Chapter 76: The Emperor Goes Incognito Among the People

“Marshal, there’s something else I haven’t reported yet. I’ve discovered at least two first-rate martial experts around Master Fang. Both of them address him as ‘young master’ and only do menial chores, yet I saw no sign of resentment; they obey his every word,” Wu Ji said after a moment’s hesitation.

“You suspect this Master Fang’s identity? By the way, you’ve met him—what did you think? Is he one of those hidden masters? Could he possibly know the way to advance to the Grandmaster realm?” Wu Qingluan suddenly asked.

“Oh, actually, Master Fang is very young—just a little over twenty. He’s quite handsome, with a remarkable bearing. His eyes seem to see through everything. His medical skills are extraordinary, and his own aura is strong—at least first-rate. As for whether he knows how to break through to the Grandmaster realm, I really can’t guess,” Wu Ji replied.

“Master Fang is barely over twenty? That young? How strange—for someone so young to be a first-rate expert with such formidable medical skills, and to have two first-rate experts as attendants, his background must be far from ordinary. Perhaps he’s an outstanding disciple trained by some renowned sect?” Wu Qingluan mused aloud, secretly considering whether she should disguise herself to meet him—perhaps she might gain something from it.

Over the next two days, another two patients suffering from consumption came to seek treatment. Fang Xian treated each one, though the fees were steep. For the more gravely ill, he charged ten thousand taels of silver per consultation, and five sessions would be required for a cure.

“Master, I’ve noticed something odd. There are suspicious figures lurking around the streets near our clinic—they seem to be keeping watch on us,” Li Daqi reported one afternoon as Fang Xian finally had a rare moment to rest and eat.

“These past few days, there’s been a steady stream of consumption patients. Why do you think that is?” Fang Xian asked in return.

“Could it be that someone is trying to test your medical skills, to see if you can cure the Crown Prince’s illness?” Li Daqi, the shrewdest among his men and one whom Fang Xian was cultivating with care, ventured.

“Exactly. I’ve heard that the Marshal of the Flying Phoenix Army supports the Crown Prince. Starting with the patient Wu Ji brought the other day, these recent cases are likely sent by the marshal. Perhaps the next to come will be the marshal himself. So those people on the street may not only be here to watch us—they could also be here to protect us,” Fang Xian said with a smile.

“Master, are we really going to get involved in the struggle between the Crown Prince and the other princes? Isn’t it too dangerous?” Li Daqi asked.

“Back at Azure Cloud Fort, we never thought much of the court’s might. But now that we’re in Wudu, do you feel the same? Among the patients, their families, and the officials we’ve encountered, there are countless capable people. If we want to survive these turbulent times, we must have the power to stand on our own.

There are those who don’t want us in Wudu—so naturally, we must stay. I expect there will be attempts to drive us away, but there will also be those who want us to remain. The key is to seize opportunities amid crisis and create a way forward in the chaos, gaining what we need.

We’ve earned quite a bit in consultation fees lately. Send people out to buy up all kinds of medicinal herbs. Don’t hoard too much silver—it will only attract envy, while herbs will not,” Fang Xian advised, assigning Li Daqi his tasks.

Soon, news spread throughout Wudu that the First Under Heaven Medical Pavilion was purchasing herbs in bulk. In just half a day, they acquired fifty thousand taels’ worth of medicinal ingredients, including many rare and valuable ones.

At the same time, Fang Xian hired a group of practitioners—not to treat patients, but to process ordinary herbs and prepare them, saving him considerable time.

That afternoon, Wu Ji brought a man in green robes to accompany the original consumption patient for his third treatment. After today’s session and a few more days of medicine, he would be cured.

“Divine Physician Fang, this is Mr. Wu Qing, who came especially to thank you,” Wu Ji introduced. Yet Fang Xian immediately caught the faint scent on the newcomer and realized at once that Wu Qing was a woman in disguise.

“Mr. Wu Qing, you are too kind. I have received a generous fee and am naturally bound to see the treatment through. There’s no need for special thanks,” Fang Xian replied with a smile, curious but choosing not to reveal Wu Qing’s identity.

“Divine Physician Fang, your skill can bring the dead back to life, and yet you are so young. May I ask, who was your teacher? Surely your master must be a famed physician of the realm?” Wu Qing asked with hands clasped.

“I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Mr. Wu Qing. I first learned medicine from my late father, who was but a barefoot doctor in the countryside. However, he collected many medical books, and I had a passion for medicine from a young age. I read through all his books, and only recently did I finally synthesize the knowledge into my own understanding, bringing my medical skills to their current level,” Fang Xian replied.

Wu Qing’s eyes brightened at this. At the very least, she learned from his words that he was not a cultivated disciple sent by a great sect but rather someone self-taught. This made it unlikely he was deliberately planted in Wudu.

“I see many skilled people around you, Divine Physician Fang. May I ask where you are staying now?” Wu Qing inquired.

“To tell the truth, we come from the Daba Mountains in the southwest. We fled here to Wudu to escape pursuit by Hong Tianzhi’s men,” Fang Xian said, meeting Wu Qing’s gaze. Her expression changed at his words.

“Hong Tianzhi’s men targeted you, and you still managed to escape to Wudu?” Wu Qing asked.

“We used false trails, switched identities, and used every ruse to throw off our pursuers and reach Wudu. But I expect Hong’s influence reaches here too, so it’s better to act openly. Perhaps then, they’ll be more restrained,” Fang Xian replied with a smile.

“No wonder you’ve been working tirelessly these days, gathering crowds of patients and commoners at your clinic—so your enemies won’t dare attack you openly. But do you realize that those you face are high-ranking officials of Wu, and they can wield great power here in Wudu?” Wu Qing pressed.

“Wudu is still the heart of the empire—the emperor wouldn’t allow them to act recklessly, would he? Besides, the chief imperial physician is already in prison; as the so-called First Divine Physician, surely the emperor will want to test me as well,” Fang Xian said confidently.

“It seems you have your own plans, Divine Physician Fang. Then we needn’t worry,” Wu Qing said, giving him a long, searching look before turning the conversation to other matters.

All the while, Fang Xian continued treating the patient, chatting with Wu Qing about various topics. His insights were remarkable; even regarding the affairs of the five kingdoms, he was well informed.

The more Wu Qing spoke with Fang Xian, the more she was struck by his eloquence and unique perspective. Many of his ideas were unheard of, and he possessed a calm and broad-minded demeanor rare among men his age.

“Hearing you speak is worth more than reading ten years of books. Today’s conversation has truly opened my eyes. With your talent, being a mere physician is a waste,” Wu Qing said, openly admiring him.

“Mr. Wu Qing, you flatter me. In these troubled times, even princes and high officials may not benefit the common people. As a physician, I treat hundreds every day, relieving their pain and suffering. To me, helping the people in this way is more valuable than anything else,” Fang Xian replied with a gentle smile.

Wu Qing was silent for a moment before finally saying softly, “Your views are truly unique, and indeed, they are of great benefit to the people—far better than the idle officials who do nothing. The people of Wu are fortunate to have you.”

“Master, this Mr. Wu Qing has an extraordinary bearing. I doubt he’s an ordinary man,” Li Daqi commented after Wu Qing and Wu Ji had left.

“In Wu, those with the surname Wu are often of royal blood. This Mr. Wu Qing may well be a prince,” Fang Xian replied with a smile, though he thought to himself that she was most likely a princess or noble lady in disguise.