Chapter 108: I

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Li Lin, Ye Shi Yun, Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qing Cheng arrived at Zhang Chun's palace and found Zhang Chun, who had already been secluding herself in intense study for nearly three months.

She wore a plain robe, unadorned with makeup, yet her brow exuded an ineffable elegance and transcendence. Seated by the window, she held a volume of ancient text in her hand; sunlight filtered through the delicate lattice, dappling her form and lending her an aura of sacred inviolability.

The arrival of Li Lin and the other three women did not disturb Zhang Chun's contemplation.

Only when Ma Xiao Jiao softly called, "Chun-jie," did Zhang Chun slowly lift her head, a flicker of surprise in her eyes: "You came to see me?"

Seeing that Zhang Chun had only grown slightly thinner than before, her already flat chest even flatter, her skin—already as white and luminous as jade—even paler and smoother, and no other noticeable changes, Li Lin and the other three women relaxed.

"We heard you haven't left your room in over a month. We were worried something had happened to you, so we came to check on you," Li Lin said.

"What could happen to me? Besides, don't you know Zhao Yu visits me every few days to chat? He even ordered the imperial kitchen to send me special delicacies daily—my life has never been more comfortable," Zhang Chun said, somewhat boastfully.

"What could possibly happen to me? Besides, don't you know that Zhao Yu comes to see me every few days to chat? He even specifically ordered the imperial kitchen to supply me with special delicacies every day—my life has never been more comfortable." Zhang Chun said with no small amount of pride.

Zhao Yu had only begun visiting her every few days in the past two months.

Before that, because he had been so busy, he had not visited her for over a month.

When Zhao Yu finally came to see her, he found her disheveled and filthy, as if reading had driven her half-mad.

When Zhao Yu came to find Zhang Chun for some matter, he found her disheveled and filthy, as if she had read herself into a stupor.

All five women were Zhao Yu's divine advantages, his treasures—losing any one of them would be an irrevocable loss.

If he lost Zhang Chun over a joke, he would surely regret it till his guts turned green.

Zhao Yu then learned from Li Shishi that Zhang Chun not only rose early and studied late, but also wholeheartedly embraced Zheng Xiansu's frugality campaign, dressing plainly and eating sparingly—yet her palate was refined; if the food wasn't delicious, she refused to eat, leaving her consuming barely anything each day.

Later, Zhao Yu learned from Li Shishi that Zhang Chun not only rose early and slept late to study diligently, but also wholeheartedly embraced Zheng Xiansu's campaign for frugality, dressing plainly and eating sparingly every day; worse, her palate was picky—without delicious food, she refused to eat, leaving her to consume barely anything in a single day.

Zhao Yu flew into a rage, scolding her for being reckless and failing to care for herself.

Though scolded, Zhang Chun did not grow angry or hurt—she burst into a laugh. She had merely studied too hard and become careless in appearance; she never imagined this state would frighten Zhao Yu so badly. A warm feeling surged within her—her efforts, it seemed, had truly gained meaning.

In Zhang Chun's eyes glimmered an unusual light: the happiness of being cherished, and gratitude for Zhao Yu's concern.

Zhang Chun spontaneously wrapped her arms around Zhao Yu's neck and kissed him on the cheek.

Zhao Yu wiped his face with mild disgust: "You haven't rinsed your mouth in ages—how dare you kiss me?"

He then seized Zhang Chun's arm and led her into the bath, washing her himself, then ordered a pot of ginseng chicken soup to be brought for her nourishment.

Afterward, Zhao Yu specifically instructed the imperial kitchen to send Zhang Chun delicacies daily, and made it a habit to visit her regularly himself.

Notably, because of this incident, Zhao Yu issued an edict: he encouraged frugality, but forbade excessive deprivation. From Empress down to palace maids, henceforth every meal must include at least one meat dish, one vegetable, and one soup.

'What nonsense—if outsiders found out, they'd think I can't even afford to feed my own women.'

Among Zhao Yu's harem, Li Lin and the other three women existed beyond the three realms and outside the five elements—they had never practiced frugality or thrift, nor had they ever considered it. They, and everyone in their palaces, ate and drank whatever they desired, whenever they desired, so they knew nothing of such trivial matters unrelated to them.

Seeing Zhang Chun immediately boast about Zhao Yu's devotion, Li Lin and the others instantly realized Zhang Chun was perfectly fine—they had merely panicked for nothing.

Ye Shi Yun said to Li Lin and the other two: "I told you, nothing could happen to her—she's too attached to her life. You didn't believe me."

Ma Xiao Jiao added: "I was wrong—I shouldn't have worried. She doesn't need our concern; Zhao Yu's care is enough."

Ma Xiao Jiao also said: "I was wrong—not to have worried about her. She doesn't lack our concern; she has the Emperor caring for her, and that's enough."

Even Yuan Qing Cheng said: "Shall we go now?"

