Chapter 620: Chapter 404 Exposed

Chapter 404

“Good!” Xiao Song’s smile deepened. With the Emperor’s clear stance, a lot of trouble would be avoided. Moreover, now that the three departments were investigating together, the pressure on the Ministry of Criminal Justice was much less, and he was happy, “I’ll get going first.”

No sooner had Xiao Song risen than Wan Lu rushed in, “My lord, someone from the government office has come again, seeking to see you and the lady.”

Xiao Song concealed his smile with confusion, “Did they mention what it’s about?”

“Not yet,” replied Wan Lu immediately, “But the porter said, the person was sweating profusely and looked very anxious.”

Upon hearing this, both Xiao Song and Ran Yan didn’t sit idle and immediately went out of the side hall to the porter’s lodge.

An official in green official uniform from the Ministry of Criminal Justice was pacing back and forth. Seeing the couple, he quickly stepped forward to greet them, bowed, and said hurriedly, “Assistant Minister Xiao, Lady Xianliang, news has just come that Zhang Xuanzhu, the Grand Master of the Silver and Azure Light, was ambushed in Qujiang while meeting friends, suffering two knife wounds and bleeding profusely. Medical Director Zhou and three chief physicians have already rushed there. The Emperor has decreed that you both should head to Qujiang immediately, Assistant Minister Xiao need not go to Ganlu Hall.”

Under these circumstances, Xiao Song didn’t ask further and immediately ordered someone to bring two horses.

Ran Yan also made arrangements for someone to fetch her medical kit, and the couple rode directly to Qujiang under the guidance of the official.

Throughout the ride, Ran Yan kept wondering if the assailant could actually be the Crown Prince, which seemed unbelievable. Had he gone mad? To commit a crime in broad daylight so recklessly!

But apart from him, she could think of no one else. Neither Li Ke nor Li Tai would do something so foolish as to frame someone, and he had ample reason to attack Zhang Xuanzhu.

Like Wei Zheng, Zhang Xuanzhu was a famed remonstrator and paid special “attention” to Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince, often admonishing him:

Heaven favors no kin, only virtue as its ally, should you defy the will of heaven, both humans and gods will forsake you… Be cautious from start to finish, fearing gradual decline if you are reckless from the start, where would your safety be!

Cultivate your appearance…

Often indulge in archery and games, drunk with singing and fun, merely to delight your senses, you’ll ultimately corrupt your soul…

Zhang Xuanzhu’s admonitions were often sharp, possibly thus irritating Li Chengqian, who not only ignored the good advice but intensified his absurd behavior. However, Zhang Xuanzhu’s frequency of advising also increased, leaving a possibility of retaliation.

Moreover, Liu Qingsong had once mentioned that there are historical records about this episode, how true they were remains unknown.

Riding swiftly, they reached the place where Zhang Xuanzhu was attacked and found the area had already been cordoned off by guards, denying entry to tourists. The official leading Xiao Song and Ran Yan displayed his token, and the guards allowed them in.

Ran Yan surveyed the surroundings; this was a two-story pavilion with many doors, windows, and railings damaged, wooden chips were scattered all over the floor. There were scattered footprints on the ground, and protective wood signs preventing entry. A few artists were sketching the scene.

“Apprentice!”

Ran Yan suddenly heard Wu Xiuhe’s voice. Before she could turn to look for him, she saw a figure rushing towards her rapidly.

Once he stopped, Ran Yan could see clearly. Wu Xiuhe was in tattered clothes covered in blood, his graying hair as messy as straw with many leaves and twigs stuck in it, and his face had scraped skin.

Before Ran Yan could ask, Wu Xiuhe covered his face with his sleeve, “You’ve finally come to save your master. I saved a man, yet they won’t let me go! I haven’t even had lunch.”

“Are you injured?” Ran Yan asked.

