Married to a Villainous Minister - Chapter 143

Although Jiang Qinghe had read many medical books, he truly hadn’t come across the one Yu Jiao had transcribed. Lifting his gaze, he asked her, “May I ask which renowned physician authored this work?”

Yu Jiao remained composed. She furrowed her brows slightly in thought before shaking her head. “I read it when I was young. I only remembered the contents and forgot who wrote it.”

Jiang Qinghe found it a pity but still praised her. “It’s rare to have such an exceptional memory. To recall a medical text from childhood and transcribe it now is impressive.”

He flipped through a few pages, clearly enamored. The book’s content was masterfully written, he wished he could bury himself in studying it right then and there.

“My handwriting isn’t the best,” Yu Jiao offered thoughtfully. “If you come across anything unclear, feel free to mark it. Next time we meet, you can ask me about it.”

Until now, Jiang Qinghe had only been focused on the content, not the handwriting itself. Hearing this, he looked closely and remarked, “The penmanship may be average, but it’s neat and very legible. Clearly, you put a lot of effort into this. I’ll gladly accept such a sincere gift.”

Hearing him echo what Yu Qizhe had said earlier made Yu Jiao quite happy, it seemed her once-terrible handwriting had indeed improved. She glanced at Yu Qizhe with a smile in her eyes and said humbly, “I’ve been practicing with Wu-ge lately. I’m not very talented, but I’ve managed to make it just barely presentable.”

Then she whispered to Yu Qizhe, “At least I didn’t embarrass you.”

Jiang Qinghe looked at Yu Qizhe with respect. As a young scholar who had already passed the provincial exam with honors, Yu Qizhe was well-known in Changkui County. “So she’s learning from Wulang, he’s talented indeed. I imagine his calligraphy must be just as excellent.”

Yu Jiao wholeheartedly agreed, her eyes smiling as she said, “His calligraphy is truly outstanding. Even after practicing for days, I can’t match even a fraction of his skill.”

A faint smile touched Yu Qizhe’s peach-blossom eyes as he looked down at her, warmth filling his chest.

Standing nearby, Chen Rou grew increasingly uncomfortable watching the pair’s harmony and mutual admiration. She stepped forward, glancing at the medical book and complimenting, “Miss Meng is far too modest. This handwriting is clearly very good.”

She wasn’t offering praise out of sincerity, but because she’d noticed Yu Jiao seemed close to Jiang Qinghe. Her grandmother still refused to consult the Yu family for treatment, and not even her father could change her mind. Now, all her hopes rested on Huichun Hall.

Jiang Qinghe, hearing her voice, turned to look at her, mistakenly assuming she had come with Yu Jiao. “And you are…?”

“You don’t remember me, Doctor Jiang?” Chen Rou asked with a smile. “You treated my grandmother’s cough. I’m from the same village as Miss Meng. My surname is Chen.”

She handed over a prescription. “This is the one you gave her. She’s finished the last batch, so I came today to get more.”

Only then did Jiang Qinghe recall the condition, lung phthisis (tuberculosis) in its late stages. His prescription could at best prolong life a little. He handed the note to one of the dispensary assistants and said, “Prepare the medicine for Miss Chen.”

Chen Rou quickly thanked him and followed the assistant to the medicine cabinets.

“Doctor Jiang, can we continue the consultations? There’s still a long line!” A waiting patient called out, sounding impatient.

Jiang Qinghe had wanted to chat more with Yu Jiao, but with no choice, he said, “It’s a bit hectic right now. If you’d like, you can rest in the courtyard and have some tea.”

Yu Jiao replied, “No need, Doctor Jiang. Since we rarely visit town, we thought we’d go for a stroll and pick up a few things.”

“Then once I’ve gone through this medical book, I’ll visit and discuss it with you,” Jiang Qinghe said. But before he could say more, another patient began calling for him again. With an apologetic smile, he returned to the consultation desk.

Just as Yu Jiao and her companions were about to leave, a figure stepped through the door. As soon as he entered, he called out loudly, “Young Master, I just met a lady doctor who saved a life with nothing but a chopstick! She’s way better than that so-called Miss Meng you’re always going on about—”

Before he could finish, Shen Yu spotted Yu Jiao about to walk out and rushed over to stop her, face lighting up. “Hey! My life-saving lady! What a coincidence seeing you here! This is fate. Huichun Hall is actually my family’s clinic. Are you here for medicine? We’ve got the best stock, whatever you need, just name it.”

Only then did Yu Jiao glance up and properly look at Shen Yu. She hadn’t paid him much mind back at the noodle shop, thinking he was just a random stranger.

“Thanks for the offer, but I’m not here to buy medicine,” she replied calmly.

“No problem at all! Even if you’re not buying, we have fruits and snacks in the back. Please, allow me to host you properly, it’s the least I can do to show my gratitude,” Shen Yu said with a wide, charming smile, continuing to pester her.

Yu Jiao arched a brow. If she remembered correctly, the young master of Huichun Hall was engaged to Miss Zhang. Which meant… this overly friendly man was him.

She considered reminding him that Miss Zhang wasn’t an unclean woman and that a woman’s virtue had nothing to do with gynecological illness, it was just more common among married women. But such things weren’t appropriate to say in public. After a moment’s hesitation, she said, “Since you insist, it would be impolite to refuse.”

Shen Yu beamed with delight at her acceptance and gestured grandly to invite Yu Jiao and the others into the back courtyard. Yu Qizhe, seeing her actually agree, had a shadow flicker across his eyes. He felt a sudden, inexplicable annoyance.

Jiang Qinghe, surprised that Shen Yu actually knew Yu Jiao, quickly finished up with a few patients and headed to the rear hall as well.

Shen Yu called for a servant to bring tea while enthusiastically inviting the trio to sit.

Jiang Qinghe entered with a smile. “Young Master, so you actually know—”

Before he could finish, Shen Yu cut in, “Perfect timing, Doctor Jiang! This young lady is also a doctor, she saved Dayong’s life at the noodle shop with a chopstick! She’s way better than that Miss Meng you’re always going on and on about!”

Jiang Qinghe’s face instantly flushed with embarrassment. When he glanced over and saw the amused look on Yu Jiao’s face, his cheeks burned even hotter, he wished he could crawl into a hole. But Shen Yu kept going, showering Yu Jiao with praise.

Unable to watch anymore, Jiang Qinghe cleared his throat and said, “Young Master… the lady in front of you is the very Miss Meng I’ve always wanted to introduce to you…”

Shen Yu froze and stared at him, stunned. Jiang Qinghe gave a firm nod.

“You…” Even with his thick skin, Shen Yu’s face turned red. He gritted his teeth and muttered under his breath to Jiang Qinghe, “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’ve embarrassed myself completely!”

Jiang Qinghe gave an awkward smile. “I thought you already knew her. You interrupted me before I could explain.”

Shen Yu glared at him, then turned back to Yu Jiao with clear embarrassment. “So… your surname is Meng. Doctor Jiang speaks of you often. I’ve long heard of your reputation, truly…”