Chapter 37 Why did the Meng family annul the engagement?

It was late afternoon, and the heavy, oppressive wind of late spring swept down from the high walls of the medical institute, making people dizzy.

Inside the Imperial Physician's Office, Chen Bin compiled a list of physicians who had recently passed the examination and were officially registered through the recommendation of the physicians, and presented it to the head of the office, Zhu Zhi, for his review.

This list concerns the physicians' official qualifications to practice medicine. Once Zhu Zhi confirms that the list is correct, several copies must be made: one copy to be posted on the Imperial City Notice Wall for public display, one copy to be kept in the Medical Office for record-keeping, and another copy bearing the official seal to be sent to each physician for their records.

Zhu Zhi reached out and pressed hard on his forehead to perk himself up before taking the list and scanning it line by line.

Seeing that the information was clear and well-organized, with no omissions in the names, hometowns, medical schools, examination grades, and recommenders, he nodded and said, "No errors or omissions. Copy it down and post it immediately, and send a stamped copy to everyone."

"Your humble servant obeys," Chen Bin replied.

Today happened to be the day Ji Yun entered the palace to treat Princess Jin'an. His handwriting was also quite good, so the task of copying the text fell to him.

Zhu Zhi suddenly remembered something else and asked Chen Bin, "Has this list been presented to the censor for review?"

Chen Bin shook his head: "Reporting to the Imperial Physician, Imperial Physician Ji was summoned to the palace today to treat patients, and I have not yet been able to see him."

Zhu Zhi pondered for a few moments.

Although Ji Yun had some connection with that woman and had been recommended for her position, he had entered the palace today and no one knew when he would return.

Moreover, it is the Medical Academy's responsibility to notify those who have been registered, and it is not good to trouble him with everything. Zhu Zhi thought for a moment and then said, "In that case, you shall handle it. Make sure to personally deliver the stamped copy to the person on the list and inform them of the public announcement. There should be no delay."

The selection process for the official roster had been announced a month prior. For established clinics, submitting all required materials to the Medical Academy by the end of April would qualify them for the selection. However, for newly opened clinics, an additional procedure was required. For instance, at the time of registration, the clinic had to have been officially open for more than half a month and had treated a certain number of patients and sold a certain amount of medicinal herbs to be eligible for the selection.

It's already early April, and for these newly opened clinics, there's no time to waste if they want to participate in the selection process. Therefore, as soon as the list was released today, Zhu Zhi didn't dare to delay and hurriedly urged the various regulations so that those who passed could start preparing for the follow-up matters as soon as possible.

"Yes." Chen Bin accepted the order and was about to leave to organize the copying when he paused, a hint of barely suppressed curiosity appearing on his face. He lowered his voice and asked, "Your Excellency, I noticed that the name of this Meng family girl is also on the list, and the recommender is none other than Imperial Physician Ji. This... wasn't their engagement dissolved? Why is Imperial Physician Ji still willing to vouch for her? Is it because he still has feelings for her, or..." He didn't finish his sentence, his eyes darting towards Zhu Zhi, his meaning clear.

Most of the work in the medical academy is tedious and complicated. Apart from Ji Yun, who seems to be born cold-hearted and can work diligently every day, the rest are people who drop what they are doing and come here as soon as they see the slightest movement.

Chen Bin hadn't quite figured out the details of the rumor from Ji Yun last time, so he kept it to himself. Now that he finally had the chance to ask the Dean, who was the most well-informed person in the entire academy, how could he not ask?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhi frowned, his face immediately showing impatience and disdain. He rebuked, "Nonsense! Can't men and women, apart from romantic love, also cherish talent and value friendship like gentlemen? Ji Yun's actions clearly show his appreciation for his medical skills! What kind of filthy thoughts are swirling in your mind all day long! Go and get on with your business!"

Chen Bin's face flushed with embarrassment after being reprimanded, and she bowed obsequiously as she retreated.

But in his heart he disagreed: If someone else had said these words, it would have been fine, but it was you, old man... A few days ago, when Judge Ji personally came to vouch for Meng Yutong, your eyes were wide open, clearly showing that you thought the same thing as him!

He was simply shut down by someone's words, "A gentleman is open and honest, and the academy director should be cautious in his speech."

See, everyone has a gossipy nature. He's not the only one.

He might as well take on the task of delivering the stamped copy later, so he can use the opportunity to go and see Judge Ji's rumored fiancée.

This woman, first annuled her engagement, then passed the medical examination, and now she is personally recommended by Judge Ji. Every single thing she has done is simply bizarre.

I wonder what kind of extraordinary woman she was?

