Chapter 139: Zhang Xiuer's Visit

Shen Youwei gave Chen Wuji a meaning‑laden glance, the tone carrying a hint of sourness, and said softly, "A girl surnamed Zhang, very beautiful, a genteel lady of a great family, with maids and attendants, arrived by carriage."

"Is her name Xiu Er?" Chen Wuji asked.

Shen Youwei's glossy little mouth twitched instantly, and she said, "You even know the family's name; it seems the connection is deep, husband. But given her status, becoming a concubine would probably not be agreeable."

"Stop being sour; that's the daughter of your enemy," Chen Wuji said speechlessly.

If this guy keeps talking, the vinegar jar will be completely overturned.

"Eh?" Shen Youwei was startled, "Zhang Mingyuan's daughter?"

Chen Bushi heard the words, his complexion changed slightly, "How could Zhang Mingyuan's daughter be looking for you?"

"Probably to treat her father's illness; I saw her once before and cured a minor ailment of hers," Chen Wuji said, "I'll go take a look."

Chen Bushi stopped him, reminding, "While you're at it, subtly inquire about Zhang Mingyuan's arrangements in Yunan; ask as much as you can, she should know more than outsiders."

"Understood," Chen Wuji nodded.

Shen Youwei, angry, clenched her fists, "I want to kill her; now I see there's a reason I find her unpleasant."

"Don't act rashly; I'll avenge this grievance for you, you don't need to do it yourself!" Chen Wuji was indeed worried she might do something foolish.

Shen Youwei, fuming, crossed her arms, "I'm not that impulsive; I am a person of great ambition, I can endure. I will endure, I will hold back for now. Ah… I'm so angry."

"Good, endure a bit longer," Chen Wuji patted Shen Youwei's head and entered the courtyard.

Regarding Zhang Xiuer's arrival, Chen Wuji hadn't thought of anything else.

For example, gathering some information or the like.

This is too unrealistic; for them, it's completely unnecessary.

Who would treat a bug that accidentally crawled onto one's foot as an enemy and handle it with extreme caution?

It's just a bug; just kill it.

Under a not‑tall but abundantly flowering jujube tree, Huo Sanniang was sitting with Zhang Xiuer.

"Miss Xiu Er, what brings you here today?" Chen Wuji asked bluntly.

Zhang Xiuer rose, politely gave Chen Wuji a slight nod, and immediately said, "My father's head ailment has become increasingly severe lately; we've invited renowned physicians from the surrounding area, but all are helpless."

"I did not wish to trouble you, sir, but concerning my father's condition, I could only be bold enough to visit; please forgive me."

Zhang Xiuer looks much more like a person than her father.

"Madam, brew me a cup of tea," Chen Wuji said, raising his hand to signal Zhang Xiuer to sit and chat.

"Even the imperial physicians, countless renowned doctors, are helpless against this stubborn disease. I'm just a rustic hunter—what can I do? Your esteemed father has likely been overworked lately; perhaps a rest would help."

Zhang Xiuer let out a gentle sigh, "Since my father returned home, all affairs inside and outside the clan require his personal involvement. Though my two elder brothers assist, they cannot make major decisions; they still must consult my father. I've tried to advise, but to no avail."

"I hope you can think of a solution, sir; Xiu Er is deeply grateful and is willing to offer a hundred gold as consultation fee."

"A hundred gold is indeed tempting, but if there's no way, there's no way," Chen Wuji chuckled lightly, shaking his head. It's truly arrogant—outside the city, refugees roam everywhere, selling children, selling themselves for a single meal, yet a dignified Censor Lord can start with a hundred gold at a wave of his hand.

The disparity in this world is utterly absurd.

Chen Wuji continued, "A heart ailment requires a heart remedy; a head ailment must be tackled at its root, then supplemented with medicine and minerals. We often say that a certain matter gives us a headache, and it's not merely a metaphor. Indeed, matters can cause real headaches; the more troublesome the matter, the worse the headache."

"If renowned doctors are all helpless, Miss Xiu Er might try addressing the issue from the ground up, then invite the doctors again; perhaps unexpected benefits will arise."

Chen Wuji's trap was set, and Zhang Xiuer leapt without hesitation.

Zhang Xiuer had no awareness that Chen Wuji's words were problematic; frowning, she began to vent to Chen Wuji, "I rarely inquire about my father's affairs; he has always disliked me, as a daughter, meddling in family matters. I only learned some things through my brothers, and it's indeed quite annoying."

"My father has lately been troubled by the refugees; the county magistrate of Wang County is inactive, placing obstacles everywhere, causing many of my father's plans to be unimplementable."

"Besides that, something seems to have happened in the court. I've heard my brothers mention a few times, something like… the Assistant Magistrate of Hezhou submitted a Folded Document to impeach my father, and… there was another, I forgot; in any case, my father has encountered many matters lately."

"As a daughter, not only am I unable to strategize for my father, even merely inquiring gets me rebuked—what can I do?"

Chen Wuji spread his hands, "If that's the case, then there's no solution."

"Please, sir, save my father; this little daughter is immensely grateful," Zhang Xiuer rose, speaking sincerely.

Chen Wuji said with a helpless expression, "I've already learned about your father's condition; indeed I have no means. If it could be cured, I would also like to claim Xiu Er's hundred gold consultation fee."

Zhang Xiuer let out a lingering sigh, her expression pitiful.

Seeing this, Chen Wuji said, "The method I mentioned earlier, Miss Xiu Er can try to implement, addressing the matter from the ground up, allowing your father to relax, not overexert himself; the situation will improve."

He had said enough, yet Zhang Xiuer persisted, asking, "Sir, could you casually write a prescription for me to give my father a try?"

Chen Wuji truly couldn't understand why she placed such great confidence in him.

He forced a wry smile and said, "Miss Xiu Er, prescriptions aren't given carelessly; forgive me for being unable to help. You should seek another method. If it could be cured, I wouldn't be saying all this."

"Very well, I have disturbed you, sir," Zhang Xiuer rose gracefully, politely bowed her head to Chen Wuji, and then left Chen Wuji's house accompanied by her maid.

She stepped forward, and Huo Sanniang, carrying the brewed tea, followed, "Leaving?"

"Hmm," Chen Wuji chuckled lightly, "Madam, I'm truly thirsty, not to distract you."

"Likewise, I'm here beside you; your conversation is a bit inconvenient," Huo Sanniang set down the teapot, poured Chen Wuji a cup, and asked casually, "What business does she have in seeing you?"

"She didn't mention it earlier?" Chen Wuji took a sip of tea and asked.

Huo Sanniang shook her head, "She only said she was an old friend of yours and came to visit. I wonder where you met such a genteel lady; she must come from an official family, right?"

"She's the Zhang Family's eldest daughter," Chen Wuji said, "How could I dare treat her father's illness!"