Chapter Seven, A Gentle Breeze Blows Over Landu

The assistant beside him nodded repeatedly, acknowledging that the elder was indeed wise, as his words were laden with implications. The young girl from the Liu family was likely to be in trouble; even a monkey like Sun Wukong could not escape the grasp of the Buddha. It is a pity for her master that the tactics commonly employed in business and politics are being used against a girl of merely over ten years old, which inevitably seems somewhat unscrupulous

Pei Zhen saw her face turn almost crimson, so he lost the heart to tease her further. He hurriedly lifted his robe and climbed onto their carriage, carefully feeling the bones before saying, "It’s nothing serious; perhaps it was just a jolt on the road. It will be fine after a while." He then asked Zhang, "Are you still taking the prescription I gave you last time?"

Without wishing to decline, Mu Wang was met with Pei Zhen's displeasure as he frowned and said, "I am here earnestly seeking the young lady's favor, yet the young lady does not respond? It truly seems that you look down upon me, Pei. Although I, Pei Zhen, may not be talented, I would not go so far as to add insult to injury. Please rest assured, young lady."

Pei Zhen respectfully returned the greeting and said, "I have a few shops here, but I have some trivial matters to attend to and am just about to head to the store. How has Miss Chun Jun been lately?"

The shopkeeper said, "The child does not lead more than ten thousand people, and now they are wandering in the desert, without a fixed residence. If we are to attack, we need to send scouts to investigate first"

Without hope, she let out a faint sigh. Indeed, as his name suggests, that Young Master Pei does appear to be a gentleman akin to an orchid or a sweet flag. However, how could he ever repay his uncle's kindness? These medicinal herbs are quite precious; if taken, it is likely that she would truly have to become his concubine.

Pei Zhen was silent for a while, and his subordinates exchanged glances. Suddenly, he asked, "What do you think of that girl just now?"

With a sigh, Wu Wang thought that if he had known it would come to this, he would not have come to accept any admonitions. His uncle had been jostled along the way, and it seemed to have affected his right leg, causing him to break out in a cold sweat from the pain. It would be better if nothing were wrong, but if something were to happen, he would truly have to shamelessly seek out Young Master Pei. However, Young Master Pei was not someone who specialized in treating illnesses; his ancestors had served in the Imperial Medical Institute, but he had abandoned medicine for commerce in this generation. It was a pity that he possessed such excellent medical skills yet had no practice for treating illnesses. Even if he were to ask, it might not be easy to persuade him, and it would depend on whether he was willing to help.

Wu Wang, upon hearing his words, hurriedly waved his hand and said, "Absolutely not, it is out of the question for you to treat our ailments, and now you are also asking the young master to spend money on medicine. Such a great kindness, when will we ever be able to repay it! Allow me to think of another way regarding the medicine, I cannot trouble the young master any further."

Do not despair, "The person who harmed my uncle has been captured, and today the court is holding a hearing. Both my uncle and aunt are here, sitting in that vehicle. I do not know if they have just encountered something. At this moment, it is truly excruciating. If... young master..."

The shopkeeper Nono stated that he would go and prepare the medicine

Pei Zhen was in a great mood, walking slowly ahead. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Wu Wang, who was half-turned and obediently following behind her. Gradually, a sense of tenderness arose within her, and she couldn't help but think how wonderful it would be if this could last forever. However, the girl was so headstrong, which truly made one feel both love and resentment.

Do not expect to be embarrassed immediately; looking at Pei Zhen, his expression is bright and clear, not resembling a joke. He quickly turns back to ponder why he would say such a thing, considering that he has never been negligent towards him. He responds, "Your words are too heavy, Young Master, could it be that Chun Jun does not comply with your wishes"

Upon entering the pharmacy, the shopkeeper hurriedly ran out from behind the counter, respectfully bowed, and called out "Master Zhen." Pei Zhen raised his hand to signal him to be at ease, picked up a brush, and began to write. The assistant beside him watched in astonishment, thinking to himself: Goodness! Songbei, seahorse, new river ginseng, and dragon's blood, all are precious medicinal materials, he is determined to exhaust those twenty taels!

