After a while, Feng Jiu’er released the old man’s leg, and only then did Xiao Yingtao approach, carrying a tray.

She set the tray down on the table in front of Feng Jiu’er and picked up a cup of chrysanthemum tea.

“Young Master Tang, please try our shop’s new chrysanthemum tea — it works wonders for a sore throat and excess liver heat.”

“As for the old master’s condition, I’ll need to run a thorough examination before I can give you a treatment plan.”

“Does that mean, Miss Long, that there’s still a chance for my father?” Tang Rong asked, taking the cup of tea, a hint of pleasure crossing his face as he watched Feng Jiu’er’s expression.

“Why would you assume there isn’t?” Feng Jiu’er pulled her medicine box closer and opened it.

“To be honest, we’ve seen many physicians before this, and not one of them dared promise that my father would ever stand again,” Tang Rong said with a light sigh.

Feng Jiu’er took out an ointment and a needle case from the box and stood up.

“Young Master Tang, please carry the old master to the bed.” She glanced at him once and walked toward the small treatment bed.

Just as Tang Rong was about to turn, Feng Jiu’er’s voice rose again. “Oh, and don’t forget to try our chrysanthemum tea. It isn’t a particularly precious ingredient, but it’s a token of our regard — please don’t let it go to waste.”

“Of course.” Tang Rong nodded and drained the entire cup in one go.

He set the cup down and, without another word, lifted his father into his arms and carried him toward Feng Jiu’er.

Qiao Mu spread a clean gray cloth over the bed, and Tang Rong laid the old man down on it.

Feng Jiu’er set the ointment and needle case on the small side table, pulled on a pair of gloves, and leaned over to examine the old man.

“Old master, I need to run a detailed examination. Please forgive me if anything feels intrusive.”

“Miss Long, go ahead,” the old man said flatly.

Feng Jiu’er nodded and bent down once more, taking hold of the old man’s leg.

The entire examination was remarkably professional, quite unlike the consultations given by ordinary physicians in this town. The questions Feng Jiu’er asked were detailed and precise. Even before treatment had begun, she had already given the Tang father and son a sense of hope.

After a full round of examination, Feng Jiu’er removed her gloves and turned to Tang Rong.

“Young Master Tang, the old master’s condition isn’t as severe as it seems. If you trust me, give me fifteen days. After fifteen days, even if his legs aren’t back to full strength, he should at least be able to stand and walk for about a quarter of an hour at a stretch. A full recovery would take roughly two months — though I should mention, Longying is opening branches across the country, so I may need to leave at some point. Don’t worry, though — as long as these fifteen days of treatment go well, the follow-up care can safely be handed over to my disciples.”

Feng Jiu’er set her gloves aside and returned to her seat, looking back at Tang Rong and waving a hand. “What does Young Master Tang think?”

Tang Rong carried his father back and settled him into his chair.

“Whatever Miss Long decides is fine with me.”

“Good.” Feng Jiu’er nodded, sat down, and picked up her writing brush. “Today’s consultation is free, but once treatment begins, there will of course be a fee.”

“Naturally,” Tang Rong said, nodding. “However Miss Long arranges it, payment is no concern.”

“Good.” Holding the brush, Feng Jiu’er looked up at Tang Rong. “I’ve already decided on the treatment plan. As for the location of treatment…”

“Young Master Tang, since the old master will need fairly long sessions every day, I can offer you two options.”

“Please, go on,” Tang Rong said, waving a hand.

Feng Jiu’er nodded. “One option is for him to stay here for treatment — we can clear out a side room for him. The other is for me to visit your residence. Though if I make house calls, the fee will be higher.”

“A higher fee is no issue at all. If Miss Long has the time, I would much prefer you come to treat my father at home,” Tang Rong said.

“Very well.” She looked back down at the paper on the table. “Since Young Master Tang wants treatment at home, you may take the old master back with you now. Please pay a deposit of one hundred taels of silver in advance — when I come, I’ll lay out the full list of fees.”

“And since the Tang family has been so attentive in supporting our herb business, you already know our medicine is reasonably priced. The expense lies mainly in the cost of my house calls.”

Feng Jiu’er’s words seemed to startle not only the Tang father and son, but Xiao Yingtao and Qiao Mu as well. The Tang family certainly didn’t seem short on money, but a hundred taels of silver was no small sum.

“Of course, no problem.” Tang Rong nodded, pushing his father’s wheelchair.

“Xiao Liu, take Young Master Tang to settle the payment,” Feng Jiu’er said, glancing outside indifferently.

“Yes,” a voice answered from outside, and a man appeared within the tent.

“Young Master Tang, this way please,” the man said, gesturing.

“Then I’ll head back and await Miss Long’s visit,” Tang Rong said, glancing once more at Feng Jiu’er before turning and pushing the wheelchair away.

“Just leave your address, Young Master Tang. I’ll arrive promptly in the afternoon,” Feng Jiu’er said.

“Good.” Tang Rong left those words behind and followed Xiao Liu out.

Xiao Yingtao followed Tang Rong out from behind the screen, and once he was a good distance away, she came back in.

“Jiu’er.” She lowered her voice as much as she could. “You’re something else! One hundred taels, just like that.”

“Am I not worth that much?” Feng Jiu’er glanced at Xiao Yingtao and picked up her brush again to begin drafting the treatment plan.

“Of course you are.” Xiao Yingtao shook her head, picking up the cup and teapot she’d brought earlier and pouring herself a cup of chrysanthemum tea. “I’ve been talking all day, my voice is going hoarse. I had a cup in the back earlier and it really helped.”

The moment she finished speaking, she lifted the cup and poured it down her throat.

“It’s good, but don’t overdo it,” Feng Jiu’er said flatly.

Qiao Mu pulled out a chair and sat back down.

“A hundred taels just for a house call deposit — how many people in Yuecheng could even afford to request you? You’re worth it, sure, but you’ve never actually made a house call before, have you? Forget the house call — you didn’t even do a real consultation today. How exactly did this Young Master Tang come to trust you so completely?”

“That’s called nerve,” Feng Jiu’er said, raising an eyebrow as she continued writing. “If anyone could simply request my services, when would I ever have free time? The thing is, with a case like the old Master Tang’s, I’m quite confident. Whether to proceed with treatment is entirely up to him.”

“Jiu’er’s got some real swagger!” Xiao Yingtao laughed, pleased with herself, and poured out the rest of the chrysanthemum tea from the pot. She handed a cup each to Feng Jiu’er and Qiao Mu before carrying the tray back out.

Business at the pharmacy didn’t let up for the rest of the day.

In the afternoon, Feng Jiu’er, accompanied by Jian Yi and Xiao Yingtao, arrived punctually in front of the Tang residence.

Seeing Tang Rong waiting at the gate, Xiao Yingtao gave Feng Jiu’er a knowing, satisfied smile. “Jiu’er, seems like you’re quite popular after all — though I suppose this kind of nerve has plenty to do with your looks, too.”