Chapter Ninety-Four: The True Face of the Divine Physician

So, it really was the old man and the young man who had come by. It hadn’t been a dream after all.

With the dagger and the letter in her hands, warmth surged through Liu Qin’s heart. Though they had merely chanced upon each other in passing, it felt as if they had been friends for years.

Just then, on the official road outside the city, the two travelers both sneezed in unison.

“That little one must have found out we visited and is thinking about us now,” the old man Hua, with his hair and beard always in wild disarray, remarked as he strolled along, taking a swig from his wine gourd.

The youth following behind, carrying a jar of wine, had been full of grievances, but at the mention of that adorable little girl, he couldn’t help but smile. Yet before the smile had faded, his resentment welled up again, and he muttered under his breath, “What sort of divine doctor is he? I haven’t seen any real skill. And on top of that, he’s so stingy—even with his apprentice, he won’t hire a single carriage. Miserly old man.”

The figure ahead seemed not to hear, took another two sips, and only then, without hurry, tied the gourd back at his waist and glanced back. “So, tell me, how am I not skilled?”

Realizing his complaints had been overheard, the youth braced himself and replied, “There was the old master of the Li family some time ago, and the old head of Red Leaf Manor two months back, and Madam Wu from Wu Village, and…”

“Save them? With what? I’m a doctor, not an immortal. Those people were already at death’s door, half a foot in the grave. Did you expect me to raise the dead? For those who are beyond hope, should I put on a pleasant face and ingratiate myself? I have a reputation to consider. Not that I care much about this ‘divine doctor’ title, but it’s still good for a few more years of meals. Or do you suppose I can rely on you, you rascal?”

“I… I…”

“What about you? You’d best worry about keeping your own hide intact for now.”

The youth’s face flushed red. He was silent for a long while, but then, unwilling to yield, he retorted, “But… but Hero Hong could have been saved.”

His master rolled his eyes and replied, “Why would I save him? If he hadn’t been on the verge of death already, I’d have added two more ingredients to make sure he died a more miserable death.”

The youth’s eyes widened in shock, his mouth opened but no sound came out. His master turned and smacked him on the head.

“You brat! Don’t think I can’t tell you’re cursing me in your mind—calling me heartless, cruel. Your master may not be a saint, but he’s far better than that so-called hero you keep talking about. Bah! Why should I even compare myself to that Hong fellow? What kind of hero is he? All upright and respectable on the outside, but who knows what wickedness he’s done behind closed doors. Never mind anything else—do you know why he was poisoned?”

The youth shook his head.

“It was his little concubine who did it. She was originally the wife of a friend of his. He saw her by chance. Three years ago, he killed his friend’s entire family, claimed publicly it was the work of an enemy, and even swore to avenge his friend, earning himself endless praise. But in secret, he abducted the only surviving young woman and forced her to be his concubine. She endured three years before she finally succeeded. Now, tell me, should I have saved him?”

The youth could hardly imagine that the famed Hero Hong of the martial world was such a man. He nodded, stunned, then realized his mistake and shook his head. “Master, how did you find out?”

“I’d heard that Hong had some fine wine cellared for decades, so I paid a visit to his manor. I heard all there was to hear, whether I was meant to or not. See, my dear apprentice, my unusual hobby may be peculiar, but it comes with its benefits.”

The youth’s face darkened.

His master was still chattering away. “Let me teach you something today: when you judge a person, don’t just look at the surface. Some people have the appearance of saints, but behind the scenes, they’re worse than true villains. Those are the most dangerous—smiles hiding daggers, killing without a trace. Remember that, my good apprentice.”

Seeing the youth remain unresponsive, he sighed long and hard. “Ah, you rascal, talking to you is such a chore. If only the little one were here.”

He took a sip of wine as he sighed, then, as if recalling something delightful, grinned slyly and sidled up to the youth. “Good apprentice, since you can’t find your little bride-to-be, why not let the little one become my apprentice’s wife instead?”

The youth choked, coughing as he stared at his master’s retreating back, who was already striding away, laughing heartily.

Speechless—completely speechless.

Back at the manor, the very person being discussed sneezed twice in a row. “Achoo, achoo.”

“Did you catch a chill, little sister?” Jiang Li was holding Liu Qin’s hand, about to take her to lessons. Concerned, he touched her forehead—thankfully, there was no fever.

“I’m fine, really. Don’t worry, Brother Li!” she replied, her smile bright and lively, cheeks rosy, brimming with energy. Only then did Jiang Li relax.

“Good morning, Brother Wu!” Liu Qin called out to the handsome, cold-faced boy approaching from behind. She had thought he would ignore her as usual and walk right by, but to her surprise, he nodded and, as before, joined her and followed her into Xuan Hall.

Was this a sign his illness was improving?

Faced with Wu, who had a whole host of issues and was cold and unpredictable, Liu Qin felt a headache coming on. She never quite knew how to handle him. Yet, holding fast to her motto of “never give up, never abandon,” she always tried a little harder. Now, it seemed her efforts hadn’t been entirely in vain.

When she next made her rounds to inspect the shops, Wu finally followed along again. He was still mostly silent, but Liu Qin knew it meant he was willing to let her draw near. Though the progress was slow and often reversed, with each small step, she felt the door to his heart opening ever so slightly.

“Brother Wu, you lost! Ha, ha! You promised—loser has to bark like a dog, and you can’t go back on your word!” Liu Qin, filled with excitement, collapsed onto the couch, clutching her stomach and laughing without a care.

Jiang Li, restless as ever, had come up with the idea of teaching her chess so she’d stay put instead of running amok. Though she was hopeless at the game and never quite knew what she was doing, at least she managed to sit still.

After many days of study, Liu Qin, thinking herself accomplished, challenged Wu. She’d assumed that someone like him, who spent his days practicing martial arts, would have no talent for chess. To her surprise, Wu was as skilled as Jiang Li and defeated her time and again.

Defeated over and over, Liu Qin only grew more determined, growing braver with every loss. Whenever she had time, she dragged Wu into another match. At last, with Jiang Li’s guidance, the two joined forces and managed to defeat Wu.

Wu looked at the triumphant girl before him, the corners of his mouth quirking up. “If you honor all your previous wagers, I’ll have nothing to say. I will not go back on my word.”

Liu Qin’s laughter stopped abruptly. If she really honored all her previous bets, she’d have to bark like a dog countless times. Who would have thought Wu was so devious beneath that cold exterior?

Knowing she was in the wrong, having tried to cheat first, Liu Qin vented her frustration on the chess pieces, pushing the board away. “I’m done! I’m not playing anymore!”

Pouting, she nimbly jumped off the couch, slipped on her shoes, and lifted the curtain to leave.

You two little devils, I’m not playing with you. I’ll go find my own fun.

Just then, someone hurried in from outside. Caught off guard, the two collided, and being the smaller, Liu Qin stumbled back two steps and landed squarely on the floor.