Realizing she had offended them by flaunting her affection, Zhang Chun quickly backtracked: "I was just joking—why are you taking it seriously?"

Then, warmly inviting Li Lin and the others to sit, she said: "We haven't gathered in a while. Let's share what we've learned lately. Why don't you stay tonight? Let's emulate the ancients and sleep together, have a late-night chat."

Then, Zhang Chun warmly invited Li Lin and the other three women to sit, saying: "It's been a while since we've all gathered. Let's share what each of us has learned lately. Otherwise, don't leave today—let's imitate the ancients and sleep together on the same bed, have a night chat."

At Ye Shi Yun's words, Zhang Chun fell silent. 'So after all this, except for Qing Cheng—who clearly has no intention of being with Zhao Yu—I'm at the bottom. Ah, life is fickle, the intestines wrap around the intestines.'

Shaking her head, Zhang Chun noticed Ma Xiao Jiao's swollen belly and asked: "You're about to give birth, right?"

"Spit, spit, spit!" Ma Xiao Jiao quickly interrupted the ill-omened remark: "I'm only seven months pregnant—if I gave birth now, he'd be a preterm baby!"

This was not their original era—it was the Song Dynasty. Limited by the era's overall medical standards, advanced equipment and techniques like incubators and respiratory support were absent. For preterm infants, especially those with low gestational age and birth weight, severe complications like respiratory distress and infection were nearly impossible to manage, so most preterm babies faced extremely high mortality rates.

This was not their original era, but the Song Dynasty; constrained by the era's overall medical standards, this time lacked advanced equipment and techniques such as proper warmth retention and respiratory support. For premature infants—especially those with low gestational age and low birth weight—it was nearly impossible to manage severe issues like respiratory distress and infection, so most premature infants faced a high risk of death.

Since Zhao Kuangyin, Song emperors had a total of 181 children; excluding the two sons of Emperor Duzong who died in war, 82 died in infancy, accounting for over 45 percent of all imperial offspring.

Even with the best medical resources and living conditions of the age, the mortality rate among imperial children was this high.

Not only children—pregnant women faced a 10 to 20 percent mortality rate during childbirth.

Thus, it was clear how difficult it was for a woman in this era to deliver safely and ensure both mother and child survived.

No wonder Ma Xiao Jiao was so anxious.

Zhang Chun quickly said: "If we could be reincarnated across time, we must be children of fate. Jiao Jiao, believe me—you'll give birth safely and have a son."

Ma Xiao Jiao had a good attitude: "Boy or girl, I don't care—as long as he's born safely and grows up healthy."

Ye Shi Yun said: "Don't worry—I've read the Barefoot Doctor's Handbook. On the day you give birth, I'll be there to oversee everything—you'll be fine."

"You've read the Barefoot Doctor's Handbook?!!!"

Zhang Chun nearly jumped out of her seat.

Ye Shi Yun blinked in surprise: "Why are you so excited?"

Zhang Chun didn't answer but asked: "Don't you read web novels?"

Ye Shi Yun rolled her eyes: "Who in their right mind reads that useless junk? I read economic masterpieces."

"Who are you insulting?" Zhang Chun snapped.

"I've read web novels too—I like hard sci-fi," Ma Xiao Jiao said.

"I love romance—pure love stories," Yuan Qing Cheng said.

"I've read Fenwu Yaoji's Bullet Holes," Li Lin said.

Ye Shi Yun surrendered: "Wait—I'm saying I've read the Barefoot Doctor's Handbook. What does that have to do with whether I like web novels?"

"It has everything to do with it! The three divine books of time travel: the Barefoot Doctor's Handbook, the Militia Training Manual, and the Friend of Dual Civilian-Military Talent. Legend says if you possess these three books, even if you're reincarnated in ancient times, you'll ascend to the throne; if you survive a nuclear war in the future, you can rebuild human civilization with them alone!" Zhang Chun said.

"It's extremely important—every time you cross over, you must bring the Three Divine Books: The Barefoot Doctor's Manual, The Militia Training Manual, and The Friend of Military-Civilian Dual-Use Talent. Legend has it that if you obtain these three divine books, even if you cross over to ancient times, you can ascend to the throne; if you face a nuclear war in the future, you can use these three books to rebuild human civilization!" Zhang Chun said.

Ye Shi Yun was a bit incredulous: "Really? This shabby book that every rural household has a copy of is that amazing?"

Zhang Chun rolled her eyes: "The 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' covers everything — from traditional Chinese acupuncture techniques to the four diagnostic methods of inspection, auscultation, inquiry, and palpation, from gathering and processing medicinal herbs to Western surgical practice! It's truly an essential treasure for every household and every journey."

At this point, Zhang Chun couldn't help but grow suspicious: "Have you actually read the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual'? Don't try to fool us."

