The sudden shifts between hot and cold caused the doctor to sneeze several times as soon as he entered the room, spraying saliva everywhere, much to Murong Jing He’s displeasure. The doctor seemed oblivious to this and even asked Qing Yan for a fur robe to wear, along with a bowl of hot tea, which he drank slowly before finally getting to business.
Murong Jing He, having noticed that this person was not like the other pretentious frauds, was slightly more tolerant. Either this doctor was extremely bold, or he actually had some skill. By the time the doctor’s fingers pressed against his wrist to take his pulse, Murong Jing He’s expression had returned to normal.
"Ah, I knew you were an expert," the leprous doctor said after barely touching the pulse point, rubbing his chin as he spoke an apparently nonsensical phrase.
Murong Jing He lowered his gaze, and Qing Yan, noticing the odd comment, quickly asked on his behalf, "What do you mean by that, sir? In your opinion, what is the prognosis for our lord?"
The doctor shook his head, causing both Qing Yan and Murong Jing He’s hearts to sink momentarily, before he added, "Anyone who can reattach severed meridians like the lord here is definitely an expert."
Murong Jing He narrowed his eyes slightly, recognizing that this doctor was the first to discern that he had managed to reconnect some of his meridians—something the doctor determined with just a brief touch. This realization sparked a flicker of hope in him, though he also sensed there was more to the doctor's statement.
The leprous doctor, seemingly unfazed by Murong Jing He’s sharp gaze, casually asked Qing Yan for a bowl of hot noodle soup, and only after Qing Yan reluctantly left to arrange it did the doctor continue, grinning mischievously, "I told that young lady that the person who advised her to use the ground root and mandrake for pain relief was an expert. Looks like I hit the mark."
Murong Jing He’s expression shifted slightly, though he didn’t deny it.
The doctor didn’t dwell on this and continued, "I can treat your illness, Lord, but it requires the young lady’s willing participation to nurture the meridian jade. Without it, even if I reconnect all your meridians, you’ll only be half-cured. I’m not willing to ruin my reputation on a half-measure."
"What kind of person is needed to nurture this meridian jade? I have plenty to choose from," Murong Jing He asked calmly, suppressing the emotions churning within him.
The doctor shook his head vigorously, almost like a drum, "That young lady has a Nobleman’s Gu worm inside her. Where else can you find another living host?"
"Nobleman’s Gu worm?" Despite all his extensive knowledge, this was the first time Murong Jing He had heard of such a thing.
The doctor, unwilling to explain in detail, simply said, "It’s something found only in living dead bodies. Those who come into contact with it either end up as nothing but bones or lie there forever as a living specimen. The Nobleman’s Gu worm generates meridian energy, which is perfect for nurturing the meridian jade. With it, the jade not only reconnects meridians faster but also strengthens and fortifies them."
"The young lady’s Nobleman’s Gu worm is at least a thousand years old, if not older. If the lord can find another living host, I can wait. Just don’t lock me up in that cold, dark, and stinking place again."
As the doctor spoke, Murong Jing He immediately thought of the living corpse in the underground palace. Could Mei Lin have been unknowingly infected with the Nobleman’s Gu worm at that time? If so, it would explain how her lost abilities had gradually returned.
While Murong Jing He was deep in thought, Qing Yan returned, informing them that the soup would be brought as soon as the doctor finished his diagnosis. Qing Yan’s polite and tactful manner hinted that if the doctor could truly cure Murong Jing He, he could have anything he wanted. If not, he’d be sent back to wherever he came from.
The doctor, smiling as he retrieved a tobacco pipe from his new fur robe, declined Qing Yan’s offer of tobacco and began puffing on the empty pipe instead.
Murong Jing He, seeing the doctor’s calm, indifferent demeanor, couldn’t help but feel a growing irritation.
"Qing Yan, take good care of... What is your surname, Doctor?" Murong Jing He realized they had yet to ask the doctor’s name and quickly corrected himself, apologizing for the oversight.
The doctor waved off the apology nonchalantly, "The villagers call me Old Leper, but I’ve long forgotten my real name."
Murong Jing He paused, momentarily speechless, and ultimately refrained from addressing him as ‘Leprous Doctor.’ Instead, he simply said, "Qing Yan, arrange suitable accommodations for the doctor, and see that he’s well taken care of."
As Qing Yan was about to escort the doctor out, Murong Jing He suddenly asked, "Doctor, why were you with her? If she was seeking medical help, why would she hide it from me? So, was your meeting just a coincidence? Or perhaps... she was only doing it for herself?"
Almost as if reading his thoughts, the doctor turned back with a cheeky grin and interrupted his musings, "What else would she come to me for? I’m just a doctor. It’s not like she would fall for an old leper like me."
Murong Jing He said nothing further, and Qing Yan, sensing the need to leave, quickly guided the doctor out. After settling everything, Qing Yan returned to find Murong Jing He sitting on the edge of his bed, barefoot on the carpet, apparently attempting to stand up on his own. Despite the freezing weather, his body was drenched in sweat.
"My lord?" Qing Yan, knowing his master’s temperament, didn’t try to stop him but moved closer to prevent him from falling.
"Spread the word that we’ve found a miracle doctor," Murong Jing He instructed without looking at him, his tone indifferent.
"Yes, my lord."
"And relocate her to a better place. Make sure she’s well cared for. As long as she doesn’t try to escape, she can do as she pleases."
"Yes, my lord," Qing Yan replied, pausing briefly before asking hesitantly, "Should we move Miss Mei Lin to the rear courtyard?"
Jingbei's royal residence was a modest compound compared to the grand palaces of the capital. Murong Jing He resided in the central courtyard, with guest quarters and higher-ranking servants housed in the side courtyards. The rear courtyard was reserved for the residence’s women. Qing Yan’s question was a cautious probe to gauge the situation and avoid any potential mishaps.
Murong Jing He, abandoning his attempt to stand, steadied his breath and indicated he wished to lie down. Qing Yan quickly moved to adjust the cushions, stepping back only when his master was comfortable.
"Place her in the side courtyard," Murong Jing He said slowly, his eyes closed. "The court will likely send Luo Mei here, and it’s best they don’t meet." Knowing Muyi Luo Mei’s temperament, if she encountered Mei Lin again, she would undoubtedly try to kill her.
"My apologies for the oversight," Qing Yan said with a nervous smile, inwardly relieved he hadn’t acted on his own. It seemed the prince’s heart was still with Lady Luo Mei. Otherwise, with his power, he could protect anyone he wished without needing to hide them.
"And start preparing for a simple wedding," Murong Jing He added, his tone calm, but the words left Qing Yan utterly shocked.
"I’ve waited ten years and don’t want to wait any longer," Murong Jing He declared firmly, his face devoid of any excitement or anxiety at the prospect of fulfilling his long-held wish, only a deep, pervasive weariness.
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