Chapter 8 is truly intriguing

Chen Yi looked at the blocked small window and then at the door that was locked from the inside, feeling somewhat at a loss.

Chen Yi tightly held Ning Qing's delicate little hand, yet his attention was focused outside, where the scenes on the street left him increasingly astonished

Upon returning to the room, Chen Yi remained very puzzled. What is Sun Simiao going to do tomorrow? If he is indeed going to treat someone, who will it be? The person requiring several days of consultation must not be an ordinary individual. Could it be related to the noble lady who visited today?

She was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, with striking features that were even more attractive than Ning Qing's. She was also taller than Ning Qing and appeared quite young, certainly not older than twenty. Her chest was prominently high; based on Chen Yi's experience, if there were no padding, it would be at least a C cup. However, the expression on her face was somewhat unfriendly. Upon noticing someone stealing a glance, she immediately approached and gestured to others.

Chen Yi focused his attention on this woman, striving to discern what kind of person she was. He immediately reached out to enlarge the small opening, hoping to gain a broader view.

A knife-wielding guard stationed by the carriage noticed Chen Yi peeking in. He pointed his knife at the window, and immediately several of his companions glared at Chen Yi, with one even aiming a bow in this direction. This truly startled Chen Yi, who quickly withdrew his head, closed the window, and took Ning Qing's hand to walk back to the center of the room, his heart racing violently, a sense of mortal fear washing over him

The woman who has come to visit, judging by her demeanor, is certainly not an ordinary person; however, Chen Yi cannot quite fathom what level of person she might be. It seems unlikely that she is of a very high "rank," otherwise Sun Simiao would not have put on such airs, failing to come out to greet her and instead allowing her to enter directly with a mere gesture.

Chen Yi quickly moved his eyes away from the window. Soon, a person stood at the small hole he had created, blocking it with their back.

Sun Simiao waved his hand, signaling Chen Yi not to be overly courteous, and then said: "If you need to purchase anything, you can discuss it with Ning Qing. I will provide her with some money and goods..."

"Yes, Daoist!" After Chen Yi agreed, he instinctively asked, "Is Daoist Sun going to leave the city?"

During the meal, apart from Sun Simiao saying a few words, the three disciples of Sun Simiao, including Ning Qing, remained silent, merely focusing on eating. After finishing their meal, they tidied up their belongings, handed them over to the waiter waiting outside, and promptly took their leave to return to their rooms to rest

Chen Yi's doubts escalated to a significant degree, and he immediately began to think critically about who might come to visit Sun Simiao

Ning Qing stood aside without trying to seize the small hole for peeping, while Chen Yi kept looking outside, hoping to understand what was really going on

Everything outside remains unchanged, just as it was when they first entered

Chen Yi was somewhat touched by Sun Simiao's attentiveness and his exceptional care for him, and quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your concern, Daoist. I am immensely grateful!"

Just as he was curiously watching, Sun Simiao's door suddenly opened, and the tall woman who had entered first to knock and report stepped out, standing outside the door with her head lowered, waiting for orders like the others

It is unclear how much time has passed, but I finally heard the sound of the door opening, along with the voice of Sun Simiao and that of a pleasant woman. However, I could not make out what they were saying. Then, the footsteps gradually faded away, and everyone outside the door left.

"Qing'er, do not be afraid, they are just here to visit your master, they mean no harm!" Chen Yi, holding Ning Qing's hand, gently reassured her, his voice calm. Having just been startled, it was surprising that he could calm down so quickly himself.

Chen Yi, who wanted to resign and return to his room, was stopped by Sun Simiao.

At first, the two held hands, but after the fear subsided, they both regained their composure. Ning Qing withdrew her hand from Chen Yi's grasp and shyly retreated to a corner, her face flushed. Seeing the bashful Ning Qing, Chen Yi felt a strange emotion arise within him, yet his attention remained focused on the outside.

Sun Simiao seemed to understand Chen Yi's thoughts, and with a smile, said: "You should go rest for now; there are some matters that I may discuss with you later"

The gaze undoubtedly possesses energy, and even though it is separated by a window, it cannot be obstructed. Chen Yi's particularly intense stare made the woman feel something unusual. Suddenly, she lifted her head and glanced in Chen Yi's direction, their eyes meeting.

However, all his curiosity was focused on the noblewoman who had just entered Sun Simiao's residence. It was quite unusual for a woman of such a special status to visit Sun Simiao, especially at the moment they had just arrived in Chang'an.

Who are these people? Why are there only these individuals on the originally bustling street, with no passersby in sight? His initial assumption that the visiting woman would not have a high status was immediately overturned; she must be a woman of considerable standing!

Although Chen Yixin was filled with doubts and curiosity, Sun Simiao did not mention anything about the visit of that noble lady. These doubts and curiosities, however, could not be voiced, and he simply focused on eating.

Caught off guard, Ning Qing was unexpectedly grabbed by Chen Yi's hand, causing her to tremble a few times. However, she did not pull away, allowing him to lead her. After moving to the window, she curiously looked outside, which left her quite astonished. Amidst her tension and curiosity, she tightly grasped Chen Yi's hand and leaned her body closer to him.

