Sister, Please Have Some Self-Respect, I'm Your Sister-in-Law - Chapter 14

Lin Yuehe forced a smile and awkwardly invited them inside. She placed her wrist on the pulse pillow while silently praying:

Golden Finger Big Brother, please help me! Make my pulse weak and irregular, just enough to seem sick! I’m begging you!

Physician Su extended his slender fingers and gently rested them on Lin Yuehe’s wrist; his expression was focused.

Lin Yuehe held her breath, her eyes fixed on Physician Su’s face, trying to decipher his diagnosis from his expression.

After a moment, Physician Su withdrew his hand, his brow furrowed slightly. His gaze toward Lin Yuehe carried a hint of… confusion?

Lin Yuehe’s heart sank. I’m done for! I’m going to be exposed!

She glanced at Song Qingshuang for help but found her calmly sipping tea, her eyes lowered, as if the situation had nothing to do with her. Yet the slight upturn of her lips betrayed her amusement.

“Young Mistress…” Physician Su began hesitantly, his tone uncertain. “Your pulse… well… it’s quite peculiar.”

“Peculiar?” Lin Yuehe’s heart leaped into her throat.

“Yes,” Physician Su said, organizing his thoughts, clearly puzzled. “Sometimes it’s rapid and strong, full of vitality, like… well, like a thriving rice seedling in the field. Other times, it’s weak and shallow, almost superficial, suggesting restlessness and insomnia.”

This condition doesn’t seem like a seasonal illness. It’s more like… excessive worrying, combined with… perhaps some difficulty adjusting to the local environment?”

After years of practice, he had never encountered such contradictory pulse readings.

Lin Yuehe stared blankly.

A rice seedling? Is he hinting at my name? Or is the Golden Finger’s vitality too strong to contain?!

Excessive worrying? All I’ve been worrying about is how to pursue Sister Qingshuang. Is that even a medical condition?!

Song Qingshuang’s hand trembled slightly as she held her teacup. Suppressing a smile, she set the cup down and said to Physician Su with a straight face, “Thank you for your trouble, Physician Su. In that case, please prescribe something to calm the mind and soothe the spirit.”

She had already figured it out: this girl was as sturdy as a young calf. Her so-called “illness” was likely just lovesickness.

“As you wish, Eldest Miss.” Though Physician Su found the pulse reading peculiar, he didn’t dare question the Eldest Miss’s orders. He picked up his brush and began writing the prescription.

Lin Yuehe let out a long sigh, feeling the cold sweat soaking her back.

That was close! I almost blew my cover.

She stole a grateful glance at Song Qingshuang.

Song Qingshuang caught her eye and gave her a brief, dismissive look, as if saying, Got in over your head, didn’t you? Learn from this.

After “examining” Lin Yuehe, the group moved to Song Zhiyuan’s room.

Song Zhiyuan was a far better actor than Lin Yuehe. He lay in bed, covered by a thick quilt, his cheeks flushed with an unnatural redness, moaning with convincing sincerity.

As Physician Su took Song Zhiyuan’s pulse, his brow furrowed even deeper.

This young master’s pulse was even stranger. It seemed weak and superficial, yet beneath the surface lurked a faint… restless energy?

It bore no resemblance to the pulse of someone suffering from a seasonal illness.

He looked up at the “frail” Song Zhiyuan, then at Song Qingshuang, who wore a “worried” expression, and Lin Yuehe, whose gaze kept darting nervously around the room. Recalling the young mistress’s earlier pulse, which had been both “vigorous” and “overly anxious,” a wild yet strangely plausible theory began to form in his mind.

Could it be… that the young master and his wife of the Song family were deliberately feigning illness to… evade something?

Physician Su was startled by his own wild speculation, then immediately felt he had overstepped. He quickly composed himself.

Guided by a physician’s compassion and a desire to avoid trouble, he carefully offered:

Young Master Song has suffered from an evil wind, which has been compounded by… well… some emotional stagnation. With proper rest, a calm mind, and a relaxed spirit, he should recover fully in a few days.”

He prescribed the mildest Calming Wind-Dispelling Decoction, its effects were barely noticeable.

After seeing Physician Su off, Song Qingshuang gazed at the two “patients” before her and shook her head in exasperation.

