Li Xiangru had chatted with the travelling doctor before, and this young Master Bai's medical skills were no less than that of the General Zhenbei's mansion physician, not to mention how young he was.
In time, he would surely achieve great things.
Li Xiangru had put thought into her words before bringing this up, and naturally, she had also revealed her identity as the daughter of the General Zhenbei's mansion.
Ji Mobai was indeed surprised by her identity, yet he still shook his head, "Miss Gu's kindness is appreciated, but I am already accustomed to a life of wandering."
Seeing his firm refusal, Li Xiangru grew curious, "May I be so bold as to ask, why does young Master Bai, at such a tender age, choose to wander instead of seeking a stable and promising future?"
Ji Mobai's demeanor was gentle, as if he found her question unoffensive. "Miss Gu is too kind. I am not a man of grand ambitions. I only wish to personally witness the world's medicinal herbs, comprehend the world's medical texts, and save all those afflicted by suffering."
His tone was light, as if discussing the pleasant weather, but Li Xiangru's eyes brightened with each word.
"With such aspirations, how can Master Bai be considered a man without ambition?" Li Xiangru felt a growing respect for the blind man before her. "Master Bai's heart embraces the world. You are more admirable than those who hold power yet only indulge in pleasure."
Faced with her praise, Ji Mobai simply smiled and nodded, showing no hint of pride.
But in the next moment, Li Xiangru shifted her tone, "However, Master Bai, is traveling the world personally to save all those afflicted by illness not a rather clumsy approach?"
Hearing her implied further words, Ji Mobai tilted his head slightly, "Why does Miss Gu say so?"
Li Xiangru smiled faintly and confidently voiced her opinion, "If Master Bai travels the world, whether encountering rare herbs, peerless medical texts, or critically ill patients in need of saving, it will all depend on fate."
"But if Master Bai's reputation spreads, those in need of saving will naturally seek you out, and you will be able to help even more people."
Ji Mobai suddenly froze, as if hearing words similar to what Madam Shen had told him.
Recalling that kind, benevolent, and not ruthless woman, Ji Mobai's lips curved unconsciously.
He wondered if he would ever have the chance to see her again.
Li Xiangru noticed the movement at his lips, mistaking it for her words having an effect. She quickly added, "If you were to become the physician of the General Zhenbei's mansion, even if Master Bai desired rare ancient texts from the Imperial Hospital, someone would deliver them to the mansion."
For someone obsessed with medicine and harboring compassion for the world, Li Xiangru's offer was indeed enticing.
Yet, for Ji Mobai, a renowned physician across the land, if he sought to gain benefits through his reputation, he would not have been anonymously traveling the world.
Moreover, having witnessed the mysterious and unfathomable medical skills of Li Yue Shu, other things naturally held far less appeal for him.
"Miss Gu's kindness is appreciated, but I still prefer the freedom of wandering the world."
Even in his refusal, Ji Mobai carried a gentle aura.
Though his tone was calm, his resolve was evident.
Li Xiangru, being an intelligent woman, naturally understood his rejection.
"What a pity," she sighed softly, then immediately replaced it with a gentle smile. "If Master Bai ever travels to Chongzhou, feel free to find me at the General Zhenbei's mansion. Our acquaintance is fate, and if Master Bai visits, I will personally go to the Imperial Hospital to borrow medical texts."
Though Ji Mobai was blind, his other senses were sharp, and he could detect the goodwill in her words.
He nodded slightly, "Then I thank Miss Gu in advance. If I go to Chongzhou, I will certainly visit the General Zhenbei's mansion."
Thus, Ji Mobai and Li Xiangru made a verbal agreement, though neither of them was certain at that moment if this day would ever come.
However, the bond of their acquaintance was forged at that very moment.
...
Shen Tanqi and the others' birthdays had passed, and the arrangements for the pharmacy, restaurant, and pharmaceutical factory were complete. Li Yue Shu finally set a date for her departure.
When the time came, she began packing with everyone early in the morning.
The night before, almost everyone had been unable to sleep.
Aunt Liu, her eyes red, held Li Yue Shu's hand, "Yue Shu, remember to write back when you reach Chongzhou. Come back to see us when you have time."
Shen Tanqi and the others also came to see her off, not even going to the pharmacy.
Shen Chi, reluctant, held Li Yue Shu's sleeve, "Madam, please rest assured, we will take good care of the pharmacy. Remember to come back to see us when you have time."
Hearing this, Qin Mo Yuan, who was acting as a silent bystander, pursed his lips.
When the time came, he would definitely use his own identity to openly accompany Ah Shu back.
Though Madam Zhou and the others said nothing, they stood not far away, their eyes also reddening.
Their expressions suggested that Li Yue Shu would not return once she left.
Li Yue Shu was not an overly sentimental person, but facing everyone's demeanor now, her nose couldn't help but sting.
Suppressing her emotions, she patted Aunt Liu's hand, "Once things are settled in Chongzhou, I will definitely come back to see you all."
Aunt Liu nodded with red eyes, about to say something more when a knock suddenly came from the door.
Mother Mo quickly opened it to find three people standing at the entrance, with a few passing villagers outside.
The person at the forefront was the village head. He saw the situation in the courtyard and guessed that Li Yue Shu was preparing to leave for Chongzhou.
But thinking of what was about to happen, he couldn't help but frown.
"Aunt Mo, I have something to discuss. May I come in?"
If this matter became widely known, it would not be good for Li Yue Shu.
Mother Mo glanced at Li Yue Shu behind her. After receiving her consent, she let them in.
Only then did Li Yue Shu notice that the people following the village head were none other than Father Li and Mother Li.
It had been over a year since she transmigrated to this world, and this was the first time Li Yue Shu had seen Father Li and Mother Li.
She had said all that needed to be said to Li Xiang Ru, but these two suddenly appearing now was likely not a good sign.
Li Yue Shu's mind raced, but her expression remained unreadable.
The village head, with a smile, broke the silence, "Third Madam, you're planning to go to Chongzhou so soon!"
He walked to Li Yue Shu's side with a smile and then lowered his voice, "Your parents said they were deceived by the Shen family, thinking you were helping them out. They've come to take you home."
Li Yue Shu's gaze turned cold, and she replied in a low voice, "Thank you, Village Head."
She looked at Father Li and Mother Li with icy eyes, her heart sinking.
With the magistrate's help, her reputation had long spread, and Li Xiang Ru had met her twice, knowing she had married "Shen Wei." Father Li and Mother Li could not possibly be unaware of this.
Yet, they chose to appear at this time, falsely claiming they were deceived by the Shen family and were here to "take her home."
She wasn't foolish; she didn't believe this story.
However, what was their true motive?
Meeting her cold gaze, Mother Li inexplicably felt a shiver. She felt that her daughter had become somewhat frightening.
But thinking of the purpose of their visit today, she forgot her momentary unease.
"Yue Shu, Mother misses you so much!" Mother Li suddenly cried out mournfully. "Mother thought you were enjoying a good life with the Shen family. I never expected them to hide it from me and marry you off to a fool!"
Mother Li wept as she spoke, portraying the image of a devoted mother.