While Chen Bin was making random calculations in his mind, he quickly copied the list and summoned Shen Zhou, the clerk on duty that day: "Quickly post this list on the Imperial City Notice Wall, and make sure there are no mistakes."

Shen Zhou accepted the order and left.

He himself took the stamped copies of the lists that needed to be delivered and stepped out of the duty room.

Since there was nothing else to do at the physician's office, he might as well go and deliver it himself, which would also satisfy his curiosity that had been lingering for the past few days.

Under the corridor outside the duty room, Shen Zhou was hurrying along with a list in his hand when he bumped into Li Jing, who was striding across the courtyard.

Li Jing held the official title of "Patentee of Imperial Medicine," but in reality, he was a lazy imperial relative who only showed up for duty without doing any work. All affairs of the medicine storehouse were handled by his subordinates. Everyone in the Imperial Medical Academy knew his true nature and avoided him whenever they saw him.

When Shen Zhou saw Li Jing, he cursed his bad luck inwardly, lowered his head and quickened his pace, hoping not to run into this nemesis.

But things didn't go as planned. When Li Jing saw Shu holding a document and walking hurriedly, he became curious and reached out to stop him: "What are you holding? Let me see it."

Shen Zhou dared not offend this man, so he presented the document with both hands. “Reporting to Physician Li, this is the list of physicians who have recently passed the examination and been officially registered by the physician. I am about to take it to post.”

Li Jing casually took it with one hand, his gaze sweeping over the list of documents at random.

When the words "Meng Yutong" and "Recommender: Ji Yun" came into view, his pupils contracted.

Moving the gaze downwards, the words "Place of Medical Practice: Zhaoyutang, Peach Blossom Street, Lin'an Prefecture" became even more glaring.

Peach Blossom Street?! Zhaoyu Hall?!

Isn't this the shop that Zheng Hui reported to him a few days ago, the one where Meng Yutong had been?

He hadn't been keeping an eye on things for a few days, and this woman had actually opened a clinic?!

He had been secretly pleased when he heard that the Meng family had taken the initiative to annul the engagement, thinking that his family's obstruction of the marriage through the Imperial Street Broker had finally worked, and that the merchant's daughter had finally given up. Little did he expect that she was using this as a pretext to secretly plot her own scheme!

On the surface, they were maneuvering around the Imperial Street, but behind the scenes, they quietly took over the shops on Peach Blossom Street.

What's even more infuriating is that she managed to coax her arrogant cousin into recommending her for a place on the register!

He clutched the list of names tightly in anger. Even though the engagement had been called off, Ji Yun was still helping her like this. What kind of bewitching potion had this woman given Ji Yun?!

What exactly is her intention in opening this clinic? Is it a strategic retreat, a feigned retreat to lure her in?

On the surface, he severed ties with the Ji family, but in reality, he used the guise of practicing medicine to create opportunities to spend time with Ji Yun.

What a deep scheming! What a vicious plot!

The more Li Jing thought about it, the more a chill ran down his spine. A surge of anger at being fooled, mixed with fear, rushed to the top of his head.

He absolutely cannot stand by and watch this woman get what she wants!

With a gloomy face, he threw the list back into Shen Zhou's arms, snorted coldly, and turned to leave.

The direction was clearly Bazhenfang; they were heading in search of Zheng Hui.

Shen Zhou held the crumpled list that Li Jing had been handling, and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. What on earth is this guy doing in broad daylight?

Fortunately, the list wasn't damaged. He carefully unfolded the paper, smoothed it out with his hands, and then hurriedly left with the list to post it.

When he returned after posting the list, he saw that Chen Bin had not left yet and was walking down the corridor of the duty room, seemingly waiting for him.

Chen Bin happened to look up and saw him return, so she waved to him very warmly.

They were definitely waiting for him. He hurried in and asked, "Does Doctor Zhi have any other instructions?"

Chen Bin stuffed a dozen stamped copies of the list that needed to be delivered to each person into his arms, saying, "You will need to deliver these copies to each person according to the address on them."

Shen Zhou agreed.

Chen Bin had just casually glanced at the copy and found addresses for all directions on it. If he went to deliver it to each one, wouldn't that be delaying others?

On a sudden inspiration, he took out the one with the address on Peach Blossom Street and gave the rest to Shen Zhou to deliver.

That's really clever!

He took the copy and happily headed towards Peach Blossom Street.

Zhaoyutang was located at the head of Wangxian Bridge on Peach Blossom Street, in a very prominent position. He walked slowly across the bridge and soon found the newly renovated clinic, which was not yet fully tidied up.

