Chapter 86. Why did you think of asking me for help? ...

After Li Jing went inside, the four guards outside were on tenterhooks, fearing that something else might happen.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the clinic door opened again, and Li Jing, accompanied by his attendant Shi Yu, walked out unhurriedly.

Li Jing glanced at the guards, a nonchalant smile playing on his lips: "You lot are quite sensible. Since you've done me a favor today, I'll remember it."

As he spoke, he took out several heavy gold ingots from his sleeve and stuffed one into each of their hands.

The guards had never seen their master so generous. For a moment, they were only focused on the gleaming gold ingot in his palm, their breathing quickening. They hurriedly and obsequiously thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness! Thank you for your generous gift, Your Highness!"

Li Jing seemed to suddenly remember something, casually pointed to the medicine box Shi Yu was holding, raised an eyebrow and asked, "By the way, I took some medicine out of here, do you want to check it?"

"No, no! Please, Your Highness!" The guards shook their heads vigorously, wishing they could show even more loyalty.

Li Jing waved his hand dismissively, signaling them to quickly seal the door, and then turned and swaggered away with Shi Yu.

Shi Yu held the large box of medicine high above his head and followed closely behind Li Jing.

After leaving Zhaoyu Hall for a distance, the master and servant quickly boarded the carriage parked at the street corner. Li Jing personally took the whip, and the carriage soon drove out of Peach Blossom Street and disappeared into the night.

When they reached a quiet, deserted alley corner, Li Jing reined in the carriage, deftly lifted the curtain, and climbed into the carriage.

Inside the carriage, Meng Yutong, dressed in a slightly oversized gray servant's outfit, was leaning back on the cushions, her eyes lowered, seemingly lost in thought.

Although dressed in men's clothing and without makeup, she could not hide her calm and elegant temperament, and the outfit added a touch of heroism to her.

The medical kit she had just taken from Zhaoyutang was placed at her feet.

As soon as Li Jing got into the car, he sat down next to her, his voice still filled with urgency and worry: "You... how did you get into this trouble? The moment I saw the earrings you sent over, I knew something was wrong, and I immediately sent someone to investigate, and sure enough..."

Meng Yutong raised her eyes, her gaze clear and calm, and nodded slightly to him: "Thank you for your righteous help today, Your Highness."

Li Jing's face flushed slightly, and she looked away awkwardly, waving her hand: "This, this is nothing, it's just a small favor, you don't need to take it to heart. Tell me quickly, what else can I do for you?"

"By the way, my aunt... she really did have an accident. I heard she suddenly fell into a coma today. People from the Imperial Medical Academy went to see her and said she was poisoned, but they don't know exactly what kind of poison it is. How did this get involved with you?"

Meng Yutong's eyes were calm as she slowly said, "On the fifteenth of July, the princess's birthday, I presented her with a medicinal blanket as a gift. However, from the selection of herbs to the fumigation process, the blanket was made by me. I can guarantee that there are absolutely no problems with it."

“Of course I believe you!” Li Jing said immediately, his brows furrowed. “But what should we do in this situation?”

As he spoke, he took out the pair of white magnolia earrings from his pocket and carefully placed them back in Meng Yutong's hand. "Keep these safe. Once I, Li Jing, have given something away, there is no reason for me to take it back."

Meng Yutong looked at the pair of lustrous earrings in her palm, remained silent for a moment, then finally closed her fingers, clenched them tightly, and whispered again, "Thank you, Your Highness."

She immediately looked up at Li Jing. Although she was dressed in men's clothing, her calmness and courage were even more striking: "Your Highness, do you have a way to bring me into the Princess's residence? I must see Princess Jingfu in person."

Li Jing felt a sudden tremor in his heart as he looked into her clear, cold gaze, and almost subconsciously nodded in agreement: "Okay... I'll take you there."

Hearing his agreement, Meng Yutong's brows visibly relaxed. She took out the pair of white magnolia earrings that Li Jing had given her, carefully wrapped them in a plain silk handkerchief, and then opened the medical kit beside her, placing them inside.

"I... I don't know what you usually like. I just picked these earrings because they look quite elegant. If you think they're too plain and don't suit you, I... I can find you some other styles?"

Watching Meng Yutong's actions, his heart fluttered. For some reason, even though she had accepted his gifts, he felt a sense of loss and uncertainty.

Meng Yutong closed the medical kit and placed it back at her feet. Her tone remained calm, revealing little emotion: "Your Highness has gone to great lengths. This is fine; there's no need for further trouble."

Li Jing secretly glanced at her expression, hesitated for a moment, and still couldn't help but ask, "Then... then why did you think of coming to me for help when you encountered trouble today? I thought... you and my cousin would always be closer."

As soon as he said it, he regretted it, afraid that he would seem too calculating.

When Li Jing learned that Meng Yutong was in trouble, the first person he thought of was himself. His heartache for her far outweighed anything else.

But now that the person is right in front of me, the secret sense of pride and joy that has been quietly growing because of being chosen first can no longer be suppressed and can be suppressed.

It turns out that in her heart, Li Jing was more trustworthy and reliable than Ji Yun.

