Ignoring the surrounding chatter and not even glancing at the valuable bracelet, Su Muxi said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Chen, but prescribing medicine is a doctor's duty. I cannot accept such a precious item, nor is it appropriate for me to do so."

After saying that, he bowed slightly to Shen Yaxin and then turned to leave.

They showed absolutely no intention of giving the Shen family any face.

This made Shen Yaxin's expression turn cold, and also made Bi Yuan speak out angrily.

"Miss Su, what do you mean by this?! My young lady came to thank you out of kindness, do you think you don't like the jade bracelet she gave you?!"

Su Muxi listened to Bi Yuan's question and looked coldly at Shen Yaxin.

For some reason, Shen Yaxin felt a slight fear upon seeing Su Muxi's gaze, and hurriedly scolded Bi Yuan, "Bi Yuan! Shut up! If you behave so rudely again, you won't need to stay by my side to serve me!"

That's what happened last time; it almost made Su Muxi angry.

Fortunately, she apologized in time, otherwise Su Muxi would probably have made her leave directly. In that case, her face wouldn't be as good as it is now, and she wouldn't be full of hope for the future.

Although she didn't think Bi Yuan was wrong this time, it was best not to upset Su Muxi until the spots on her face completely disappeared.

She was just a maid, insignificant compared to her face!

"I'm sorry, Miss Su. It was my fault for not disciplining my servants properly. I know that Miss Su practices medicine out of a doctor's duty, not for fame or profit."

With that, she closed the box again and gently leaned down, "In that case, I can only thank Miss Su again."

If it were three days ago, Su Muxi would have thought Shen Yaxin was a good person after seeing her like this, but now she doesn't feel anything.

Last time it was because I didn't discipline the servants properly.

Would the most talented woman in the capital really make the same mistake twice?

Perhaps in Miss Shen's eyes, this is not a mistake.

The excuse of not disciplining the servants is just empty talk...

"I appreciate Miss Shen's thanks. If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

One shouldn't hit a smiling face; since Shen Yaxin was willing to humble herself, she would naturally treat her with the same courtesy.

But then Shen Yaxin said softly, "Miss Su, tomorrow is the Bibo Pavilion Literary Gathering. I wonder if Miss Su has time? If she does..."

"I'm sorry, I have something to do tomorrow."

Before Shen Yaxin could finish speaking, Su Muxi interrupted her coldly.

Literary gatherings are places for talented men and women, famous scholars and great Confucianists. What would a female doctor like her do there?

Are we supposed to take their pulses and treat their illnesses on the spot?

Besides, places with lots of people are prone to trouble, and she would rather stay home and study medicine than go to such places to join in the fun.

Shen Yaxin's expression became even more embarrassed; even with the veil covering her face, it was clear that something was wrong with her.

Bi Yuan was so angry that her face turned red, but because she had just been scolded, she dared not speak up for Shen Yaxin.

However, some people around couldn't stand Su Muxi's arrogant attitude and immediately rebuked her: "Su Muxi! Don't go too far! Miss Shen meant well, don't be so ungrateful!"

"Do you know how many people would love to attend the Bibo Pavilion literary gathering? You should be grateful that Miss Shen is willing to invite you!"

"Most of the rumors circulating about you are unbearable to hear, but if you can showcase yourself at the Bibo Pavilion literary gathering and clear up the misunderstandings, it will be far more effective than taking the daughter of the Marquis of Anyang to court and having the Prefect of the Capital clear your name!"

The speaker was a young gentleman dressed as a scholar. Although he was quite handsome, his clothes were rather shabby.

Su Muxi looked at the other party coldly and said, "Scholars who don't study properly but know all the rumors in the streets must not have failed the imperial examinations entirely because of their lack of talent."

As he spoke, he glanced at Shen Yaxin, then continued to the scholar with a half-smile, "So you're looking for another path?"

The scholar did indeed speak up for Shen Yaxin, and then took the opportunity to curry favor with the Shen family.

Even if one cannot climb the social ladder to the Shen family, it would be good to gain the qualification to enter the Bibo Pavilion Literary Gathering.

Now that Su Muxi had seen through his thoughts, he was furious and his face showed indignation.

Unable to contain herself, she said sternly, "As expected, your appearance reflects your heart! Not only are you ugly, but you are also unreasonable! Miss Shen and I were both acting out of good intentions, but you are so ungrateful!"

After saying that, he bowed respectfully to Shen Yaxin, saying, "Miss Shen! You have already expressed your gratitude, and you don't owe Su Muxi anything! Since Su Muxi is so ungrateful, don't waste your breath on her. And don't try to curry favor with someone like Su Muxi again in the future!"

There are countless highly skilled doctors in the world. As far as I know, Doctor Xu of Tai'an Hall is a doctor with superb medical skills, and Doctor Xu's medical ethics and character surpass Su Muxi's by a hundred times!

When Dr. Xu from Tai'an Hall was mentioned, the others echoed his sentiments.

"Yes, yes! Dr. Xu's medical skills are superb. Last time my mother was sick and almost died, it was Dr. Xu who cured her!"

"Dr. Xu is not only highly skilled in medicine, but also has an excellent character! Last time I didn't bring my consultation fee, he still treated me and even had his assistant prepare the medicine for me, saying that I could pay back the consultation fee and the medicine cost whenever I had time!"

…

Manager Liu of Shancitang was so angry that his beard almost stood on end.

The medicinal herbs sold at Tai'an Hall were not as cheap as those sold at their Shanci Hall, and the quality of the herbs was also quite average.

Xu Hanzhi only asked the person to pay the consultation fee and medicine cost later, but did not say that it would be waived.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!