Chapter 110.
After receiving Governor Shen’s message, Magistrate Zhou shared the news with Fu Wei.
"The Governor has instructed me to use you freely and to contact him directly if Wuling causes any trouble."
After speaking, Magistrate Zhou looked at Fu Wei and smiled, "You can stay at the yamen without worry."
Fu Wei bowed deeply, "I am grateful for your protection, sir."
Magistrate Zhou said, "Rather than saying I’m protecting you, it’s better to say that you've earned this fortune through your own planning."
"Ever since you went to the provincial capital earlier this year and shone at the governor's banquet, I guessed you might end up in this situation... No, you've been planning this since you first entered the yamen."
Fu Wei lowered his eyelids, not denying it, "To protect my family and myself, I had no other choice. With only my knowledge, I had to use it to carve out a path for myself."
County Magistrate Zhou didn't blame them, only saying, "You're merely protecting yourself with your own strength; there's no fault in that." Then, looking at Fu Wei's legs, he asked, "Have you seen a doctor about your legs? Is there a chance of healing?"
Realizing his question might be inappropriate, he quickly added, "I've heard Chief Ji praise your wife's medical skills. He said even in the entire prefecture, none of the younger generation can match her. With her expertise, she must have examined your legs. What did she say?"
Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then looked up with a clear gaze at the magistrate, "Does the magistrate know who was responsible for crippling my legs?"
Naturally, the magistrate wouldn't directly voice his suspicions, so he turned the question back, "If you ask like this, you know I can guess. Why beat around the bush?"
Fu Wei continued, "Since the magistrate has guessed, I might as well speak plainly. Huo Min, who made my past twenty-one years miserable, doesn't want to see me have a single good day in the next twenty-one years. If he learns my legs are healed, he might send someone to cripple them again."
County Magistrate Zhou's eyebrows raised, seemingly discerning an underlying meaning in his words.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he said, "Are you suggesting you're deliberately not seeking treatment..."
The words paused, and a realization dawned upon him as he suddenly looked at Fu Wei's legs: "So, to deceive others, you've resorted to using this wheelchair and even need assistance to visit the restroom?"
Fu Wei lowered his head, neither confirming nor denying, which was tantamount to an admission.
Upon understanding, County Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but shake his head and smile.
This man had been working under his nose for months as a staff officer, and he hadn't detected the slightest clue.
Only twenty-two years old, yet his will was so firm; this earned him an additional measure of respect from the magistrate.
"I had to conceal this out of necessity; I hope the magistrate can forgive my secrecy."
Fu Wei had his reasons for disclosing this.
The ones he intended to keep in the dark were always just the father and son of Wuling Prefecture.
After several months of observation, he wasn't worried that the magistrate would reveal the truth about his legs.
County Magistrate Zhou chuckled lightly, "Keep up the act then. It affects your daily life, but it brings me no loss."
As he spoke, the smile faded, and he said sternly, "It's easy to dodge a spear in the light, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. The Prefect will back you openly, but covert threats you'll have to handle yourself. Your elder brother is strong and skilled in martial arts; he should be able to protect you."
Fu Wei bowed his head, thanking Magistrate Zhou for his concern.
"Let's leave this matter as it is. Also, since it's almost March, the medicinal herbs should be dispatched at the beginning of the month. If you have any instructions, go and speak to Luo, the historian."
Fu Wei acknowledged and then maneuvered his wheelchair towards the door. Reaching the threshold, he called out.
The door to the study was pushed open, and a junior yamen runner entered, bowed to Magistrate Zhou, and then wheeled Fu Wei out of the study.
Watching Fu Wei, who played the part of a cripple convincingly, Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but shake his head and smile.
He really can act.
As he watched the man leave, Magistrate Zhou's smile faded.
Good acting indeed. Just like Goujian who endured hardships to defeat Wu, one cannot accomplish great things without resilience and a strong mind.
At the medical clinic, most of the patients coming to see Yu Ying were women.
Noblewomen from the gentry families of Jade County also invited her to their homes for medical consultations, earning her some reputation among the elite circles.
