A peasant girl travels through time with a hospital, rising to become an empress.

The provincial capital, Jining Prefecture.

As the capital of a province, Jining Prefecture was far more impressive than any county.

The three-zhang-long (approximately 10 meters) green brick city wall is perfectly sealed, the eaves of the city gate tower are upturned and the copper bells are jingling, and the soldiers on duty are wearing iron-plated black armor, exuding an air of authority when checking vehicles and horses.

The main road in the city is wide enough for four horses to ride side by side. The bluestone road is etched with the faint marks of time, and the two-story brick and wood buildings on both sides are lined up one after another, making it a hundred times more magnificent than the cross street in Fulin County.

The silk shop's gilded signboard adorned with colorful ribbons, the Drunken Immortal Pavilion's towering wine flag fluttering in the wind, and the bookstore's open doors, with newly published books and the shouts of its staff drawing passersby to stop and watch. Even the premier Qiyue Pavilion in Fulin County was just one of many fine restaurants here.

As evening approached, the disparity between Jining's Fulin County and other areas became even more apparent. In Fulin County, most shops closed and the streets were quiet after nightfall, while in the provincial capital, the city was brightly lit. Lanterns and shop lanterns lit up one after another, their red glow illuminating the shadows of passersby.

Nobles in brocade and jade belts, scholars walking slowly with fans, and commoners giving way to tall, mounted generals—the bustling scene was orderly yet orderly, a picture of prosperity.

The Jining Prefectural Governor's Office was located beside the main road in the city center. The vermilion gate was two zhang high, and a gilded plaque with the words "Governor's Office" hung above the gate. Two stone lions stood majestically in front of the gate, and the guards wore black uniforms with waist badges. They stood upright like pine trees, and even their eyes showed seriousness. Compared with the residences of ordinary wealthy families in Qinghe County, it had a more solemn and unapproachable atmosphere.

The government office was built in a layout of "front hall and rear quarters," with the front section divided into a main hall and a second hall for handling government affairs.

The rear sleeping area, though lacking the grandeur of the front hall, appears more orderly.

The maids and servants got up and busied themselves before dawn. Those sweeping the floor moved their brooms so lightly that even the sound of dust hitting the ground was extremely quiet. Those carrying water carried tea sets on trays, their steps so steady that no water splashed. When passing under the corridor, if they encountered an official or the mistress of the house, they would immediately step aside, lower their heads and lower their eyes, and only dare to continue their work after the other party had passed. Everywhere they went, they exuded the rigor and orderliness of the residence of an official of the imperial court.

In the most spacious guest room in the rear palace, the fireplace was burning brightly, and the silver charcoal was glowing red-hot, making it warmer than the other rooms in the mansion, yet there was no sign of stuffiness.

The interior furnishings are elegant yet refined; each item is not extravagant, but rather meticulously crafted, reflecting the owner's distinguished status.

A suppressed cough broke the silence in the room. "Cough...cough cough..." The cough came one after another, lingering and persistent, yet always with a degree of restraint, showing no sign of losing control.

A noblewoman, about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, was reclining on the bed. She was wearing a moon-white soft satin jacket with light pink velvet trim on the collar and cuffs, which made her face look even paler than paper, but could not hide her breathtaking beauty.

Her eyebrows were like distant mountains shrouded in mist, and her eyes were like autumn waters rippling across the horizon. Even though she had been ill for a long time, the charm in the corners of her eyes remained undiminished. However, her lips were bloodless and slightly pursed, adding to her sickly and pitiful appearance.

Her temperament was gentle and quiet, even the way she raised her hand was soft and slow, her fingertips were long and slender, and her nails were neatly trimmed, revealing the refinement of years of pampered life, but there was an unyielding melancholy between her brows.

Qiu Niang carried a bowl of stewed bird's nest with rock sugar until it was soft and sticky, and tiptoed to the bedside. She said in a low voice, "Madam, please drink some bird's nest while it's hot to soothe your throat."

