C16 Ten Thousand Gold Taels

"First, you need to stop taking those strong tonics. You can have some rhodiola, but cut the dose in half. I'll write you a prescription in a bit, using ingredients like club moss, red sage, turtle shell, and calamus, all steeped in warm water. Also, the air in this room isn't fresh, which isn't good for the heart and lungs. Stop using incense; try fresh fruits and flowers instead. Once you feel a bit better, make sure to exercise more and walk around often."

Ruan Qingge thought for a moment, quickly wrote out the prescription, and gave several instructions. The maid of Mrs. Shen, seeing Ruan Qingge's impressive skills, was moved to tears and immediately removed the incense burner.

"Who knew you actually understood medicine?"

Liu Yunzheng noticed Ruan Qingge holding a large gold pouch given by Shen Wenke. The pouch jingled with every movement, hinting at the wealth inside. He awkwardly rubbed his nose and coughed, "That Shen guy sure is generous."

"Naturally, compared to some stingy folks who wouldn't part with a dime, he's quite lavish."

Ruan Qingge cast a playful glance at Liu Yunzheng, teasing him lightly.

"Here I am in this town with not a penny to my name. Even if I wanted to give you money, I couldn't," Liu Yunzheng replied, looking rather put out.

"I don't care, if you don't pay up, I'm not helping you with the antidote! You can last another week or two with this poison, so dragging it out a bit won't matter!"

The woman rescued on the street was out of danger thanks to the doctor at Shen's Mansion. With Shen Wenke's generous invitation, Ruan Qingge stayed a few more days to help care for the woman's injuries. She knew well that Shen Wenke didn't fully trust her. The invitation to stay was more like a subtle form of detention. If Madam Shen had any adverse reactions to her medicine, Shen Wenke would be quick to hold her accountable.

Fortunately, Ruan Qingge was confident in her medical skills and had Liu Yunzheng by her side, who often teased her, making the days pass pleasantly.

That day, the woman's family came to take her home from Shen's Mansion. Madam Shen had been taking the medicine for a few days and was showing significant improvement. Shen Jingyuan, the magistrate of Yingzhou, was quite pleased and insisted that Shen Wenke introduce Ruan Qingge to him, hosting a grand banquet at the mansion.

Ruan Qingge could hold her liquor well and enjoyed several drinks. After a few rounds, the magistrate, Shen Jingyuan, slightly tipsy, took Ruan Qingge by the arm and said, "My wife owes you a great debt of gratitude, young friend. I truly appreciate your help."

"You're too kind, Mr. Shen."

"Young man, you have such remarkable medical skills at such a young age. It's truly a rare talent. It would be a shame for it to go unnoticed. I have a way to help you achieve great success, and I hope you won't forget my contribution when you soar high." Mr. Shen, swaying and slurring his words from drink, suddenly made Ruan Qingge snap to attention.

Ruan Qingge, always ambitious, was immediately intrigued by this: "Please, enlighten me, Mr. Shen."

"Are you aware of the Grand Imperial Concubine in the capital? She's been suffering from a chronic illness for years. I've already sent a recommendation for you to the capital today. Head there quickly to treat her, and your future will be limitless!" Mr. Shen laughed heartily, as if he were the one destined for success.

Having just left that troublesome place, could she really go back? What if she ran into someone she knew and got dragged back to marry that so-called Prince Liang?

Ruan Qingge hesitated, about to refuse, but then Mr. Shen added, "Besides, the palace has announced a reward. Anyone who can cure the Grand Imperial Concubine will receive a fortune in gold. Even if you're not interested in a career at court, with that kind of money, you could live freely wherever you choose!"

Golden Fortune?!