Meng Yutong looked up at him, her gaze clear and upright: "Your Highness, I do not like to owe favors. Since you have helped me today, I cannot accept this kindness for nothing."

She paused briefly before continuing, "I know you were deceived by Zheng Hui before, and you are eager to make achievements in your own business to prove your abilities. I have visited your Bazhenfang and observed its operation, and there are indeed several areas that urgently need improvement."

Her words were earnest and not perfunctory: "Firstly, the shop assistants are too timid and hesitant in their interactions, afraid to take the initiative to greet customers. The manager, though seemingly shrewd, is actually dishonest and fails to set a good example, even appearing to deceive his superiors, causing discord among the staff. Secondly, most of the goods sold are outdated, with patterns and colors that are lagging behind current fashion. Nowadays, in Lin'an, both men and women seek novel and unique items. If we stick to the old ways, it will naturally be difficult to attract customers."

Seeing that Li Jing was listening attentively, she continued with her suggestion, her gaze calm and focused: "In my humble opinion, Your Highness may consider first reforming the personnel. Since you have already removed Zheng Hui, you should find a more magnanimous and decisive manager, promote clever and hardworking employees, and be clear about rewards and punishments to rectify the atmosphere."

"Secondly, the goods must be constantly updated. We should pay more attention to the novel patterns and materials that have been introduced from Jiangnan and even overseas. We can even find some skilled craftsmen to customize some unique exquisite products. Finally, the shop layout also needs to be carefully arranged. It must be bright and clean, with elegant furnishings, so that customers feel comfortable as soon as they enter and are willing to linger."

Li Jing was taken aback at first, then touched his nose somewhat awkwardly: "You are... good in every way, but you are a bit too serious. I am helping you not because I expect anything in return."

"I only seek to act with a clear conscience." Meng Yutong's expression remained unchanged. "What I said just now was merely my own opinion, and it may not be comprehensive. If the young master finds it inappropriate, just take it as something I mentioned casually."

"No, no, no!" Li Jing quickly waved his hand, but his eyes lit up with a hint of excitement and sudden enlightenment. "You're absolutely right! Every word you said hits the nail on the head! In a few days... no, once this matter is settled, I'll immediately follow your suggestion!"

The two were talking inside the carriage when a series of steady footsteps suddenly came from outside, approaching from afar.

Li Jing's breath hitched, and he instinctively shielded Meng Yutong behind him, his gaze warily fixed on the car door curtain.

The next instant, a hand with distinct knuckles, adorned with a jade thumb ring of exceptional quality, lifted the carriage curtain.

Li Jing's heart skipped a beat when he saw the familiar thumb ring. Before he could react, the curtain was completely lifted, revealing a face that made him tense instantly.

"In the dead of night, instead of resting peacefully at home, he wanders around outside. It seems he has completely forgotten the pain and suffering he endured from his previous illness."

The man was about forty or fifty years old, with a thin face and a refined and aloof air about him.

He was dressed in a dark blue casual robe made of top-quality brocade, but without many decorations, with only a jade pendant with a coiled dragon hanging at his waist.

It is Prince Rong.

In Li Jing's memory, his father was a solemn man who usually stayed in several villas outside the city, appreciating and collecting famous paintings and calligraphy. He spent very little time with his father, and their relationship was quite distant.

Whenever we meet, aside from a few usual rebukes, we hardly say anything else.

Li Jing felt more awe than closeness towards this father.

"Greetings, Father." Li Jing hurriedly stood up, bowed respectfully, and explained with forced composure, "Son...Son was not wandering outside. I heard that my aunt was poisoned and was worried. I was just about to go and visit her."

He slightly turned his body to the side, still firmly blocking Meng Yutong's way.

Prince Rong's gaze lingered on his face for a moment, but he neither agreed nor disagreed, and instead stepped forward to get into the carriage.

Li Jing's expression changed slightly: "Father, this carriage is cramped. I'm afraid it will be too crowded for the three of us to ride together..."

Prince Rong had already climbed up, lifted his robe and sat down, calmly facing the two of them, and said indifferently, "It's alright. I just happen to be going to Yun Gu Zhai on the Imperial Street to see some newly arrived calligraphy and paintings, and we'll go the same way."

Li Jing had no choice but to remain silent, raising his sleeve to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead.

"Where is Shi Yu? Have you changed your attendant?" Prince Rong's gaze swept past Li Jing and landed on the "attendant" beside him with his head bowed.

His gaze was scrutinizing, and when he saw the other person's face, which, though dressed as a man, could not hide its delicate features, he paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Father, this man... is a newly arrived clerk in the Imperial Medical Academy. He is skilled in pharmacology. I have been feeling unwell recently, so I asked him to come along and take a look." Li Jing's heart was pounding like a drum as he forced himself to write this.

Meng Yutong looked up at the opportune moment and gave Li Jing a reassuring look, signaling him to calm down.

Seeing her calm demeanor, Li Jing felt somewhat relieved and quickly said, "Since Father has already boarded the carriage, I will drive it from the front."

He moved to the front of the carriage and picked up the reins. He wanted to get his father there quickly, lest he be exposed if it took too long.

