Eliminate De Sheng Chang?
The staff in attendance exchanged glances.
If it were any other money business, disposing of it would be as effortless as a word for Huang Cheng. However, the situation with De Sheng Chang was somewhat special.
De Sheng Chang possessed an imperial decree bestowed by the first emperor, which was now displayed in Jiuling Hall.
"An imperial decree is but a dead object. Could living men possibly hold back their urine until they die?" Huang Cheng laughed, tapping the table. "If the person is gone, what use is the decree?"
Gone...
The staff exchanged glances again.
"I've figured it out; the root of all these troubles lies with that girl surnamed Jun at Jiuling Hall," Huang Cheng exhaled and said. "If it weren't for her, none of this would've escalated to this point."
He shook his head as he spoke.
"It's my oversight as well. A woman even Yama Lu couldn't handle is certainly no ordinary person."
Indeed, connecting the dots of all that had happened, it was apparent that Miss Jun played a crucial role at many pivotal moments.
"It seems this Miss Jun is not content with simply being a doctor," Huang Cheng said. "This is why fame must come at the right time. When children become famous too young, they tend to grow arrogant, losing sight of the heavens above them. Especially when she has such a wealthy backer."
The staff nodded in agreement.
"Then we'll cut off her foundation and teach her a lesson," one of them proposed, rising on one knee. "My Lord, please leave this matter to me."
His tone was relaxed, his manner seasoned—clearly, he was accustomed to such tasks.
Huang Cheng remained unhurried.
"Go ahead and give it a try, then," he said lightly and casually.
...…
...…...
By the time daylight fully broke, Jiuling Hall was buzzing like never before. Manager Liu, Doctor Feng, and the other doctors were all present, eagerly asking Miss Jun questions all at once.
"To sum up this recent string of events—well, it's a long story, hard to explain in a few words," Miss Jun said. "But it's more or less what you've already heard."
"So, you left the capital secretly after coming to an agreement with Lord Heir to visit his parents in the northern lands?" one doctor couldn't resist asking.
The surrounding doctors glared at him.
"Of all the urgent matters to ask, at your age, why do you only care about gossip like that?" they chastised him.
Yet, they too turned to look at Miss Jun, including Doctor Feng.
"Is that so?" they asked in unison.
Seventh Chen burst into laughter.
"You folks really enjoy sticking your noses into such matters," he remarked.
"Others ask out of idle curiosity about romantic rumors, but we ask because courtship and marriage are lifelong affairs," Doctor Feng said earnestly, looking at Miss Jun. "We only hope Miss Jun has a secure future."
Miss Jun smiled and nodded.
"Yes, that is indeed the case," she replied.
Though she appreciated their sincere concern, there were some things they couldn't know. As for having a secure future, marriage had long ceased to be her defining goal.
When she said this, the doctors felt relieved and delighted.
"Has the wedding date been set?"
"Don't let it be too simple."
They began discussing enthusiastically.
Seventh Chen chuckled along, turning to see Fang Jinxiu rolling her eyes.
"The first time was a fake marriage for saving someone; the second time, the parents didn't agree. I wonder what excuse will come up for the third time," she muttered.
"Third time's the charm—perhaps no excuse will be needed this time," Seventh Chen whispered back, laughing softly.
Fang Jinxiu shot him a sideways glance.
"I thought you were loyal to Noble Son Ning? How are you siding with Lord Heir now?" she retorted.
"What loyalty? Noble Son Ning doesn't pay me; of course, I'm on Miss Jun's side," Seventh Chen said seriously, then grinned. "If Miss Jun isn't here, I pretend to side with others. But when she's here, I obey only her. Whoever she picks, I'll follow."
Fang Jinxiu glared at him, while the room occasionally erupted in laughter.
Someone pushed aside the curtain and walked in.
Seeing the young woman who entered, Seventh Chen froze for a moment.
At this time, Jiuling Hall was being closely guarded by both the Duke of Chengguo's guards and Jiuling Hall's own staff, preventing outsiders from approaching.
Anyone allowed in was naturally someone unusual.
Recognizing the newcomer, Seventh Chen quickly nudged Fang Jinxiu.
