Chapter 676: A Wager
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As Mingzhu proceeded, she saw that the entire capital had lost its lively atmosphere, permeated with an indescribable tension. News spread quickly, and everyone knew that Zhongshan Wang had rebelled. Combined with the recent political turmoil, the streets were practically devoid of pedestrians.
The coachman and Mingzhu lamented, “Originally, when a new emperor ascends the throne, the city restrictions are lifted. But now, in less than half a day, everyone’s so scared they’ve run back home.” They also complained about the Imperial Observatory, “What kind of day did they choose? Look, before our seats even warmed up, such a big mess happened. The Imperial Observatory should pay with their lives.”
Mingzhu coldly said, “This is not something you should be discussing. If a rebel wants to rebel, it doesn’t matter which day the emperor ascended the throne. What does it matter if the day is good or bad? If it were that magical, everyone wouldn’t need to do anything else, just wait for the auspicious day.”
The coachman hurriedly stopped the carriage and bowed, apologizing, “I won’t dare to do it again, madam.”
Mingzhu continued, “If you were an ordinary citizen, it would be fine to discuss such matters, but you’re not. You’re from Ying Wang Mansion, you’re around His Highness and me. Your words can be manipulated by people with ulterior motives, posing a threat to His Highness. So you must be cautious with your words and actions. Others can complain, but you cannot.” She looked around at everyone present. “This includes all of you. If I hear any more improper discussions about politics, I won’t be lenient.”
So many troubles had arisen because of lax discipline among subordinates. She was determined not to allow such things to happen under her watch.
Everyone nodded in agreement, and Mingzhu instructed the coachman to drive to “Jiang Zhouzi.” As they turned into the street corner, Wu Baihu rushed over, obsequiously saying, “Madam, you’ve arrived! That woman is indeed alive! I saw her man supporting her for a walk in the yard. Although she was groaning, she’s truly alive! It’s amazing!”
This was the best news Mingzhu had heard in these days.
Mingzhu breathed a sigh of relief. She had already received word that this parturient family was innocent and had nothing to do with the conspiracies. So this “Jiang Zhouzi” should indeed be a skilled doctor.
Su Momo led people to greet her at the door, summarizing the situation in a few words: “This old servant has personally witnessed them changing medicine and removing stitches several times, and has also questioned the parturient woman several times. It all matches their description perfectly; it really was a cesarean section. Both the child and the woman are fine. This doctor’s treatment methods are indeed superb, but his personality is terrifying. When he has nothing to do, he likes to sit under the window and dissect mice or whatever, and he even wants me to look at blood vessels, hearts, lungs, and brains.”
Su Momo shivered at the memory and added, “It’s scarier than killing people, such hobbies.”
Mingzhu remembered that when the Great Empress Dowager first fell ill, Fu Cong had found a doctor for her from the common folk. That doctor had suggested opening her skull to remove something from her head, similar to Jiang Zhouzi’s methods. Could these two be from the same school?
The weather was nice, and Jiang Zhouzi had set up a rocking chair with a white tiger fur in the yard. He laid on it, basking in the sun, while a beautiful maidservant knelt beside him, massaging his legs and telling jokes to make him laugh. He closed his eyes slightly, listening with a smile, thoroughly enjoying himself. Not far away, the parturient woman leaned against the courtyard wall, moving slowly, while the cries of the baby and the man’s frantic soothing could be heard from inside the house.
The tension and coldness here were completely different from those in the palace. Even Mingzhu relaxed. She walked over to Jiang Zhouzi and greeted him with a bow, “Greetings, Mr. Jiang.”
Jiang Zhouzi looked at her and smiled slightly, gesturing for the maidservant to bring her a chair. “Wangfei has come. Judging from your tone, are you somewhat satisfied with me?”
Mingzhu said, “I hope Mr. Jiang will forgive my previous rudeness.”
“It’s okay. I know I’m too famous. There are too many impostors out there. Wangfei, you were respectful and courteous before and doubted the truth until it was clarified. That’s genuine.”
“Hehe…” Mingzhu laughed awkwardly and then got straight to the point. “Please, Mr. Jiang, make your demands.”
Jiang Zhouzi was surprised. “Make demands?”
Mingzhu said, “Earlier, the court issued a proclamation seeking talent from all over the land, yet there was no response from you, indicating that you view wealth and status as fleeting clouds. Now, you suddenly seek me out, so you must want something. Otherwise, why would someone like you, who is accustomed to life and death, suddenly be moved by compassion?”
Jiang Zhouzi smiled and said, “Wangfei, your words sound as if you are quite dissatisfied with me.”
Mingzhu said, “I wouldn’t say I’m dissatisfied. After all, your abilities are exceptional. Although saving lives and assisting the injured are traditional virtues of medical practitioners, you, sir, have transcended worldly matters and are certainly not comparable to ordinary people. However, as an ordinary person myself, due to the critical condition of my family members, I can’t help but feel a bit anxious. I imagine you’ve dealt with many patients and their families, so you can probably understand my mundane concerns.”
Jiang Zhouzi chuckled, “Quite a grudge you’re holding. Alright, it’s my fault. I know you’re in a hurry, yet I still played these tricks with you, which was excessive. Let’s get straight to the point. I’ve set some peculiar rules for myself from my earlier days wandering the rivers and lakes. If someone wants me to treat them, they have to make a bet with me. If they win, I’ll treat one person.”
Mingzhu frowned, “But I have three patients. What should we do about that?”
Jiang Zhouzi replied, “There’s always a solution, as long as you’re willing.”
Mingzhu asked cautiously, “You’re not going to use human lives as stakes, are you?”
Jiang Zhouzi shook his head, “Although I enjoy playing with mice, cats, and dogs, just like how some people enjoy tending to flowers and plants, I’m not that interested in human lives. Of course, I’m interested in beautiful and clean corpses. If Wangfei is willing, perhaps you could send me a few? It would greatly help improve my medical skills.”
“Ugh…” The maidservants who had seen Jiang Zhouzi dissecting mice and other animals simultaneously felt nauseated, and Mingzhu also found it eerie. The beautiful maidservant sneered, “Ignorant commoners!”
Well, if she seemed foolish, then so be it. Hardly anyone thought she was intelligent anyway. Mingzhu didn’t care at all and asked, “I’m not able to provide corpses for you, but I can listen to what kind of bet you want to make with me and what you’ll require me to do?”
Jiang Zhouzi said, “It’s nothing much. I’ve heard that Wangfei has an eidetic memory. I have a book here. If you can read it and write it word for word without missing a single character within half an hour, then you win, and I promise to treat one person for you. As for the conditions for the other two, let’s wait until you pass this test before discussing.”
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