Ye Shi Yun rolled her eyes again: "Why would I lie to you? My family was originally from the countryside. My dad and mom were in poor health, and we didn't have money to take them to a doctor. So I treated them following the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual.' They were lucky — not only did I not kill them, I actually cured them. When the villagers saw how capable I was, anyone with a serious illness or minor ailment came to consult me. After all that back and forth, with my photographic memory, of course I ended up memorizing the entire 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual.'"

Hearing this, Zhang Chun complained: "Hey, how could you not tell us something this important sooner?"

Ye Shi Yun said matter-of-factly: "Tell you what? That I'm a PhD in economics, and even if I don't do economics anymore, I could go back to the countryside and be a barefoot doctor treating people — which would be illegal?"

Zhang Chun said, frustrated that she couldn't beat sense into her: "You still haven't figured out our situation?! We're in the Song Dynasty now — an era starved of medical knowledge and medical resources. Your 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' is simply priceless. With the knowledge in it, you could raise the medical standards of this era, promote public health, and combine Chinese herbal medicine with modern medicine to become a famous doctor. Despite the challenges of scarce resources and cultural differences, your modern medical knowledge could still have a profound impact on this society."

After a pause, Zhang Chun added: "Just this one 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' alone is worth more than every economic work, ancient or modern, Chinese or foreign, that you've ever read."

Ye Shi Yun was stunned: "Really? This shabby book is really that amazing?"

Zhang Chun had no way to deal with Ye Shi Yun, who possessed a great treasure without knowing it. She said: "In the 1950s of the last century, the rural newborn mortality rate once reached as high as thirty percent — meaning almost one out of every three or four newborns died in infancy. The cause of this problem was the lack of rural medical resources at the time — no doctors, no medicine, and backward thinking. Do you know? They used rolling pins to press on the laboring women's bellies, and they stuffed rags into their mouths, as if the baby would crawl out through the mouth. And that was already in the era of New China. The people now will only be more backward, more ignorant, more benighted."

At this point, Zhang Chun was even getting a little jealous of Ye Shi Yun: "You've read the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual,' so you must know — the contents recorded in this book can greatly reduce newborn mortality and prevent infectious diseases. It brought the rural infant mortality rate down from thirty percent to three point seven percent, and raised average life expectancy from forty-nine to sixty-four. The 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' is called the medical work that has saved the most lives in history. It's been translated into more than fifty languages and distributed around the world. If you spread the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual,' your standing in the medical world will absolutely be no less than Bian Que, Hua Tuo, Zhang Zhongjing, or Li Shizhen."

"Holy crap!!!"

Not only Ye Shi Yun, but even Li Lin, Ma Ma Xiao Jiao, and Yuan Qingcheng hadn't expected the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' to be this badass.

Ma Ma Xiao Jiao immediately grabbed Ye Shi Yun's hand and said, visibly excited: "Ye Shi Yun, the lives of me and my child are entirely in your hands."

Ye Shi Yun was a bit dazed: "After reading so many great works on economics, am I really going to end up being a barefoot doctor?"

Yuan Qingcheng said: "Whether you become a barefoot doctor or not is another matter — hurry up and write out the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' and hand it to Zhao Yu, let him figure out how to spread this book that can benefit all humanity. If you do that, people will definitely build you living shrines."

Ye Shi Yun agreed: "Alright, I'll write it out as soon as I get back."

After chatting a bit more, Zhang Chun looked at Li Lin and Ye Shi Yun: "How about you two? Any movement in your bellies yet?"

Hearing this, Li Lin sighed, then looked at Ye Shi Yun: "Does the 'Barefoot Doctor's Manual' have anything for treating female infertility?"

Ye Shi Yun said: "Yes — you can use methods like Chinese herbal conditioning and acupuncture."

Li Lin said: "Help me get treated when you get a chance."

At this point, Li Lin said, not without vexation: "I used to think that with my physical condition, I'd get pregnant easily. Who would've thought — it's been several months now and still nothing. The key thing is, Zhao Yu hasn't exactly been slacking on his end either. I won't hide it from you all — I can now truly understand Pei Sui's pressure."

Zhang Chun looked at Ye Shi Yun: "What about you?"

Ye Shi Yun said nonchalantly: "I don't care either way. If I get it, I'm lucky; if I don't, it's fate. If I get pregnant, I'll just have one. If I don't, that's fine too — it won't get in the way of me enjoying the pleasures of men and women."

Zhang Chun thought to herself, 'Keep up that tough talk — I don't believe for a second that you don't want to secure something for your own life. You've been in the palace this long, how could you not know that Zhao Yu's favor can only make you happy for a moment? Only by bearing Zhao Yu a son can you gain lasting happiness.'

At this moment, Zhang Chun was immensely proud of her own wise choice: "Even though I'm a few months behind you all, as long as I take first place in the palace examination, I'll definitely have a son — that's something you can't compete with! Wahahaha, I'm still the smartest…"

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(End of chapter)