Outside, voices began to rise again; it was Sun Simiao instructing Wang Chong and Liu Hai, but their words were unclear. Seeing that Sun Simiao had not called for him and Ning Qing, Chen Yi made up his mind to stay put for the time being

Thank you, Daoist!" Chen Yi stood up and respectfully performed a bow

Sun Simiao gestured for Chen Yi to sit down beside him and said, "You should stay here, tomorrow I, along with my two young disciples, will be attending to some matters and may not return in the evening. You and Ning Qing can wait for us at the inn. If anything arises, I will have someone inform you..."

The two individuals responded in acknowledgment, opened the door that was no longer locked, and walked out

Ning Qing, who had just returned to her normal demeanor, also sensed something unusual and looked at Chen Yi in surprise, her expression one of inquiry

However, Chen Yi did not dare to sneak another glance, and Ning Qing, feeling somewhat fearful, was even more apprehensive. The two of them stayed quietly in the room.

Although Chen Yi was very curious about what Sun Simiao was going to do, he understood from his words that the old Daoist did not want him to know. Therefore, he refrained from asking further and immediately responded to Sun Simiao's subsequent remarks: "Daoist, I have not yet considered what to do next. If... if after these days I still feel this way, may I accompany you back to the Zongsheng Palace? I have not yet discussed medical principles with you, Daoist..."

Sun Simiao shook his head, his smile fading. "It is not... a former acquaintance is ill, and I need to go and examine him. It will take some time, perhaps three to five days at least... Given that this seems to be your first visit to Chang'an, you are not familiar with the city. Tomorrow and the day after, let Ning Qing take you around the streets to see if there are any matters that need... attending to. Also, the clothes you are wearing are old garments that belonged to others in the temple; they do not fit you well and are not suitable for your status. You should also go to the West Market to purchase a few sets of clothing. Considering this is your first visit to Chang'an, you are not familiar with the city. Tomorrow and the day after, let Ning Qing take you around the streets to see if there are any matters that need... attending to. Additionally, the clothes you are wearing are old garments that belonged to others in the temple; they do not fit you well and are not suitable for your status. You should also go to the West Market to purchase a few sets of clothing. During these days, you should also think carefully about what you plan to do next and where you intend to go..."

"Yes, Daoist Master, I shall take my leave now..." Upon hearing Sun Simiao's words, Chen Yi could no longer bring himself to ask anything further. After bowing respectfully, he exited Sun Simiao's room

After a while, Wang Chong's voice came from outside the house: "Ning Qing, Zi Ying, it's time for dinner!"

As the sound of the bells drew closer, Chen Yi saw the woman who had just knocked on the door approaching, supporting another woman dressed in luxurious clothing. This woman wore a wide-brimmed hat, from which a long veil hung down, obscuring her features above the neck in the dim light. When this woman arrived, all the others who had been standing outside the house bowed and paid their respects, displaying an air of great reverence

Ning Qing was also startled by the actions of those people on the street just now, tightly gripping Chen Yi's hand, her face filled with fear

After seeing the woman's appearance clearly, Chen Yi felt a sense of astonishment once again, even more so than when he first saw the face of the young Taoist priestess Ning Qing.

Of course! Sun Simiao nodded, "I will be staying in Chang'an for a few days, and I may also practice medicine for a few more days. It might take me a month or even longer to return to the Palace of the Ancestors. You can inform me of your decision then..."

Inside the room, Chen Yi and Ning Qing stared at each other in confusion, unsure whether they should go out to inquire about the situation

Regarding the curfew system in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty, Chen Yi had some knowledge. He understood that only during the Lantern Festival, or a few other special days, was the curfew lifted, allowing the common people to go out at night for entertainment, commonly referred to as "night release." On other days, the public was not permitted to be on the streets at night. However, Chen Yi found some aspects puzzling. He knew that the Pingkang Fang in Chang'an was a place of entertainment and pleasure, essentially a district filled with brothels. With the curfew in place, preventing the public from going out at night, he wondered if there was still business in these establishments.

However, he quickly reacted, and without any hesitation, took Ning Qing's hand and hurried to the window facing the street. From the half-open window, it could be seen that a long line of carriages was parked outside the inn, all of which were very luxuriously decorated and of large size. Beside the carriages stood several men with drawn swords, as well as some men and women whose faces and clothing could not be clearly seen due to the dim light.

The woman who had originally knocked on the door stepped forward and gently knocked a few more times on Sun Simiao's door. After reporting, she received permission and pushed the door open, assisting the woman who appeared to be of noble status into the room, and immediately closed the door.

Who is this visiting woman, after all

Was that unidentified noblewoman there to invite Sun Simiao to treat someone?

Chen Yi stood up, hesitated for a moment, and thought about asking Sun Simiao regarding the matter of that noble lady, but ultimately did not voice the question

While Chen Yi and his master Sun Simiao were having dinner together, they heard the sound of drums coming from the street outside. Sun Simiao informed Chen Yi that this was the closing drum of Chang'an City, which sounded six hundred times, indicating that the "daytime hour" had ended. After the closing drum sounded, the curfew began, and all city gates and alley gates were closed. Unauthorized individuals were not allowed to go out onto the streets. Anyone found on the streets after the closing drum would be apprehended by the patrolling guards of the Jinwu and questioned.

There is no need to be polite; wealth is merely an external possession and not worth mentioning! You should go ahead; it has been a long and tiring day, so rest early..." Sun Simiao did not inquire further about Chen Yi.