The Martial Doctor

Once childhood friends, but grew up only to be selected into the palace, becoming strangers familiar yet distant...

"We have a way..."

"No, that’s the cold palace. Just gathering information from inside already cost a lot of resources; sending things in is simply impossible. If His Majesty finds out, Mr. Dong, even you’ll be in trouble." Zhuo Qingfeng said.

Pei Jian’s hand loosened, letting out a long sigh.

"Any movement from the Green Blade Sect?"

"The Young Sect Leader Shen An and Life-taking Saber Shen Hao disappeared in Li Hen City; there’s suspicion it’s related to the Heaven-Dominating Tower. Shen Yidao is still in seclusion with no movements yet."

"Both son and brother disappearing at the same time, yet Shen Yidao can still remain calm, working on his breakthrough. That’s not like him at all!"

"Indeed, that’s why I had an insider keep an eye on the Green Blade Sect, any sign and I’ll report immediately." Zhuo Qingfeng stated.

"The Crown Prince returns to the capital tomorrow; I’m worried that the journey might not be safe. You should take an elite unit to follow discreetly – remember not to follow too closely and pass some things to my two sons."

"Rest assured, Mr. Dong. I’ll take care of this matter properly." Zhuo Qingfeng said, standing up, bowing earnestly with a fist salute.

A subtle knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

A young attendant in blue entered the room, quickly stepping over to Zhuo Qingfeng’s ear, whispering two sentences.

Upon hearing, Zhuo Qingfeng’s expression changed and then dismissed the attendant.

This attendant was Zhuo Qingfeng’s subordinate, naturally reporting to him first upon entering, unable to bypass the hierarchy.

"What’s happened?"

"The Crown Prince went alone to Lin’s residence, stayed for two whole hours before returning to the inn." Zhuo Qingfeng said.

"Went alone? Lin Miao just returned today, right?"

"Yes, returned this afternoon and happened to come back from Li Hen City..." A thought flashed in Zhuo Qingfeng’s mind, wondering if the disappearance of Shen An and Shen Hao from the Green Blade Sect might be connected to Lin Miao.

"The Crown Prince decided to leave Dongshan tomorrow, yet someone visited Lin Miao late at night. What did they discuss?"

"Perhaps the Crown Prince just wanted Lin Miao to check him again before departing, since returning again would be rather unlikely." Zhuo Qingfeng suggested.

"Makes sense. The Crown Prince’s arrival in Dongshan was likely for lineage matters; Lin Miao’s medical expertise is unmatched here, especially in lineage – his reputation is well-known. A single man, hasn’t fathered children, yet his expertise in this area is remarkable."

"The folks even gave him a nickname – ’Gift-giving Physician’."

"Alright then, you best go prepare, gather capable personnel." Pei Jian said noticing lateness, ending the conversation with Zhuo Qingfeng.

"Mr. Dong, I won’t be spending the festival with you." Zhuo Qingfeng said, bowing with a fist salute.

"Go ahead."

...

"Master, I’m coming in." Qingtang entered Luu Wan’s room, finding she was not there despite the late hour.

She clearly remembered Luu Wan finished her work in Huaye Tower’s kitchen and returned since the Lin household head was back, wanting to report work early.

Luu Wan used to be the household’s cook before taking charge at the Huaye Tower’s kitchen, yet she still oversaw the household’s kitchen.

Though the household kitchen is mostly managed by Xiaolian now, she couldn’t ignore it, especially given her purpose for being in the Lin household.

"Where could Master be, not in her own room late at night?" Qingtang mused, about to leave when Luu Wan entered outside the door, somehow oblivious of Qingtang’s presence.

"Mrs. Wan?"

"Oh, Xiaotang, you startled me! Why’re you in my room?"

"I was about to ask you that; where did you go at this hour with your room lit but no one inside?" Qingtang queried.

"I just went out briefly..."

"Liar, I just passed by the privy and saw no one there?" Qingtang said; she’d never seen Luu Wan acting like this tonight, clearly something was up.

"I finished conveniently then washed my hands, just missed each other; isn’t that normal? Why are you so nosy tonight?" Luu Wan grumbled, "It’s late, go sleep, don’t stand around here."

"My father got married at Juxu Pass, but not remarried; he took a concubine." Qingtang remarked.

"You knew that already. He and Lanya are well-suited; your mother has been gone for a while, someone by his side to care for him, once you’re married you can be at ease, right?" Luu Wan noted.

"I understand the reasoning, but there’s still this indescribable feeling..."

"You’re not worried about Lanya having a brother competing for inheritance and titles, are you?" Luu Wan chuckled.

"I don’t care about inheritance and titles. Though women can inherit titles in Da Li, I’ve no desire to be a Marquis of Martial Peace constantly serving the throne; if she bears a sibling, I’d be freed." Qingtang explained, "Then I could join the Daoist Sect, without being bound by identity."

The Daoist Sect didn’t accept Qingtang partly due to this; as the Marquis of Martial Peace’s sole daughter, a future titleholder, taking her could lead to speculation; thus she’s listed but not formally disciple.

"Consider your marriage; you rejected the Emperor’s betrothal, so who do you want to marry?" Luu Wan asked, "Should I help introduce someone from the Daoist Sect? There are many promising disciples, who do you fancy?"

"Actually, I want to spend the festival at Juxu Pass."

"Then you must hurry for leave or you’ll miss it." Luu Wan said, "Business is bustling recently, staff is lacking although I can arrange your leave; have you thought how to explain to Supervisor Shi Yin?"

Qingtang was taken in by Huaye Tower as a homeless waif; she received much cultivation and acknowledgement by Chief Luu Wan, her identity known to Luu Wan only; taking leave seemed simply a reunion but others didn’t know, unless she "ungratefully" resigned especially during busy times.

"Maybe it’s better if I don’t this New Year, not trouble them. Exposing identity on return could unsettle them." Qingtang pondered.

"You’ve grown, showing empathy." Luu Wan smiled.

"Mrs. Wan, you’re not young either; ever thought of marriage? I meant to match you with Father yet neither of you is interested, wasted my efforts over years."

"Silly girl, your father’s excellent for friendship, but as a spouse, unsuitable for me." Luu Wan laughed wryly, trouble already looming.

"Mrs. Wan, you’ve never told why a distinguished true Daoist Sect disciple hides here at Lin?" Qingtang asked again.

"It’s personal, don’t concern yourself with it." Luu Wan replied seriously, "Don’t ask; Lin is packed with experts, be cautious speaking, overhearing could cause issues."

"Experts, better than you in Lin?" Qingtang exclaimed.

"I should say; Snow Mountain Sect Elder Helian Wanwan is here herself, at Great Perfection of Meridian Realm–without special concealment technique, she’d have noticed me. Plus, Mr. Lin’s twin attendants aren’t merely concubines but true disciples at Initial Grade Meridian Passage Realm. Even Lady Youwei might seem lacking in martial prowess but she holds Upper Grade Blood Fusion Realm, and the shabby old man staying today, he’s also at Great Perfection of Meridian Realm..."

Qingtang nearly fainted hearing this.

Meridian Passage Realm!

A typical sect elder, usually a few hold such status; some sects dominate an area with one or two at this level, Dongshan City has few.

Luu Wan counted five experts just in Lin, six including herself.

Actually, another addition is Lin Miao himself; Luu Wan knows he’s at least Blood Fusion Realm, unaware he also advanced to Meridian Passage.