Liu Wenwen stated her purpose, and the old man calmly dispensed a prescription and charged her twenty taels of silver.
Although the price was exorbitant, Liu Wenwen was mentally prepared. After all, she had been informed that the old man's medicine was effective but unaffordable for most. She readily accepted and paid the silver without hesitation.
Unbeknownst to them, not far from the old man's courtyard, a beggar was intently observing their every move. Upon seeing the two leave with the medicine, the beggar quickly returned to report.
Wu Caiwei generously gave the young beggar one tael of silver. Yes, everything was her arrangement; it wasn't a mere coincidence that a random person on the street could obtain such exclusive information.
They discovered the old man's dubious deeds by chance when they encountered him on the street. As they passed by, Wu Caiwei and Huang Shijie keenly smelled the medicinal scent on him, sensing he was no ordinary person. Recalling the pitted marks on his face, they speculated they were lingering traces of poisoning.
Due to the old man's distinctive facial scars, he was memorable to the city's residents, and they roughly knew where he lived. The pair deliberately loitered near his courtyard and observed servants from wealthy households collecting medicine from him. Exchanging glances, they followed one of the servants all the way to the Luo family. Within a few days, they heard that the Luo family's second young master had fallen gravely ill with a mysterious ailment. Doctors were baffled, and the young man remained unconscious, on the brink of death.
Huang Shijie disguised himself, transforming into an ethereal old man who claimed to be a divine physician traveling the world. In normal circumstances, the Luo couple would have been skeptical, but after a string of ineffective doctors in the city, they had no choice but to try anything.
As he placed his hand on Luo Second Young Master's pulse, he couldn't help but marvel inwardly at the advanced state of medicine in this world, realizing one should never underestimate anyone.
When he declared that a cure was possible, joy erupted in the eyes of the Luo couple, and their attitude immediately shifted to one of great warmth and enthusiasm.
Huang Shijie did not dwell on their past indifference. He produced an antidote pill from his person and prescribed some medicine, giving instructions before requesting to take his leave. The Luo parents earnestly implored him to stay, fearing that if he left, their son might suffer some relapse, leading to irreparable regret.
Huang Shijie understood their parental concern and, moreover, the couple had a good reputation in the city. He reluctantly agreed to stay, resolving to depart first thing the next morning.
After a restful night's sleep, he opened his door the following morning to find Madam Luo waiting there early, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You are truly a divine physician. My son woke up last night. Fearing to disturb your rest, I waited by the door this morning to personally thank you."
Huang Shijie had anticipated this scene and nodded calmly. "Let us go and see him together."
Madam Luo was overjoyed. As they arrived, Luo Second Young Master was drinking his medicine. Sometimes, the connections between people are truly wondrous. The moment their eyes met, Huang Shijie felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. This was the first time in many years he had experienced such a feeling, and it felt remarkably novel.
After carefully feeling his pulse, observing him, and conversing with him, Huang Shijie finally understood the source of that familiarity. He saw a reflection of himself in this child – wise and kind.
He felt compelled to warn him, "This time, you were lucky to have encountered me. The reason you walked through the gates of hell was that you were poisoned. If I am not mistaken, the person who poisoned you is likely within your own household. Malice towards others is to be avoided, but vigilance against others is necessary. I hope such an incident does not occur again."
Seeing the other nod gratefully, he continued, "As long as you follow my prescription and take the medicine on time, your poison will be completely removed in ten days. I feel we have a certain affinity. Do you happen to know of a Huang Shijie in this city? We have some connection. If you ever encounter any insurmountable problems in the future, you can have him contact me."
Luo Second Young Master was overjoyed upon hearing this. Birth, aging, sickness, and death are inevitable for everyone. Knowing a divine physician was akin to having an extra layer of protection for one's life, and he readily agreed.
He then expressed his desire to depart. Madam Luo immediately had her personal maid bring a box filled with gold and silver jewelry. Madam Luo said sincerely, "I know these are meager offerings, but this is all I can provide. Please, divine physician, do not be offended."
Huang Shijie quite liked this mother and son, finding them to be honest people. He felt a pang of compassion and waved his hand. "I appreciate your intentions, but I will not accept the silver. The primary reason is that Luo Second Young Master has a good impression on me, and I hope we will meet again someday."
Madam Luo exclaimed, "How can this be? You saved my son's life! If I don't offer some silver, I feel I owe you too much."
However, no matter how she pleaded, Huang Shijie was determined not to accept. Seizing an opportune moment when they were not paying attention, he quickened his pace and left.
He avoided people as he made his way, climbed over the wall into the courtyard he and Wu Caiwei had secretly acquired, changed his appearance, and shortly after reappeared on another street, heading towards the academy.
Compared to the tranquility of their lives, the Li family was far more bustling. Although the two concubines did not wish to become pregnant, Li Zixin was insistent on having a son as soon as possible.
They had no opportunity to interfere and, consequently, became pregnant. After becoming pregnant, they were consumed by anxiety and lost weight visibly. In order to survive, they banded together for mutual support and decided to attempt something significant.
Meanwhile, Liu Wenwen, after obtaining the medicine, hesitated to act. She was unsure if the medicine was as effective as the old man claimed and feared her scheme would be exposed.
Li Changqing, on the other hand, had fewer scruples. He believed that for poisoning, one needed a reliable person, and after much consideration, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
Everyone in the Li family knew that Madam dearly loved osmanthus cakes, consuming them year-round. During the osmanthus blooming season, the household servants would procure or pick osmanthus flowers from outside to dry. During their leisure time, they would grind them into osmanthus cakes.
Her eating habits were very regular; she had to have them every other day. Li Changqing estimated the time was right and, avoiding others, quietly approached the kitchen. Shortly after, a frantic woman arrived. "Mama Li, quickly go back and check! Your grandson fell into the pond. We don't know if he can be saved."
Mama Li was diligently making osmanthus cakes for Madam. Upon hearing this news, her legs went weak, and she almost collapsed. She only had this one grandson. Fortunately, the osmanthus cakes were already finished. Their home was not far from here, and she was determined to sneak back to check.
Watching the two hastily depart, Li Changqing quickly seized the opportunity to pour the medicinal liquid from the bottle onto the osmanthus cakes.
As he was leaving, he bumped into a scullery maid from the kitchen. The maid knelt fearfully. Before she could apologize, Li Changqing, acting guiltily, explained, "I was feeling a bit hungry and came to see if there was anything tasty in the kitchen. Since there's nothing here, I'll go buy something from outside."