The Martial Doctor

After all, speaking solely of the materials, their value is truly considerable. Brass is worthless; the value lies in these two pieces of colorless glass inside and the craftsmanship involved.

At most, this is the price.

However, price and value are two different matters; there’s also the personal sentiment involved, and that makes it significant.

"Such a precious item, I’m afraid I cannot accept it, Cheng Delang. You should take it back." Pei Jian said.

"Official Pei, it’s just a small trinket. For my humble self, it’s nothing significant. Moreover, it doesn’t count as a bribe, as I have no favors to ask of you. At most, it’s a small gift exchanged between colleagues." Lin Miao smiled, "If you feel uncomfortable about it, you can give me a small gift in return, and we’ll call it even?"

"Well..." Pei Jian was bewildered by Lin Miao’s tactic of asking for a gift. There are plenty who give gifts each year, but few who ask for them.

"Cheng Delang, what kind of gift do you desire? I haven’t prepared anything." Pei Jian said.

"I heard that Official Pei is skilled in both calligraphy and painting. Could you perhaps gift me a piece of your calligraphy?" Lin Miao suggested.

Calligraphy?

His calligraphy is decent, yet still miles away from being excellent.

However, over the past year, he has had time to calm down and his writing has improved considerably. No longer does he worry about embarrassing himself when writing for others.

"What should I write?"

"Whatever you wish, just don’t overtly praise while secretly criticizing," Lin Miao replied with a sly smile.

"That’s impossible."

Pei Jian pondered for a moment. The two went to the study, spread out the paper, prepared the ink, dipped the brush, and wrote the four large characters "Healing Hands Revive Spring."

"Splendid calligraphy, I will find someone to frame it and hang it in Yongning Hall," Lin Miao praised, clapping his hands.

"Forgive my poor skills." Hearing this compliment, Pei Jian felt as if he had drunk a fine wine, his face flushed with satisfaction.

"Official Pei, please use your seal!"

Pei Jian hesitated for a moment, but finally gritted his teeth and used his prized seal, solemnly inscribing a dedication.

Using a seal is meticulous; if it’s just writing with nothing left behind, it can be nullified with no acknowledgment. Even if it is his writing, who knows how this half-finished piece came to be?

But with a seal, it’s definitely written by oneself and acknowledged as so, and the type of seal represents the person’s status in the signer’s heart.

People often seek calligraphy from Pei Jian, so the seal used in dedications varies according to personal friendships or commercial transactions; even the signatures and inscriptions differ.

"Thank you, Official Pei, for your calligraphy. I will personally frame it and cherish it!" Lin Miao bowed with gratitude.

"Cheng Delang, do you know how to frame?"

"Just a bit."

"Master, there’s a guest!"

"I won’t disturb Official Pei while you meet your esteemed guest; I take my leave!" Lin Miao understood upon hearing this and knew it was time to leave.

"I will escort you from the premises." Pei Jian insisted on seeing him off, and Lin Miao couldn’t refuse. But he couldn’t let Pei Jian escort him all the way to the door; accompanying him to the courtyard was enough.

This was more than enough to show respect.

The message had been conveyed to Pei Jian; what actions he took next were beyond Lin Miao’s influence.

However, if Pei Jian had the vision, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity to aid the Crown Prince in ascending to power.

After Lin Miao left, Pei Jian casually dismissed the next guest, sat solemnly in his study for almost an hour, instructed not to be disturbed, and refused all visitors.

Finally, he made his decision. He quickly penned a letter, called his trusted guard in, handed over the letter, and whispered a few instructions.

...

Lin Miao went straight home after leaving the government office.

Guangmiao had already departed, but Jing Hui was still there. She was practically broke, with nowhere to go even if she left.

Had Lin Miao not kindly offered her a place to stay, she truly wouldn’t know what to do next.

"Hui, we need to carefully plan the rescue operation. Regarding the Blood Evil, I just received news from Official Pei that the Blood Evil was sought by the court for attempting to assassinate the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort. Once his hiding place in the Marquis Lingyang’s estate outside the city is discovered, the court will surely pursue him. At that time, we’ll have our chance to save the person we’re looking for." Lin Miao explained.

"Ah?!" Jing Hui was shocked upon hearing this, "Mr. Lin, did you say Blood Evil attempted to assassinate the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort, is that true?"

"It should be true; this is what Official Pei himself told me. How can it be false?" Lin Miao said. "Don’t worry, I will arrange for people to watch the Marquis Lingyang’s Mansion. Once there’s news, you’ll be informed immediately."

"Oh, yes, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Lin." Jing Hui was somewhat unsettled; this news seemed even more surprising to her.

"Are you comfortable with your room? If anything is needed, don’t hesitate to ask, no need for formalities." Lin Miao advised.

"Thank you."

...

"Xiaorui, go and call Miaoxue and Mei’Er over." After Jing Hui left, Lin Miao instructed Liansuo.

"Oh, understood." Reluctantly answering, Liansuo, who stood by the door holding a sword, showed no intention of moving.

"Why are you dawdling there? Go quickly!" Lin Miao said irritably. With so many women, situations like this often arise, where they inevitably spar with one another.