She wrote out prescriptions for the two of them, and then instructed them on when to take the medicine and what precautions to observe.
"If you have any problems, come find me in Yunshui Village."
She handed the prescriptions to Young Master Zhang, instructing him.
Young Master Zhang accepted them solemnly and watched Rong Zhi leave with a look of admiration.
It had to be said that Old Master Zhang, having navigated the business world for many years, indeed had his ways. Within a day of returning home, he managed, through some unknown means, to recover most of the fortune that Gu Zhou had taken. He also hired a new batch of servants. Though not as grand as before, the household had regained the air of a wealthy family.
The town of Changping was abuzz with whispers about this incident, with many speculating that Old Master Zhang had been rescued by some extraordinary individual. All sorts of theories emerged, and the news naturally reached Rong Zhi's ears.
"He really pulled it off. I should have asked for more medical fees. I feel like I was shortchanged," Rong Zhi said, handing the prepared medicine to Xia Yunting.
Xia Yunting took the bowl of medicine and drank it in one gulp. He then asked Chen Xing, who had brought the news, "Did you confirm it? Those people taken away during the conscription back then are now all in the mines near Ling Shui County?"
Chen Xing nodded. "I've confirmed it. Among the laborers in the Ling Shui County mines, 234 are from Changping County, and 87 are from Yunshui Village. All were taken away by Zhang Chu under the guise of conscription. Zhang Chu is also the owner behind that mine. He has also purchased several residences in Ling Shui County, each more luxurious than the last. Apparently, they are for his retirement."
"I didn't expect him, a county official with little power, to be so adept at amassing wealth," Rong Zhi mused, thinking of Zhang Yajing and wondering if she knew about this matter.
"General, should we arrest Zhang Chu and hold him accountable?"
"No need. Take the evidence to Lu An, personally escort him to rescue those people, and ensure they are sent home safely."
"Yes." Chen Xing immediately understood and withdrew to carry out the order.
As soon as he left, Xia Yunting's cold and composed expression crumbled. He raised the medicine bowl and examined it several times, his brows deeply furrowed.
"Xiao Mo, why is this medicine getting more bitter? What did you put in it?"
"It's to clear heat and reduce fire. The weather is hot now, and toothaches will worsen at night if you have a fever. Adding these two herbs will be beneficial for you," Rong Zhi said, looking at Xia Yunting with a hint of teasing. "What, are you afraid of bitterness, such a grown man?"
"Is it really to reduce fire?" Xia Yunting was a little suspicious. This little woman was full of tricks, and perhaps she was taking revenge for some accidental offense.
However, no matter how he looked at her, her expression was open and honest, making him feel a bit petty.
Furthermore, his toothache had indeed eased in the past two days, so he no longer doubted her and changed the subject.
"Xiao Mo, once we leave here, I'll help you return to Medicine King Valley, but you need to think clearly. Medicine King Valley is not what it used to be."
"What do you mean?"
Rong Zhi's interest was piqued when he mentioned this.
"Medicine King Valley now belongs to the imperial court. Although the people there are nominally doctors, as they are associated with the court, there are inevitably factional disputes, schemes, and even infighting. If you're solely seeking medical skills, there are many sects that have risen to prominence through medicine. Medicine King Valley may not be the best choice."
"This… I understand. You just need to send me back, or give me permission to enter Medicine King Valley."
Rong Zhi knew he was offering good advice, but it wasn't pleasant to hear. When she chose her disciples, she had selected those with pure hearts, who would naturally not be tainted by the court's corrupt atmosphere. Even if forced to deal with the court, it would only be a temporary measure, and infighting was out of the question.
"Have you thought it through?"
"I have."
"Good. Once this matter is resolved, I will send you back." Even if… it wouldn't be that easy.
"Then thank you, General Xia. When I return, I will repay you with unwavering gratitude!"
Rong Zhi bowed deeply with a serious expression.
"Words are cheap. How do you intend to repay me?"
"From now on, any of your men who come to me for treatment will be completely free!" Rong Zhi declared with a grand gesture.
After all, she was the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, and such a promise was quite significant.
Xia Yunting's lips curved slightly. He took it as her trying to placate him, especially since she had already helped him so much. He certainly wouldn't ask for any further repayment.
As they were chatting and laughing, they suddenly heard a knock on the door.
Rong Zhi opened it to find Gu Xinlan standing at the threshold, her expression grave.
"What's wrong, Xinlan?"
As soon as Rong Zhi asked, Gu Xinlan grabbed her arm. Her face was anxious, but because her voice had not yet recovered, her words came out slowly.
"Liu, Hong."
"What about Liu Hong? Did something happen?" Rong Zhi suddenly remembered the tiger they had seen that night, and a knot of dread formed in her heart. Could it be…?
Gu Xinlan shook her head, glanced around, and pulled Rong Zhi into the side room before speaking intermittently.
It turned out that after returning from the mountain last time, she had been worried. So, this morning, she went out to inquire and heard from those who had gone up the mountain that they had heard the roar of wild beasts on the mountain, roughly in the direction where Liu Hong had been seen last.
Fearing that Liu Hong might be in trouble, she had come to find Rong Zhi.
"Save him."
Gu Xinlan spoke urgently, but her voice could not produce much sound, causing her face to flush red from the effort.
"Don't worry, I'll go up the mountain to check."