Only Meng Yutong and Prince Rong remained in the carriage.

Prince Rong's expression was unreadable. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his gaze no longer concealed, and fell directly on Meng Yutong's face.

This woman had clear, sharp features. Although she tried to conceal them, she still exuded a kind of heroic spirit and composure that was different from ordinary young ladies. In particular, her eyes were clear and bright, and they even... vaguely resembled an old friend.

"May I ask how you are addressed, young lady? And what is your family name...?" Prince Rong asked, his tone seemingly calm but carrying a hint of inquiry. "I have never liked pretense and evasion. Judging from your demeanor, young lady, you must be a discerning person."

Meeting his gaze, Meng Yutong answered frankly, "My surname is Meng, my given name is Yutong, I live near Tongjiang Bridge, and I run a medicinal herb business."

"The Meng family?" Prince Rong's indifferent gaze suddenly sharpened, and his previously aloof expression seemed to gain focus.

He repeated those two words softly, the corners of his lips twitching almost imperceptibly upwards as if trying to force a smile, but it ultimately turned into a barely audible sigh that fell weakly to the floor. "No wonder..."

Meng Yutong didn't know the reason for his reaction, but she could sense that there was no malice in it, which put her at ease.

Prince Rong glanced at the medical kit at her feet and asked, "Does the young lady know medicine?"

"Yes. I have opened a clinic on Peach Blossom Street, named Zhaoyutang."

"What a coincidence." Prince Rong nodded slightly, his expression unchanged. "Recently, I have often felt chest tightness and shortness of breath, and have difficulty sleeping at night. Since you are knowledgeable in medicine, young lady, why don't you examine me?"

Meng Yutong agreed and immediately took out a pulse pillow from her medical kit and placed it on the pillow. Prince Rong placed his wrist on it, and she focused her mind and breath, placing three fingers on the cun, guan, and chi positions to carefully examine the pulse.

After a moment, she withdrew her hand and said in a steady voice, "His Highness is not seriously ill. His pulse indicates that it is due to excessive thinking and emotional distress, which has caused him to have restless sleep at night and occasional chest tightness during the day."

"This is not an illness that can be cured by medicine. You need to relax, think less and worry less, and find some things to enjoy and cultivate your mind. In time, you will naturally recover."

She spoke clearly and with a dignified yet respectful attitude, showing neither fear nor flattery because of the other party's status.

A hint of admiration flashed in Prince Rong's eyes. He withdrew his hand and asked casually, "Young lady, your medical skills are quite remarkable. May I ask which renowned master you studied under?"

As Meng Yutong calmly packed her medical kit, she keenly sensed that the prince's attention towards her seemed to be beyond the norm.

She lowered her eyes and replied, "I have no fixed teacher. My family has been in the medicinal herb business for generations. I have been exposed to it since childhood and know some of the properties of medicinal herbs. Later, I read some medical books and occasionally gained some knowledge. So I tried to treat people. Over the years, I have only gained a superficial understanding."

Seeing her say this, Prince Rong did not delve any further. He simply stroked the jade thumb ring on his thumb and said slowly, "Peach Blossom Street, Zhaoyu Hall. If I ever feel unwell again in the future, may I come here and ask you to examine me?"

"Of course. If Your Highness has any instructions, I will do my best."

"Father, we've arrived at Yun Gu Zhai." Li Jing's voice came from outside the carriage, and the carriage slowly came to a stop. Li Jing immediately lifted the curtain from the outside, and he poked his head in, his face showing obvious urgency.

Prince Rong gave his son a deep look, hesitated for a moment, and finally said indifferently, "Well, it's getting late, you should go back to the manor soon."

"Son understands," Li Jing replied hastily.

Only after watching Prince Rong's figure disappear into the gate of Yun Gu Zhai did Li Jing breathe a long sigh of relief, pick up the whip again, and drive the carriage at full speed towards the Princess's residence.

*

Inside the Wutong Courtyard of the Ji Residence.

Yunzhou paced anxiously back and forth in the courtyard, glancing at the gate every now and then. It was already past 7:45 PM, but the young master still hadn't returned. Even if the affairs of the Imperial Medical Academy were busy on ordinary days, he should have been off duty by now.

He waited and waited but no one showed up, so he became uneasy and went straight to the medical officer's office to look for the person.

He happened to meet Shen Zhou, who was about to leave, in front of the medical officer's office. Shen Zhou told him:

“Brother Yunzhou, your timing is unfortunate. This afternoon, Princess Jin’an was unwell and summoned Physician Ji to the palace to take her pulse. It has been more than two hours since then, and he has not yet returned.”

Seeing Yunzhou's anxious expression, he kindly asked, "Is there something urgent? I happen to need to go to the palace to deliver some documents. If it's important, I can pass on the message for you."

Upon hearing this, Yunzhou was overjoyed. He quickly pulled Shen Zhou aside, whispered a few urgent instructions, and finally bowed solemnly, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Scribe Shen. Yunzhou will remember this kindness!"

Shen Zhou nodded in agreement, and Yun Zhou breathed a slight sigh of relief before turning around and hurriedly leaving the medical officer's residence.