A Lady's Practice

She had crossed over. To be precise, she had borrowed a body to return to life. This fact terrified Bai Yuxuan. As a surgeon accustomed to life and death, she could hardly comprehend such an absurd phenomenon. Staring into the dim copper mirror, she scrutinized her current self again. The reflection was somewhat murky, making it difficult to discern her exact appearance, but she clearly resembled a classic beauty. With delicate brows and almond-shaped eyes, Bai Yuxuan raised an eyebrow, squinted, and finally broke into a smile. The face staring back at her blossomed with two deep dimples. “Wow,” Bai Yuxuan couldn’t help but whistle. If she had grown up looking like this, even her new girlfriend’s father, the director of the hospital, would have had no effect on her ex-boyfriend’s steadfast heart. She assessed her age next. Stretching out a hand, she pinched her face, momentarily forgetting that this was “hers.” With a firm grip, she winced, letting out a small gasp. The skin isn’t perfect; perhaps it’s due to being too thin. However, Bai Yuxuan felt she looked about seven or eight years younger for a woman of twenty-seven. Having gotten acquainted with her appearance, Bai Yuxuan turned her gaze around the room, becoming increasingly fascinated as she examined everything. Each item felt alive, filled with vibrant energy, unlike the dullness found in those residential museums that failed to capture the luxurious lives of ancient aristocrats. As she wandered about, her eyes abruptly halted. She spotted the first aid kit still tossed carelessly on the floor. A loud ringing echoed in her head; the fresh curiosity that had consumed her moments ago evaporated instantly. She had crossed over! She was Bai Yuxuan but also not Bai Yuxuan! Although the modern Bai Yuxuan’s body still existed, regardless of whether it was alive or dead, it no longer belonged to her. In that world, she was no more! Her parents, sister, and brother would never see her again! Her ex-boyfriend would no longer have to worry about her interfering with his impending rise in life! The injured patient at the rural health clinic would never have her perform surgery on him; of course, someone else would take her place… While Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu were changing clothes inside, they heard a faint weeping sound. The two exchanged worried glances, hastily abandoning their dishevelled hair to rush over. The muffled cries of the young lady emerged from within. “Madam! Madam!” Xiao Jia called out anxiously, pushing against the door, only to find it bolted. Panic surged within her, and she banged on the door with urgency. “Please, open the door! Open up!” Bai Yuxuan sat on the floor, leaning against the door, clutching the first aid kit as tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. As she sobbed, she opened the kit, her gaze landing on the oxygen tank, gauze, adhesive tape, stethoscope, scissors, and various instruments that suddenly flooded her vision… “Why did you follow me here?” she murmured, her fingers grazing over the supplies she had personally selected. In this strange place, you are all I have left… “Madam! Please don’t do anything foolish…” Xiao Jia’s voice trembled as she felt utterly helpless. With only the sounds of crying resonating from within, she sank to the ground, her tears spilling forth as she thought of the day’s horrors and the grievances she had long endured. “Madam, I know you’re in pain, but you must carry on…” “Think of the Old Madam; you can’t do anything reckless for her sake…” “Remember how the Old Madam held on until your wedding day, only to close her eyes?” “…You must take care of yourself and wait for the young master to return. He will surely come to take you away…” “Without the Old Madam, you still have the young master…” As Xiao Jia’s voice trailed off, she slumped against the door, crying, while Xiao Zhu behind her was already in tears. The three women—inside and outside the room—lost themselves in sorrow, crying freely on the rainy day. Outside Qiutong Courtyard, several women clad in raincoats and bamboo hats passed by. “What happened here?” one asked, tilting her head to listen. “What’s going on in Qiutong Courtyard? Why are they crying like that in broad daylight?” One of them chuckled. “I just heard that the young lady from the East Mansion attempted to hang herself today. I suppose it’s time for the mourning theatrics to begin,” she said. The others laughed, but the woman who had initially asked seemed unaware of the situation, furrowing her brows in disapproval. “Let’s not speak carelessly about the affairs of the East Mansion,” she murmured. “She’s just a poor girl…” The laughter immediately faded, and the women straightened their expressions in response. “Let’s go. We must deliver these items, convey our regards to the marquis’ wife, and then head back. We can’t be away for too long,” the woman instructed. The group continued slowly. As they neared the alleyway, one glanced back, observing the misty Qiutong Courtyard through the rain. “Alas,” she sighed softly, “they all said it was great fortune. Little did they know that this good life is steeped in bitter waters…” She cast another look at Qiutong Courtyard before rejoining the others as they turned into the alley. Meanwhile, Xiao Jia leaned against the door, tears flowing until she had no strength left. Staring blankly, she wept silently when suddenly, with a click, the door swung open. “Madam!” The two maidservants exclaimed in unison, their heads snapping up in surprise. Bai Yuxuan looked at them, her voice hoarse—whether from crying or the injury on her neck, she couldn’t tell. “Please, stop crying.” Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu instantly got to their feet, nodding with tear-streaked faces. “When it’s time to cry, cry. Afterwards, it’s alright,” Bai Yuxuan said, offering them a faint smile. Her complexion was pale, and her eyes were swollen; that smile certainly wasn’t a flattering sight, but Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu felt a rush of relief that nearly brought them to tears again. “Madam, let me fetch a doctor…” Xiao Jia suggested anxiously. “A doctor? For what purpose?” Bai Yuxuan shook her head. Xiao Jia hesitated, finally noticing the white cloth wrapped around Bai Yuxuan’s neck. The fabric appeared rather unusual—something she hadn’t encountered before. “What happened to you, Madam?” she couldn’t help but ask. “Oh, this?” Bai Yuxuan touched her neck, recalling how she had just addressed the mirror. She had already taken care of the injury. “I’ve managed just fine. There’s no need to trouble anyone else.” Indeed, it wouldn’t look good to spread such gossip. Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu nodded in understanding. “Xiao Zhu, go fetch some water to help the madam freshen up her face,” Xiao Jia instructed. Xiao Zhu hurried off, and Xiao Jia reached out to assist Bai Yuxuan as she settled onto a chair. Being helped like this at such a young age felt strange to Bai Yuxuan, but observing the maid’s actions, which seemed habitual, she decided to go with the flow to avoid drawing attention. Xiao Zhu returned with water, kneeling before her. “Madam, what’s wrong?” Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu exchanged puzzled glances as Bai Yuxuan abruptly stood. This kneeling… Bai Yuxuan looked at the two maidservants, their expressions a mix of surprise and concern. She managed a smile and sat back down, allowing them to serve her. Curious, Bai Yuxuan watched as Xiao Jia brought over a small box adorned with exquisite patterns—a true antique! She reached out to feel its lacquered surface. Xiao Jia opened seven smaller boxes, applying powder, rouge, and lip tint to Bai Yuxuan’s face. Bai Yuxuan marvelled at how Xiao Jia meticulously cleaned her already-washed hands before delicately applying a small dab of lotion from one of the boxes. She couldn’t help but exclaim softly in admiration. “They even have hand cream!” After finishing, Xiao Jia took the basin from Xiao Zhu, who stood up to fetch a comb and hairpin for Bai Yuxuan. Xiao Jia plucked a bloom from a pot of poppies on the windowsill and pinned it into Bai Yuxuan’s hair. Not even at a photography studio had she experienced such meticulous care. Bai Yuxuan thought to herself. “All done, Madam.” Xiao Jia presented a copper mirror for Bai Yuxuan to admire her reflection. Bai Yuxuan gazed left and right, unable to suppress a beaming smile. She looked even more radiant than before! Turning to see Xiao Jia and Xiao Zhu staring at her in awe, she quickly composed herself and nodded appreciatively. “Madam, I’ll go prepare dinner,” Xiao Zhu said, inquiring for permission. “What time is it?” Bai Yuxuan instinctively raised her wrist to check the time, only to find two twisted silver bangles adorning her arms… “Go ahead,” she replied somewhat awkwardly, glancing outside. The rain was tapering off, and the previously gloomy sky brightened ever so slightly. Xiao Zhu bowed and left. “Madam, you look amazing today! If you’d only worn this outfit to the banquet last night…” Xiao Jia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Banquet?” Bai Yuxuan couldn’t help but feel a spark of interest. “What banquet? What happened?” “A gathering of young masters and ladies; it was meant for the young master to meet with all the eligible ladies. Alas, the eldest young lady of the family was disgraced and hasn’t been seen since,” Xiao Jia elaborated. “Disgraced?” Bai Yuxuan felt intrigued. “What happened?” “Madam, you’ll have to hear it from others,” Xiao Jia said, leaning closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I shouldn’t be telling you, but it was because the young lady played with fire and almost burned the young master’s hair!” “Did she ?” Bai Yuxuan asked in disbelief. “Oh yes! It caused quite an uproar. It’s said that even the Old Madam got furious over it,” Xiao Jia replied, unable to suppress a grin. “Was the banquet cancelled?” “No, they were all laughing and clinking glasses as if nothing had happened. Young ladies fought over the young master, and his charm smote many,” Xiao Jia shared. A flash of annoyance crossed Bai Yuxuan’s face, but it was fleeting. She looked into the mirror again, observing the delicate makeup applied, which brightened her complexion. In the end, she realized that if she wished to regain her old life, she would have to adapt to the situation at hand. “Next time, I’ll prepare better,” she thought. As she surveyed the room filled with vibrant energy, Bai Yuxuan felt a strange warmth envelop her, and a smile of contentment danced upon her lips. Perhaps she could make the most of this second chance at life.