A flash of pain and humiliation crossed Lu Qian’s eyes. He managed a strained smile: “There are reasons behind this that are not fit to be spoken of — I beg your pardon for being unable to elaborate. I am simply concerned about Cousin Sister Shu’s condition, and in my anxiety, I came here to Huichun Hall. I ask Imperial Physician Wei to tell me honestly.”
With those words, he bowed deeply.
Wei Yan observed the young man standing before him — still not yet of age — and the anger within him not only failed to subside, but grew all the higher.
Ling Jingshu had clearly kept some extremely important matters concealed. But as for the cause of her condition, the Lu brothers were absolutely implicated. This Lu Qian especially — even at this juncture, he was still pursuing Ling Jingshu relentlessly. It was truly hateful and infuriating!
Thinking of Ling Jingshu’s anguish as she retched in misery, then looking at the person responsible before him, Wei Yan felt a powerful urge to throw this individual out.
Once Lu Qian had straightened up, Wei Yan said coolly: “As a physician, I am bound to keep my patients’ secrets and should not reveal anything to anyone. I cannot grant young Lu gentleman’s request.”
It was a refusal, without a moment’s hesitation.
Lu Qian was left speechless, with nowhere to turn.
Wei Yan said mildly: “If young Lu gentleman has no other business, please feel free to see yourself out. There are still patients outside waiting for me to attend to them, and I will not keep you company any longer.”
Lu Qian had no intention of leaving so easily, and pleaded earnestly once more: “Imperial Physician Wei, I know this request is somewhat unreasonable. But I have no one else to turn to. If you do not tell me today, I will simply remain here and wait — I will not go anywhere.”
Wei Yan’s brow creased, and his voice cooled a degree: “What does young Lu gentleman mean by saying such a thing? Are you intending to impose on me for the whole of today?”
Lu Qian hurried to respond: “I have absolutely no such intention. Please do not misunderstand, Imperial Physician Wei. If it is not convenient for you to explain in full, then please only tell me — is there any possibility that Cousin Sister Shu’s condition can be cured?”
Wei Yan considered for a moment, then let out a sigh: “Very well. Your sincerity moves me, so I will make an exception and share a few words with you.”
Lu Qian was greatly relieved and bowed in thanks.
Wei Yan deliberated for another moment before saying quietly: “Miss Ling’s condition is truly rare. In all my years of learning and practicing medicine, I have never encountered anything like it. Though I have written a prescription, I cannot say with certainty that I can cure her.”
Lu Qian’s heart sank as he pressed anxiously: “Imperial Physician Wei — how confident are you, really, of curing Cousin Sister Shu’s condition?”
Wei Yan’s expression was grave: “To speak honestly, I am not even two parts in ten confident.”
Not even two parts in ten?!
Lu Qian was stunned, and clinging to a thread of hope, pressed again: “Imperial Physician Wei has not encountered this type of condition before, yet the capital has no shortage of renowned physicians. Perhaps another doctor could cure this ailment.”
Wei Yan replied mildly: “Young Lu gentleman, permit me to say something that may sound presumptuous. If even I cannot cure Miss Ling’s condition, I am afraid there is no one in this entire capital who could.”
Lu Qian: “……”
So Ling Jingshu’s condition was truly very difficult to cure?
Lu Qian’s body swayed, his face suddenly drained of all color.
“Young Lu gentleman — what I have told you today, please do not mention it in front of Miss Ling. It would only cause her to lose heart and give up hope.” Wei Yan urged earnestly: “For a patient seeking treatment, the most important thing is to have confidence in one’s physician. With confidence, the spirit becomes more resolute, and the possibility of recovery is all the greater.”
“I understand. I will not say anything careless.”
Lu Qian’s mind was in complete chaos, and he hardly knew what he was saying: “Imperial Physician Wei, I beg you — please cure Cousin Sister Shu. She is still so young. If this condition cannot be cured, what is to become of her in the future! Imperial Physician Wei, you must cure her! Whatever the cost in silver — name your price and I will find a way to raise it and send it to you…”
By the end, it was all completely incoherent and senseless.
Wei Yan said with gravity: “Even without young Lu gentleman’s words, I will do everything in my power. As for the matter of fees, young Lu gentleman need not concern yourself. I have a few candid words I feel compelled to say — if there is any offense in them, I ask for your understanding.”
Lu Qian’s mind was in turmoil, and his reactions were considerably slower than usual. He made an effort to compose himself and replied: “Please go ahead, Imperial Physician Wei.”
Wei Yan let his smile fall away and said slowly: “The cause of Miss Ling’s condition is not something I know with complete clarity. I have only vaguely heard that young Lu gentleman may have some connection to it. If young Lu gentleman truly hopes for Miss Ling’s swift recovery, it would be best in the future to stay well clear of her, and not to encounter Miss Ling again. It would spare Miss Ling from having the buried anguish in her heart stirred anew.”
These words delivered a blow to Lu Qian, already unsteady and adrift within, that left him utterly shattered.
In the span of one day, he had already heard the same thing three times over.
Sun Shi had said it. Ling Jingshu had said it herself. And now Imperial Physician Wei was saying it as well…
Perhaps he never should have come to the capital. He never should have appeared before Ling Jingshu at all.
Lu Qian’s voice trembled: “I understand. From now on, I will keep my distance from her and will not go to disturb her again. I have intruded greatly today — I will take my leave.”
He performed a hasty bow, then turned and left.
It was as though all the strength had been drawn from his body — he stumbled with his first step and nearly fell. After barely regaining his balance, he finally made his way out, his every step heavy and labored.
……
Watching Lu Qian’s pained and desolate retreating figure, the gloom and displeasure that had hung over Wei Yan swept clean away.
What he had said just now was of course not the truth. Ling Jingshu’s condition was indeed rare, being a physical response triggered by an affliction of the heart. With proper care and the right approach to untangling her inner wound, the likelihood of recovery was at least eight parts in ten.
As for saying “not even two parts in ten” — that was nothing but deliberate intimidation to frighten Lu Qian.
In one stroke, he had both vented some of the injustice on Ling Jingshu’s behalf and cleared away one romantic rival for himself.
A single move that served two purposes!
Han Yi came in hurriedly: “Imperial Physician Wei, the young Lu gentleman has left.”
Wei Yan gave a casual sound of acknowledgment, the expression on his face best described as pleased.
Seeing this, Han Yi could not help but feel a quiet curiosity stir within him.
What had Lu Qian and Wei Yan been talking about for so long alone in the inner hall just now? When Lu Qian left just moments ago, he had the look of a man whose soul had abandoned him, with no will left to live. Then looking at Wei Yan’s expression now — it was all quite baffling.
Han Yi ventured tentatively: “This young Lu gentleman is rather peculiar. He waited out there for so long, then insisted on speaking with Imperial Physician Wei in private — all for the purpose of inquiring about Miss Ling’s condition. In truth, he could simply have asked Miss Ling directly — there was no need to come to Huichun Hall.”
Han Yi was a man of considerable standing and exceptional ability, and was deeply loyal to Wei Yan. Wei Yan placed particular trust in him, and upon hearing this, gave a mild smile: “Do not worry. After today’s visit, he should not be coming back again.”
Seeing that Wei Yan had no wish to say more, Han Yi tactfully refrained from pressing further, and promptly changed the subject: “There are still patients waiting outside — I will have the next one shown in.”