Koi Fubao: Being loved by everyone on the road to escape from famine

Chapter 235 Dangerous Jianghu

Xiao Zhixue responded to his doubts with a gentle and confident smile: "Although I am not from Lianhua Town, I passed by here by chance. I heard that the mayor was seriously ill, so I thought I might be able to help."

However, Zouping's face did not show any relief, but became even more stern.

"Oh, how disgraceful! The master of the family is so seriously ill, how can you take advantage of the chaos to make things worse? Leave immediately, this is not the place for you!"

He waved his arms, intending to keep Xiao Zhixue out, with a firm attitude.

The two servants exchanged glances, feeling mixed emotions.

They were afraid of being punished for this recommendation. After all, it was they who brought Xiao Zhixue into the mansion.

It is reasonable for them to at least give her a chance. What if her medical skills are indeed effective and can save the life of the owner of the house?

So, the two of them quickly grabbed Zou Ping's sleeves and pleaded in a low voice, "Master Steward, why not let her try first? The master's illness cannot be delayed."

Another servant echoed, "Butler Kong, Doctor Jiang in the town is so far away from us. By the time he arrives, I'm afraid the opportunity will have passed."

These words made Zou Ping feel very upset and unable to make a decision.

He looked at Xiao Zhixue again. Her calm and composed attitude seemed to be quite that of a master.

Just as Zouping was wavering between whether to expel him or not, a sad female cry was heard from inside the house.

"Master, you must hold on. If you leave us, what will happen to us, your widow and orphan?"

Then a young man sobbed and comforted: "Mom, don't say that, Dad will get better."

Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Zou Ping, fearing that any further delay would make the patriarch's life flame even weaker.

Zou Ping's inner struggle reached its climax, and finally, he made a decision to allow Xiao Zhixue to give it a try.

"But let me be frank. If you can cure my master, I will pay you a generous fee. If you can't, don't blame me for sending you to prison to suffer."

There was a hint of threat in Zouping's words.

Xiao Zhixue just smiled slightly, unmoved by Zou Ping's warning. Her indifference was like the breeze in spring, gentle yet firm.

"Then do as you say."

Zou Ping stepped forward and knocked gently on the heavy door. The door hinge turned, revealing a haggard face behind the door. It was Yang Shang. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked around expectantly, but he did not see the familiar figure of Doctor Jiang.

"Has Doctor Jiang arrived?"

Yang Shang's voice was hoarse and full of anticipation.

Zou Ping cleared his throat and pointed to Xiao Zhixue beside him: "Doctor Jiang was not invited, but this woman said she could save the master of the family."

Yang Shang's gaze shifted accordingly, looking at the young woman in front of him, and asked in disbelief: "Can you really cure my father's illness?"

Facing Yang Shang's questioning, Xiao Zhixue's expression remained gentle, without any trace of anger.

"Whether it is effective or not, I have to see the patient first."

Yang Shang hesitated for a moment, but finally stepped aside to allow Xiao Zhixue to enter.

As Xiao Zhixue walked into the room and was led by Kong Qiao to the bedside, she saw a middle-aged man. He was as pale as paper, skinny, and every breath he took seemed extremely difficult.

Beside the bed, a woman covered her face and cried bitterly. When she saw Xiao Zhixue coming, she was stunned for a moment, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes. "Shang'er, why hasn't Doctor Jiang come yet? Who is this person?"

Before Mrs. Yuan's question was answered, Xiao Zhixue spoke first: "I am a doctor. On the way to Nanchong City, I learned that the master of the mansion was seriously ill, so I came here to visit him."

Mrs. Yuan looked at Xiao Zhixue with suspicion in her eyes. How could such a youthful woman be equated with the highly skilled doctor Yuan?

But she soon realized that the current situation did not allow her to question too much. Doctor Jiang failed to arrive in time, and the condition of the owner was getting worse. Delay would only make hope more slim.

Mrs. Yuan stepped aside anxiously and tacitly allowed Xiao Zhixue to treat Mayor Yang.

Xiao Zhixue took out a small bag full of silver needles with skillful techniques, as if everything was so natural, and she really had the demeanor of a famous doctor.

Xiao Zhixue took the pulse of Mayor Yang and realized that although the large amount of medication he had taken before temporarily suppressed his condition, those drugs were just a drop in the bucket and could not reach the root of the disease. Instead, they delayed the real treatment and made the condition more complicated.

Mayor Yang turned his head with great effort, staring at Xiao Zhixue's focused and serious expression. The corners of his mouth moved slightly, as if there were thousands of words stuck in his throat, which finally turned into a thin sentence: "I know that my time is running out, so don't waste your energy on me."

Xiao Zhixue understood that Mayor Yang had been bedridden for a long time and had no success in treatment. He had already become discouraged and had no hope.

A warm smile appeared on her lips. "As a doctor, how can I sit back and watch the flame of life dim? Besides, your condition is not hopeless. Relax, there is still hope."

Xiao Zhixue nodded gently, with determination flashing in her eyes: "That's right. I studied medicine to protect the people around me, and this time is no exception. However, if this matter gets out, I'm afraid it will bring us unnecessary trouble."

Mayor Yang was stunned for a moment, then a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes: "Young lady, you have such courage and means, which is admirable. Don't worry, although Lianhua Town is small, it can provide you with a place to stay. Regarding the matter of Longfei Village, I will handle it carefully and will not let the outside world know a single thing."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhixue bowed slightly, her gratitude overflowing with words: "Thank you for your understanding, Mayor. I will keep it in mind. However, I have another favor to ask of you."

"But it doesn't matter."

Mayor Yang's attitude became increasingly mild.

"My village was destroyed in the war and the villagers were displaced. I hope to find a piece of land near Lianhua Town to rebuild our home so that we refugees can have a place to stay. Of course, we are willing to be self-reliant and will not be a burden to the town."

There was a barely perceptible choke in Xiao Zhixue's voice, but her tone remained firm.

Mayor Yang was silent for a moment, then nodded solemnly: "This matter involves land and livelihood, and needs to be discussed with the townspeople. However, if it can calm the people's hearts and help the refugees rebuild, it will be a good deed, and I will do my best to facilitate it. When I recover, we will start to resolve this matter."

Hearing this, Xiao Zhixue smiled with gratitude, and the weight in her heart seemed to have lightened a lot: "Then I'll leave it to the mayor. In addition, please keep my medical skills confidential to avoid unnecessary trouble."

Mayor Yang looked at Xiao Zhixue deeply, with both admiration and worry in his eyes: "You saved my life and got rid of the scourge for Lianhua Town. I will naturally agree to your request. However, you also need to be careful. The world is dangerous and you must be on guard."

Xiao Zhixue bowed again, her eyes revealing a maturity and tenacity beyond her age: "I will be careful. Thank you again, Mayor."