They thought they had been abandoned by the imperial court and were still burdened with huge grain taxes, having their rations withheld bit by bit and handed over to the city lord's mansion, which was profiting from human suffering!
Now, someone is telling them that the court has not abandoned them, and that the emperor cares about the people, which is why he sent the Grand Preceptor!
Some people advised the old doctor not to act so high and mighty, saying that this group was not the same as the group from before.
The old doctor pursed his lips, snorted, but ultimately didn't say anything to reprimand the doctor.
After this ordeal, Ji Yong'an found it much easier to invite doctors from other clinics. The people of the city escorted him all the way to the city lord's mansion, but Ji Yong'an stopped them to prevent the mansion from being trampled to pieces.
When Zhang Wen rushed over, he saw Ji Yong'an personally serving tea and water to the people. Upon learning that Ji Yong'an had personally led a team to fetch a doctor, he knew that something was wrong and immediately ordered his servant to be silenced.
"Young General Ji, what is this?"
Ji Yong'an was a military general, lacking the smooth talk of a civil official; his straightforward nature could be deadly. "You'll have to ask Zhang Duwei why he outwardly obeyed but inwardly disobeyed the Grand Preceptor's orders!"
Zhang Wen cried out that he was wronged, "General Ji, how could I dare to do such a thing? It was the servant who delivered the message who misunderstood my meaning!"
Zhang Wen had the servant's body brought up, and said earnestly, "I have already punished the servant, and I hope General Ji will not be angry anymore."
Ji Yong'an checked the servant's pulse, his face turning quite grim. "Are you trying to silence him? Who are you trying to impress?"
Zhang Wen said innocently, "It's not what General Ji thinks. I only punished this rebellious servant in a fit of anger."
"Alright, General Ji, carry the body away."
A cool, clear voice drifted in like a breeze.
Ji Yong'an clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, "Grand Preceptor."
Zhang Wen also bowed in greeting.
Led by the old doctor, the doctors in the hall all bowed and said, "This humble subject pays respects to Your Excellency, the Imperial Preceptor."
"No need for such formalities."
Mingyue, with a kind face, waved for everyone to sit down, then poured herself a cup of tea. "Old sir, I heard that the guards in the city lord's mansion were very lenient. This cup of tea is my apology to you."
The old doctor sighed, feeling disheartened at being treated this way by such a respected official. "The kindness of the Imperial Preceptor is a blessing to the people."
Some officials, let alone apologizing, are lucky if they don't exploit the people.
"It is because His Majesty is kind-hearted that I was able to come here."
"Yes, yes, the emperor of the Darong Dynasty is a wise ruler, a blessing for our country!"
Mingyue smiled faintly, "Sir, I'll be troubling you and the other gentlemen here for this three-day free clinic. I will personally deliver the payment after the free clinic to each of you."
"Really? That's no small fee."
You have to understand that there are 300,000 people in the city. Minor illnesses are fine, but for serious illnesses, the amount of medicine needed to buy is not small.
"certainly."
Mingyue took out the token and handed it to the old man. "This is a jade pendant from the Imperial Preceptor's Mansion. If your deposits are not received within three days, I will request to step down from the court."
The old man, as if receiving a hot potato, said, "This...this is inappropriate. The Grand Preceptor's concern for the world is a great virtue. How can you not believe him?"
"It's alright, please accept it, sir."
After much persuasion, the old man finally accepted the jade pendant. Zhang Wen quietly hid in a corner, trying to keep a low profile, and waited for these people to finish talking with Mingyue and leave before apologizing.
"Your Excellency, I am innocent. It is all my fault for not keeping a close eye on my servant."
After talking for so long, Mingyue, her mouth dry, took a sip of tea and said lazily, "I've only been in Huaizhou for less than three days, and Zhang Duwei has already confessed to so many crimes?"
Zhang Wen pursed his lips. He really couldn't understand the Grand Preceptor's ways. The more he said, the more mistakes he would make, so he simply kept quiet.
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