“Since the doctor recommends rest, you two should take it seriously,” she said, emphasizing the word “rest.”

Lin Yuehe and Song Zhiyuan nodded eagerly, as if granted a pardon.

Once Song Qingshuang had left, they exchanged glances and collapsed onto the chairs and bed simultaneously.

“That was terrifying…” Lin Yuehe clutched her chest. “Physician Su’s gaze felt like he was seeing right through me!”

Song Zhiyuan threw off the blanket and wiped away the “cold sweat” on his forehead. “You’re telling me! I almost burst out laughing! Your Golden Finger is a total failure, ally. It failed at the crucial moment, making my pulse race like a drum!”

“And what about you?” Lin Yuehe retorted. “What was that ‘heart-wrenching sorrow’ act supposed to be?”

“That was lovesickness, you know!” Song Zhiyuan declared, his voice full of righteous indignation.

“Fine, fine, you’re sick, so you’re right,” Lin Yuehe said, too lazy to argue further. She switched to a cheerful tone. “But we managed to fool them in the end! Sister Qingshuang didn’t expose us either!”

Song Zhiyuan watched her silly, happy expression and couldn’t help but grumble, “I bet Eldest Sister saw through us. She just didn’t bother calling us out! She probably enjoyed watching us act like monkeys for her amusement!”

Lin Yuehe didn’t care. As long as Sister Qingshuang didn’t have to deal with those annoying people, she was happy to be treated like a monkey!

This farcical “sick visit,” though fraught with danger, ultimately concluded with the doctor’s orders: “Rest well and keep a calm mind.”

****

A few days after Song Zhiyuan and Lin Yuehe’s “seasonal illness” scare, they miraculously recovered.

Madam Song attributed it to their youthful resilience and Physician Su’s exceptional medical skills, so she didn’t investigate further.

But Song Zhiyuan had his own plans. This was the perfect opportunity to see Physician Su again, openly and legitimately!

That day, he dressed in a moon-white brocade robe embroidered with cloud patterns, his hair meticulously styled. He carried an exquisite food box containing refreshing pastries “generously sponsored” by Lin Yuehe, supposedly made with the “most spiritually potent” fruits and vegetables from her garden.

He checked his reflection repeatedly, confirming his extraordinary handsomeness and refined demeanor, before taking a deep breath and heading toward Huichun Hall.

Inside Huichun Hall, the air was thick with the scent of medicinal herbs. Physician Su was taking the pulse of an elderly woman, his expression focused and gentle.

Song Zhiyuan stood at the entrance, watching the scene, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

He waited until the old woman had collected her medicine and left before straightening his robes, forcing himself to appear calm, and stepping inside. He flashed what he considered his most charming smile. “Physician Su.”

Physician Su looked up at the sound of his name. Though surprised to see him, he quickly rose and bowed politely, his voice as gentle and courteous as ever.

“Young Master Song, is there still something bothering you?”

He studied Song Zhiyuan, noting his rosy complexion and vibrant energy. The young man was a world apart from the “weak” figure who had been moaning in bed just days ago. A faint smile tugged at the corner of Physician Su’s lips.

“No, no, I’m completely fine now! All thanks to your miraculous healing!” Song Zhiyuan waved his hands hastily, placing the food box on the consultation table with a slightly awkward movement.

“Um… I felt bad for troubling you to come all the way out here the other day. This is… just a small treat my family made. It’s nothing special, but I hope you’ll accept it.”

As he spoke, the tips of his ears flushed faintly, and his gaze darted around, avoiding Physician Su’s eyes for too long.

“Young Master Song, you’re too kind,” Physician Su said, his lips curving into a gentle smile. He didn’t refuse the gift. “It’s simply a physician’s duty.”

He opened the food box, revealing several delicately shaped pastries in fresh, vibrant colors. A faint aroma of fruits and vegetables filled the air, clearly showing the care that had gone into their preparation.

“These pastries look absolutely delightful, Young Master Song. You’ve truly put your heart into this.”

Seeing Physician Su accept the gift and offer such praise, Song Zhiyuan’s heart bloomed with joy. His smile widened, and his courage grew bolder.

“I’m so glad you like them, Physician Su! These pastries were made by… our family’s cook. She uses only the finest ingredients!”

Internally: My dear ally, forgive me for borrowing your credit for now!

