Chapter 034: The Prefect Seeks Medical Aid

After the three members of the Grey-Clad Gang made their escape, they dared not return to their original hideout. Instead, they traversed half the city before slipping into a grand mansion. Yet, they failed to notice two figures silently tailing them from afar, watching as they entered the mansion. Soon after, a light flickered in one of the rooms.

“Third Brother, go back and notify the others. We'll wipe them out before dawn.” Of the two shadowy figures in black, one was a woman—Feng Ling from Flying Phoenix Ridge.

Earlier, they had been outside the Fortune Inn. Hearing the sounds of battle within, they had prepared to intervene, only to witness the Grey-Clad Gang driven out in disarray, suffering heavy losses. Realizing her younger sister was unharmed, Feng Ling led Zhou Zhihua in pursuit, tracking the gang to this second hideout.

“Understood.” Zhou Zhihua nodded and hurried off to gather reinforcements. With two top-ranked fighters on their side—and Feng Ling's abilities surpassing even the best among them—eradicating a Grey-Clad Gang stronghold would pose little challenge.

Half an hour later, Zhou Zhihua returned with the entire retinue, but Feng Ling was in no rush. She instructed everyone to rest nearby, then, just before dawn, led the charge into the mansion.

Agonized screams pierced the air, soon followed by the flicker of flames and the clash of weapons. Yet it all unfolded with startling swiftness. By the time the commotion roused the local residents and distant city garrison, the entire mansion was ablaze, flames leaping skyward.

More than twenty members of the Grey-Clad Gang perished at this stronghold, including one top-ranked and two second-tier fighters. All valuables within were thoroughly looted and then set alight.

“My lord, last night the Fortune Inn was attacked by the Grey-Clad Gang. However, the bodyguards protecting the miracle physician Fang Xian proved formidable—one is a top-ranked fighter, and he is joined by a disciple of Baihua Abyss.

Additionally, a merchant’s mansion in the southern part of the city was assaulted—over twenty were killed and most of the buildings were destroyed by fire. Preliminary investigations suggest this was a Grey-Clad Gang stronghold.

As for the wealthiest man in town, Shen Zhongliang, after receiving treatment from the miracle physician yesterday, he spent the night with all four wives and concubines, and did not cease until well into the night.”

At dawn, as the magistrate Li Changlin was just waking, his steward gave a timely report on the significant events of the previous night—matters the magistrate himself cared about.

“Any adverse incidents among the other patients who sought treatment?” Li Changlin nodded and inquired.

“All recovered significantly at once, then went home to continue their treatment with prescribed medicines. We’ve collected most of the prescriptions; all have been vetted by the city’s renowned physicians. They are well-matched to the symptoms, though some ingredients are used in rather unconventional ways—yet all seem effective,” the steward replied promptly.

“Send someone to queue up immediately. After breakfast, I’ll escort my lady to seek treatment.” Li Changlin gave his orders at once. Having seen the results in other patients, he now trusted Fang Xian’s medical skills and resolved to take his wife for treatment.

After daybreak, Fang Xian finally woke up after more than two hours of sleep, a satisfied smile on his lips. The content of the second volume of the Medical Canon was so rich and complex that it had required much longer to master.

But now, having learned the techniques within, Fang Xian could rightfully claim to be the foremost physician under heaven. The second volume contained a plethora of marvelous cures, as well as formulas for concocting medicinal pills—among them, the method for compounding the Life-Extending Pill.

The system-produced pill, the True Life-Extending Pill, could revive any patient so long as they drew breath, fully restoring them to health. His own version, the Lesser Life-Extending Pill, could treat most otherwise incurable diseases—including those that would baffle future generations, such as cancer, AIDS, and leukemia.

“Young Master, the richest man in town, Shen Zhongliang, has arrived with a large quantity of medicinal herbs,” Da Niu reported as Fang Xian was eating breakfast.

