Qi Qian watched as Chen Pi brought in the garments, his gaze shifting to Qin Liusi, who sat calmly sipping tea nearby, suddenly finding it difficult to read this individual. One might accuse her of being greedy, yet she hadn't even inquired about the fee for treating Xi Zheng; she had simply saved the child with precious medicines and medical skills promised by the other party. But one might also argue she wasn't greedy, yet it took a substantial sum of ten thousand taels of silver to engage her services. "Judging someone by their plate of food!" Qi Qian muttered, his tone tinged with bitterness.
"Hmm?" Qin Liusi glanced over.
Qi Qian continued, "Speaking of Doctor Qin, it's rather unfair. The treatment towards Xi Zheng is tolerant and compassionate. Could it be solely because she's a young lady?"
"Indeed," Qin Liusi leaned closer, winked mischievously, and replied, "If Master Qi were a young lady, you'd receive the same treatment from me." Qi Qian instinctively leaned back, avoiding eye contact, his ears slightly reddened, and asked, "The medicine Doctor Qin administered to the child, I wonder what it's called. And about that Jinchuang Medicine, is it possible for Doctor Qin to part with it? Rest assured, the matter of silver is negotiable."
Qin Liusi set down her teacup, sighed, and said, "It's getting late. I'm afraid it's time to retire. Master Qi, being young and frail, I shall not keep you up any longer!" Just as Chen Pi emerged, she motioned for him, and they both headed towards the room that had already been arranged for them.
Qi Qian: "..."
Huilang, who had been watching the exchange without daring to speak, stifled a laugh, feeling a mix of amusement and restraint.
Qi Qian seemed to sense something and glanced over, "Is everything arranged?"
Huilang immediately stood up straight, bowing, "Rest assured, Master, everything has been arranged. We'll take turns keeping watch."
Qi Qian nodded, "Remain vigilant; they might attract unwanted trouble."
"Understood."
Xi Zheng, now clad in peasant attire, walked out, hearing the conversation, she paused, lips pursed, and glanced over at Qi Qian. His expression was cold and aloof, almost devoid of sympathy. He said, "If it turns out that way, I will only eject you both." He lacked the compassion of Qin Liusi.
Xi Zheng clenched her fists, bowed slightly, and said, "After speaking with Master, I will have the household servants take my brother and leave."
Chen Pi emerged and said, "The master has retired and instructed Miss Xi not to come over. Rest early."
Xi Zheng paused, looked at the room behind him, bowed again, then turned and went back.
Chen Pi then went out again. Yingen received the signal from his master and followed him, "Little Chen Pi, where are you going so late?"
"Looking for something from the villagers."
"Brother is idle, brother will accompany you."
Chen Pi smiled and said, "The master said, when you are free, it's just right. If there's anything, he will need your help!"
Yingen's eyelids twitched suddenly, feeling something ominous.
He followed Chen Pi, went to find the lodging uncle, knocked on several doors of the villagers, and groped for some things. His expression was strange.
When he returned to his master's side, he seemed a little lost, and it took two inquiries from Qi Qian for him to snap out of it.
"What's going on?"
Yingen opened his mouth, swallowed, and said, "Master, do you know what Chen Pi asked for when he went out?"
Qi Qian didn't ask, waiting for him to speak.
Yingen's expression was slightly mournful as he said, "It's yellow paper and other sacrificial items!"
God knows, when he saw Chen Pi ask for these things, his first reaction was out of place. Why would he be asking for such ominous items late at night?
Qi Qian was surprised, "Yellow paper?"