Entering the Tang Dynasty

"Big brother, you're pacing so much I'm getting dizzy. His Majesty has already sent the chief physicians to keep watch for you—what more could you be worried about?" A slender boy with an honest face tried to reassure him. This was Zhangsun Ren, the second son of the General of Heavenly Strategy, Zhangsun Zhi.

Zhangsun Qian, who had been whispering anxiously as he paced, looked up at his brother and replied, "I just can't help but worry." He then turned to the two elderly men nearby, cupping his hands in salute. "Thank you for your trouble, Chief Physician Sun, Judge Liu." Zhangsun Qian looked every bit the refined scholar.

The two imperial physicians, clad in green official robes, quickly returned the salute. "General Zhangsun, you flatter us."

But Zhangsun Qian was, in fact, a fourth-rank military official, the Loyal and Brave General.

"Don't worry, Dalang," a kindly old woman smiled from the shadowed end of the corridor. "This midwife is the best in Chang'an. When I was expecting you, I only had the help of our neighbors—nothing like today's grand occasion." A maid stood by, fanning her gently. This was Gao Qingyun, wife of General Zhangsun Zhi and mistress of the household.

"Yes, Mother," Zhangsun Qian replied.

Zhangsun Ren was about to continue when three figures appeared around the corridor's bend, cutting him off. Zhangsun Qian, Zhangsun Ren, Gao Qingyun, and the two physicians all went to greet the newcomers.

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