"Don't just stand there, hurry inside," Rong Zhi urged, and Zhang Shaoye, who wished he could disappear into a crack in the floor, reluctantly entered.
The girls who had been curious about Zhang Shaoye's predicament, seeing him being dragged by the ear by a strange woman, wanted to ask questions. However, Zhang Shaoye, who was meek in front of Rong Zhi, put on an air of authority outside, coldly ordering them not to pry. Silenced, the women quickly changed the subject and, chatting merrily, ushered Zhang Shaoye inside. As they entered, Zhang Shaoye glanced back, and Rong Zhi waved her hand, signaling him not to look around too much.
The two followed Zhang Shaoye inside and found the main hall to be exceptionally lively. Around the perimeter, beautiful women in revealing attire played musical instruments. In the center, several rows of tables and chairs were arranged for patrons to drink and snack. However, only the very front table was crowded with people. A middle-aged man with prominent cheekbones and a long beard was attending to a patient, feeling his pulse. His eyes gleamed with a shrewdness that made him appear quite convincing.
Was this the one?
Rong Zhi observed the "miracle doctor" from afar. She noticed that his gaze was unfocused while taking the pulse, a hint of calculation in his eyes. When attending to female patients, he even cast lecherous glances. Regardless of his medical skills, his character was clearly questionable. With such a poor first impression, Rong Zhi was even less inclined to believe he was a "miracle doctor."
At that moment, the doctor was examining a scrawny man, around 40 years old, with many gray hairs and a sallow complexion. As the doctor took his pulse, his expression grew increasingly grave, making the patient anxious.
"Doctor, can I be saved?"
The doctor sighed, "Do you often have many dreams at night, break out in a cold sweat, frequently get up to urinate, and… find it difficult in matters of intimacy?"
"Yes, doctor, how did you know?"
The surrounding onlookers expressed their astonishment, further convincing them of the doctor's profound medical skills. The patient looked at the doctor with even greater anticipation.
"Your condition is quite serious. Here, I will write you a prescription. Take the medicine as prescribed for two years, and you will be well."
As the doctor began to write, the patient grew anxious. "Two years? That's too long! Is there no faster way?"
The doctor paused, hesitated, and then said, "Your condition is not urgent. You can recover slowly. After all, haste makes waste."
"That's not right, doctor. I heard you have a pill here called the Huiyuan Dan, which cures all ailments and specializes in this condition. Why aren't you giving me that medicine and instead writing another prescription?"
"Yes, why doesn't the doctor just give him the ready-made medicine?" someone in the crowd chimed in.
"I heard that pill works wonders as soon as you take it. Our neighbor bought several bottles. Why isn't the doctor selling it to this gentleman?"
"It's not that I'm unwilling to sell. While this medicine is effective, its price… is quite high. I am here to treat everyone, not to make money. Your condition can be managed slowly, and there's no need to spend this unnecessary money." The doctor appeared to be speaking with genuine concern.
As soon as he finished, the crowd erupted in praise.
"Dr. Wang is truly a good person."
"A living Buddha, not only skilled but also kind-hearted."
The patient, even more eager, spoke up, "Dr. Wang, please don't worry about the cost. I want your Huiyuan Dan that cures all ailments. I can afford any price, just give me the medicine."
Saying this, he pulled out a silver ingot from his robes and placed it directly on the table.
"Fifty taels!"
A gasp went through the crowd, and they marveled at the patient's generosity. Dr. Wang still seemed hesitant. The patient added, "If it works, I will thank you further later."
"Dr. Wang, just give him the medicine!" People began urging the doctor, their voices growing louder. Dr. Wang, with no other choice, reached into his medicine chest, took out a small vial, poured out two pills, wrapped them in paper, and handed them over.
"Here is the medicine for you. However, I will not charge so much. One tael of silver will suffice."
He then pushed back the fifty-tael silver ingot, drawing another round of admiration from the onlookers. Rong Zhi observed everything, and couldn't help but remark, "That's a good use of the 'withholding first, then presenting' tactic. Highlighting the fifty taels makes one tael seem insignificant."
Of course, this was all relative. One tael of silver was enough for an ordinary family of several people to live on for half a month. However, those who frequented this establishment were generally not short on money. After some polite refusal, the patient finally paid one tael of silver, happily took the medicine, and left.
Rong Zhi gave Xia Yunting a look, and he quietly followed the patient. Just as Rong Zhi was about to step forward and expose the scam, she was overcome by a wave of perfumed air, causing her to cough.
"Oh dear, such a beautiful young lady. Are you perhaps looking for someone?" A woman in her early thirties, dressed in bright, gaudy colors, approached and scrutinized Rong Zhi with a handkerchief, clearly mistaking her for a wife coming to catch her husband in the act.
"No, I'm here to see the doctor," Rong Zhi replied, pointing towards Dr. Wang. She added, "I came on recommendation."
The madam blinked, then suddenly understood, "You… Ah, I get it. You're here to find medicine for your man, aren't you?"
