for her to have any real leisure time.

At this moment, Zhu Yuan suddenly spoke in a relaxed tone: "Empress, actually, you don't have to do anything big to relax. For example, you can learn from me - eat something delicious, and your mood will naturally improve!"

I was almost choked by his words and quickly glared at him: You are still making a fuss in this situation?

Unexpectedly, the Queen chuckled softly, "Mr. Zhu does have some truth to his words. However, I am very restrained in my diet on a daily basis, so I am afraid I cannot 'relax' like Mr. Zhu."

Zhu Yuan immediately stepped forward and said confidently, "Don't worry, Madam. Although I may not be reliable, I know a thing or two about food! I'll recommend you some healthy and delicious meals. I guarantee you'll be able to relax without worrying about gaining weight."

The Queen seemed quite interested and turned to look at me: "Doctor Yang, what do you think?"

I was at a loss for words. This guy actually managed to link food and health together.

But if you think about it carefully, Zhu Yuan's words are not completely nonsense. Appropriate food can indeed regulate emotions and relieve stress.

I nodded and said with a smile, "Empress, if you control it in moderation, you can indeed adjust your mood through some delicious food. Although Master Zhu is a little unreliable on a daily basis, he does have some experience in this area."

"Okay, I'll listen to you." The queen smiled and nodded, seeming to feel a lot more relaxed.

In the following days, the "food health regimen" really became popular in the palace.

Zhu Yuan actually "invented" a set of recipes that are both delicious and healthy, such as "Osmanthus Lotus Seed Soup", "Red Dates and Job's Tears Porridge", and "Yam Stewed Pigeon Soup", which sounds quite reasonable.

The concubines followed suit, and even the queen would occasionally ask the imperial chef to make some fresh dishes according to Zhu Yuan's "recipe".

"Miss Yang, do you think I am considered the 'gourmet health master' in the palace?" Zhu Yuan once asked me proudly.

I glanced at him and feigned indifference: "You are a 'culinary master', yes, but as for the health-preserving part, I need to observe further."

Zhu Yuan laughed heartily: "Okay, then you take your time to observe. I'll go to the imperial kitchen to see what new dishes are available today!"

Looking at his excited look, I couldn't help laughing: This guy really regards eating as the top priority in life.

However, in this relaxed and happy atmosphere, a shocking piece of news came from the palace - the emperor suddenly became seriously ill and the imperial doctors were helpless.

The atmosphere in the entire palace instantly became oppressive and tense...