Whispers of Power and Affection

The grand halls of the provincial capital's governor's residence were abuzz with discussions. The air carried whispers of a village doctor whose name was rising in noble circles. Mo Bei had not only treated patients from influential families but also proposed ideas that unsettled the establishment. The city's elite, particularly the royal representatives, were beginning to take notice.

Mo Bei, however, remained unbothered by the shifting tides of power. He continued his work, diagnosing patients, treating ailments, and now, navigating the growing complexities of political entanglements.

A Formal Invitation

One evening, as he prepared medicine in his temporary quarters, a knock echoed against the wooden doors. A servant, dressed in regal livery, presented him with an invitation sealed in gold wax.

"The royal court has summoned you, Doctor Mo."

The noblewoman, Lin Ruo, who had been visiting frequently under the guise of checking on her relative's condition, frowned upon seeing the insignia. "The court does not summon commoners without reason," she muttered. "You must be careful."

Mo Bei sighed, wiping his hands. "I expected this sooner or later." He glanced at her, noticing the slight furrow of her brow. "Are you worried for me, Lady Lin?"

She looked away, feigning indifference. "A healer who stirs trouble might find himself in a predicament he cannot cure."

A small smile tugged at Mo Bei's lips. Despite her noble upbringing, Lin Ruo was different from the others. She listened when he spoke about the importance of hygiene and medicine. She even helped in his treatments at times, though she tried to hide her concern beneath layers of formality.

The Court's Inquiry

At the royal assembly, Mo Bei stood before a panel of officials, some of whom were skeptical of his methods. A nobleman, dressed in elaborate silk robes, scrutinized him with sharp eyes. "You claim to heal with techniques unheard of. Your scalpel, your strange methods—do you not think them sacrilegious?"

Mo Bei remained calm. "I use what is effective. Would you rather let people die clinging to tradition, or save lives using what works?"

A murmur spread across the chamber. Some nobles nodded in agreement, while others scoffed at his audacity.

An elder official, one closely tied to the imperial family, spoke next. "Your methods… they seem useful, but unsettling. Yet, I cannot ignore the results. The people of the capital speak of your treatments. Even the governor vouches for you."

A younger noble, clearly displeased, scoffed. "A village doctor gaining such recognition? It is a disgrace!"

Before Mo Bei could respond, another voice cut through the room.

"You speak of disgrace, yet you rely on these so-called 'charlatans' when your own healers fail."

All heads turned to Lin Ruo, who stepped forward with practiced grace. Her presence commanded attention, and her words carried weight.

"My own cousin was on the brink of death, and it was Doctor Mo who saved him when others had given up." She met the eyes of the skeptical nobles. "Do any of you have the right to dismiss a man who has proven his worth?"

The hall fell silent.

A Growing Influence

Following the court session, Mo Bei was granted an official status as a recognized healer, though with restrictions placed on him by those who still doubted his methods. His influence, however, continued to grow.

The system chimed:

[System Notification: Title Unlocked – Recognized Physician of the Capital. Access to restricted medicinal herbs granted.]

With this new status, he gained access to rare ingredients previously reserved for imperial physicians. However, this also meant that he was now under closer scrutiny.

Back at his quarters, Lin Ruo sighed as she poured tea for both of them. "You do realize you've made enemies among the court, don't you?"

Mo Bei took a sip, unfazed. "It was inevitable. If they fear me, then they acknowledge my value."

She shook her head, a mix of exasperation and admiration in her gaze. "You enjoy stirring trouble."

He chuckled. "Only when trouble is worth stirring."

A Brewing Storm

As days passed, Mo Bei noticed subtle shifts in the city. More nobles came to him in secret, seeking his expertise. Some sought genuine help, while others tested him, waiting for a reason to discredit him.

The real threat, however, came from beyond the court. Hidden forces, those who profited from keeping medicine exclusive to the elite, had begun to take notice. The same assassin who had previously targeted him had yet to make another move, but Mo Bei could feel the growing tension.

One evening, Lin Ruo found him lost in thought. "You look troubled," she noted.

"Power struggles," he admitted. "Medicine should be for everyone, yet it's being hoarded by the privileged. If I push too hard, I might make enemies I can't handle."

Lin Ruo studied him carefully before speaking. "Then tread carefully, but do not stop."

He looked at her, surprised by her unwavering support. "You believe in what I do?"

A slight smile played on her lips. "I believe in results. And you have proven yourself."

For the first time since arriving in the capital, Mo Bei felt an unfamiliar warmth in his chest. Lin Ruo wasn't just an ally—she was someone who saw him for who he truly was.

And in a world filled with uncertainty, that meant more than he could express.