Above the black wooden plaque in the center of the clinic, the three characters "Zhaoyutang" are magnificent and eye-catching, exuding a unique aura.

Looking from the outside, the clinic's layout was already taking shape: the consultation rooms on the left and right were separated by screens, arranged in an orderly fashion; the medicine cabinets were neatly made, lined up in rows; medical instruments such as mortars and pestles, guillotines, and scales were all meticulously categorized and placed on the cabinets. Beside the desk stood an apricot-yellow flag, presumably to be hung high above the door on the opening day.

Chen Bin walked to the gate and peeked out briefly. A round-faced maid in the courtyard caught sight of him and quickly ran to the backyard, soon bringing out a young woman.

The woman, dressed in a light blue robe, with a face like a lotus and bright eyes, walked gracefully toward him, curtsied, and said gently, "Are you the lord of the Imperial Medical Academy? I am Meng Yutong, the head of Zhaoyu Hall."

Needless to say, she was beautiful and graceful. She not only passed the medical examination but also received an "excellent" rating from Ji Yun himself. She must have been a woman of both beauty and talent.

Even a virtuous gentleman like Ji Yun couldn't resist the charms of a beautiful woman.

Chen Bin withdrew his probing gaze and handed the copy to Meng Yutong, saying, "Miss Meng, I am Chen Bin, a physician from the Medical Academy. This is the official register of physicians, stamped by the Medical Academy. Please keep this safe. Once an auspicious day is chosen, 'Zhaoyutang' can officially open for business."

Meng Yutong took the copy with both hands, her gaze falling on the name 'Ji Yun' in the recommender's section.

With a slight thought, he calmly put away the copy, carefully concealing it. Then, he bowed to Chen Bin and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for personally delivering it, Physician Chen. May I come inside for a cup of tea and rest for a while?"

Having delivered the items, Chen Bin had no reason to linger, waving her hand and saying, "No need, no need! Since you are Physician Ji's friend, you are family with us. Why be so formal?"

Meng Yutong frowned slightly. The two had already broken off their engagement, and she didn't really like others associating her with Ji Yun.

She summoned Bai Zhi and took out an exquisitely crafted sachet from the inner room of the clinic. She handed the sachet to Chen Bin with a respectful yet assertive attitude, saying, "It must have been hard for Physician Chen to make this special trip. This is a calming sachet made by Zhaoyutang. It is quite effective for those who have difficulty sleeping at night. If Physician Chen doesn't mind, please accept this. Physicians have been working hard all day. Perhaps the fragrance of this sachet will help you sleep more soundly at night."

These words were spoken gently and soothingly, making Chen Bin feel as if he were bathed in a spring breeze. He happily accepted the sachet, and felt that the fragrance of the spices and herbs inside was mellow and elegant, and indeed, it calmed his mind and spirit.

Before he could express his gratitude, Meng Yutong continued, "To avoid any misunderstanding, Physician Chen, there is something else I need to clarify. Physician Ji and I are not actually acquainted. This recommendation is simply because Physician Ji values ​​talent. He saw that my answer to the last question in the medical examination was acceptable, and after testing my medical skills, he agreed to recommend me. You should know that this recommendation is fair and impartial, and there is no personal bias involved."

Tsk tsk tsk, this girl's serious and upright manner is just like Ji Huaizhi's.

Chen Bin nodded repeatedly, "I misspoke, please forgive me, young lady. Thank you for the sachet. I still have some business to attend to at the Medical Academy, so I won't stay any longer. Farewell!"

Meng Yutong said no more, only saw the person out, and after the person left, she returned to Zhaoyutang to prepare for the opening the day after tomorrow.

*

On April 14th, as dusk settled, the bluestone path in the Wutong Courtyard of the Ji Mansion was covered with sparse shadows.

Ji Yun returned home from the Imperial Physician's Office today and went straight to his study. As soon as he sat down behind the large ebony desk, Qing Shu followed him into the room and stood respectfully at attention.

As instructed by Ji Yun, since Ji Yun entered the palace yesterday to treat the princess, he has been investigating the Meng family's affairs for the past two days.

"Young master, I have already investigated the matter of Miss Meng to some extent."

Ji Yun gestured for him to elaborate. Qing Shu then recounted everything he had discovered:

"Miss Meng's birth mother, Liu, was from Qinzhou. Her family ran a caravan business and was quite famous. Miss Meng's father, Meng Qingyu, was ordered by his mother, Old Madam Meng, to travel to Qinzhou to collect a batch of essential medicinal herbs when he was just over twenty. On the way, he was seriously injured in an accident, but was fortunately rescued by Liu and recuperated at her home. As they spent time together, the two developed feelings for each other and secretly pledged their lives to each other."