“Accept all the herbs, and if he’s brought a banknote, accept that as well. Then show him in,” Fang Xian replied, finishing his meal quickly. Soon, Shen Zhongliang entered, his face beaming.

“Thank you, miracle physician, for restoring my vigor. Last night I finally revitalized the household, leaving my four wives and concubines begging for mercy. I’ve brought double the amount of herbs you requested, as well as a banknote for ten thousand taels, hoping you’ll help me fully regain my health,” Shen Zhongliang said earnestly.

Fang Xian was delighted; such patients were his favorites. “Then I shall gladly accept,” he replied. He administered another acupuncture treatment for Shen Zhongliang and wrote a new prescription.

“From now on, you may enjoy conjugal relations as normal, but do not overindulge. Three to five times per ten days is sufficient—absolutely refrain from taking excessive tonics. After tomorrow’s treatment, I’ll give you another prescription; take it diligently for half a year, and I guarantee you’ll remain vigorous even at fifty,” Fang Xian counseled.

“Rest assured, miracle physician. I would never risk my life by ignoring your advice.” For Shen Zhongliang, even once every ten days would be satisfactory—he resolved to follow all instructions faithfully.

“I have a small request. Your business holdings span the entire Wu Kingdom—please ask your people everywhere to spread word of my abilities. I am newly established, young, and my reputation lags behind my skills. I would appreciate your support in making my name known,” Fang Xian added.

“That’s a small matter! With the benefit I’ve received from your remarkable skills, I shall do all I can to spread your fame. Please rest assured,” Shen Zhongliang replied readily.

“Young Master, the magistrate has arrived with his wife and will be entering the courtyard soon,” Da Niu announced at that moment.

“The magistrate himself! Tell everyone to wait a little longer—I will attend to the magistrate first,” Fang Xian said at once. He understood the importance of propriety, especially on another’s turf.

“Please, Magistrate,” Da Niu called from outside. Fang Xian and Shen Zhongliang went to greet their guest, meeting a dignified middle-aged man accompanied by a woman and two handmaids.

“Magistrate,” Fang Xian and Shen Zhongliang saluted with smiles.

“Greetings, miracle physician. Shen, you are here as well?” Li Changlin returned the salute, then greeted Shen Zhongliang with a friendly smile.

“Thanks to the miracle physician’s treatment, my long-standing illness is now cured. I am here today for further treatment and to express my gratitude,” Shen Zhongliang replied with a laugh.

“My congratulations, Shen,” said Li Changlin.

“The pleasure is mutual. With the miracle physician here, your lady’s minor ailments will surely be cured in no time. Magistrate, I have some matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave,” Shen Zhongliang said with another bow, not wishing to intrude on the magistrate’s consultation.

“A safe journey, Shen.”

“Farewell, Master Shen.”

Li Changlin and Fang Xian spoke together. Shen Zhongliang nodded and strode out, his satisfaction plain to see—his renewed vigor had given his household new hope.

“I heard there was some trouble at the Fortune Inn last night—did it disturb you, miracle physician?” After Shen Zhongliang left, Li Changlin turned to Fang Xian with concern.

“Thank you for your concern, Magistrate. I sleep deeply, so I only just heard from my servants about last night. It seems a few petty thieves tried to break in but were quickly chased away,” Fang Xian replied with a smile.

“I’m glad you are unharmed. I have already ordered the city garrison to step up patrols around the inn, so you will not be troubled by such miscreants again. This is my wife—several years ago she suddenly developed hysteria. We even consulted the imperial physicians in the capital, but no medicine was effective. I wonder if you have a cure,” Li Changlin explained.

“Magistrate, forgive me if I seem boastful, but if I claim to be second in the world at medicine, none would dare claim first. I won’t speak of reviving the dead or re-growing flesh and bone—yet so long as it is within the realm of illness, I can cure it. It is only a matter of difficulty,” Fang Xian replied with confidence.

Li Changlin noted that his words, though grand, were spoken without a trace of arrogance. In fact, he had never heard anyone speak so boldly.