Yu Ying had initially intended to develop a versatile practice but didn’t expect to become an ancient version of a gynecologist.
After examining the last woman, Fu An informed her that there were no more patients, and she stood up, stretching her slightly sore neck and arms.
At that moment, a young apprentice called out, "Doctor Yu, the head of the clinic requests your presence."
Yu Ying was puzzled; her salary of nine hundred wen was due, but surely the head of the clinic wouldn't deliver it personally?
Still wondering, Yu Ying walked to the dispensary where Head Ji was located.
"Head Ji, did you send for me?"
Head Ji, sitting at his desk deep in thought, hadn’t noticed Yu Ying's entrance. He was startled by her voice and looked up.
"Madam Yu, please take a seat."
Yu Ying sat cross-legged on the cushion opposite the low table.
Head Ji poured her a cup of freshly brewed tea. In the dispensary, the scent of herbs mingled with the faint aroma of tea.
"I called you here because..." Head Ji paused after setting down the teapot, hesitant to continue.
"Is there a problem troubling you, Head Ji?"
Head Ji nodded, then picked up a letter from the table and handed it to her, saying, "Madam Yu, please read this yourself."
Yu Ying took the letter and read its contents.
The letter was brief, but it explicitly revealed the sender's identity, threatening Head Ji to stop employing Yu Liuniang. If she continued to work there, the sender would ensure the clinic could not operate.
Yu Ying's brow furrowed slightly.
"Is this minor antagonist foolish?"
"His father may be a governor, but such blatant threats are unheard of, even for a prince."
"While his threats are lawless, after all, Ji's Medical Clinic is just a small establishment. It's favored by the magistrate, but the threat comes from the son of a governor."
"Moreover, this minor antagonist is known for his vengefulness and pettiness. If he doesn't confront us openly, he'll surely resort to underhanded tactics."
Yu Ying set down the letter, her demeanor calm, "If this poses a difficulty for you, Head Ji, I am willing to resign from my position as the resident doctor."
Head Ji's expression showed surprise, and he quickly said, "That won't do at all. With talent like yours, Madam Yu, how could I let you resign!"
Yu Ying smiled resignedly, "This person, Head Ji, you must be aware of him."
Head Ji sighed, "Such a notorious ruffian is well-known in Jade County, and I'm aware of him too."
"If he can threaten us through a letter, he may soon send someone to cause trouble. Staying at the clinic might lead to serious issues."
Head Ji spoke gravely, "His reach is so extensive, our county magistrate can't just ignore this."
Continuing, he said, "I didn’t ask Madam Yu here to suggest you leave, but rather to discuss this matter and advise you to be cautious in the future. As for this letter..."
Head Ji looked at the letter, silent for a long while, before adding, "If any trouble really arises at the clinic, I'll take this letter to the magistrate."
Yu Ying felt a warmth in her heart, but responded, "Head Ji, you needn’t go to such lengths for me."
Head Ji shook his head, "I highly admire you, Madam Yu. Last night, Zhu's father was quizzing her, but she ended up stumping him, which is rare. Zhu will have a bright future under your tutelage. I can't repay your kindness with ingratitude."
"Madam Yu must have received excellent training and seen many medical practices beyond my reach. Her knowledge and insights have been an eye-opener for me."
"Just her skills in acupuncture and suturing alone are far more advanced than mine. I turn to her for guidance. How could I let go of such talent?"
After talking for a while, Head Ji did not agree to Yu Ying's resignation. Instead, he suggested she discuss with her husband and find a suitable solution.
After dinner, Yu Ying shared the issue with Fu Wei.
Fu Wei, in the midst of taking off his outer robe, paused and looked at her, "Did Huo Min also send a letter to the clinic?"
Yu Ying caught the word "also" and asked in surprise, "Did the magistrate receive one too?"
Fu Wei nodded, "The magistrate received it a few days ago, but directly forwarded it to Governor Shen for review. The governor instructed the magistrate not to worry, and if there's any movement from Wuling, to report directly to him."
