Chapter 174 Three Years Later, Fenglin, Ganzhou
In the third year of the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the world was at peace, there was no more chaos, and the people lived in peace and contentment.
Fenglin is a county under Ganzhou. The weather is already getting hot just after the start of summer.
Although it is only a small county, it is the most prosperous county in Ganzhou, with shops lining both sides of the street.
Shopkeepers enthusiastically introduced flower patterns to customers, and various vendors set up stalls along the street, creating a bustling atmosphere.
Even the stoves in the restaurants were steaming, and the teahouses along the street were packed with people, especially those near the storytellers.
Accompanied by the storyteller's lifelike voice, the story unfolds vividly, creating a lively and engaging scene.
Just then, a man walked steadily into Guangmintang, the largest pharmacy in Fenglin County.
As soon as he stepped across the threshold, a familiar-looking shop assistant smiled and said, "Magistrate Wen, you're here again. What medicine are you here to get today?"
Looking up, the man was only in his early twenties, but he was handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and a tall stature. He looked at the woman behind the counter who was picking medicine with a smile in his eyes.
Wen Shiqing said, "Today I would like to ask Madam Sheng to take a look at my hand injury from a few days ago. If it is not fully healed, please get me two more doses of medicine."
Sheng Shu, who was getting her medicine, looked up when she heard the sound and saw Wen Shiqing standing at the back of the line, staring intently at her.
Her eyes flickered slightly, a hint of annoyance flashing through her mind. She hadn't expected that the man she had unintentionally saved that night would actually be the magistrate of Fenglin County.
That night, by chance, Wen Shiqing was apprehending a thief, but unexpectedly, the thief was also skilled in martial arts.
He cut his arm during the struggle.
It was late at night, and he intended to return to the government office for treatment, but due to excessive blood loss, he staggered and collapsed in the middle of the road.
Just then, Sheng Shu and her servant happened to pass by, so they carried him into Guangmin Hall and treated him with medicine.
Unexpectedly, after he woke up, this person came here every day, either asking her to take his pulse or using the excuse of getting medicine.
As time went on, the shop's regular customers all learned that the magistrate of Fenglin County had taken a liking to the beautiful and charming manager of Guangmintang.
It seems that Guangmin Hall will soon have a male head of household.
When it was Wen Shiqing's turn, Sheng Shu reluctantly ushered him aside and asked, "Magistrate Wen, what do you wish to see today?"
Wen Shiqing looked at the girl in front of him. Her features were exquisite, and her peach blossom eyes had a slight curve, as if a faint charm was flowing naturally.
Every time I look into its eyes, I can't help but become captivated by it.
Because he saw patients and dispensed medicine every day, he rarely saw any valuable items on her. She only wore a plain dress, and her every move exuded a unique elegance and grace.
Wen Shiqing smiled somewhat embarrassedly: "Madam Sheng, why didn't you make a house call today?"
From the first day she arrived, Wen Shiqing learned from her subordinates that Sheng Shu, the granddaughter of Old Master Sheng from Fenglin County, had inherited the old man's mantle.
Free medical consultations are offered every month, without any charge, and have benefited countless people in Fenglin County over the years.
Even outside of Ganzhou, many people come here specifically to have their pulse taken and receive medical advice.
The ancestors of the Sheng family once served as the head of the Imperial Medical Academy, and they enjoyed a very high reputation.
When her cool hand touched Wen Shiqing's wrist, Wen Shiqing's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but look into her eyes as she intently took his pulse.
After a moment, she withdrew her hand and said, "It's almost healed. There's no need to get any more medicine. Just apply the medicine for the external wound for another three days."
After saying that, she packed her medicine box. When Wen Shiqing saw that she was about to leave after taking her pulse, he hurriedly said, "I have been coming here every day these days. Does Madam Sheng really not know my feelings? If you are willing, I will go to Master Sheng's house tomorrow to propose marriage."
Ji Shu stopped tidying up, the warmth in her eyes gradually fading, and she straightened up to look at him.
Her tone was calm and distant: "Does Magistrate Wen understand me? You only know me because I happened to save you that night. Besides, does Magistrate Wen not know that I am a widow!"
"Don't say those things again. I've never thought about getting married in my life."
After saying that, without waiting for his reaction, he called out, "Xiao De, see the guest out."
"Why!"
Xiao De jogged over quickly and saw Magistrate Wen looking at his young lady with a gloomy expression, so he knew that someone had come to cause trouble again.
In recent years, I've had at least eighty, if not a hundred, suitors come to my door to express their affections.
There were countless wealthy and powerful men, but all of them were rejected by the woman.
He looked at Magistrate Wen with a hint of sympathy. This magistrate was indeed better looking than the other young men, but unfortunately, the ladies there simply didn't like men.
He clicked his tongue inwardly for a moment, but still said politely, "Magistrate Wen, you should go first. My lady hasn't been in a good mood lately, so you'd better not provoke her."
Wen Shiqing's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "Why are you in a bad mood?"
Xiao De looked at him in confusion. He had already explained everything, so why was he still asking questions?
Seeing his pitiful state, she could only vaguely reply, "This... I don't know. I suppose women have a few days each month when they are in a bad mood."
Wen Shiqing walked dejectedly towards the door. He didn't mind that Ji Shu had been married before. Ganzhou was a big place, and he had met all kinds of people.
She bumped into Chunzhi, who was about to enter. Yes, Sheng Shu was Ji Shu, who had left the Pei residence three years ago.
Having only changed his surname, Chunzhi glanced at him quickly, then walked to her wife's side and said with a grin, "Why is Magistrate Wen here again today?"
Sheng Shu remained silent with an indifferent expression. The two were busy until the afternoon before returning to the house they had purchased three years ago.
It was all a coincidence.
Three years ago, after Ji Shu and Chunzhi boarded the ship, they were afraid that they had inadvertently revealed their whereabouts, so they discussed with Chunzhi about getting off the ship halfway and making further plans.
Just as they were wondering where to go, they ran into Grandpa Sheng, who was on his way back to his hometown.
Old Master Sheng was unaware of her entanglement with Marquis Yan, but he knew of her noble status and that her presence here at this moment was probably no ordinary matter.
When Ji Shu learned that the old man was going back to Ganzhou, she immediately thought that it was a remote and lawless place where the imperial court rarely interfered.
Furthermore, given the long distance, even if Pei Yanzhi wanted to find her, it would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
So he made up a story for Old Master Sheng, and tears streamed down his face as he complained.
It is said that after Pei Yanzhi ascended the throne, he abandoned her and even wanted to leave the mother and keep the child.
After giving birth, she managed to escape from that cage by doing everything she could.
After examining her pulse, Grandpa Sheng found that she was deficient in qi and blood, and according to the timeline, she was still in her postpartum period.
Although she had doubts, seeing her earnest words and tears in her eyes, she ultimately believed that the lord looked down on her because of her lowly status.
Ultimately, unable to bear it, he accompanied her all the way to Fenglin, Ganzhou.
Unexpectedly, this stay lasted for three years. During those three years, Ji Shu not only learned medical skills but also treated and saved lives.
They also managed the businesses left by the Sheng family ancestors in a very orderly manner.
For her, the peaceful life she enjoys now is a rare blessing.
She didn't want anyone to disrupt all of this.
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