Chapter 47 Mr. Gu's Consultation

Outside Jiuling Hall, besides Jinyiwei, there were quite a few commoners pointing and murmuring anxiously as they watched.

The people of the capital still remembered the conflict between Jiuling Hall and Thousand-Man Commander Lu of Jinyiwei. Unlike their previous fearful demeanor, the commoners' expressions remained tense but now carried a hint of indignation.

If the Jinyiwei had intentions to make things difficult for Miss Jun now, surely, the surrounding crowd wouldn't disperse just from a glance by Lu Yunqi.

After all, though Miss Jun had been a divine doctor, her previously high and demanding conditions for treatment seemed unapproachable and were merely objects of admiration for the common folk, unrelated to their direct interests. But now, things had changed. Miss Jun had provided a remedy for smallpox, lifting a nightmarish burden off the shoulders of parents.

She had relieved them of one nightmare, perhaps she could alleviate many more.

Caring for someone like her meant caring for themselves, and for their own safety and survival, people tend to be braver.

This reality may sound cruel, but it's also just, for there is no love without reason in this world.

Miss Jun rather liked this kind of justice, because it was reliable and comforting.

"I am going to give Prince Huai a follow-up examination," she said to Fang Jinxiu and Liu'er as they saw her off.

This was actually an explanation for the commoners outside.

As expected, upon hearing this, the crowd relaxed, and some even patted their chests, transforming the tense atmosphere into one of light-hearted joy.

Miss Jun boarded the carriage, and only then did Lu Yunqi urge his horse forward, his gaze never once settling on the people in the street, nor caring about their expressions.

Miss Jun met Prince Huai in the main hall, wearing his royal attire, seemingly having grown taller and looked much healthier than three months ago.

"The prince's recovery is going very well," she said with a smile.

This smile was heartfelt.

Prince Huai responded with a smile and a nod.

"Miss Jun has superb medical skills," he said crisply, with impeccable manners.

"Is medication needed now?" Mr. Gu asked from the side.

Mr. Gu's question was quite interesting. Miss Jun glanced at him.

After all, Prince Huai's bout with smallpox was publicly known, and it was also known to the public that those who have recovered from smallpox don't need medication.

Miss Jun shook her head.

"Waiting another three days would be better," she said.

No one objected to her decision, and Prince Huai even seemed pleased, casting a look at Mr. Gu.

"Sir, there's no need to postpone today's lesson then," he said.

This also served as a cue for dismissal. Watching Prince Huai, Miss Jun sighed inwardly. Although they had met, there still seemed to be a great distance between their hearts.

There was no helping it; she had to take it slow.

As she was about to take her leave ceremoniously, Mr. Gu spoke up.

"Speaking of lessons, I actually have something to ask Miss Jun," he said.

To inquire? Miss Jun looked at him.

"Your Highness may go ahead to the study room and wait for me," Mr. Gu said to Prince Huai, not asking but merely suggesting with a smile.

A hint of surprise flickered in Prince Huai's eyes, but he obediently rose from his seat.

"It is an honor for the adult to escort His Highness there," Mr. Gu continued, addressing Lu Yunqi.

Miss Jun also had a flash of surprise in her eyes, amazed at Mr. Gu's ability to speak in such a manner to Lu Yunqi, and watching as Lu Yunqi stepped back to wait for Prince Huai to catch up.

The figures of the adult and the young prince disappeared inside the hall.

But it was not so surprising after all; Mr. Gu was one of Lu Yunqi's men, and whether Lu Yunqi was present or not, Miss Jun lowered her gaze.

"Miss Jun discovered a vaccination method to control smallpox, and I am quite curious about this," Mr. Gu said straightforwardly.

Is further verification needed?

Miss Jun responded affirmatively and explained about the vaccination that she had previously described to the emperor and Empress Dowager.

Mr. Gu smiled and nodded.

"I don't quite understand this," he said.

Miss Jun slightly frowned, about to speak again, but Mr. Gu had already continued talking.

"I don't care about this," he said.

Not care? Why ask about vaccination if not interested?

Miss Jun frowned again, but before she could say anything, Mr. Gu, standing opposite, spoke again.

"I'm curious, did Miss Jun think of this method while treating smallpox?" he asked, his eyes on Miss Jun, "Or did you learn it from someone else?"

Learn from someone else?

Miss Jun felt a chill down her spine.

So, had someone discovered her mentorship?

Miss Jun always believed that heaven is fair; besides giving her a rebirth, it also blessed her with a perfect identity.

Jun Family has been practicing medicine for generations and owned a medical clinic called Jiuling Hall.

She could freely use the skills she once possessed without having to explain their origins.

Just like treating Fang Chengyu's illness and detoxifying him could be credited to Jiuling Hall's ancestral secret recipes, just like explaining the origins of the vaccination to the Doctors could be credited to the wisdom of past ancestors.

Even though Jun Family's Jiuling Hall was obscure in previous generations, who could deny that there might be a prodigious talent emerging in one generation?

There are many child prodigies in the world, and there's no rule that a prodigy's father must also be a prodigy.

Additionally, having made a name for herself in Runan praised by the folks, people, with respect in their hearts, would mythologize and as they reminisce about Jun Family's past generations, even ordinary matters could be painted in a different light. Passing this on, Jiuling Hall of Jun Family might become something miraculous.

Another aspect was Master, a mysterious figure; many knew he was powerful, but his whereabouts were erratic, and his methods of curing and helping people were odd and scarce during his time in the capital; almost no one knew him well, let alone recognize his mentorship.

But now, it seems nothing is absolute in this world.

It wasn't the imperial physician who had dealt with her mentor, but rather the candidate for the civil service exam, confined by Prince Huai from Huzhou, or possibly Lu Yunqi.

"You need not overthink; Thousand-Man Commander Lu won't bother with such matters," Mr. Gu's words came again, as if he could see through her thoughts. "He is the type of man who does not speculate but acts."

Speculating or acting, either way, what of it?

Miss Jun lifted her head and smiled.

"There isn't much to think about," she said, "Mr. Gu is right."

Mr. Gu looked at her.

"I learned from my ancestors; although I came up with it while treating smallpox, strictly speaking, it wasn't just my doing, but the accumulation of experience and teachings passed down through generations," Miss Jun said, "It was just through me that these efforts of predecessors were finally successful."

Mr. Gu laughed, nodded, and took a few steps forward.

"Miss Jun's words make sense," he said, "My previous question was abrupt, I meant no offense."

He paused here.

"It just reminded me of an old acquaintance."

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Thanks to the southern ice, ?The last shot? for rewarding with He's Bi (~~~~(>_<)~~~~ Thank you all.