Gynecology, a Direct and Embarrassing Examination
After a sleepless night, Serena Feng was still full of energy the next morning—radiant and refreshed, with no trace of exhaustion from fighting wolves or running mountain roads all night.
There was nothing she could do—her mood was simply too good. When you’re happy, everything seems pleasing to the eye.
Early in the morning, she checked on Ironhead Steel’s injuries in the guest room, nodded in satisfaction, gave Mrs. Steel a few instructions, and then headed to the operating room to open the windows and air it out.
As for Ninth Royal Uncle’s allergic rash, she wasn’t worried at all. He knew about his own condition and had surely prepared his own remedies.
Traditional Chinese medicine works better for treating allergic rashes anyway—after all, it’s all about internal adjustment.
Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, Serena bumped into Evan Zhou.
“Sis, someone from the Hsieh Clan is looking for you.”
“The Hsieh Clan? Who from the Hsieh Clan?” Her mood was so good that even hearing about the Hsieh family didn’t annoy Serena.
“Second Madam Hsieh.” Evan Zhou really disapproved of Serena’s mood swings over a man, but there was nothing he could do—his words didn’t carry any weight.
“Take her to the wooden hut.” Serena didn’t even need to ask to know why Second Madam Hsieh had come.
The Hsieh Clan might not be honorable, but Serena had already promised to treat Second Madam Hsieh’s infertility. She couldn’t go back on her word.
In her previous life, those relentless infertility treatment ads taught Serena that for women, bearing children isn’t just a duty—it’s everything. Having a child connected by blood means more than anything else.
Motherhood makes women strong. For the sake of their children, women are capable of anything.
No matter how angry she was at the Hsieh Clan, Serena would never take it out on Second Madam Hsieh.
Evan Zhou knew Serena had her own judgment and didn’t say much; he soon brought Second Madam Hsieh inside.
The outer room of the wooden hut was set up exactly like a modern doctor’s office. As soon as Second Madam Hsieh walked in, Serena greeted her: “Please, have a seat, Madam.”
“Doctor Feng.” Second Madam Hsieh managed a strained smile, her gaze tinged with apology.
Serena knew what Second Madam Hsieh was worried about and said directly, “Madam, you can relax. Whatever’s between me and the Hsieh Clan has nothing to do with you. Since I agreed to treat you, I won’t go back on my word, nor would I ruin my own reputation.”
Second Madam Hsieh breathed a sigh of relief, her worries lifting. “I was wrong to judge you with suspicion. Doctor Feng’s compassion truly earns my respect.”
“You flatter me, Madam. It’s not about compassion—I’m a doctor, and I do what a doctor should. Since you’ve come for treatment, you must know my rules.” Serena looked her over and nodded in satisfaction.
Very good, very good. Well-nourished and rounded—this is the kind of body that’s truly healthy and fit for bearing children.
Speaking of body shape, Serena couldn’t help but complain. In the modern era, where thinness was prized, some girls starved themselves to become stick-thin, not realizing how much harm it did to their bodies—or how it hurt their chances of having children.
Besides, being skin-and-bones just looks unlucky. Ancient people cared about appearances—a plump, radiant woman not only seemed blessed but was also good for childbearing. Even if you’re slim, it shouldn’t be to the point of showing bones.
Second Madam Hsieh nodded demurely; that boy Evan Zhou had already explained everything when she came in.
“I wonder, Doctor Feng, how much is the consultation fee?” Second Madam Hsieh was actually worried Serena would name a sky-high price—or an extremely low one.
It all depended on the person and the mood, but everyone knew Serena charged according to her judgment. Too high, and it was unaffordable; too low, and it hurt one’s dignity and status.
Still, her upbringing kept her worries hidden, though her maid couldn’t help showing a bit of impatience.
Serena chuckled inwardly, tapping her fingers on the table and making everyone a little nervous for no reason.
“Don’t worry, Madam. I’m not one of those greedy doctors who asks for the moon. For you, the consultation fee is set at one thousand taels of silver.”
“One thousand taels? That’s so little.” Second Madam Hsieh was surprised, and her maid blurted it out before she could stop herself.
Serena could only find it amusing.
Usually, patients complain about fees being too high—never too low. Second Madam Hsieh must be worried that paying less means Serena won’t put in effort, or that it lowers her own status.
Serena regretted quoting such a low price, but the words were out—there was no taking them back now.
Serena smiled. “Don’t mind the amount, Miss. I set my fees by mood, and only Madam could get this price. Back when I was unknown, you trusted me enough to seek treatment. I remember that favor—this is a friendship price. If others come with the same condition in future, I won’t charge so little.”
Sometimes she wondered if she was really a doctor or just a merchant—always pricing by the person, always chasing profit.
Sigh... If only she could be this calm and composed in front of Ninth Royal Uncle.
Serena was endlessly frustrated. She could handle anyone—even the emperor’s authority—without losing her cool. But when it came to...
Just one word or gesture from Ninth Royal Uncle, and she lost all reason. It was just...
Pathetic!
Second Madam Hsieh felt both pleased and a little heartsore at Serena’s words.
She was glad Serena was someone who valued old favors, but she also understood the subtext: from now on, there would be no more talk of personal sentiment between them.
“Let’s do as Doctor Feng says.” Second Madam Hsieh swallowed her bitterness.
The Hsieh Clan’s foolish actions had left her to bear the consequences. She was resentful, but what could she do?
She was just a woman whose life depended on her clan.
Serena nodded and continued, “Since Madam agrees, things will be easier. But there’s one more thing I need to mention in advance.”
“What is it?”
“Madam, this is a gynecological issue. During the examination, there may be some physical contact. Please don’t mind.” Serena couldn’t help feeling a little awkward as she said this.
Damn... The Smart Med-Pack could diagnose Madam’s condition, but it couldn’t pinpoint the exact spot or where to cut. She’d have to do that herself.
And a gynecological exam...
Just imagining the awkward scene made Serena want to cry.
A gynecological exam meant actually using your hands to feel inside the vagina—sometimes with the help of a speculum.
In the modern era, this was perfectly normal—gynecological exams were just like that. But in ancient times, she had no idea how to explain it.
Traditional Chinese medicine wasn’t strong in gynecology, and most ancient doctors were men. Even if they specialized in women’s medicine, they wouldn’t dare touch a woman directly.
Western medicine, on the other hand, was never shy about exams. If Serena was going to treat Madam, she had to perform this check.
“It’s fine. We’re both women—there’s nothing to be embarrassed about.” Second Madam Hsieh blushed briefly, but quickly composed herself.
As a noblewoman, she’d been bathed by female attendants since childhood, so exposing herself to another woman didn’t bother her.
Serena smiled—what Madam imagined was far from reality. Besides...
If surgery was needed, even the hair down there would have to be shaved clean. Serena doubted Madam could accept that.
Conflicted and frustrated.
Serena decided to take it one step at a time. She’d start with the exam—if Madam couldn’t handle that, there was no point discussing surgery.
Sigh... She’d agreed so readily before, never considering the deeper issues—since these things seemed so normal to her. But now, actually doing it, she saw just how big the gap was between past and present.
Serena stood up, motioned for Madam to follow her into the inner room, and silently prayed that Madam would be open-minded enough not to mistake her for some kind of pervert.