Word spread quickly through the palace and the kingdom that Jian had developed an immunization serum for the plague. Whispers of hope rippled through the noble houses and down to the common folk as the palace's most vulnerable members received the first doses. Even the prince seemed to breathe easier, though a guarded look in his eyes told Jian this crisis was far from over.
After administering another dose of the serum, Jian felt a sudden tingling in his mind as the system activated.
[System Alert: Quest Complete – Immunization Created and Administered Successfully]
Reward Unlocked: Advanced Knowledge of Alchemical Compounds
The information poured into Jian's mind, expanding his understanding of complex alchemical mixtures. He now held an encyclopedic grasp of more intricate compounds and their unique interactions, pushing his medical skills to a new level. With this knowledge, he could refine future treatments and craft solutions even for rare ailments. The timing couldn't have been better, as it empowered him to protect and heal with even greater precision, a vital asset in the complex political landscape of the kingdom.
Just as Jian absorbed this newfound knowledge, he heard a soft, rapid knocking on his door. Frost's ears perked up, and he let out a low growl. Jian approached the door cautiously, opening it just a crack to see who was outside.
To his surprise, a familiar figure slipped through the door—Li Mei, one of his patients from a few weeks earlier, who had been cured with his antiviral elixir. She was breathless and wide-eyed, her face shadowed with fear.
"Jian," she whispered urgently, glancing behind her as if someone might be watching. "I don't have much time. I came to warn you."
Jian's pulse quickened. He closed the door quickly, gesturing for her to sit. "Warn me? About what?"
She leaned forward, her voice low. "There are… factions within the kingdom who are not pleased with your work. Rumors are spreading that you're not just a healer, but a threat—a man with powers that should not belong in this world. They believe you've disrupted the natural balance, and some are saying that your treatments are unnatural, even dangerous."
Jian took a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. "I'm only trying to help people. Why would they see that as a threat?"
Li Mei shook her head. "It's more complicated than that. The noble houses—they're all vying for power in the kingdom. And some of them think that by aligning with foreign powers, they can bring the kingdom into a new era. But with you here… healing the people, gaining influence, they see you as a wild card, someone who could sway the prince's favor and disrupt their plans."
Jian clenched his fists, frustration simmering beneath his calm facade. He had come to this world with the sole intention of using his knowledge to help, but now he was being painted as a villain, an obstacle in the path of those who sought power.
"Is the prince aware of this?" he asked.
Li Mei glanced away, her silence speaking volumes.
Jian's mind raced. The prince had been sincere in his request for Jian's help, but if there were factions even within the palace who saw him as a threat, then his position was more precarious than he'd realized.
As if sensing his thoughts, Li Mei placed a hand on his arm. "Be careful, Jian. Not everyone here is your ally."
She left as quickly as she had come, disappearing into the shadows of the night. Jian locked the door behind her, his mind whirling with the implications of her warning. He had to be more cautious, to protect himself and his work from those who might wish to twist it for their own ends.
The following days passed uneventfully, yet Jian couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. He began to notice shadows lingering just out of sight, hushed whispers in the halls, and unfriendly glances from certain nobles. Frost, ever alert, stayed by his side, bristling at anyone who got too close.
Then, one night, the system chimed in his mind once again.
[System Alert: New Quest Unlocked – Expose the Conspirators]
Quest Objective: Identify and expose those who are conspiring against the royal family and endangering the kingdom's people. Reward: Enhanced Reputation, Blueprint for Medical Pavilion.]
Jian read the quest details carefully, his mind churning with a mixture of relief and unease. This quest offered him a potential solution to his predicament, but it would be dangerous. The system had guided him through many challenges, but this was different—this involved navigating the kingdom's politics, a web of alliances and betrayals he barely understood.
But there was no other choice. If he was to keep helping people and protect his work, he would need to face this head-on.
The next day, Jian began his investigation quietly, starting with the nobles who had shown hostility toward him. He attended court functions, observing carefully, noticing who interacted with whom, who whispered behind their fans or exchanged covert glances. He also spoke discreetly with the palace staff, those often overlooked but privy to the secrets hidden within these walls.
As he gathered pieces of information, a pattern began to emerge. Several nobles had recently been in contact with foreign diplomats from rival kingdoms, and a particular advisor to the prince seemed to be coordinating these meetings. This advisor, Lord Shen, had been a respected figure for many years, but Jian couldn't ignore the suspicion that the man was connected to the conspiracy.
Late one evening, Jian decided to follow Lord Shen, accompanied only by Frost. The advisor left the palace under the cover of darkness, moving swiftly through the narrow streets of the kingdom. Jian kept his distance, moving silently, his heart pounding as he slipped from shadow to shadow.