"The head of the Liu family was unwilling for his beloved daughter to marry far away to Lin'an, but Liu was determined and pleaded with him, so he finally agreed to the marriage. When Meng Qingyu returned to Lin'an, Liu was by his side."

"Not long after their marriage, the couple had a daughter named Meng. Two years into their marriage, Meng Qingyu took Liu to the southwestern border region, ostensibly to expand their medicinal herb business. However, this trip marked the beginning of their estrangement."

Qing Shu paused briefly, as if considering his words, "It is said that Meng Qingyu was eager to prove his abilities to Old Madam Meng. At that time, he secretly contacted a group of people of unknown origin, intending to purchase a batch of 'Bone-Eating Grass,' which was explicitly prohibited from circulation by the imperial court, in order to make huge profits. He also wanted to use the help of the Liu family's caravan to secretly transport the banned medicine back to Lin'an."

"Mrs. Liu is a woman of great principle. After realizing the truth of the matter, she resolutely refused. In order to avoid implicating the Liu family, she broke off relations with the Liu family and even went so far as to turn against Meng Qingyu and write a letter to Old Madam Meng in Lin'an to report the matter."

"Old Madam Meng was furious and rushed to the southwest overnight. She quelled the storm with swift and decisive measures, destroyed the banned drugs, and severely punished those involved. Meng Qingyu's actions not only angered his mother but also chilled Liu's heart, severing their marital ties. The power of the Meng family also returned to the old lady's control."

"Shortly after Meng Qingyu returned to Lin'an in disappointment, he took a local woman named Qin as his concubine, and Meng Yurou was born in the same year. However, his relationship with Qin was only superficial. He often used the excuse of 'sharing the burdens of his mother' to go to other states to do business, and would not return for several years at a time."

"Until Miss Meng was eight years old, Madam Liu passed away due to illness. At that time, Old Madam Meng was personally escorting a batch of precious medicinal materials on a dangerous journey in the southwest. Upon hearing the bad news, she rushed back day and night and personally took the young and orphaned Miss Meng to her residence, Songfeng Courtyard, to raise her under her care. She often taught and disciplined her with books such as 'Admonitions for Women,' 'Women's Education,' and 'Rules for Women.'"

Three years ago, when Miss Meng was fourteen, Old Madam Meng personally went to the Ji residence to arrange a marriage between her and Old Master.

Ji Yun listened intently, his slender fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the smooth ebony table.

Even though he had a nominal engagement with Meng Yutong, he had never paid attention to her past. Only now did he realize that this seemingly open-minded and clear-headed woman had such a bumpy and turbulent life.

He suddenly remembered her superb and experienced medical skills.

According to Qing Shu, Meng Yutong spent most of her life in the inner chambers, first being raised by her mother, Liu, and later transferred to Songfeng Courtyard where she was personally cared for by Old Madam Meng. So how did she learn her medical skills?

"Old Madam Meng," Ji Yun raised his eyes, scrutinizing them, "does she possess medical knowledge?"

Qing Shu bowed slightly: "Young Master, the investigation into Old Madam Meng's matter has been quite difficult. All we know is that her ancestral home was Jiangling, and she moved to Lai'an with Old Master Meng. Five years after marrying Old Master Meng, she gave birth to Meng Qingyu. When Meng Qingyu was ten years old, Old Master Meng unfortunately passed away unexpectedly."

"After that, Old Madam Meng single-handedly supported the Meng family's business, navigating the ups and downs of the business world with exceptional skills. As for her medical skills..." He shook his head, "There hasn't been a single word about it."

Since Ji Yun began studying medicine, he has also developed a skill in information gathering. However, because some medicinal herbs are rare and hard to find, he can only obtain them by paying attention to the smallest details.

Qing Shu, on the other hand, was a quick-witted and cautious person. Over the years, she had been by his side and had been trained by him, and had investigated a lot of information for him.

It shouldn't be too difficult to gather information in Lin'an City.

But surprisingly, no information could be found about Old Madam Meng. Either the old lady's identity is truly mysterious, making it impossible for anyone to find out, or someone with higher status and ability has deliberately concealed this information to prevent others from discovering it.

In his view, both of them were quite strange.

A thoughtful look flashed across Ji Yun's eyes. He lowered his gaze and pondered for a long time before suddenly saying in a deep voice, "Send someone to Jiangling to investigate the background of Old Madam Meng in detail."

"Yes." Qing Shu replied, then hesitated for a moment and added, "There is one more thing, concerning Miss Meng's recent situation."

