His face contorted, gritting his teeth, "This old servant is willing to pay a hefty sum. It's far more worthwhile than losing it to this half-dead fellow."
"He has saved many half-dead people, and moreover..." Ah Jiu, while tucking the corner of the blanket for Liu Chenglin, couldn't finish her sentence when:
"Ding-dong, Merit points increased by fifty. Your Excellency is virtuous and loyal. Congratulations on receiving a ruler as a reward."
"Cough, cough, cough!" In the next second, Liu Chenglin coughed violently, his body reflexively jolted upright.
Eunuch Zhou's pupils constricted. He's recovered? It seems that ginseng is no ordinary item.
Ah Jiu's heart rejoiced, "Brother Liu, how are you feeling?"
Liu Chenglin made a swallowing motion, and suspiciously asked, "Did you give me ginseng?" He could still taste the sweet aftertaste in his throat.
"Yes, but that's all I have." Ah Jiu took out a root from her embrace, including the remaining half, and handed it to Liu Chenglin:
"You can take half a root daily from now on. It will still hold for three more days."
Ah Jiu initially only knew from her grandmother that this ginseng, nurtured by the spiritual spring water, was indeed more spiritually infused than ordinary ginseng. However, she had no experience with how much to take for a full recovery, so she gave all of it to Liu Chenglin to prevent any future complications.
Eunuch Zhou's pupils contracted. With a flick of his horsetail whisk, he silently retreated from the room.
Liu Chenglin's eyes held a spark of life they hadn't before, and his spirits had improved considerably.
Seeing the several ginseng roots with leaves in his hands, his eyes shone even brighter. He quickly sniffed them:
"Miss Jiu, this is clearly not ordinary ginseng. It must be at least three thousand years old." Otherwise, the spiritual energy wouldn't be so palpable.
If he hadn't inherited his father's legacy, he wouldn't have been able to discern the age of this ginseng.
Ah Jiu scratched her head, "I'm not sure how many years old it is. Someone gave it to me, but if it can cure an illness, it's not bad, right?"
How could this be considered "not bad"? Liu Chenglin looked at Ah Jiu. Wasn't she also a renowned physician? Couldn't she see that this was something priceless?
Or perhaps, this girl wasn't very knowledgeable about herbs.
Not long after, Eunuch Zhou returned. This time, he entered with a polite demeanor, saying, "Young Master Liu, you have truly escaped death and are now blessed with fortune. Our master invites you to the pavilion for a discussion."
Ah Jiu suddenly remembered the person staying in the opposite guest room, the so-called big shot that Zhang Dadan had mentioned.
Liu Chenglin glanced at Eunuch Zhou. His earlier joy had vanished. He had a strong opinion of Eunuch Zhou. He rose without offering a bow, his steps slightly unsteady, and turned to look at Ah Jiu:
"Miss Jiu, your kindness is beyond words. If you ever need my help, Liu Chenglin, I will face death without hesitation."
Ah Jiu had never intended for anyone to die for her, "It's alright. Your Liu family works so hard for the common people. I'm just going with the flow."
Liu Chenglin bowed again, turned, and walked out the door towards the two-story pavilion opposite.
Eunuch Zhou quickly looked at Jiu'er, "Miss Jiu, please stay. I will arrange for someone to escort you to reunite with your family."
So eager?
Ah Jiu walked outwards, glancing back. Outside the second-floor guest room stood two factions of guards dressed in identical clothing, swords at their sides. They stood as straight as pillars, not even blinking.
They exuded an oppressive aura. Who was this so-called big shot inside?
Was it someone greater than the King of Nanming in Nanming City?
Inside the room.
A portly elder in his fifties, dressed in fine silk, sat on a high chair. The tea bowl he held was clearly of immense value, intricately carved from Hetian jade, utterly flawless.
Even the ornaments on his brocade belt were rarely seen in the mortal world.
When Liu Chenglin accompanied his father on an imperial visit, he had seen a bit of the world. He recognized that this person was undoubtedly of extraordinary status and quickly bowed:
"Sir, may I ask why you have summoned this humble subject?"
"I wish to employ you as my personal physician. As for your salary, you may name your price."
Liu Chenglin's pupils contracted. He glanced towards the closed door outside. Eunuch Zhou was giving instructions, "You two, escort the young lady out."
Eunuch Zhou also obeyed this official. Liu Chenglin immediately agreed.
If he could observe this official's rank in the future, perhaps the injustice of his father being forced to eat poisoned meat could be brought to justice by this upright official.
Ah Jiu felt uneasy. Two cold, expressionless figures followed her, their walking posture making her feel like she was being kidnapped.
Ah Jiu shrank her neck and quickened her pace, turning into an alley, "No need to escort me, I've arrived."
Suddenly, a chill ran down her neck. Ah Jiu's back broke out in a cold sweat as she slowly looked down. A long saber was held to her left and right sides.