The servant was busy observing his master, pondering in his heart that the young master had struck a good deal this time, having spent only seventeen or eighteen taels of silver for Miss Liu to willingly enter the residence. Although she would be a maid, in the future, if she were to rise in status, she would inevitably become an auntie.

Hearing him say this, Wu Wang felt helpless and could only accept the medicine. She bowed and said, "Young Master, your great kindness is remembered by Chun Jun. If you do not mind, Chun Jun is willing to serve in your household as a humble maid, attending to the lady of the house."

The court session was held, and the county magistrate also made a ruling, ordering the arrest of the thief and requiring him to return the two taels of silver he had stolen from Liu Hong, as well as to compensate Liu Hong for all medical expenses related to his injured leg. Initially, it seemed that some justice had finally been served, but to everyone's surprise, the thief was so impoverished that he could not produce even half a copper coin. The Liu family was indignant for a while, but ultimately had no recourse and had to return empty-handed. After the Liu family left, the county deputy remarked, "Now that we have caught this thief, why is he not being made to pay? Is his family truly that destitute? What scheme is that Young Master Pei concocting?"

Pei Zhen smiled while shaking his fan and said, "It is time for a change. There is a pharmacy ahead; let us borrow some ink and paper to rewrite a document. Miss Lao Chun Jun, would you accompany me for a while?" With that, he jumped off the carriage and cupped his hands towards Wu Wang, saying, "Please, after you."

After all, she is a young girl, how can she withstand the schemes of someone as cunning as Pei Zhen? At that moment, her eyes turned red with tears. Pei Zhen felt a pang of discomfort in his heart. He handed the prescription to the pharmacy manager, instructing him to prepare the medicine at a fair price. He stood beside Wu Wang, feeling awkward and unsure, not daring to touch her, and could only comfort her by saying, "Don't cry, I was just teasing you earlier. I will definitely cure your uncle's leg."

Without looking at him, she gave a slight bow and said, "Today, it is fortunate to see the young master. May I ask where the young master is headed?"

There, Pei Zhen and others had been waiting for a long time for a "chance encounter." Finally, they saw them coming out of the county office. Hastily, he threw a silver ingot and ran out from the teahouse, leading a servant and pretending to pass by them. He only heard a delicate voice calling out, "Young Master Pei, please wait!"

Pei Zhen did not stop writing, not even raising his head, and softly said, "Is your uncle's leg beyond treatment? Is this the decision you have made?" Seeing that she hesitated, he continued slowly, "In that case, I no longer need to administer acupuncture for him, as I haven't treated anyone in these past few years, and my skills have become quite rusty."

Pei Zhen smiled and said, "You also know her father, Liu Yu, the Minister of the Imperial Household Department."

Do not bow your head and say, "Thank you, Young Master Pei, Chun Jun has taken note of it"

Pei Zhendun stood still, watching as the girl hurried over, dressed in a water-colored skirt, her face flushed with a rosy hue. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with charm, and in that moment, he felt his heart racing wildly, leaving him somewhat at a loss for words

Pei Zhen sat down, used the cup lid to stir the tea foam, and slowly said, "You send a message to the higher-ups via carrier pigeon; I will not concern myself with any of this"

The shopkeeper received the order, and seeing that Pei Zhen was distracted, asked, "Are you troubled by matters concerning Prince Ning?"

It was only because the people in the house had been with him for a long time that they did not shy away from speaking frankly, saying, "I originally intended to take her in, but she stubbornly refused to comply, leaving me no choice but to resort to harsh measures."

Pei Zhen, such an intelligent person, also said, "I wonder if Mr. Liu's leg is feeling any better? Once he is stable, he should undergo acupuncture to unblock the meridians; otherwise, although he may not experience pain throughout his life, he will be confined to bed every day." After speaking, he looked at her with a smile, and, as he wished, saw surprise in her eyes.

The shopkeeper carefully stated, "A total of 17 taels and 2 qian of silver, enough for ten days' worth."

Pei Zhen wrote while saying, "Uncle Ling's bones are now connected, but he still needs a substantial supplement. If his energy is weak, his legs will lack strength. We need to prepare medicine according to the prescription and he should take it for ten consecutive doses to ensure he will be well again."

