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

Nie Qianqian nodded: "Please speak, Lord Zhang."

"Lord Jiang said that he was deeply grateful for your help at the temple outside Yishui County that day, and he had no way to repay you. At that time, conditions were simple, and he could only express his feelings with a jade pendant, which he felt was inadequate. This time, he specially found a good item, which is not very valuable, but is most suitable for a doctor."

As Zhang Tuo spoke, he took out an antique ebony box and slowly opened it.

"This is a silver needle sheath forged from cold iron, inlaid with Qingxin Jade. It can not only keep the silver needles from rusting and corroding, but also calm the mind and help you concentrate your energy and not be disturbed when performing acupuncture."

Nie Qianqian took the wooden box, her fingertips touching the delicate wood grain on the surface, and gently lifted it open.

The silver needle case inside was indeed exquisite—the case, made of cold iron, gleamed with a warm, cool light, with simple cloud patterns carved along the edges, and the Qingxin jade inlaid on one side was as clear as ice, faintly exuding spiritual energy.

She had been in this strange world for some time and had already figured out the value of things: such cold iron needed to be mined and refined in the deep mountains, and the Pure Heart Jade was even more priceless. In addition, with such exquisite craftsmanship, it was definitely not something that could be bought with ordinary money. It was a treasure for healers that was hard to find even with money.

"Please thank Lord Jiang for his trouble." Nie Qianqian raised her hand in a cupped-hand salute, expressing her sincere gratitude.

She didn't have a good impression of Lord Jiang at first, thinking that he was arrogant and aloof, sitting in the high hall of the court as a scion of a noble family, seemingly detached from worldly affairs and unaware of the hardships of ordinary people.

However, it was through the fight against the epidemic in Yishui County that his shining qualities gradually came to light: in times of crisis, he did not back down or avoid disaster, but instead rushed to the front line. He was calm and responsible in the face of adversity. This integrity and courage is something that ordinary pampered scions of wealthy families can not possess.

"Lord Jiang also said he wanted to remind Doctor Qian not to forget the agreement made that day. He earnestly requests that you go to the provincial capital to examine his mother. If you can cure her incurable disease, you will be richly rewarded," Zhang Tuo added, his tone full of sincerity.

Nie Qianqian nodded in agreement, "I have kept this in mind and have not forgotten it. I will set off for the provincial capital in a few days. Once I get there, the first important thing will be to visit the old lady and treat her."

Zhang Tuo's face lit up with joy: "In that case, Lord Jiang will be very grateful to know."

Nie Qianqian nodded slightly.

From the moment she first entered Jishetang, Director Zhang mentioned this seriously ill lady from the provincial capital; later, when she met the young lady from a prominent family from out of town, and then when she fought the epidemic together with Lord Jiang, he mentioned her repeatedly as well.

It was as if all the guidance was pushing her to go to the provincial capital to see a doctor for this lady.

She suddenly asked, "Lord Zhang, you've come all the way from the provincial capital. Do you know how Madam is doing now?"

Zhang Tuo shook his head, his expression grave: "Madam has suffered from heart disease for many years, and due to her worries, she has become depressed and her physical functions have gradually declined. She caught a cold before the New Year, which lingered and eventually developed into lung disease. With these three illnesses combined, she is now extremely weak."

Nie Qianqian nodded; the symptoms were almost identical to what she had previously known.

If one is suffering from heart disease, depression, and lung disease, it is indeed tormenting, but it is not entirely incurable.

Ultimately, a personal diagnosis is necessary to determine if there are any other hidden ailments.

"Shortly after the New Year, Madam's family will also come from the capital, perhaps arriving around the same time as you. They have also found a doctor in the capital, all in an effort to cure Madam's illness," Zhang Tuo added.

Nie Qianqian nodded: "Since Madam has depression, it's always good to have family by her side."

Zhang Tuo smiled bitterly.

How could her heartache be cured by the company of her family? She had suffered for more than ten years because she lost her own daughter, but this was something she could not tell outsiders.

Today's events have finally come to an end. Nie Qianqian walked out of the county government office, and the streets and alleys were still buzzing with discussion about the grand award ceremony.

She thought that returning to Qiyue Tower would bring her peace and quiet, but she didn't expect that everyone in the tower already knew about it.

Liu Yan and Liu Xiong were the first to greet her, their faces full of curiosity: "Qianqian, we were too busy at the shop to go. We heard the ceremony was particularly solemn, and Doctor Qian was also commended. Were you among those who received the commendation?"

Nie Qianqian was a little embarrassed and said with an awkward smile, "I'm just a medicine apprentice. The ones who receive the rewards are the chief physicians."

Liu Yan quickly comforted him, "Whether you receive a reward or not is not important. What matters is this honor. You, along with Doctor Qian and Director Zhang, rushed to the epidemic area and have received commendation and attention from the imperial court. This is an honor in itself."

Liu Xiong touched his cheek and chuckled, "That's right! Even though I didn't attend the ceremony, I still felt proud!"

Grandma Ma also knew about Nie Qianqian's efforts to support the epidemic area, and she was filled with admiration.

"Gu Xiao has become the top scholar in the county examination, and Qianqian has received an award from the imperial court. This has truly brought honor to the Liu family and made Qinghe Village proud!"

She looked at Nie Qianqian and Gu Xiao with admiration for the two children who came from poor backgrounds but were both capable and successful. Any family would cherish them!

Grandma Ma then looked at Big Ma and Little Ma. The two had made rapid progress during this time and were no longer the simple-minded boys in the village who only knew how to do hard labor.

With so many things to do at Qiyue Tower, they were able to help Liu Xiong share the burden, managing the front and back halls quite well. Grandma saw this and was pleased.

They felt that even when they finally passed away, they could proudly say that their two children had grown up and become capable.

At this moment, Gu Xiao returned from school. As soon as he entered the door, his eyes immediately went to Nie Qianqian. When they met eyes, a gentle smile appeared in his eyes.

He stepped forward and whispered in her ear, "I went to the award ceremony today, Qianqian. I'm so proud of you."

His voice was as cool and clear as ever, yet it carried a hint of gentle warmth that was hard to detect. It was low, husky, and captivating, and when it gently rang in her ear, it made Nie Qianqian's ears go numb.

She noticed that Gu Xiao had changed. Since their relationship was established and they spent more time together, he would say nice things to make her happy, no longer as cold and aloof as before, as if he could freeze everyone within a three-mile radius.

After dinner, Nie Qianqian played with Tuantuan as usual.

Although she's been busy lately, having learned her lesson from last time, she's no longer willing to neglect her child's feelings. Every night she spends time with Tuantuan, coaxing her to sleep and telling her stories, which has become a ritual between them.

Every time the time comes, Tuantuan would excitedly lead Dabai and Xiaobai to bed, where she would put her little pillow down, cover herself with her little blanket, and wait patiently for Nie Qianqian to tell her a story.

Big White and Little White are at a very active and playful age, and they have no desire to hide under the covers.

But Tuantuan would pull them aside and reason with them, "It's time to sleep, it's dark, and Grandpa Sun and Grandma Moon are asleep. You have to be good here, or Mommy won't tell you a story."