Qi Qian had heard from his childhood friends that Qin Liu Xi had a peculiar temperament, but he had never realized how sharp-tongued she could be until now.
What? Cause for celebration?
Repressing his frustration, Qi Qian took a deep breath and said, "We were ignorant and unaware of the existence of such a place as Wanhuai Forest."
Qin Liu Xi nodded in agreement. "That's why one should be careful with their words and not venture into dense forests carelessly. It's easy to get into trouble."
I suspect you're joking around, but I don't have evidence.
Ying Nan gritted his teeth. "Since you knew about it, why did you lead us into that forest deliberately?"
"Ying Nan!" Qi Qian was starting to get annoyed, glaring at him.
Ying Nan shrunk back, feeling wronged.
"I took that road because it's a shortcut. Walking through Wanhuai Forest saves half an hour compared to the official road back to the city!" Qin Liu Xi explained. "Besides, with righteousness in my heart, I'm not afraid of any shadows. If you have virtue, you won't fear evil spirits."
You son of a b***h, are you cursing at them indirectly?
Ying Nan wanted to say something, but was pulled back by Fire Wolf, so he had to retreat.
"In any case, it was our ignorance that led us astray. As you said, luck played a part," Qi Qian said calmly.
Qin Liu Xi stared at him. "Luck? Actually, one must be cautious with their words, especially when dealing with matters related to Buddhism and Taoism. If one's mouth is not disciplined, it might lead to karmic consequences. Perhaps you wandered off because of some misconduct? Some things, you may not believe, but you must show respect. What do you think, young master?"
Ying Nan, who had no self-control over his mouth: "!"
Qi Qian understood the warning in her words. He suspected that Qin Liu Xi had seen Ying Nan's disrespectful behavior towards the Taoist yesterday, hence her reprimand today.
"I've learned my lesson," he bowed again.
Qin Liu Xi waved her hand. "That's enough."
"Not-Seeking Master, I've heard of your extraordinary medical skills. We sincerely request your assistance," Qi Qian said. "It's said that a doctor has the heart of a parent. Please, Not-Seeking Master, accompany me to diagnose and treat our elders at home."
"Wrong person," Qin Liu Xi didn't even look back. "I'm just a little knowledgeable about medical principles, that's all."
"Ten thousand taels," Qi Qian spoke up from behind her.
Qin Liu Xi paused in her steps.
"As long as Master is willing to help, I'm willing to offer ten thousand taels as a consultation fee," Qi Qian continued.
Qin Liu Xi turned around, smiling. "What did you just say?"
"Ten thousand taels as a fee," Qi Qian repeated.
"No, the sentence before that," Qin Liu Xi's smile widened.
Qi Qian was a bit puzzled. After a moment of thought, he said, "Not-Seeking Master..."
"Ah," Qin Liu Xi chuckled. "Young master, what were you seeking me for?"
Qi Qian: "..."
Ying Nan and the others had already put their hands on their sword hilts, ready to draw them out at any moment, infuriated!
"Qian came to seek medical help. If Not-Seeking Master is willing to accompany Qian to diagnose and treat our elders at home, Qian is willing to offer ten thousand taels as a fee," Qi Qian said patiently.
Qin Liu Xi waved her hand. "Seeking medical help? The fee doesn't matter much. After all, a doctor has the heart of a parent, especially when young master is so filial. Even the heavens would be moved by your filial piety. So, where's the patient? Let's go!"
Qi Qian and the others felt amused by her seemingly pure and elegant words. They almost believed her.
"It's not easy for our elders to travel. I'm afraid we'll have to trouble Master to travel far. It's in a villa near Ningzhou Prefecture, about a three-day journey from here," Qi Qian explained.
"Ningzhou? It's quite a long journey. I'm afraid of trouble, and my health isn't very good..." Qin Liu Xi trailed off.
Qi Qian hurriedly said, "You don't need to worry about anything on the journey. I'll take care of all the arrangements."
"In that case, first of all, the carriage must be spacious and shock-absorbent. I'd like to drink premium Da Hong Pao tea, and since the journey is long and stuffy, we can't skimp on the tea and snacks..." Qin Liu Xi's demands continued.
Ying Nan, listening from behind, had a black face. Why did these requests sound more like they were going on a pleasure trip?