Do not expect too much, "Thank you for your concern, Chun Jun is doing well." As she spoke, her expression showed some hesitation

The shopkeeper asked, "What kind of girl would make me care so much?"

Pei Zhen took the towel brought by the assistant to wipe his hands, gazing at her ever-changing expressions, her eyes red like a little rabbit, her small mouth either pouting or biting. He found it quite amusing and said, "This medicine must be simmered slowly over a low flame; rushing it will not do. It will only yield half the result with double the effort. Once the essence is extracted, drinking it will surely penetrate deep into the tissues."

Pei Zhen was quite surprised, thinking that this girl was knowledgeable in poetry and literature, and he had unexpectedly stumbled upon a treasure. He immediately replied, "Indeed."

Pei Zhendao said, "When Uncle Ling's legs regain sensation, you go to the Qi family and tell Aunt Qi to send someone to reply to me. I will come as soon as I have the time." He also instructed the assistant to deliver the medicine to their carriage. After the formalities were observed, he took his leave, standing at the door until he saw her get into the carriage before turning back. At that moment, the shopkeeper came with the staff to bow to him, and Qi Qi knelt on the ground. He impatiently said, "It's not inside, there's no need for that. Is there any news from the north?"

Pei Zhen smiled warmly and said, "The young lady is overthinking. What is there to worry about regarding repayment? I treated Uncle Ling's leg from the very beginning, and naturally, I hope for his recovery. This amount of medicine is nothing to me, so feel free to take it back and help your uncle get better soon. It would not be in vain for us to have met."

Pei Zhen squinted and said, "No problem, there is nothing that I cannot accomplish, a little girl is of no significance!"

Do not expect the way, "What about a thousand miles? Is it the Lan Du that the gentle breeze blows?"

Pei Zhen was naturally overjoyed, yet he turned around without revealing any emotion, his demeanor and expressions perfectly measured, leaving the assistant in awe. Indeed, he was a person capable of handling significant matters, able to keep his composure!

Zhang nodded and said, "I have been eating all along"

The county magistrate adjusted his official hat and said, "It's all just for women. Those wealthy young masters spend their days playing with cats and dogs; who knows what they intend to do?" After saying this, he yawned and went back to the office to sleep.

Everyone understood and began to laugh lightly, for even heroes find it difficult to resist the allure of beauty; it seems this old gentleman has been touched by mortal feelings

Liu Hong indeed possesses a calm disposition, comforting Zhang by saying, "It is good that we have caught him; at least we have clarified the matter. If there is no money for compensation, we can detain him for a longer period, which can be considered as avenging ourselves."

Pei Zhen nodded and said, "Wrap it up for the young lady, and put it on my account. I will settle the payment at the manor later"

The shopkeeper said, "Back then, we had a brief acquaintance, and now your daughter has grown up so much! It may not be easy for a gentleman to take her as a concubine, after all, she comes from a family of eunuchs and has a proud disposition."

With each stroke he wrote, her heart grew colder. She was well aware of these medicines; back when her family was not in disarray, the medicine cabinet was filled with them, all sent by those who sought to curry favor with her father from various places. At that time, obtaining them was as easy as turning over one's hand. But now, given their circumstances, it was not just ten doses that they could not afford, even five doses were beyond their means. Was Pei Zhen intentionally trying to embarrass her? Before he could finish writing, she said, "Young Master, there is no need to trouble yourself. We are a poor family and truly cannot afford such fine medicine. Thank you for your trouble today, I shall take my leave now."

Pei Zhen then said, "My courtesy name is Lan Du. If you consider me a friend, you may call me by my courtesy name next time."

Who would have thought that Pei Zhen smiled and said, "In my household, there is no shortage of maids to serve, and I would never dare to ask a young lady to attend to me. A young lady is a person of celestial stature; it would be a disgrace to her. If that were to happen, Pei Zhen would truly deserve to die a thousand deaths. I only hope that when the young lady sees me next time, she will grant me a kind expression, and that would be enough."

The girl unexpectedly displayed an expression of heroic sacrifice on her face, with her red lips pressed together, and her fair skin nearly translucent under the sunlight. She nodded heavily and said, "Please, young master, go ahead."