Chapter 356: Chapter 357: Elevate Status

At the banquet, everyone was prepared for a good show, eager to see Qi Jiayuan’s reaction when he saw the matching attire of Pei Huaian and Shao He. They were even more anxious to see if the Empress Dowager would become furious upon noticing.

Just then, the two figures everyone had anticipated strolled in slowly. The pair stood together, exceptionally well-matched, with a kind of unspeakable understanding in their mutual glances, which intensified the jealousy among the onlookers.

The Empress Dowager herself stood up and, with a beaming smile, approached the two. She affectionately took Shao He by the hand and formally introduced her to the surrounding ladies.

“This is Shao He, Doctor Shao. Not only beautiful and kind-hearted, but her medical skills are also nothing short of miraculous, having saved countless patients.”

The Empress Dowager paused, then continued, “The Emperor fell seriously ill a few days ago, and thanks to Doctor Shao’s intervention, fortunately, he has recovered.”

“Today, I have specially invited Doctor Shao to this flower-viewing banquet, hoping everyone can learn from her and contribute to their families in the future.” With a full smile, the Empress Dowager patted her hand.

With such generous praise from the Empress Dowager, there was no doubt that Shao He’s status was greatly elevated.

The surrounding ladies looked at Shao He with envy, secretly wishing that their own daughters could be like Shao He.

Shao He humbly bowed her head, displaying a shy and frightened expression.

As people were still pondering why Shao He’s status had suddenly risen so much, the Empress Dowager invited everyone to sit down and enjoy tea during their bewilderment.

After some idle chatter, the Empress Dowager excused herself from the banquet under the pretext of feeling unwell.

The banquet thus came to an end, and immediately the ladies swarmed around Shao He, trying to cozy up to her with none of the disdain and scorn they had shown at the beginning of the event.

Many ladies also introduced their daughters to Shao He, hoping to catch her eye.

After all, being in the good graces of someone as esteemed by the Empress Dowager and The Emperor was a relationship worth nurturing.

“Doctor Shao, I’ve heard of your exceptional medical skills, could you please take a look at me?”

“Yes, Doctor Shao, I’ve been feeling unwell lately, could you perhaps check my pulse?”

“Wait a moment, wait a moment. If the ladies really are feeling unwell, you can visit the medical clinic for a diagnosis,” Shao He tried hard to avoid the crowd.

But she was surrounded on all sides, with no easy escape in sight when suddenly Qi Jiayuan bellowed, “Step aside for me!”

And at his domineering command, the previously chattering women all fell silent, obediently making way for him.

Qi Jiayuan walked up to Shao He, grasped her wrist, and said, “I’ll take you to play at the Qi Mansion.”

Shao He, knowing it was to treat wounded soldiers, agreed without a second thought.

“Alright.”

Qi Jiayuan, pleased, led her outside. The other ladies wanted to say more, but faced with the imposing Qi Jiayuan, none dared to approach.

The two left the banquet, following a path through the corridors toward the exterior of the manor.

Suddenly, ahead, Jhiang Yijia stopped in her tracks and turned back to look at the person walking closely behind.

Her tone was distinctly impatient as she asked, “Why are you following us?”

The one following them was none other than Pei Huaian.

“You’ve taken away the person I hold dear, pray tell why shouldn’t I follow?” Pei Huaian donned an aggrieved expression.

Qi Jiayuan, seeing his act, frowned with disdain, “What beloved? Look at yourself. Do you think you’re worthy of the highly skilled Doctor Shao? You have no sense of self-awareness.”

“Must you speak so venomously? It shows that I have good taste; the woman I like is truly extraordinary.” Pei Huaian retorted, unwilling to back down.

Qi Jiayuan snorted coldly, “Yes, the woman unfortunate enough to be liked by you sure is unlucky, having stumbled upon someone as persistently annoying as you.”

Seeing their argument escalating, Shao He quickly stepped in to mediate, “Please stop arguing.”

“I advise you to give up this thought sooner rather than later; don’t waste your time on such a fine woman.”

“Precisely because she’s too fine, I must follow her closely, lest someone else whisk her away.”

Shao He’s soft voice had no effect, as the quarrel between the two men grew louder, their disruptive voices grating on her eardrums.

“Enough!”

With a roar, both men fell silent at once, looking at Shao He with their wide eyes.

Shao He approached Pei Huaian, speaking softly, “You go back to the mansion and wait for me.”

These words sounded like those of a wife to her husband, stirring a surge of sweetness in Pei Huaian, causing an uncontrollable smile to spread across his lips.

Qi Jiayuan, noticing their amorous exchange, teased, “Don’t worry, I won’t let her go missing. I’ll make sure to send her back to you in one piece, not a single hair less.”

Pei Huaian nodded, satisfied, then gave Qi Jiayuan a barrage of reminders, “Remember to prepare some food for Shao He. She hasn’t eaten a bite since the banquet began.”

“Alright.”

“Also, she likes pastries, not the greasy kinds. Let her have some to fill her stomach first, so she doesn’t feel sick after eating a meal.” As the concerned husband, Pei Huaian continued to instruct Qi Jiayuan on all the details.

Shao He felt touched in her heart, not expecting him to be so attentive to her, even remembering such small details.