This time, Serena Feng was treated much better at Hsieh Manor. As soon as she arrived, a dedicated carriage took her straight to Second Madam Hsieh’s courtyard.
The moment Serena arrived, tea was served; the maids attending Second Madam Hsieh nearly treated Serena like a living goddess.
After all, without Serena Feng, Second Madam Hsieh would be doomed—and as her maids, they’d suffer as well.
At best, they’d be expelled from Hsieh Manor; at worst, sold off to a brothel.
Serena accepted the high-level treatment without guilt.
In any era, doctors—especially those with outstanding skills—are always respected and treated with courtesy.
Of course, Serena wasn’t one to put on airs. After a brief rest, she headed to Second Madam Hsieh’s room.
“Miss Feng.” Second Madam Hsieh already knew Serena had arrived. Even injured, she sat up, neatly dressed, and greeted Serena.
Great kindness goes beyond words of thanks—Second Madam Hsieh’s eyes clearly conveyed this.
Second Madam Hsieh was born into the Wang Clan; her upbringing was impeccable, and she exuded an aura of gentle elegance.
It was hard to believe that such a gentle woman could endure such brutal punishment.
Gentle on the surface, tough inside—Serena admired women like her. Then again, if Second Madam Hsieh were cunning or ruthless, she wouldn’t have ended up in this situation.
Serena didn’t waste time on small talk. After a few polite words, she began changing Second Madam Hsieh’s dressings.
It’s normal for patients to be grateful to their doctors, but doctors shouldn’t use that gratitude for personal gain.
Second Madam Hsieh had recovered well these past few days; her wounds were intact and healing. Not like someone else, who managed to reopen theirs in the blink of an eye.
Changing the dressings didn’t take long—less than half an hour. Serena was ready to pack up and leave, but clearly, Second Madam Hsieh wasn’t about to let her go.
Second Madam Hsieh looked at Serena, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.
“Second Madam, do you have something to say?” Serena disliked indecisiveness, so she simply paused and looked at Second Madam Hsieh.
Second Madam Hsieh blushed, bit her lip, and nodded. “Yes, I have something I’d like to discuss with Miss Feng—if that’s convenient?”
“If it’s convenient for Second Madam, it’s convenient for me.” Serena swept her gaze over, already guessing what Second Madam Hsieh wanted to talk about.
What Second Madam Hsieh truly valued was Serena’s medical skill.
Sure enough, after the maids were sent away, Second Madam first exchanged a few pleasantries, then got straight to the point about her infertility.
Many people know the saying 'illness should not be hidden from the doctor,' but few can truly do it.
Serena was surprised that Second Madam Hsieh could speak so frankly about it—then realized she must have run out of options.
Serena pondered for a moment, considering the safety and timing of performing a minor operation for Second Madam Hsieh.
Of course, what mattered most were the consequences.
This surgery wasn’t a matter of life or death, so in Serena’s mind, it was something she could do or not do. She didn’t want to invite unnecessary trouble over a minor procedure.
Since she lived in this world and couldn’t change the bigger environment, she had to follow its rules.
Unless she became strong enough to change the whole environment, she could only blend in.
Second Madam Hsieh looked at Serena with hope. In her mind, Serena could do anything—even the scandal outside the imperial city, which had seemed disgraceful and humiliating at first, now looked free-spirited, strong, and independent.
But after waiting a long time with no answer, Second Madam’s blush faded, her face pale with disappointment. Still, she forced a smile to comfort Serena.
“Miss Feng, don’t take it to heart. I was just asking casually. If you can’t cure it, that’s fine—you’ve already helped me so much. If not for you, I might be dead by now.”
Second Madam Hsieh couldn’t hide her disappointment, but she wasn’t angry. Serena sighed quietly to herself.
“Second Madam, you misunderstood. I can treat your illness—I was just thinking about when would be best to schedule the procedure.” It was a minor operation, but Serena had many things to consider.
Still, since she’d accepted Second Madam Hsieh as her patient, Serena would do her utmost.
Any surgery comes with risks. There were preparations she needed to make: the available disinfecting equipment was incomplete, and the lighting wasn’t ideal for an operation.
Finding an operating room that met her standards was really difficult here.
Serena felt a headache coming on and unconsciously touched her Smart Med-Pack, wishing the system could provide a full operating room.
If she had a critical patient, she could send them to an ICU and give them the best possible recovery. If only...
“What did you say?” The usually gentle Second Madam Hsieh shouted in excitement.
Bang—her head hit the bedpost.
Hiss—
Her wound split open, and Second Madam Hsieh gasped in pain, but she didn’t even blink—her eyes locked on Serena, joy shining in them just like when Vincent Su learned Leon Su was still alive.
Serena told herself she couldn’t turn away—not after seeing that look in her eyes.
She was a doctor. Saving patients was her duty—even if it meant trouble, she’d accept it.
“Yes, Second Madam, you heard right. I can cure you.” Serena stepped forward and helped her up, giving her a quick check.
“Don’t get so worked up, Second Madam. If your wound splits, that’s trouble.” Serena gently pressed her back down.
Seeing how excited Second Madam Hsieh was, Serena considered giving her a sedative.
Then she shook her head.
Better not—wasting medicine.
“Miss Feng, are you serious? You can really cure me?” Second Madam Hsieh grabbed Serena’s hand, tears streaming down her face.
Ten years—ever since she married into Hsieh Manor at fifteen, this illness had haunted her.
Was there finally hope now?
Second Madam Hsieh’s tears wouldn’t stop.
Serena didn’t like having her hands held—especially when Second Madam’s hands were so warm and sweaty, slippery and uncomfortable.
And with those long nails, Serena worried Second Madam might accidentally scratch her.
Serena quickly pulled away, took out a handkerchief to hide her discomfort. “Second Madam, please calm down. I’ve already noticed signs of your infertility—I can arrange a treatment plan, but I can’t promise a hundred percent success.”
No doctor would ever guarantee a cure, and Serena was no exception.
Every surgery carries risks—the only question is how much.
“I know, I know—even a ten percent chance is enough for me.” Second Madam nodded eagerly, following Serena’s instructions to inhale and exhale.
“As long as you understand, Second Madam. Rest well for now, keep your mood light, and don’t stress. When you’ve recovered, I’ll run another check to make sure your body can handle any side effects—then I’ll arrange everything.”
Serena quickly explained her pre-op plans and adjusted Second Madam Hsieh’s diet to focus on light, nutritious foods.
Even a minor surgery required full preparation.
In other words, this might be Serena’s very first true operation in this era—she couldn’t afford to mess it up.
Second Madam Hsieh nodded nonstop, even taking notes, confirming every detail with Serena over and over, afraid something might go wrong.
Serena showed no impatience at all—even if she had to explain everything two or three times, she kept smiling. That’s what a doctor should do.
She was young, but she understood how deeply women longed for children. Otherwise, why would there be so many infertility ads on TV?
Setting aside all the clan politics, Second Madam Hsieh just wanted a child. She never asked Serena how to guarantee a son—she simply wanted a child.
She’d talked with Second Madam Hsieh so long that lunchtime snuck up on them. At Second Madam’s warm invitation, Serena stayed for lunch at Hsieh Manor. When she finally left, she saw Caleb Wang Jinhan—Seventh Young Master—leaning against his carriage, waiting for her.