The Doctor's Growing Fame and Unwanted Attention

Mo Bei sighed as he stepped out of the medical hall, his fingers rubbing the bridge of his nose. His days in the capital had turned into an endless whirlwind of consultations, system notifications, and political maneuvering. Ever since the governor had taken an interest in his work, his name had spread like wildfire through the noble circles. It was both a blessing and a curse.

A fresh breeze carried the scent of blooming osmanthus flowers, and he turned his head slightly. The noblewoman, Lin Ruo, stood a few feet away, watching him with a curious expression. Her embroidered silk dress shimmered under the lanterns, and there was an amused glint in her deep brown eyes.

"You seem exhausted, Doctor Mo," she said, stepping forward. "Perhaps you should take better care of yourself. Who will save you if you collapse?"

Mo Bei chuckled, shaking his head. "I appreciate the concern, Lady Lin, but there are too many people relying on me to rest just yet."

The system chimed in at that moment, its familiar blue screen appearing in his vision.

[System Notification: Reputation among nobility increased!] [New Title Unlocked: 'The Capital's Divine Doctor'] [New Quest: Navigate the Web of Intrigue - Avoid or Counter Assassination Attempts]

Mo Bei frowned at the last notification. The previous warning about an assassin had not been a joke. His fame was beginning to make him a target.

The Web of Women and Politics

It wasn't just Lin Ruo's presence that complicated matters. More and more noble ladies had taken an interest in him, each trying to draw his attention in different ways.

"Doctor Mo, this is a special silk handkerchief, embroidered personally by me. It is said to bring good fortune," Lady Su Mei giggled as she extended a finely stitched cloth towards him.

"Doctor Mo, if you ever need rare medicinal herbs, my family has an exclusive stock from the south," Lady Yan whispered, leaning in just a little too close.

Mo Bei sighed inwardly. If he accepted these favors, he'd be tangled in noble politics even more than he already was. He had no time for romance—not when there were still diseases to cure, sanitation systems to implement, and now, assassination attempts to worry about.

Yet, there was something different about Lin Ruo. She didn't force herself on him like the others. She watched, waited, and listened.

"You are troubled."

Mo Bei turned to see Lin Ruo watching him closely. Unlike the other noble ladies who flirted openly, she had a more refined, measured approach.

"Trouble is part of my daily life," he admitted.

She smirked. "Then it seems I must ensure you don't drown in it."

A Lesson in Medicine, A Lesson in Trust

Mo Bei found an unexpected opportunity to test his growing influence when a minor noble, Lord Qian, fell gravely ill. His previous doctors had failed, and his family, desperate, finally turned to Mo Bei.

As Mo Bei entered the sickroom, the system activated.

[Diagnosis: Early-stage tuberculosis] [Symptoms: Chronic cough, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss] [Hypothetical Disease Monster: A frail but persistent phantom, coughing as it hovers near its victim.] [Suggested Treatment: Herbal remedies, rest, dietary improvement, and improved ventilation.]

The noble family hovered anxiously as Mo Bei prepared an herbal decoction. He worked efficiently, explaining his methods as he moved.

Lin Ruo, who had accompanied him, listened intently. "You make medicine seem like both an art and a science."

"It is," Mo Bei replied. "Many healers rely only on tradition, but observation and logic are just as important. Disease is like a puzzle—you must understand it before you can defeat it."

She studied him thoughtfully. "I believe that is why you are different, Mo Bei. You do not simply treat patients. You change the very way people think about healing."

Mo Bei wasn't sure how to respond to that. He wasn't used to such deep praise. But before he could dwell on it, the system chimed again.

[System Notification: Major Treatment Completed!] [Rewards: +80 System Points, New Skill Acquired - 'Refined Herbalism'] [System Shop Unlocked: Rare Eastern Medicine Texts]

His abilities were growing. But so were his responsibilities.

The Assassination Attempt

Later that evening, as Mo Bei walked through the quieter streets, he felt a chill run down his spine.

[Warning! Danger detected!]

He barely had time to react before a blade whistled through the air. His instincts, honed from countless system battles in hypothetical dungeons, took over. He dodged, spinning around to see a masked figure clad in black.

Lin Ruo had followed him and gasped in horror. "Mo Bei!"

The assassin lunged again, but Mo Bei was ready. With his improved agility from the system's stat boosts, he sidestepped and struck back, disarming his attacker.

The man fled, but not before Mo Bei managed to grab a scrap of fabric from his sleeve. The insignia embroidered on it made his blood run cold. A noble family had ordered his death.

Lin Ruo hurried to his side. "You're hurt!"

Mo Bei glanced at the shallow cut on his arm. "It's nothing serious."

But her fingers trembled as she reached out to touch his wound. "You are not just a healer anymore, Mo Bei. You have become someone people want to control… or eliminate."

He met her eyes, realizing the truth in her words. His work was no longer just about medicine. It was about power, influence, and survival.

And Lin Ruo—whether he wanted to admit it or not—was now someone he trusted in this treacherous game.

As they walked back together, the system gave one last notification for the night.

[New Quest Unlocked: Identify the Forces Behind the Assassination Attempt.]

Mo Bei sighed. There was never a dull moment in the capital.