When Hu Zongxian heard the words "Emperor of Great Jin," two other words immediately sprung to mind: Rebellious scoundrel! Did a band of rebels truly dare to establish themselves within the Great Ming Dynasty?
A surge of killing intent welled up within him. He was about to attack the man before him without hesitation.
Hu Zongxian could clearly sense the man's cultivation – first-rank Unity Realm, a rare expert indeed. He was confident that within ten moves, he could defeat him; within twenty moves, he could either capture or kill him!
But when he heard the name Fan Li, Hu Zongxian's resolve wavered. The image of Fan Li gradually became clearer in his mind.
That young man who had engaged him in a lively conversation by the mirror lake. That Duke Jin of Great Chu who had effortlessly captured Yunzhou City and had repeatedly shown him goodwill.
"He… declared himself Emperor? Has Great Chu fallen?"
Hu Zongxian instantly regretted asking.
Why was he even curious?
Curiosity was a sign of concern, and concern could lead to temptation.
Did he truly contemplate betraying his nation?
Hu Zongxian's face hardened. He looked at Jing Wudi.
He seemed to be saying with his eyes, "I am a subject of the Great Ming! Do not tempt me! If you dare utter another word of persuasion, I will not hesitate to strike you down!"
But Jing Wudi simply said, "Great Chu still stands. Great Jin has its own territory. You needn't force yourself, Grand Coordinator Hu. You didn't attack me earlier, and you won't attack me now.
My lord said that he risked his life to meet with you. Even if you refuse this meeting, you would never harm a kindred spirit."
Kindred spirit?
A wave of warmth washed over Hu Zongxian. Fan Li considered him a kindred spirit? It was mutual. Their chance encounter by the mirror lake had been a rare and pleasant experience.
Hu Zongxian sighed.
"Leave. Whether Fan Li is Duke Jin of Great Chu or the Emperor of Great Jin, I will not meet with him."
He expected Jing Wudi to persist, even resorting to threats. Hu Zongxian was prepared. Even if the man before him were the most eloquent speaker, he would not be swayed. He was even willing to die for his principles!
The moment this thought crossed his mind, Hu Zongxian was startled.
Had he truly reached such a point?
Was his disillusionment with the Great Ming so profound that he contemplated death?
"Very well, Grand Coordinator Hu." Jing Wudi simply said, "I will inform my lord that you have declined his request."
And that was all?
Surely they could use this opportunity to blackmail him? They could accuse him of treason and force him to comply!
After all, the Great Ming and Great Chu were enemy nations. He couldn't deny his friendship with Fan Li.
If Fan Li wished, he could provide evidence to Xu Jie, the leader of the "clear stream" faction, and have him imprisoned or even executed!
"I've disturbed you long enough. I bid you farewell."
As Jing Wudi turned to leave, Hu Zongxian couldn't help but call out.
"Wait! Who are you?"
This man's personality – calm, resolute, his cultivation reaching first-rank Unity Realm at such a young age – he was a rare talent indeed!
Hu Zongxian was certain that if this man were to serve the Great Ming, he would surely earn Emperor Jiajing's favor.
Where had Fan Li found such a capable subordinate?
Jing Wudi turned to face him. "Director of the Great Jin Censorate, