Chapter 4: A Husband with a Tender Waist, Fair Skin, and Long Legs

There was hardly any money left at home; the Bai family wanted to save what little they had for the children. She sensed that her time was running short and was even more determined not to waste the scarce funds on herself.

But how could Qin Hanxiao make such a decision? She gently pressed acupuncture points while soothing Mrs. Bai.

“Mother, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Don’t speak just yet.”

Previously, Mrs. Bai had suffered from chest tightness, shortness of breath, ringing in her ears, and dizziness, but now her condition had improved somewhat, so she followed Qin Hanxiao’s instructions.

After the doctor came to examine her, he prescribed new medicine. “Take these for now. The key is to let go of worries and keep a relaxed mind for the medicine to work.”

Upon leaving, the doctor shook his head. “Forgive my limited skill. If there is no improvement soon, you should seek a more skilled physician.”

The Pei family expressed their gratitude repeatedly and prepared to follow the doctor to get the medicine.

Qin Hanxiao thought for a moment and asked the doctor to stay. “Please, could you also examine my husband’s injury recovery?”

The senior doctor had been treating Mrs. Bai for years and was familiar with the Pei family’s situation. Remembering that he last saw Pei Yuantang a month ago, it was indeed time to check on his progress.

Pei Yuantang’s first words were of concern for his mother. “Doctor Chen, how is my mother?”

Doctor Chen repeated what he had said earlier and then, as if recalling something, inquired, “Before I arrived, did anyone try any treatment on the patient?”

The Pei family exchanged glances. Pei Jinghui suddenly pushed Qin Hanxiao from the doorway.

“Yes, it was my second sister-in-law. After mother vomited blood, she massaged her and gave her a cup of water. That’s how mother’s condition improved.”

Doctor Chen scrutinized Qin Hanxiao. “You know medicine?”

Qin Hanxiao replied, “Not exactly. I know a little.”

She had developed an interest in traditional medicine after dealing in medicinal herbs and had studied under an elderly master for several years—not exactly an expert, but knowledgeable.

She explained the acupuncture points and massage techniques she had used, which earned her a hearty compliment from Doctor Chen.

“Thanks to you, otherwise, with your mother’s condition, even I might have been powerless to help.”

Only then did the Pei family realize what Qin Hanxiao had done, and their expressions varied as they looked at her.

Doctor Chen then carefully removed Pei Yuantang’s trousers to examine his legs.

Seeing this, Pei Jinghui stepped aside, but Qin Hanxiao did not; she stood by the bedside, watching intently.

Pei Yuantang glanced at her several times, his meaning clear without words.

Qin Hanxiao noticed but pretended not to.

Her attention was focused on Doctor Chen’s hands on Pei Yuantang’s legs, observing his technique.

She couldn’t help but think that Pei Yuantang was not only handsome but also had fair skin and long legs.

When he turned to expose his waist, she noticed how slender it was, looking quite supple.

Yet overall, he appeared fragile—perhaps due to his injury.

His face remained pale, showing no sign of vitality.

Her gaze made Pei Yuantang very uneasy; although there was nothing substantial, every place she looked at seemed to burn with fire.

After the examination, Doctor Chen said, “Your recovery is nearly complete, but you can’t stay bedridden forever. You need to go outside and get some sunlight.

Also, you mustn’t neglect your legs; daily massage and proper care are essential to prevent severe atrophy.”

He added, “And you need to worry less.”

Pei Yuantang politely thanked Doctor Chen, “I understand.”

But Qin Hanxiao thought that given the family’s current situation, Pei Yuantang could hardly avoid worry.

When escorting Doctor Chen out, Qin Hanxiao discussed massage techniques and acupuncture points with him.

Doctor Chen asked, “Have you studied this? You seem very familiar with acupuncture points.”

Qin Hanxiao replied, “Not really. I’ve mostly read about it in books.

My mother left some medical texts behind, and since I was young, I had no other hobbies but to repeatedly study those books.”

That was indeed true for her original self; she didn’t mind others knowing, but she kept her personal secrets to herself.

Combining that with her prior studies, she already had a plan in mind.

Doctor Chen marveled, “It’s remarkable to be self-taught to this extent.”

He then gave her detailed instructions and advised, “It’s best to massage daily for at least an hour.”

Before leaving, he said, “I’ll also review some books at home to see if I can find anything helpful.

It’s getting late, and if you go to the city now, you won’t be able to return tonight.

Just take the medicine you have today, and first thing tomorrow, go to the city for the new prescription.”

Qin Hanxiao politely saw Doctor Chen off. Upon returning, she found Pei Yuanxing staring at her oddly.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Pei Yuanxing’s tone was still irritable, but his attitude was slightly better than before.

“You actually know medicine?”

Qin Hanxiao nodded, choosing not to argue.

“I already told you, didn’t I? What else do you have doubts about?”

Speaking of doubts, Pei Yuanxing had many.

Most perplexing was Qin Hanxiao’s sudden change. Before, she hadn’t cared about anyone in the family, barely speaking.

But today, after he forcibly brought her back, she first acted like a seductress to entice his second brother, then lavished affection on the family.

“So tell me, what exactly is your purpose in doing all this?”

Qin Hanxiao knew he was thinking of her as a villain, and inwardly scoffed—how could she be worse than him?

He was prone to threats of death or drowning.

Besides, in this household, the old were old, the young were young, some were disabled, some weak—what was there to scheme about?

She steadied her emotions and smiled sincerely, thanking him.

“Thank you for what you did today. Believe it or not, I really didn’t want to run away. Thank you for stopping Huo Heng and bringing me back.

I know you don’t believe me now, but that’s okay—time will reveal the truth.

I used to be narrow-minded, but after this experience, I’ve come to understand.

I won’t think about going back to the Qin family anymore. From now on, this is my home.”

She needed a reason for the Pei family to find her sudden change believable, and the impossibility of returning to the Qin family served that purpose perfectly.

Upon hearing this, Pei Yuanxing was momentarily stunned before scoffing.

“You still dream of being a lady of the Qin family? You’re not even the biological daughter of Master Qin. You’d better stop dreaming.”

Only the Qin family in the capital and Qin Hanxiao herself knew she had been replaced. Others, including the Qin family in Yangliu Village and the real daughter, were unaware.

But Qin Hanxiao didn’t intend to explain much; she just needed a plausible excuse.

“So now I’ve awakened from that dream.

Enough talk—I’m going to cook.”

Without waiting for his response, Qin Hanxiao entered the kitchen.

She did not notice the frown and thoughtful expression on Pei Yuanxing’s face as he watched her retreating back.

Her words were deliberately spoken loud enough for the Pei family to hear, and her purpose was achieved.

Shortly after, Pei Jinghui came out of Mrs. Bai’s room, gave Pei Yuanxing a sharp look, then quietly took his hand and whispered.

“You heard what Doctor Chen said, right? Today, it was thanks to second sister-in-law. How could you speak to her like that?

It’s only because she’s magnanimous that she didn’t hold a grudge against you. You, on the other hand, are ungrateful and overbearing.”