"speak."

"Some time ago, Miss Meng was looking for a medical clinic shop on Imperial Street. Originally, she didn't have her eye on the one on Peach Blossom Street, but rather an old silk shop near Xin'an Bridge. Later... someone used underhanded tactics behind her back, which forced her to choose another place." Qing Shu slowed her pace, appearing very cautious, and glanced at Ji Yun's expression.

Ji Yun raised an eyebrow slightly, indicating that he could speak freely.

“It was Prince Li.” Qing Shu, being meticulous, truthfully reported the information he had gathered. “It seems the incident stemmed from a group of traveling merchants from Qinzhou who were selling jewelry at Bazhenfang. For some reason, Miss Meng stood up for those merchants, thus offending Prince Li. Prince Li then spread the word in the brokerage that no one would dare to rent a shop to Miss Meng again.”

"Li Jing?" Ji Yun frowned slightly; this was unexpected.

Given her usual clear goals and efficient style, she doesn't seem like the type of person who would easily make enemies over trivial matters.

Could it be... that she has some connection with this group of traveling merchants from Qinzhou?

"Although Peach Blossom Street isn't as bustling and prosperous as Imperial Street, it's still a quiet place amidst the hustle and bustle, and its proximity to residential areas might not be a bad thing for opening a clinic." Ji Yun's tone was calm, as if she were just asking casually. "Has the opening date for her clinic been set?"

Qing Shu nodded, "It's set for tomorrow."

tomorrow.

Ji Yun's gaze unconsciously swept over the familiar yellow pearwood medical box beside the table. It seemed that the promise to recommend her for inclusion in the medical register had not yet been fulfilled.

This time, she remained calm and didn't send anyone to ask a single question.

Qing Shu seemed to have finished reporting and stood quietly to the side, waiting for instructions.

"Tap, tap," Ji Yun's slender fingers tapped lightly twice on the smooth ebony wooden table. The sound was particularly clear in the suddenly quiet study, as if it carried an invisible urging.

"Is there something you've forgotten?" Ji Yun asked calmly, raising his eyes.

Qing Shu paused slightly, quickly reviewing the information in her mind to ensure she had recounted everything she had learned that day. If there was anything else… it was the reason for the annulment of the engagement. However, given the young master's usual temperament, why would he need to ask about something already settled?

"Why did the Meng family break off the engagement?" Ji Yun's voice rang out clearly, calmly and unhurriedly. "Was it Meng Yutong's idea, or the Meng family matriarch's idea?"

A faint hint of surprise flashed across Qing Shu's eyes. The young master actually asked about this matter.

He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously replied, "According to my investigation, it was Miss Meng's idea. On the evening Miss Meng returned home from the birthday banquet at the Ji residence, she went to the old lady's courtyard and stayed there for quite a while. Not long after, the old lady personally brought gifts and came to break off the engagement."

The engagement between the two has been called off. Why does the young master want to know this?

"Heh," a very soft, almost inaudible cold sneer escaped from Ji Yun's throat.

He recalled the day Meng Yutong invited him to dinner at Helelou Restaurant, when they discussed the annulment of their engagement. She had confidently pushed everything onto Old Madam Meng.

He pursed his lips slightly for a moment, then returned to normal. Only in his dark eyes did a hint of absurdity flash across his face, which then gradually solidified into a sense of understanding.

What people are saying is indeed true.

"Summon the Cloud Boat." He said no more, his voice indifferent.

"Yes." Qing Shu bowed and withdrew.

Before long, Yunzhou rushed in like a gust of wind, slightly out of breath: "Young Master, you were looking for me?"

"After dinner, come with me to Qingfeng Tea House." Ji Yun's tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

Yunzhou muttered something to himself, and Ji Yun glanced at him, asking, "What's wrong?"

Yunzhou jolted awake and hurriedly waved his hand, saying, "It's nothing, it's just that Qingshu asked me a couple of questions about Princess Jin'an. I just... I just find it strange that he always accompanies you to the palace, so why didn't he bring him today?" He scratched his head, swallowing back the rest of his question, "Why didn't you bring him?"

Of course, this wasn't the only strange thing he noticed. The young master usually went to enjoy tea in the afternoon, so why was he going so late today, almost when the lanterns were lit?

He didn't dare ask about it; perhaps the young master simply wanted a drink.

Ji Yun's gaze narrowed slightly. After a moment of silence, he said, "There are other matters I need to entrust to him today."

Yunzhou suddenly realized, "Oh! I understand!" Seeing that Ji Yun had no further instructions, he tactfully bowed and withdrew to have his meal.