The servant escorting them was not allowed to leave the mansion, making the bundle appear even bulkier.
Doctor Li reassured him, saying, "Let’s take a few steps forward, call two porters when we reach the alley entrance, and it will be fine."
Xiao Dong thought for a moment.
"Master, wait here while I go check at the alley entrance and call two people over. If there’s a carriage or sedan chair, should we take it?"
Doctor Li said, "Of course, I’m not a penny pincher. I still need to return early to tidy up the room."
Xiao Dong set the package down for Doctor Li to watch and ran toward the alley entrance. Before long, he came back around the corner, followed by a robust man.
Seeing the man was sturdy, wearing short, ready-to-fight attire with straw sandals made of hemp rope, Doctor Li was taken aback.
This was clearly a practitioner.
Doctor Li drew in a breath, contemplating how to refuse.
Xiao Dong chuckled, "Master, it turns out Brother Sixteen had already arranged for him to wait for us outside for an escort, just happened to meet him."
The man nodded as a greeting without saying much, hoisted two large bundles onto his back, grabbed the remaining three or four packages, and set off.
Upon exiting the alley, a horse-drawn carriage appeared.
The man tossed the bundles onto it and turned to invite the master and apprentice to board, "This was arranged on Marquis Gu’s orders. It may not be as elegant and comfortable as the mansion’s carriage, but you both might as well make do, it’ll be better next time."
Doctor Li and Xiao Dong breathed a sigh of relief, handling so many items was indeed troublesome otherwise.
Soon enough, they arrived at Renhe Hall.
Doctor Li and Xiao Dong disembarked with their belongings, saying, "Please thank Brother Sixteen for me when you return, and tell him we’ll invite him for a drink next time we’re in the mansion."
He then handed some broken silver to the man, offering it as tea money.
The man laughed heartily, "This isn’t a big deal; it’s all on the master’s orders from the mansion. Doctor Li came to treat illnesses with his disciple. We owe you thanks, how could I accept this? The brothers would surely mock me if they knew."
Saying so, he tossed the silver back into Xiao Dong’s arms, turned the horse around, and left.
Doctor Li remarked to Xiao Dong, "This is clearly a straightforward soldier under Marquis Gu’s command."
Xiao Dong replied, "I used to dislike visiting the grand estates with Master, but the Dingbei Marquis Mansion is an exception. They don’t throw their weight around and are quite humble."
Doctor Li hummed in acknowledgment, saying nothing further.
The lad knows nothing of people’s true feelings.
If not for Qin Yuan, they wouldn’t even be allowed close to the mansion.
...
Qin Yuan finished her tasks as usual. A young maid standing outside the corridor entered, saying, "The Director of the Hospital from the Imperial Hospital has come by the Emperor’s decree to inspect. The Marquis requests the Marchioness to proceed to the main room."
Qin Yuan hurriedly changed into attire suited for guests and headed to the main room with Hong Ye and Cui Ming.
Hong Ye remarked, "With the Director of the Hospital ordered to inspect, wouldn’t it be much more convenient if Doctor Li accompanies?"
Qin Yuan shook her head, "Professionals tend to downplay one another’s merits; it might not be necessary. Besides, there aren’t any patients left in the mansion — it’s just a formality, although the Sixth Madam’s illness must rely on him. With the Marquis speaking, he likely won’t refuse."
Not needing Doctor Li to get involved since he’s avoiding it.
I wonder if the Chen family’s past has any connection to this Director of the Hospital.
Deep in thought, she reached the main room.
Qiujie personally came to greet them, saying, "The Director of the Hospital from the Imperial Hospital and two Imperial Physicians are here. The Marquis is discussing matters related to Doctor Liu."
Qin Yuan nodded and silently followed her into the main hall.
Everyone had already taken their seats as host and guests when they saw her arrive, and naturally, they rose to greet her.
Qin Yuan sat beside Marquis Gu, carefully observing Director Pang.
He appeared to be in his fifties or sixties, of average height, fair complexion, slim build, with eyebrows slightly hinting at worry.
The two Imperial Physicians around him were in their thirties or forties, always deferring to Director Pang, looking to him for guidance.
Director Pang spoke slowly, "The Marquis submitted a memorial stating that Doctor Liu has passed away, was it due to smallpox?"
Marquis Gu replied, "I believe it was. Doctor Liu voluntarily came to the mansion out of noble intentions; at the time, no other doctor was willing to come. We completely relied on Doctor Liu’s efforts. Who would have thought he’d fall ill himself... Alas... they say illnesses strike quickly and leave slowly. Doctor Liu succumbed within just a couple of days."
As he spoke, he paused, lowering his head, appearing somewhat sorrowful.
Director Pang hesitated, "Doctor Liu held the rank of a sixth-rank official. After the estate’s opening, could his coffin perhaps..."
Marquis Gu sighed, "Regrettably, I am at a loss. Truly, some injustice was done to Doctor Liu’s family... His illness progressed rapidly, and I didn’t expect his passing to be so abrupt. By the time another doctor was summoned, Doctor Liu had already breathed his last. Doctor Liu, with his benevolent heart, specifically instructed us before his death — to prevent the rampant spread of smallpox, he was cremated on-site... leaving only an urn of blue and white porcelain of ashes."