"Hey, hey, that's the woman from the Duke of Chengguo's entourage I told you about," he whispered.
So she was, Fang Jinxiu thought. No wonder she could enter. Just as she was about to stand and greet her, the girl had already walked up to Miss Jun's side.
"Sister, what's Lord Heir doing standing outside?" Zhao Hanqing asked.
Lord Heir is here too?
Everyone stood up in haste. Wasn't Miss Jun supposed to have come alone?
"He didn't mention coming," Miss Jun said, evidently just as surprised.
Seventh Chen had already dashed to the door to check, then turned back.
"He's over there at the street corner," he reported, his expression odd. After hesitating, he added, "On the other side, Lord Lu of the Jinyiwei is also there."
Lu Yunqi?
The room's atmosphere grew tense. They were all aware of what had happened yesterday when they entered the city—Lu Yunqi had almost taken Miss Jun away.
They hadn't expected him to show up again so soon after she returned.
Was Lord Heir keeping an eye on Lu Yunqi?
Miss Jun smiled calmly and sat down.
"Should we invite him in to sit?" she asked Zhao Hanqing.
Zhao Hanqing immediately turned to leave, while Doctor Feng and the others exchanged glances, ultimately resorting to peeking outside through the windows. Sure enough, they saw Zhu Zan loitering at the opposite street corner. Zhao Hanqing said something to him, but he impatiently waved her off, prompting her to turn back inside.
"He's not coming; just ignore him," she said.
Miss Jun motioned for everyone to sit.
"Lord Heir prefers his freedom; don't mind him," she said with a smile.
Doctor Feng and the others exchanged knowing looks. This seemed like the behavior of an old married couple. The young pair appeared to be on good terms, which amused them. After a bit more small talk, they all began to take their leave.
"The Jinyiwei are everywhere. Be cautious and return early," Doctor Feng advised in a low voice.
Miss Jun thanked him and personally saw them out.
"Sister, why did you call me here?" Zhao Hanqing asked, sitting in a chair as Miss Jun returned inside.
Miss Jun walked over and unraveled the cloth covering Zhao Hanqing's face.
Both Seventh Chen and Fang Jinxiu were initially startled to see the sores on her face but quickly averted their eyes, suppressing their reactions.
"You'll stay here. I'll write up a prescription for Jinxiu to prepare the medicine. Apply it every two hours, non-stop for three days," Miss Jun instructed.
Zhao Hanqing nodded, glancing at Fang Jinxiu.
Fang Jinxiu also nodded, accepting the prescription Miss Jun handed her.
"Oh, right, I haven't introduced you two yet," Miss Jun said with a smile, pointing to Zhao Hanqing. "This is my junior apprentice."
Then she pointed at Fang Jinxiu.
"This is my cousin."
Junior apprentice? Fang Jinxiu's expression grew complicated. Yet another apprentice... But what about the master?
Zhao Hanqing showed no hesitation, simply nodding at Fang Jinxiu.
"Then I'll be going now," Miss Jun said to Fang Jinxiu. "I'll leave her in your hands."
"Don't worry. Jinxiu has not only become great at managing accounts but also adept at preparing medicine," Seventh Chen said with a cheeky smile.
Fang Jinxiu said nothing, watching Miss Jun leave before turning to find Zhao Hanqing staring at her.
"Are you really my sister's cousin?" Zhao Hanqing asked.
Calling her sister so freely... Fang Jinxiu looked at her and quietly said, "Yes."
"Why don't you call her Sister?" Zhao Hanqing continued, her tone somewhat dissatisfied.
Oh, this one was even defending her? How amusing.
Fang Jinxiu scrutinized Zhao Hanqing from head to toe.
"Little girl, you must not have known her for very long," she remarked.
"That's right, not very long," Zhao Hanqing confirmed.
"Do you believe me? If you call her Sister, you'll either get beaten or scolded," Fang Jinxiu said with a wry smile.
Zhao Hanqing let out an "oh."
"Then it must've been your own fault—otherwise, Sister Jiuling wouldn't have hit you," she said.
Ha!
Fang Jinxiu felt both amused and annoyed.
Where did this silly girl come from?