"…"
"Oh, don't be shy. I've seen this kind of thing many times. Let me tell you, this Dr. Wang is a renowned miracle doctor of the martial world, with an impeccable lineage. After mastering his skills, he travels around treating people, supposedly curing them instantly. He's incredibly skilled! Especially his Huiyuan Dan, which is specifically for *that* kind of ailment. I guarantee your man will be full of vigor after taking it!"
Seeing the madam's enthusiastic introduction, Rong Zhi guessed that she likely had a vested interest in Dr. Wang. One was responsible for bringing in clients, the other for treating them, and they split the profits. Such arrangements were common. Doctors who specialized in treating men often frequented such places to find patients. Some were indeed highly skilled, but this one was questionable.
"Young lady, you seem to have a good rapport with me. How about this? I'll take you to see him, and you'll understand. As they say, seeing is believing." Perhaps noticing Rong Zhi's fine attire, the madam, in an attempt to curry favor, grabbed Rong Zhi's arm. She yelped in pain as a strong hand suddenly seized her arm.
"Ow! Who is it? So careless…" Her words trailed off as she saw a tall, handsome man with a distinguished bearing behind her. The madam froze, her anger replaced by stunned admiration. She had never seen such a handsome man.
"Young master, who are you…?"
"Ahem, this is my husband," Rong Zhi introduced, subtly pulling Xia Yunting's hand back.
"Oh, so it's the young master." The madam immediately switched to a warm smile, though she felt a pang of regret that such a fine man might have his own troubles. "It's even better that the young master is here. Let Dr. Wang examine you personally!"
"Examine what?" Xia Yunting looked at Rong Zhi blankly.
Rong Zhi waved her hand, "It's nothing."
"Dr. Wang, this is one of our distinguished guests. Please treat him well." The madam parted the crowd and gave the doctor a meaningful look. Though her words were innocent, they took on a suggestive tone, as if she considered Dr. Wang one of her courtesans.
Dr. Wang's shrewd eyes appraised Xia Yunting. Initially surprised, his brazen gaze softened, and his tone became polite and cautious.
"Please extend your hand for me, young master."
Xia Yunting sat down in front of him and offered his hand. Dr. Wang took his pulse, closed his eyes with an air of great concentration, and felt it for a while. Then he let out a soft exclamation, his brow furrowing slightly. When he opened his eyes again, his expression was grave.
"Young master, the other hand."
Xia Yunting switched hands. This time, Dr. Wang leaned forward, appearing completely absorbed. His gaze grew increasingly somber, as if he had encountered an extremely difficult problem.
Rong Zhi watched from behind, and just as Dr. Wang was about to speak, she stepped forward, her expression suddenly shifting to one of worry. "How is it, Dr. Wang? Is my husband's condition very serious?"
Dr. Wang blinked, then noticed the woman standing beside him. It was unusual for a wife to accompany her husband to such an examination. He didn't answer, but instead asked Rong Zhi, "May I ask, young lady, does the young master sleep lightly at night, easily startled, wake very early in the morning, have an increased appetite, and experience mood swings, becoming easily agitated and irritable?"
"Yes, how did you know?" Rong Zhi feigned surprise.
"That's right," Dr. Wang sighed heavily. "The young master's condition is very serious. Fortunately, you met me. Otherwise, if it were delayed further, there could be a risk to his life!"
"This…" Rong Zhi's face paled, appearing worried yet disbelieving. "My husband is strong and healthy. He's never even caught a common cold. How could he have a life-threatening illness?"
"The danger of this illness lies in its deceptive nature. Although perilous, it appears no different from a normal person. Ordinary doctors find it difficult to diagnose. Over time, the internal organs will become increasingly depleted." He spoke dramatically, but Rong Zhi was now certain that he was a charlatan. He was merely judging from Xia Yunting's appearance and demeanor, inferring his lifestyle habits, and using them to create a false alarm.
Rong Zhi said, "Doctor, may I speak with you privately?"
"This…" Dr. Wang appeared hesitant.
"If you can cure him, I am willing to pay a consultation fee of 100,000 taels of silver."
"One hundred thousand!" Dr. Wang nearly choked on his own saliva.
"Follow me." He quickly stood up, gave the madam beside him a look, and led Rong Zhi and Xia Yunting to a room on the second floor. Before entering, Rong Zhi saw Zhang Shaoye still anxiously watching from downstairs, likely hoping Dr. Wang would treat him soon.
Only Xia Yunting looked bewildered, but he had largely guessed that Rong Zhi was playing along with the scheme, so he remained silent and cooperated by entering the inner room. To show respect, the madam even had one of her girls bring tea and refreshments.
Dr. Wang carefully closed the door and respectfully invited them to sit. Rong Zhi said, "Dr. Wang, to be honest, I know a little bit about medicine myself, and I didn't see that my husband had any problems. Could you please explain in detail what the problem is and how to treat it? I'd also like to take this opportunity to learn from you."
"Ah?" Dr. Wang was taken aback by this remark and looked utterly bewildered.