Wu Xiuhe waved his hand and turned to Xiao Song, “My apprentice’s husband, you go and talk to those people. I haven’t eaten, and neglecting an elder invites divine retribution!”

“So, this is the esteemed teacher of Lady Xiang Liang! My apologies, my apologies!” Zhang Songhe and a few Imperial Physicians came over, “This humble one is Zhang Songhe.”

Wu Xiuhe cleared his throat softly and resumed a celestial demeanor, bowing slightly, “I’ve long admired you.”

“Not at all, Divine Doctor, your Medical Skills are supreme, truly an admiration for us all, and it is a great fortune to meet you today.” Although these were common courteous words from Zhang Songhe, he spoke them with particular sincerity.

“Medical Director Zhou, how is Doctor Zhang doing?” Xiao Song asked Zhou Chu, who was admiring the “Divine Doctor’s demeanor.”

Zhou Chu said, “There is no danger. With the Divine Doctor intervening, the bleeding has already stopped, but he lost quite a lot of blood and needs some time to recuperate.”

“The Medical Skills of my sect are indeed unparalleled,” Wu Xiuhe proudly said.

Sweat suddenly appeared on Ran Yan’s forehead. The possibility of Wu Xiuhe claiming to be from the lineage of Hua Tuo was as likely as winning a lottery, and Ran Yan dared not gamble and hastily interjected, “Master, you haven’t had lunch yet. Since Doctor Zhang is alright, why don’t you go and have something to eat nearby?”

Wu Xiuhe nodded indifferently, “That sounds… good.”

“Since we’re fortunate to meet today, why don’t I treat you all at a nearby restaurant? This season, the fish and shrimp are most plump and perfect with wine,” Zhang Songhe suggested.

Hearing the words “plump and perfect” and that someone else would treat, Wu Xiuhe’s heart quivered uncontrollably, and unaware Ran Yan subtly nudged him from behind, trying hard to remain calm as he nodded, “In that case, I shall gratefully accept your kind offer.”

It’s over!

The thought flashed through Ran Yan’s mind. She was rarely ever one to lie and, compelled by desperation, she told this colossal lie. She felt very uneasy and feared today would be the day it came apart!

Xiao Song had already gone to inspect the site of Zhang Xuanzhu’s attack, while Zhang Songhe went to ask the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice if they could leave.

Ran Yan quickly pulled Wu Xiuhe aside to a secluded area and asked, “Master, do you still remember which sect you belong to?”

Wu Xiuhe was taken aback, his expression incredulous, “My disciple, how can you be so forgetful at such a young age! Haven’t I told you many times? My sect has been passed down from the ancient Shennong to me, now in its one hundred and thirty-eighth generation.”

“But didn’t you originally say that our great-grandmaster was Hua Tuo?” Ran Yan frowned.

“How can you denounce your own sect!” Wu Xiuhe rebuked, “Though Hua Tuo is renowned, he pales in comparison to our sect; all the Medical Skills in the world originate from our sect.”

Ran Yan held her forehead. She inwardly lamented: Truly, one shouldn’t lie! When the lie is about to be exposed, it’s indeed torturous.

Just then, Zhang Songhe returned, saying, “Divine Doctor Wu, the Ministry of Justice is asking for your statement then we can leave.”

“Okay,” Wu Xiuhe responded, then left with the official from the Ministry of Justice.

Ran Yan bowed to Zhang Songhe, “I am worried about my master and wish to follow.”

“Lady Xiang Liang, please do as you wish.” Zhang Songhe was very pleased to run into Wu Xiuhe; his usually stern face softened considerably.

Ran Yan walked to a shady tree. Here, mats and desks had been temporarily set up for use by the clerks.

Wu Xiuhe sat on a mat, opposite him was Junior Minister Sun Zhen from the Ministry of Justice.

“Divine Doctor Wu, may I ask what brings you to this vicinity?” Sun Zhen asked. (To be continued. If you like this work, please go to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)