The noblewoman barely raised her eyes, looking at Qiu Niang with gentle eyes. She opened her mouth slightly, took a small sip, and then gently shook her head, indicating that she should not be fed anymore.

Qiu Niang frowned, her tone tinged with urgency: "Madam, it's cold in winter, and your cough is getting worse. It's better to eat something than to go hungry."

The lady gently shook her head. "I don't have much of an appetite. Leave it there."

Qiu Niang had followed her since childhood and had long regarded her as half a family member. Seeing her like this, she was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

My wife comes from a scholarly family in the capital. She was already frail and suffered from heart disease. Since losing her youngest daughter, she has become increasingly depressed. Her pent-up emotions gradually worsened her heart palpitations, and she lost her appetite all day long.

More than a year ago, upon hearing the news of another fruitless search, the lady insisted on moving away from the capital to Jining Prefecture, saying that even if she couldn't find her eldest daughter, being closer to the place where her daughter disappeared would offer some solace.

Just then, a maidservant came in with a letter and said softly, "Madam, it's a letter from Qiu Niang in the capital."

A glint of light flashed in the noblewoman's eyes, and she gestured for Qiu Niang to take it and read it to her.

Qiu Niang took the letter and sat down by the bed. Although she was a servant, she had been with the mistress for a long time and knew quite a few characters and was somewhat literate.

She opened the envelope and read softly: "...I have finished my official duties before the New Year and have asked His Majesty for leave. I will set off for Jining Prefecture after the New Year...Zheng'an and Muxin will also accompany me. My husband has found a famous physician in the capital, and Zheng'an and Muxin have also found a mysterious doctor locally. They will both be brought here to treat you. Please relax and do not worry too much..."

The letter was written by the master of the house, filled with concern. Enclosed was a small, elegant letter written by the eldest daughter, Muxin, in delicate calligraphy. She explained that she had caught a cold before the New Year and, fearing the effects of the illness, hadn't dared to come. Now she was fully recovered and would accompany her father to Jining Prefecture upon his departure…

After Qiu Niang finished reading, she neatly folded the letter and put it back in the envelope.

Several such letters would arrive every month. The master's love for his wife had never diminished because of the distance. However, when his wife was seriously ill, the master had repeatedly asked to resign so that he could visit her, but the emperor had refused each time. This time, the master did something to finally get permission.

The noblewoman stretched out her long, slender fingers and gently stroked the words on the envelope. Her fingertips were slightly cool, and her eyes were full of complex emotions. After a long while, she sighed softly: "Why should they worry so much about my health... Back in the capital, I saw all the imperial physicians in the palace. This is a heart ailment. Who can cure me?"

Her voice carried a hint of melancholy, "I lost my daughter back then, and now I don't even know if she's alive or dead, or if she's doing well. I have to bear all this suffering."

As soon as she finished speaking, she coughed violently again. Qiu Niang quickly stepped forward and gently patted her back, saying urgently, "Madam, how can we blame you for what happened back then? That incident was sudden and unexpected. Why blame yourself like this?"

The lady caught her breath, a hint of warmth flashing in her eyes: "The children are all so filial, it's truly admirable that they've put in so much effort." She paused, then added, "Muxin even went to that area before the New Year to help me find someone; she's a very thoughtful person too."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Niang secretly pursed her lips and muttered, "Madam, I heard that Miss Mu Xin attended a palace banquet during the New Year. She doesn't seem to be sick at all."

The lady waved her hand gently, her tone still gentle: "She is now sixteen years old, the age to get married. As her mother, I am not in good health and cannot take care of her. It is only right that she go out more often and make plans for herself."

Seeing that the lady had said this, Qiu Niang said no more and just prayed silently in her heart.

I hope the miracle doctor that the master and the eldest son found will be effective. May God protect her so that her mistress can suffer less and recover soon.