Hearing this, Yu Ying breathed a sigh of relief.
"Regarding the clinic, inform Head Ji about the governor's support. If he's still apprehensive, then you can leave."
Yu Ying smiled and shook her head, "It was I who suggested leaving, but Head Ji disagreed."
Fu Wei smiled, "Head Ji knows talent when he sees it. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t let go of a capable doctor like you just because of a threat."
Yu Ying’s cheeks reddened slightly at Fu Wei's compliment, "Always saying nice things."
Fu Wei’s smile grew wider.
"Having support, there's no need to worry too much."
As he spoke, he took off his outer robe and hung it on the rack.
While preparing the medicine, Yu Ying pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you think Governor Huo knows about these two letters?"
Fu Wei came over, took the pestle and mortar from her, and said, "Let me do it."
As he ground the medicine, he casually remarked, "Maybe he knows, maybe he doesn’t."
"If he does know, wouldn’t he be aware that Huo Min is overstepping his bounds?"
Fu Wei spoke calmly, "Regardless of whether he knows or not, let's say he does. Huo Min and I have a history, so his actions against me are somewhat justified. Even if Governor Shen later questions Huo Shanrong about overstepping his boundaries, he could feign ignorance and at most promise to discipline his eldest son. It’s a plausible explanation."
Toward the end, he chuckled slightly, "As for his reinstated legitimate eldest son, he might not truly care for him."
"To abandon someone after twenty-one years of care without a hint of compassion shows how little blood ties matter to him."
"My biological father was harmed by Huo Shanrong, so I have every reason to believe that even if Huo Shanrong knows, he would still use Huo Min to suppress me."
"If the magistrate were someone who only looked out for himself, he would surely expel me from the yamen. But they clearly don’t understand Magistrate Zhou's character, nor do they know that I’ve already made my presence known to Governor Shen. How could I be easily manipulated by their father and son?"
As Fu Wei concluded, a smile appeared on his face.
Yu Ying could see that even though Fu Wei masked all the darkness in front of her, there was a coldness in his smile when he mentioned his foster father, Huo Shanrong.
Not only was the smile cold, but an uncontrollable chilling aura emanated from him.
Yu Ying reached out and held his hand that was resting beside the mortar.
Fu Wei looked up at her.
Yu Ying said softly, "It’s okay to be angry, to feel resentment, but don’t let them control your emotions for long or cloud your judgment."
Fu Wei realized he couldn’t hide his inner turmoil from her, took a deep breath, and smiled warmly at her, "Ah Ying, as long as you’re safe, I won’t let them influence my emotions."
Yu Ying was Fu Wei's greatest protective scale, pulling him from darkness and standing him in the light.
Hearing his words, Yu Ying didn’t feel elated that he cared so much about her; instead, she felt more somber.
It would be best if she could remain safe, but there are too many uncertainties in the world. Who can guarantee that everyone will live a peaceful and natural life?
Just like how she suddenly found herself in another time and space, without a chance to say goodbye to her family. Yet, despite this, she hoped her loved ones could move on from their grief and continue to live normally, rather than dwell in sorrow over losing her.
With these thoughts, Yu Ying took the pestle from Fu Wei's hand and placed it on the table.
Under Fu Wei's gaze, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his sturdy waist and burying herself in his embrace.
Fu Wei was startled, looking down at her. Although he didn't understand why she said this, he still embraced her.
Yu Ying called his name with a gentle tone.
"Fu Wei."
"Hmm?"
Her voice grew softer, "If one day I'm not here, I might have gone home. Don't grieve for me."
As soon as she finished speaking, the arms holding her tightened abruptly, as if trying to embed her into his very flesh, causing Yu Ying some discomfort.
"You can go home, but you absolutely cannot leave before me. So, don't talk like that anymore."
Fu Wei's voice was tense, and although Yu Ying couldn't see his expression, she could imagine how serious it was.
Yu Ying remained silent for a moment, not wanting him to be overly anxious, and then responded, "Alright, I won't say it again in the future."
Chapter 110.
After receiving Governor Shen’s message, Magistrate Zhou shared the news with Fu Wei.
