Chapter 8: Startled by Heaven and Man

Jiu Qing and Zi Mo settled down in the mansion. At noon, the steward personally delivered their lunch. He didn't express any opinion about the guests moving into the Jingxin Garden, but when his gaze swept over Jiu Qing sitting quietly on the low couch in the room, a shocked glint involuntarily flashed in his eyes.

This girl... sitting quietly there, exuding an otherworldly and clean temperament, emanating an innate nobility and elegance, like an unattainable deity—calling her a celestial maiden descending to earth wouldn't be an exaggeration.

And after removing her veil, the revealed countenance was even more stunning.

However, with such looks... how could she be just a mere physician?

The steward harbored doubts in his heart. Watching Jiu Qing rise and walk to the table to take a seat, he hesitated for a moment before couldn't help but ask, "May I inquire about the origins of the two young ladies?"

Jiu Qing remained silent, picked up the teacup, and absentmindedly sipped the warm tea.

"The imperial decree does not specify that the physician entering the mansion to treat Prince Jin must disclose their background," Zi Mo raised an eyebrow and looked at the steward, who appeared somewhat hesitant. "Isn't it enough to just treat Prince Jin?"

The steward fell silent for a moment upon hearing this, then nodded slowly. "You are right, but the prince's illness is not easy to cure."

"Is the steward worried that no one will claim our bodies if we die?" Zi Mo understood his meaning and looked somewhat surprised. "Steward, you don't need to worry about that. We won't die, so rest assured."

Rest assured?

He really couldn't rest assured. The two young ladies before him, whether from their appearance or their obvious composure and calmness that set them apart from ordinary people, indicated their extraordinary background. Moreover, their purpose in coming to the mansion was not entirely the same as that of the previous physicians...

"By the way, what is the steward's surname? How should we address you in the future?"

"I am surnamed Zhong, you can call me Zhong Bo," the steward composed himself and couldn't help but glance at Jiu Qing, who remained silent. "The two young ladies should have their meal first. After eating, you can familiarize yourselves with the mansion, or if you are tired from the journey, you can rest first."

"Zhong Bo," Jiu Qing looked up at him, her gaze calm yet clear, sending a chill down his spine. "We have entered the mansion and stepped into the Jingxin Garden after reading the imperial decree, with only one purpose in mind, which is to treat Prince Jin's illness. Anything else, anyone else, is none of our concern. Within your capabilities, we hope that there will be no unauthorized personnel entering the Jingxin Garden."

Her indifferent expression and tone seemed to be seeking his consent, but the faint dignity implied in her calm demeanor made Zhong Bo startle inwardly.

Indeed...

His intuition was not wrong; this woman was indeed extraordinary.

With a slight shift in his thoughts, he nodded, "That's not a problem, but may I be so bold as to ask how long it will take to cure my master's stubborn illness?"

"The imperial decree does not specify a time frame," Jiu Qing said calmly, "so I cannot give you an accurate answer."

"Young lady," Zhong Bo's expression changed slightly, and he said calmly, "The news of the imperial decree being read by you should have already reached the palace. I don't mind, but if the emperor inquires, I'm afraid your answer may not satisfy him."