The next morning.
In the alley in front of the clinic, the usually bustling crowds of people seemed to be a little less crowded.
In their place were more guards and patrolling soldiers, walking through the streets and alleys, wearing armor, holding spears, with serious expressions, as if ready to deal with any emergency at any time.
Fang Qingyue walked out of the clinic slowly and gently pushed open the familiar wooden door. The morning light outside the door made her squint slightly.
There was a hint of coolness in the morning air, but she sensed a different kind of tension than usual.
At the entrance of the clinic, there were many more guards on the street. They walked steadily and patrolled back and forth, as if they were closely monitoring something.
Fang Qingyue frowned slightly, feeling a little confused.
She turned back to the clinic and found Fang Chiyue who was sorting medicinal herbs.
"Chi Yue, why are there so many guards outside today? Did something happen in the capital?"
There was a hint of inquiry in Fang Qingyue's tone.
Although Fang Chiyue couldn't see, she had excellent hearing and had already heard the footsteps of the patrols on the street.
She paused, listened carefully to the noise outside, and then slowly said, "Sister, I heard from the patients at the clinic a few days ago that more and more children have gone missing in the capital, especially in the north. The government seems to have sent more people and increased patrols, and it seems that they are strictly investigating these disappearances."
"So that's how it is." Fang Qingyue nodded, thinking slightly.
She looked through the window lattice at the guards patrolling the streets, feeling a little uneasy.
What happened last night was just the tip of the iceberg, and the darkness behind it has not yet been revealed.
Just as she was thinking, a familiar sound of footsteps suddenly came from the door.
She looked up and saw Aunt Xu holding her child's hand, with her husband beside her. The family was slowly walking towards the clinic.
Aunt Xu's eyes were slightly red, obviously the thrilling experience of last night had not completely dissipated.
"Doctor Fang, it's all thanks to you that our Abao is safe and sound." As soon as Aunt Xu saw Fang Qingyue, she immediately stepped forward, her voice filled with uncontrollable gratitude.
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly and reached out to gently stroke the top of Abao's head: "Auntie, there's no need to do this. As long as the child is fine, this is what I should do."
Aunt Xu's husband also stepped forward and bowed deeply to Fang Qingyue. "Doctor Fang, you saved our family. You are truly our benefactor. From now on, if you need anything, just let us know. We will definitely do our best to help you."
Fang Qingyue was about to reply when she suddenly noticed a general on horseback watching them from across the street.
The man was wearing military uniform, with a sword at his waist and a handsome face. It was the Jian Xianzhi she was familiar with.
Jian Xianzhi tightened the reins and the horse stopped in front of the clinic. He dismounted, handed the reins to the accompanying soldier, and then strode towards Fang Qingyue.
Seeing Aunt Xu and her family beside her, he nodded slightly in greeting, then turned to Fang Qingyue, his tone filled with concern: "Doctor Fang, why do I see you here today? What happened?"
When Fang Qingyue saw Jian Xianzhi, she smiled faintly and said in a friendly tone, "General Jian, long time no see. Why are you patrolling here today?"
Jian Xianzhi straightened his uniform slightly, frowning slightly, his tone tinged with doubt. "More and more children have been missing in the capital lately, and the Emperor has sent more patrols. I've been ordered to come here and check on the situation. Did you encounter any trouble here?"
Fang Qingyue's expression became a little serious when she heard his question.
She looked at Jian Xianzhi, then at Aunt Xu's family, thought for a moment, and decided to tell him what happened last night.
In a calm tone, she briefly recounted the story of how the traffickers kidnapped the child.
After hearing this, Jian Xianzhi's face suddenly darkened. His brows knitted tightly together, and his eyes were filled with deep anger. "How could such a thing happen? These human traffickers are so audacious. They dare to do such evil things under the feet of the emperor. They truly deserve severe punishment!"
Fang Qingyue nodded gently, with a hint of worry in her eyes: "Yes, the conspiracy behind this is probably more than that. Fortunately, Prince Shen arrived in time last night and rescued these children, but these things are not over yet."
Jian Xianzhi's eyes glared, and after a moment's contemplation, he said firmly, "Doctor Fang, rest assured. I will report this matter to the Emperor in detail. I will investigate this matter thoroughly and will not allow these people to cause trouble again."
Fang Qingyue felt a little relieved by Jian Xianzhi's resolute attitude. She smiled softly, "General Jian, seeing you inspecting the capital today also reassures me. With soldiers like you protecting the capital, the people's lives will be much better."
Jian Xianzhi's expression softened a bit. He looked at Fang Qingyue with concern in his eyes. "Doctor Fang, you are a woman, yet you dared to stand up to these villains. It's truly admirable. If you need any help in the future, please feel free to ask."
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly and shook her head gently: "General Jian, you are too serious. It's just that the affairs of these children are very touching. I just did what I could."
Jian Xianzhi nodded, then looked at Aunt Xu's family, his tone filled with concern: "Auntie, the capital has been quite unstable recently. You and your family should be extra careful. If there are any unusual situations, please inform the authorities immediately or come to us."
Aunt Xu nodded hurriedly, her eyes full of gratitude. "Thank you for your concern, General. Our family will definitely pay more attention. It's really thanks to Doctor Fang and you good officials that we are safe."
Fang Qingyue smiled slightly and looked at Jian Xianzhi: "General Jian, the guards patrolling the streets have worked hard. If you need anything, our clinic is ready to provide medicinal materials to help you."
A hint of gratitude flashed in Jian Xianzhi's eyes, and he nodded solemnly to Fang Qingyue: "Thank you very much, Doctor Fang. I will continue my inspection and notify you immediately if I find anything."
Just as Jian Xianzhi and Fang Qingyue said goodbye, Shen Yuhan appeared at the end of the street.
He was dressed in a dark robe, the jade pendant around his waist flickered slightly in the morning light, and he exuded a cold aura.
Shen Yuhan's eyes were calm and his steps were firm, but when he approached the clinic and saw Fang Qingyue and Jian Xianzhi having a cordial conversation, a barely perceptible coldness flashed in his eyes.
Shen Yuhan walked forward calmly, but the faint gloom between his brows could not be completely concealed.
His eyes moved between Jian Xianzhi and Fang Qingyue, and his voice was low and a little cold: "General Jian is quite busy today. He actually patrolled here."
Jian Xianzhi turned around upon hearing the voice and saw that it was Shen Yuhan. He immediately clasped his fists and saluted with a hint of respect on his face: "Prince Shen, good morning. Today I was ordered by the Emperor to inspect the capital and happened to pass by here, so I chatted with Doctor Fang for a few words."
Fang Qingyue noticed the unhappiness in Shen Yuhan's tone, her eyes moved slightly, and she pondered in her heart, but she remained calm. She just stood quietly by and let the two talk.
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