"The Governor has instructed me to use you freely and to contact him directly if Wuling causes any trouble."
After speaking, Magistrate Zhou looked at Fu Wei and smiled, "You can stay at the yamen without worry."
Fu Wei bowed deeply, "I am grateful for your protection, sir."
Magistrate Zhou said, "Rather than saying I’m protecting you, it’s better to say that you've earned this fortune through your own planning."
"Ever since you went to the provincial capital earlier this year and shone at the governor's banquet, I guessed you might end up in this situation... No, you've been planning this since you first entered the yamen."
Fu Wei lowered his eyelids, not denying it, "To protect my family and myself, I had no other choice. With only my knowledge, I had to use it to carve out a path for myself."
County Magistrate Zhou didn't blame them, only saying, "You're merely protecting yourself with your own strength; there's no fault in that." Then, looking at Fu Wei's legs, he asked, "Have you seen a doctor about your legs? Is there a chance of healing?"
Realizing his question might be inappropriate, he quickly added, "I've heard Chief Ji praise your wife's medical skills. He said even in the entire prefecture, none of the younger generation can match her. With her expertise, she must have examined your legs. What did she say?"
Fu Wei pondered for a moment, then looked up with a clear gaze at the magistrate, "Does the magistrate know who was responsible for crippling my legs?"
Naturally, the magistrate wouldn't directly voice his suspicions, so he turned the question back, "If you ask like this, you know I can guess. Why beat around the bush?"
Fu Wei continued, "Since the magistrate has guessed, I might as well speak plainly. Huo Min, who made my past twenty-one years miserable, doesn't want to see me have a single good day in the next twenty-one years. If he learns my legs are healed, he might send someone to cripple them again."
County Magistrate Zhou's eyebrows raised, seemingly discerning an underlying meaning in his words.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, he said, "Are you suggesting you're deliberately not seeking treatment..."
The words paused, and a realization dawned upon him as he suddenly looked at Fu Wei's legs: "So, to deceive others, you've resorted to using this wheelchair and even need assistance to visit the restroom?"
Fu Wei lowered his head, neither confirming nor denying, which was tantamount to an admission.
Upon understanding, County Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but shake his head and smile.
This man had been working under his nose for months as a staff officer, and he hadn't detected the slightest clue.
Only twenty-two years old, yet his will was so firm; this earned him an additional measure of respect from the magistrate.
"I had to conceal this out of necessity; I hope the magistrate can forgive my secrecy."
Fu Wei had his reasons for disclosing this.
The ones he intended to keep in the dark were always just the father and son of Wuling Prefecture.
After several months of observation, he wasn't worried that the magistrate would reveal the truth about his legs.
County Magistrate Zhou chuckled lightly, "Keep up the act then. It affects your daily life, but it brings me no loss."
As he spoke, the smile faded, and he said sternly, "It's easy to dodge a spear in the light, but hard to guard against an arrow in the dark. The Prefect will back you openly, but covert threats you'll have to handle yourself. Your elder brother is strong and skilled in martial arts; he should be able to protect you."
Fu Wei bowed his head, thanking Magistrate Zhou for his concern.
"Let's leave this matter as it is. Also, since it's almost March, the medicinal herbs should be dispatched at the beginning of the month. If you have any instructions, go and speak to Luo, the historian."
Fu Wei acknowledged and then maneuvered his wheelchair towards the door. Reaching the threshold, he called out.
The door to the study was pushed open, and a junior yamen runner entered, bowed to Magistrate Zhou, and then wheeled Fu Wei out of the study.
Watching Fu Wei, who played the part of a cripple convincingly, Magistrate Zhou couldn't help but shake his head and smile.
He really can act.
As he watched the man leave, Magistrate Zhou's smile faded.
Good acting indeed. Just like Goujian who endured hardships to defeat Wu, one cannot accomplish great things without resilience and a strong mind.
At the medical clinic, most of the patients coming to see Yu Ying were women.
Noblewomen from the gentry families of Jade County also invited her to their homes for medical consultations, earning her some reputation among the elite circles.