Rong Zhi comforted her, thinking that although Liu Hong's skills weren't top-notch, he had spent his life on the mountain and wouldn't truly fall prey to a tiger.
She changed her clothes and was about to head up the mountain when, just as she stepped out, a strange woman stopped her.
"Xinlan is here, isn't she?"
The woman, caught off guard, nearly collided with Rong Zhi. Upon seeing Rong Zhi, she quickly apologized.
"Oh, Doctor Lin, I'm so sorry. I'm looking for Xinlan."
"Xinlan is inside. What's the matter?"
The woman's face lit up with joy. "Hunter Liu has gone to propose marriage to Xinlan! He's at her house right now!"
What?
Rong Zhi was surprised, but then she recalled Liu Hong's determined expression from a couple of days ago. She looked back to see Gu Xinlan frozen in place, stunned.
"Xinlan, hurry home! Hunter Liu brought a lot of gifts! Several boxes of silk and fabric, and many pieces of jewelry too. The whole village has come to watch the excitement!"
Gu Xinlan said nothing, but her face turned redder and redder. Finally, she suddenly turned and fled into the side room, slamming the door shut with a bang.
"Huh? Why is she hiding? Xinlan! Your mother is waiting at home for you!"
Seeing this, the woman started shouting at the top of her lungs.
"Excuse me, sister-in-law," Rong Zhi intervened, stopping her. "Xinlan is still unwell and cannot be startled. Please go back first. I'll take Xinlan home later."
"Ah, that would be great. Xinlan, hurry back. We're waiting to eat your wedding candy! Hahaha…" The woman was clearly someone who enjoyed gossip. As she left, she couldn't resist teasing.
When Rong Zhi entered the side room, Gu Xinlan was hiding behind the door, craning her neck to see if the woman had left.
"You can rest assured now, Liu Hong is fine."
Gu Xinlan nodded, her face still flushed.
"Then… do you want to marry him?"
She didn't respond, only her face grew redder.
"Don't worry, I'll go and check. If the betrothal gifts aren't generous enough, I'll refuse him for you."
Rong Zhi patted her shoulder with a half-joking tone and then left.
She walked to Gu Xinlan's house and found a crowd gathered at the entrance, discussing the matter animatedly.
Some marveled at Liu Hong's generosity, others envied Gu Xinlan's good fortune, now that she had survived such a ordeal and was blessed with such a good prospect. There were also some discordant voices, but they were quickly drowned out by the others.
Amidst the bustling crowd, Liu Hong stood in the center of the courtyard. In front of him were three large chests, and several exquisite small brocade boxes, all tied with red cloth in a very formal manner.
The village chief also stood beside Liu Hong, looking authoritative. Wu Guixiang craned her neck, looking outward as if waiting for Gu Xinlan to return.
Seeing someone approach, the crowd parted, revealing Rong Zhi.
Village Chief Yu Rong was the first to express his displeasure.
"Why are you here? Xinlan hasn't returned yet. Does she think she's too important that I, the village chief, have to personally invite her?"
His loud voice carried to everyone present, and the crowd fell silent. All eyes turned to Rong Zhi.
Rong Zhi smiled at Yu Rong. "I just gave Xinlan medicine and told her to rest. I heard that Brother Liu Hong is here to propose to Xinlan, so I came to see the excitement. I didn't expect this matter to be brokered by you, the village chief. If I had known, I would have brought Xinlan along."
This served as an excuse for Gu Xinlan's absence.
Liu Hong's expression was one of concern. "How is Xinlan now?"
"She's better," Rong Zhi replied, her gaze falling on the betrothal gifts in front of Liu Hong. "You went into the deep mountains to hunt a tiger two days ago, just for these things?"
"Yes, I've decided to marry Xinlan." His voice was not loud, but firm.
Amidst the crowd, Lu Yuanxiu frowned. Unlike the other villagers who were merely spectating, he had remained silent from the beginning.
He hadn't expected him to actually come and propose.
"Young lady, stop wasting time and go call Xinlan over quickly. Marriage is a matter of parental consent and mediation. Hunter Liu has no parents, so I, the village chief, will act as the mediator. Xinlan is in her condition; she probably won't be able to marry anyone else. Marrying Hunter Liu is quite good."
As soon as he finished speaking, a woman next to him nudged Yu Rong. Yu Rong then realized he had spoken out of turn. He cleared his throat and lowered his voice.
"Hurry up and go call her."
Rong Zhi didn't move, but simply smiled and said in a voice only they could hear, "Village Chief Uncle, marriage is a happy occasion. But Xinlan is still ill. If she's surrounded by so many people, she might get scared and run away. Xinlan is not like ordinary girls. If you want to propose, you should ask everyone to step aside first, or Xinlan won't dare to come back."
Yu Rong hesitated.
He felt that it was a good thing to find a husband for Xinlan, as she was the first person rescued from human traffickers. That's why he had invited the entire village to witness it. If he could arrange a marriage, it would bring him, the village chief, honor. Why would he just let people leave now?
"Village Chief, perhaps everyone should go back first?" Liu Hong also whispered. In fact, he hadn't intended to make such a fuss. He hadn't expected the village chief to call so many people.
"You brat, you think I'm causing too much trouble?" Yu Rong glared at him. Finally, he addressed the crowd, "Everyone, please go back for now. We'll all be invited to the engagement banquet later!"