Shen Rushan had made many contributions before finally climbing to the position of Assistant Minister of Justice, but now, because of Ye Ming, all his efforts over the past few days have been in vain.
His deep, calm eyes were bloodshot. He knew that this matter of banned drugs had truly angered His Majesty, and that he had been demoted in order to appease Grand Tutor Chu.
It's easy to go down, but difficult to go up.
A month of seclusion for self-reflection? Who knows what will happen after that month?
Shen Feng's legs went weak; he never expected the emperor's punishment to be so severe.
It took Shen Rushan three years to become a senior official in the Ministry of Justice and gain the Emperor's favor. Now that his official position has been demoted, he doesn't know how long it will take for him to climb back to his original position.
At this moment, he truly hated the Ye family and Song Zhiyu.
*
Outside the palace gates.
"Grand Tutor Chu, wait a moment." Shen Rushan called out to Grand Tutor Chu, who was about to board his carriage and leave, a smile with a hint of ingratiation on his lips.
Grand Tutor Chu stopped in front of the carriage, his tone indifferent, "What business does Physician Shen have?"
He used to admire Shen Rushan's talent, but after the doping incident, it became difficult for Grand Tutor Chu to give Shen Rushan a friendly look.
Upon hearing this, Pei Qingyan, who was standing to the side, spoke up quietly and corrected Grand Tutor Chu's address, "Grand Tutor, you are wrong. His Majesty's decree has just been issued. You should now address Lord Shen as Assistant Minister Shen."
Upon hearing the words "Yuanwailang," Shen Rushan's face twisted almost imperceptibly, and he spoke each word as if squeezed out from between his teeth, "I feel very guilty about your daughter's matter, and I hope that Grand Tutor Chu can give me a chance to atone for my sins."
"No need," Grand Tutor Chu waved his hand, he didn't believe the Shen family was a den of vipers.
Seeing that he was about to leave, Shen Rushan hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, "This humble official has a way to invite the divine physician Liangyue to treat Miss Chu's illness."
Shen Rushan couldn't believe that Chu Taifu wouldn't be tempted after offering such a large reward.
"You should keep this miracle doctor for yourself; I, the Grand Tutor, don't need him," Grand Tutor Chu retorted irritably.
In the past, he might have accepted Shen Rushan's apology. But now, with Song Zhiyu's help, he no longer needs the Divine Physician Liangyue's intervention.
Shen Rushan's confident expression froze for a moment when he heard Chu Taifu's slightly disdainful voice; he couldn't believe his ears.
The renowned physician Liangyue is extremely fortunate to be treated by her, yet Grand Tutor Chu has refused!
This move caught Chen Rushan completely off guard, leaving him unsure how to proceed with his plans. He could only stare blankly as the Chu family's carriage drove away.
*
Three days later, at the Grand Tutor's residence.
Song Zhiyu withdrew the silver needle, stuffed a small piece of candied fruit into Chu Sangyue's mouth, and did not forget to instruct the maid beside her: "This is a new prescription. Remember to make sure Sangyue finishes the medicine."
"This servant understands." The maid took the prescription with both hands, her expression serious. It concerned her young mistress, so she dared not be negligent in the slightest.
"The first course of treatment is almost complete. I will start the second course in three days." Song Zhiyu closed the medicine box, reached out and rubbed Chu Sangyue's head, a hint of joy appearing on her tired face.
Chu Sangyue looked at Song Zhiyu with her bright eyes and tugged at her sleeve, "Zhiyu, are you going back?"
Song Zhiyu nodded and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Sang Yue, I'm leaving now. Remember to take your medicine on time. I'll come see you again in three days."
After giving the necessary instructions, Song Zhiyu picked up her medicine box and walked out the door.
She was preoccupied with matters concerning the second course of treatment and did not notice Shen Mingyi and Liang Yue standing not far away.
Seeing Song Zhiyu walk straight past them without even glancing at them, Shen Mingyi's already displeased expression grew even darker.
This is the third time they have been turned away by the Chu family, who said they would not receive the Shen family.
But Song Zhiyu can come and go freely in and out of the Grand Tutor's mansion. Does that mean she isn't a member of the Shen family?
Isn't this a blatant slap in the face to the Marquis's mansion?
Before he could vent his anger, he turned around but couldn't see Song Zhiyu anywhere.
"Let's go back first." Liang Yue's expression was also not good. After practicing medicine for many years, this was the first time she had been ignored like this.
Especially after she became known as the Divine Physician Liangyue, everyone treated her with utmost respect, except for this Grand Tutor Chu, who was completely unyielding and truly detestable.
"Yue'er, you've really been wronged. No wonder Grand Tutor Chu has been avoiding us; it turns out Song Zhiyu was behind it all." Shen Mingyi suddenly realized, feeling that he had uncovered the truth.
Liang Yue's eyes flickered slightly. "What do you mean by that? Could it be that our being turned away has something to do with the Second Miss?"
Shen Mingyi sneered, speaking with great conviction, "Song Zhiyu was afraid that you were more capable than her and cured Chu Sangyue first, so she devised a plan to have Grand Tutor Chu refuse us entry, so as not to let you steal her thunder."
"I never expected the Second Miss to be this kind of person. A doctor should prioritize the patient, not act according to their own selfish desires."
"What if Miss Chu's illness is delayed because of the Second Miss's selfish desires?" Liang Yue said indignantly, following Shen Mingyi's lead and blaming Song Zhiyu.
"If only she had even a fraction of your kindness," Shen Mingyi said with deep affection as he gazed at Liang Yue.
Liang Yue lowered her head shyly, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I'm not as good as you say, but I understand the most basic responsibilities of a doctor."
As Shen Mingyi recalled his childhood, his hard features softened considerably. "That's enough. It was because of your kindness that I am who I am today."
I remember you used to wear a very fine jade pendant around your waist, and you wouldn't let anyone touch it; you treasured it dearly. Why don't I see you wearing that pendant anymore?
"I accidentally lost that jade pendant." Liang Yue's smile faded considerably, and a hint of nervousness appeared in her eyes. She casually made up a lie to get by.
Shen Mingyi believed her without question and didn't ask any more questions.
If it's lost, it's lost. He'll just buy Yue'er an even better one.
Liang Yue paused, her tone somewhat uneasy, "Didn't Madam tell us to return to the manor early today? Since we can't see Grand Tutor Chu, let's go first."
After saying that, without waiting for Shen Mingyi's response, Liang Yue took the lead and walked ahead, leaving him with only a slightly flustered back view.
*
The main courtyard of the Marquis of Chengen's residence.
The afternoon sun shone through the intricately carved window frames, casting its light into the main courtyard filled with laughter and chatter.
Madam Shen gently twirled the prayer beads in her hand, gazing kindly at the man in brocade sitting beside her.
"Xu'er is of marriageable age now, isn't he?" Although Old Madam Shen's gaze was on Qin Xu, she was speaking to Madam Qin.
Madam Qin looked smug. In her eyes, it was already a great achievement for her son to pass the imperial examination. "Yes, this child has always thought about settling down before starting a career. Although he has passed the imperial examination, he has not yet found a suitable person."
If the old lady has a suitable candidate, she should consider giving Xu'er some consideration.
She was somewhat aware of why Old Madam Shen had specially invited them to the Marquis's residence, and since she also wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Marquis's family, she readily agreed.
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