Chapter 57: Testing the Poison (Thanks to Hawk's Rebirth for the generous reward!)

“Doctor Wang, you’ve worked hard. It’s getting late—why don’t you have some lunch first? There’s a side courtyard just a few steps from here, which I’ve already had tidied up. If you don’t mind, you can stay there for now,” Magistrate Chen said, making clear his hope that this miraculous physician would remain; the reason hardly needed to be spoken.

Doctor Wang Ke Yue smiled and replied, “You’re too kind, Magistrate Chen. In that case, I’ll gratefully accept your hospitality and trouble you for a while.”

She seized the opportunity to shift from calling herself a humble commoner to referring to herself as an elder. Let others remain humble if they wished; she had no intention of keeping her head down forever. Some people, after all, only grow more brazen when you show humility, but if you assert yourself, they become obsequious in return.

The small courtyard was indeed close by and truly small, with only three rooms. Yet it was clean and neat at a glance, furnished with everything one might need for daily life. Most satisfying to Wang Ke Yue was the presence of a kitchen—unexpected in such a secluded spot. The kitchen was bright and spacious, with every necessary pot and utensil in its place.

Inside, two young maidservants were tending the fire and preparing the meal, the aroma of food wafting from the pot.

“Doctor Wang, your meal is ready in the main hall,” Magistrate Chen announced, his tone earnest. “Forgive me—I am truly ashamed that I cannot join you. Please excuse me.”

“It’s quite all right, Magistrate. Tend to your matters. Later, when the herbs arrive, I’ll prepare the medicine for Young Master. You can rest easy—he’s in no serious danger,” Wang Ke Yue assured him with a soothing word.

Magistrate Chen responded with a grateful chuckle and hurried off to gather the herbs; his young master was still suffering, and he had no appetite for lunch himself.

Watching the magistrate’s hurried departure, Wang Ke Yue shrugged and returned to the main hall, just as a young maid in a green dress entered, carrying a large bowl of soup with both hands, careful not to spill a drop.

“Doctor Wang, please, have a seat. The meal will be served right away,” the little maid murmured, setting the soup down and going to fetch rice for Wang Ke Yue.

Another, slightly older maid brought over a basin of clean water and a towel, standing by to attend her.

Such attentive service left Wang Ke Yue feeling rather uneasy. The table was laden with four dishes and a soup, but she was the only one dining; the two maids stood on either side like dutiful little nannies, arranging the meal for her. As for her newly acquired apprentice, he stood behind her as stiff as a post.

Good heavens! With three pairs of eyes fixed on her every move, even the most delicious food tasted like sawdust.

“All right, you three—come sit down and eat with me,” Wang Ke Yue finally commanded, unable to bear it any longer.

The three shook their heads vigorously, the two maids’ faces turning pale with fright.

Seeing their expressions, Wang Ke Yue decided not to make things harder for them. The strict hierarchy of master and servant in ancient times was not to be taken lightly, nor was the rule forbidding men and women to dine together. The two maids would never dare cross such lines.

“Fine, you two go have your meal elsewhere. I won’t need you to wait on me here,” Wang Ke Yue said, waving them away.

Relieved, the maids quickly obeyed and slipped out.

Turning to her apprentice, Wang Ke Yue said, “Disciple, come sit and eat with your master. How can I eat with you standing behind me like that?”

“Hehe, Master, I’ll tend to you here. Once you’ve finished, I’ll eat,” replied Da Li, his mouth watering at the sight of the food, though he kept his place. He remembered well the clan chief’s instructions before they left: protect your master at all costs—her safety comes before all else.

Suddenly, Da Li’s expression grew solemn. “Wait a moment, Master,” he said. Striding forward, he picked up a pair of bamboo chopsticks and, under Wang Ke Yue’s surprised gaze, tasted a bit from each of the four dishes and the soup. He looked to be sampling the flavors, but his stern, earnest face showed he was not pretending.

A chill ran down Wang Ke Yue’s spine. This foolish disciple was testing for poison!

She was certain Magistrate Chen would never try to poison her—not while she was still useful to him. But her simple-minded apprentice understood none of these subtleties; all that mattered to him was his master’s safety. He was willing to risk his life to protect this master who was, in truth, an impostor.

It seemed she would have to work harder, complete this task, and master the healing arts in earnest. Only then could she truly fulfill her role as teacher and not let her earnest disciple down.

As Wang Ke Yue mused, Da Li set down his chopsticks, his expression finally relaxing. “Master, perhaps you’d like some tea first?” he suggested.

She understood immediately—Da Li was worried there might be slow-acting poison in the food.