Yu Ying had initially intended to develop a versatile practice but didn’t expect to become an ancient version of a gynecologist.
After examining the last woman, Fu An informed her that there were no more patients, and she stood up, stretching her slightly sore neck and arms.
At that moment, a young apprentice called out, "Doctor Yu, the head of the clinic requests your presence."
Yu Ying was puzzled; her salary of nine hundred wen was due, but surely the head of the clinic wouldn't deliver it personally?
Still wondering, Yu Ying walked to the dispensary where Head Ji was located.
"Head Ji, did you send for me?"
Head Ji, sitting at his desk deep in thought, hadn’t noticed Yu Ying's entrance. He was startled by her voice and looked up.
"Madam Yu, please take a seat."
Yu Ying sat cross-legged on the cushion opposite the low table.
Head Ji poured her a cup of freshly brewed tea. In the dispensary, the scent of herbs mingled with the faint aroma of tea.
"I called you here because..." Head Ji paused after setting down the teapot, hesitant to continue.
"Is there a problem troubling you, Head Ji?"
Head Ji nodded, then picked up a letter from the table and handed it to her, saying, "Madam Yu, please read this yourself."
Yu Ying took the letter and read its contents.
The letter was brief, but it explicitly revealed the sender's identity, threatening Head Ji to stop employing Yu Liuniang. If she continued to work there, the sender would ensure the clinic could not operate.
Yu Ying's brow furrowed slightly.
"Is this minor antagonist foolish?"
"His father may be a governor, but such blatant threats are unheard of, even for a prince."
"While his threats are lawless, after all, Ji's Medical Clinic is just a small establishment. It's favored by the magistrate, but the threat comes from the son of a governor."
"Moreover, this minor antagonist is known for his vengefulness and pettiness. If he doesn't confront us openly, he'll surely resort to underhanded tactics."
Yu Ying set down the letter, her demeanor calm, "If this poses a difficulty for you, Head Ji, I am willing to resign from my position as the resident doctor."
Head Ji's expression showed surprise, and he quickly said, "That won't do at all. With talent like yours, Madam Yu, how could I let you resign!"
Yu Ying smiled resignedly, "This person, Head Ji, you must be aware of him."
Head Ji sighed, "Such a notorious ruffian is well-known in Jade County, and I'm aware of him too."
"If he can threaten us through a letter, he may soon send someone to cause trouble. Staying at the clinic might lead to serious issues."
Head Ji spoke gravely, "His reach is so extensive, our county magistrate can't just ignore this."
Continuing, he said, "I didn’t ask Madam Yu here to suggest you leave, but rather to discuss this matter and advise you to be cautious in the future. As for this letter..."
Head Ji looked at the letter, silent for a long while, before adding, "If any trouble really arises at the clinic, I'll take this letter to the magistrate."
Yu Ying felt a warmth in her heart, but responded, "Head Ji, you needn’t go to such lengths for me."
Head Ji shook his head, "I highly admire you, Madam Yu. Last night, Zhu's father was quizzing her, but she ended up stumping him, which is rare. Zhu will have a bright future under your tutelage. I can't repay your kindness with ingratitude."
"Madam Yu must have received excellent training and seen many medical practices beyond my reach. Her knowledge and insights have been an eye-opener for me."
"Just her skills in acupuncture and suturing alone are far more advanced than mine. I turn to her for guidance. How could I let go of such talent?"
After talking for a while, Head Ji did not agree to Yu Ying's resignation. Instead, he suggested she discuss with her husband and find a suitable solution.
After dinner, Yu Ying shared the issue with Fu Wei.
Fu Wei, in the midst of taking off his outer robe, paused and looked at her, "Did Huo Min also send a letter to the clinic?"
Yu Ying caught the word "also" and asked in surprise, "Did the magistrate receive one too?"
Fu Wei nodded, "The magistrate received it a few days ago, but directly forwarded it to Governor Shen for review. The governor instructed the magistrate not to worry, and if there's any movement from Wuling, to report directly to him."