“Oh?” Physician Su raised an eyebrow, picking up a jade-green cucumber cake to examine it closely. “Your family’s cook is truly skilled. These pastries are quite unlike anything I’ve seen in the market.”

Song Zhiyuan’s heart tightened, fearing further questioning would expose his lie. He quickly changed the subject.

“Physician Su, you work so hard at your clinic. If you ever have some free time, why not take a stroll outside? For example… there’s a new teahouse that just opened west of the city. I’ve heard the scenery is lovely, and the tea and snacks are decent…”

His voice trailed off, his gaze fixed on Physician Su with a mix of anticipation and nervousness.

Physician Su, ever perceptive, could hardly miss the invitation hidden in his words.

He gazed into Song Zhiyuan’s eyes, which at that moment seemed unusually sincere, even a little clumsy. This image clashed sharply with the rumors of his “wild” behavior that Physician Su had heard.

This cautious affection made it difficult for him to refuse.

After a moment’s pause, just as Song Zhiyuan was about to lose hope, Physician Su spoke gently:

“Young Master Song, I appreciate your kind invitation. However, the clinic is quite busy, so I’m afraid…”

The light in Song Zhiyuan’s eyes dimmed instantly.

“…but,” Physician Su continued, his gaze softening as he watched Song Zhiyuan’s face fall, “if it’s just for occasional tea and conversation during my days off, that might be possible.”

A sudden turn of events!

Song Zhiyuan nearly jumped up in excitement. Suppressing his elation, he nodded repeatedly.

“Yes, yes, yes! Whenever Physician Su has time, just send someone to let me know!”

He looked as if he had received some extraordinary reward.

After a few more polite exchanges, Song Zhiyuan left Huichun Hall, his heart brimming with satisfaction and his steps light as air.

Watching his retreating figure, Physician Su shook his head with a wry smile.

He picked up a pastry and took a bite. It was subtly sweet, not cloying, with the natural flavors of fruits and vegetables—truly unique.

He recalled Young Mistress Song’s vibrant pulse that day and Young Master Song’s “heart-bound” illness. Combining that with today’s meaningful visit and invitation…

“The Song family certainly has a pair of… interesting ‘spouses’,” Physician Su murmured to himself, a knowing smile playing on his lips.

Having practiced medicine and witnessed the myriad facets of human nature, he found himself neither shocked nor disdainful of such unconventional affections. Instead, he admired the tenacious bloom of this suppressed love, finding a clumsy sincerity in its struggle to survive.

Meanwhile, Song Zhiyuan practically flew back to the manor, bursting into Lin Yuehe’s room with unrestrained excitement.

“Ally, ally! He accepted the pastries and agreed to have tea with me!”

Lin Yuehe, who had been watering her precious watermelon seedlings, jumped at the sudden intrusion. “Who? Accepted what? Calm down!” she snapped, annoyed.

“Physician Su!” Song Zhiyuan’s face glowed with a dreamy radiance. “He took the pastries I gave him and even said they were delicious! And he agreed to have tea with me! He didn’t set a specific time, but he agreed!”

Lin Yuehe watched him, lost in his lovesick daze, and pursed her lips. “Look at you, getting all excited over a cup of tea! Don’t forget you’re supposed to be ‘married’ already.”

“That’s just a fake marriage!” Song Zhiyuan retorted, his voice full of righteous indignation. “Physician Su and I… we’re… we’re…”

He trailed off, unable to find the right words to describe their still-nascent feelings.

“Alright, alright,” Lin Yuehe waved her hand dismissively. “I get it, you’re lovesick. But seriously, you’re moving way too slow. I’m getting impatient for you! Look at me, even though Sister Qingshuang only sees me as a little sister, at least I get to hang around her every day, bringing her snacks and drinks! What about you? You have to pretend to be sick just to see Physician Su once!”

Song Zhiyuan looked downcast at her words but quickly rallied. “Slow and steady wins the race. Someone as refined and elegant as Physician Su needs to be approached with care! I can’t rush things!”

Lin Yuehe rolled her eyes, too exasperated to argue with her lovestruck “idiot husband.” She turned back to tending her melon vines, but her mind was already scheming. Maybe next time I should help my ally create a more “natural” encounter? Like… making rare medicinal herbs suddenly grow all over the entrance of Huichun Hall?

Support