Chapter 144
Chapter 144: Chapter 144 Trouble Looming_1 Chapter 144: Chapter 144 Trouble Looming_1 “Young Master, you’re back,” Doctor Zheng, who was in the midst of writing a prescription, hurriedly got up and respectfully greeted Jiang Ziqi as he walked in from outside.
“How was business at the drugstore today, Uncle Zheng seems quite busy?” Since Jimin Hall was his family’s property, it was only natural for Jiang Ziqi to casually inquire.
Having become acquainted over these days, and due to Lin Yue’s relationship, Jiang Ziqi had developed a good impression of Doctor Zheng. Furthermore, Doctor Zheng’s medical skills were quite decent. The two often discussed medicine together, so Jiang Ziqi affectionately referred to Doctor Zheng as Uncle Zheng. It was both a mark of respect and recognition of his abilities.
“Today we had more patients than usual, indeed it was a bit busy. I have been occupied since this morning; aside from a break at noon for lunch, only now have I found a moment of respite,” Doctor Zheng said with a smile. Suddenly, remembering Lin Yue’s recent visit, he could tell that the Young Master had a special regard for Lady Lin. Presuming that the Young Master would be concerned about Lady Lin, Doctor Zheng was prompted by the recollection of Lin Yue’s troubled expression.
“Speaking of which, Lady Lin came to the drugstore this afternoon. I was so busy tending to patients that I didn’t have time to attend to her, but I did notice that Lady Lin seemed preoccupied with something. She stayed in the store for quite a while before leaving. I wasn’t able to free myself at the time, but looking back on it, could it be that Master Zhao’s condition has taken a turn for the worse?” Doctor Zheng finished, observing Jiang Ziqi’s expression, trying to read something from it.
Jiang Ziqi’s interest was indeed piqued upon hearing about Lin Yue, “No, when I went to give Erhu acupuncture this morning, he was in good spirits and recovering well. If this continues, he should wake up in a few days. Yueyue seemed perfectly normal and didn’t appear troubled by anything. Could something have happened after I left?”
Jiang Ziqi frowned and speculated, feeling somewhat uneasy. The shop assistant, who had overheard the conversation between Jiang Ziqi and Doctor Zheng, scratched his head. Although unsure, he eventually decided to relay what he had seen, “Well, Doctor Jiang, Doctor Zheng, after Lady Lin left, I think I saw Chen Lao Da’s men, Asan and Asi, sneakily following behind her. I’m not sure if they were after Lady Lin?”
“What! Why didn’t you say so sooner? Tell me, when did she leave?!” Jiang Ziqi urgently asked, grabbing the shop assistant’s collar. As soon as he heard the assistant mention Asan and Asi, he knew they were up to no good. Now that Lin Yue had caught their attention, he feared trouble was brewing.
“Well, I reckon it’s been about half an hour,” the assistant stammered, intimidated by Jiang Ziqi’s fierce demeanor, feeling wrongly accused. Lady Lin was just a regular customer; how could he know that Doctor Jiang and Doctor Zheng would take such an interest in her affairs?
Upon hearing the assistant’s reply, a sense of dread sank in Jiang Ziqi’s heart. With so much time passed, anything could have happened. He released the assistant’s collar and immediately rushed out, mounted his horse, and galloped toward the city outskirts, praying he wasn’t too late.
Feeling restless inside, Lin Yue hurried home in an ox-cart. Midway, she saw an inconspicuous horse-drawn carriage parked by the roadside with two raucous-looking young men on board. Feeling something was amiss, Lin Yue knew this was no time to let curiosity get the better of her. Fearing trouble, she resolutely whipped the ox twice on its backside, wanting to quickly pass by the carriage.