The journey ahead saw Shen Tingyi and Man Xing bickering constantly, as if trying to outdo each other.
Especially after Ji Mo Bai revealed his identity, Man Xing became even more eager for him and Li Yue Shu to have a medical duel, to see whose skills were superior.
Li Yue Shu found it both amusing and exasperating. She decided to let Shen Tingyi and Man Xing spar with each other.
Man Xing, having followed Ji Mo Bai across the lands since childhood to study medicine, and being older than Shen Tingyi, naturally possessed greater abilities. If they could spar, it would undoubtedly help A'Yi improve.
On the other hand, she also hoped this would allow Ji Mo Bai to witness A'Yi's talent.
If Ji Mo Bai were to take her as a disciple, A'Yi might just escape the fate of dying because of him.
In the original book, even when encountering Li Xiang Ru, the chosen one, Ji Mo Bai had never voluntarily revealed his identity. Yet, after only two days of acquaintance, he had directly told her his name. This, perhaps, was a turning point.
No one knew of the calculations going on in Li Yue Shu's mind, but Shen Wei, who had been secretly observing her, noticed the peculiar look in her eyes whenever she glanced at Ji Mo Bai.
He was unaware of her machinations, mistaking her gaze for romantic interest in Ji Mo Bai.
Indeed, compared to the gentle and kind demeanor of Wei Zi Mo, who treated her like an elder brother, Ji Mo Bai's image as a noble young master was more appealing to women. Moreover, Ji Mo Bai's title as a divine physician was renowned throughout the land. It was not surprising that she might be smitten.
But had this woman forgotten that she was already married? The mission arranged for her by the people of Chong Zhou was not to find another man!
It seemed necessary for him to remind her. If this woman were to be abandoned by her master for failing her mission, he would have no way to uncover the people behind her and eliminate this hidden threat.
With this thought, Shen Wei decided to take the initiative to remind her.
One evening, as everyone was washing up and preparing to sleep, Shen Wei finally spoke, "A'Shu, why are you so good to that blind person?"
Li Yue Shu blinked in surprise, then realized he was referring to Ji Mo Bai. She said with a hint of helplessness, "He is the renowned divine physician Ji Mo Bai. Do you know how much benefit it would bring to A'Yi's future if someone like him were to become A'Yi's master?"
Shen Wei was taken aback by her answer. After a moment of surprise, he asked curiously, "But he always asks A'Shu for advice. Doesn't that mean A'Shu is even more skilled than him?"
Li Yue Shu shook her head. "Our areas of expertise are different. I excel in making poisons, while Ji Mo Bai specializes in treating illnesses and saving lives. Furthermore, Ji Mo Bai is famous. If A'Yi were to become his disciple, her starting point would be higher than others."
Although she could also treat illnesses, her skills were mostly in surgical procedures, and some of her methods were not suitable for this world.
A'Yi was destined to have a good reputation in the future. The knowledge she could impart was limited. She couldn't possibly teach her poison-making for the rest of her life, could she?
As astute as Shen Wei was, he naturally understood the meaning behind her words and felt an involuntary sense of relief.
However, on his face, he maintained an expression of bewilderment. "I don't understand. Since he's going to ask A'Shu for advice anyway, A'Shu must be more skilled than him!"
Seeing the admiration in his eyes, Li Yue Shu's heart softened. She reached out and gently stroked his head. "Alright, get some sleep. We still have a long journey tomorrow!"
Shen Wei was unusually obedient this time, nodding before lying down.
...
For the rest of the journey, Shen Tingyi sparred with Man Xing every day, while Li Yue Shu discussed medical knowledge with Ji Mo Bai. Shen Wei quietly stayed by their side.
In comparison, Wei Zi Mo seemed somewhat redundant.
Except for meal times, he almost always remained in the carriage. His body, still recovering, was quite frail, and his complexion grew paler with the fatigue of travel.
Thus, the group finally arrived at Tong Mu County and reached the familiar town.
As Li Yue Shu looked at the familiar streets, a sense of eager joy welled up in her heart.
This was the feeling of longing for home when one was far away. So many people were waiting for her back home!
Li Yue Shu did not want to delay further. She turned to Wei Zi Mo. "I won't accompany Master Wei to find an inn. I want to rush home to see the children. I will come to town tomorrow to find Master Wei."
Wei Zi Mo coughed a few times. He glanced at the bustling street and, after a moment of thought, said, "I will accompany Madam Shen, and perhaps visit that child as well."
Seeing that he had made up his mind, Li Yue Shu said no more and nodded.
Ji Mo Bai, however, upon hearing that she was about to reach home, spoke first. "Thank you for your care during this time, Madam Shen. My servant and I should be leaving. I owe Madam Shen a favor, and I will surely repay it if the opportunity arises."
He had initially thought that traveling to Tong Mu County with her would be compensation enough for their medical discussions. But during this time, he had also learned a great deal from Li Yue Shu, and they had received free room and board for so long.
He felt indebted to her for this favor.
Li Yue Shu was surprised that he was leaving.
Although Ji Mo Bai had promised a favor, A'Yi had not yet become his disciple, and he might still become affiliated with Li Xiang Ru in the future. He absolutely could not leave like this, yet she could not force him to stay.
Li Yue Shu frowned slightly, then suddenly remembered something. "Divine Physician Ji, please wait a moment."
She hurried back to the carriage and retrieved a copy of modern human anatomy from her spatial storage.
This was a copy she had meticulously hand-copied onto paper of this world specifically to keep Physician Chen. Physician Chen had returned it to her after copying it, and it had been stored in her spatial inventory. She never expected it to be useful today.
Li Yue Shu handed the thick book to him with a gentle smile. "Since Divine Physician Ji insists on leaving, I will not detain you further. This hand-copied medical book is a parting gift to commemorate our acquaintance. If Divine Physician Ji wishes to find me in the future, you can come to Heng De Pharmacy."
Ji Mo Bai was unaware of the profound knowledge contained within this book, but he trusted that Li Yue Shu's medical skills meant this was no ordinary medical text.
With this in mind, he nodded to Man Xing to accept it. He also took out a treasured medical book of his own. "Although this medical book is not a unique copy, it is extremely rare. I hope Madam Shen will not find it lacking."
The two exchanged medical books, a testament to the bond they had formed.
Hearing that they were about to leave, Shen Tingyi's brows furrowed.
She looked at Man Xing, appearing somewhat reluctant. "Where are you going? Will you come back?"
After all, he was her only companion on this journey, and she had learned a great deal from him. It was understandable that Shen Tingyi would be reluctant to see him go.
Man Xing lowered his head, his eyes not meeting hers. "My young master and I wander the world. We don't know where we will go next."
Shen Tingyi's brow furrowed even deeper, her gaze fixed on the person before her without a word.
Man Xing could feel her gaze but did not look up, so no one noticed his expression.
Li Yue Shu observed the interaction between the two youngsters, a flicker of light in her eyes.
If A'Yi and Man Xing could become friends, wouldn't that further facilitate their becoming fellow disciples?