Hearing this, Yu Ying breathed a sigh of relief.
"Regarding the clinic, inform Head Ji about the governor's support. If he's still apprehensive, then you can leave."
Yu Ying smiled and shook her head, "It was I who suggested leaving, but Head Ji disagreed."
Fu Wei smiled, "Head Ji knows talent when he sees it. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t let go of a capable doctor like you just because of a threat."
Yu Ying’s cheeks reddened slightly at Fu Wei's compliment, "Always saying nice things."
Fu Wei’s smile grew wider.
"Having support, there's no need to worry too much."
As he spoke, he took off his outer robe and hung it on the rack.
While preparing the medicine, Yu Ying pondered for a moment before asking, "Do you think Governor Huo knows about these two letters?"
Fu Wei came over, took the pestle and mortar from her, and said, "Let me do it."
As he ground the medicine, he casually remarked, "Maybe he knows, maybe he doesn’t."
"If he does know, wouldn’t he be aware that Huo Min is overstepping his bounds?"
Fu Wei spoke calmly, "Regardless of whether he knows or not, let's say he does. Huo Min and I have a history, so his actions against me are somewhat justified. Even if Governor Shen later questions Huo Shanrong about overstepping his boundaries, he could feign ignorance and at most promise to discipline his eldest son. It’s a plausible explanation."
Toward the end, he chuckled slightly, "As for his reinstated legitimate eldest son, he might not truly care for him."
"To abandon someone after twenty-one years of care without a hint of compassion shows how little blood ties matter to him."
"My biological father was harmed by Huo Shanrong, so I have every reason to believe that even if Huo Shanrong knows, he would still use Huo Min to suppress me."
"If the magistrate were someone who only looked out for himself, he would surely expel me from the yamen. But they clearly don’t understand Magistrate Zhou's character, nor do they know that I’ve already made my presence known to Governor Shen. How could I be easily manipulated by their father and son?"
As Fu Wei concluded, a smile appeared on his face.
Yu Ying could see that even though Fu Wei masked all the darkness in front of her, there was a coldness in his smile when he mentioned his foster father, Huo Shanrong.
Not only was the smile cold, but an uncontrollable chilling aura emanated from him.
Yu Ying reached out and held his hand that was resting beside the mortar.
Fu Wei looked up at her.
Yu Ying said softly, "It’s okay to be angry, to feel resentment, but don’t let them control your emotions for long or cloud your judgment."
Fu Wei realized he couldn’t hide his inner turmoil from her, took a deep breath, and smiled warmly at her, "Ah Ying, as long as you’re safe, I won’t let them influence my emotions."
Yu Ying was Fu Wei's greatest protective scale, pulling him from darkness and standing him in the light.
Hearing his words, Yu Ying didn’t feel elated that he cared so much about her; instead, she felt more somber.
It would be best if she could remain safe, but there are too many uncertainties in the world. Who can guarantee that everyone will live a peaceful and natural life?
Just like how she suddenly found herself in another time and space, without a chance to say goodbye to her family. Yet, despite this, she hoped her loved ones could move on from their grief and continue to live normally, rather than dwell in sorrow over losing her.
With these thoughts, Yu Ying took the pestle from Fu Wei's hand and placed it on the table.
Under Fu Wei's gaze, she stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his sturdy waist and burying herself in his embrace.
Fu Wei was startled, looking down at her. Although he didn't understand why she said this, he still embraced her.
Yu Ying called his name with a gentle tone.
"Fu Wei."
"Hmm?"
Her voice grew softer, "If one day I'm not here, I might have gone home. Don't grieve for me."
As soon as she finished speaking, the arms holding her tightened abruptly, as if trying to embed her into his very flesh, causing Yu Ying some discomfort.
"You can go home, but you absolutely cannot leave before me. So, don't talk like that anymore."
Fu Wei's voice was tense, and although Yu Ying couldn't see his expression, she could imagine how serious it was.
Yu Ying remained silent for a moment, not wanting him to be overly anxious, and then responded, "Alright, I won't say it again in the future."
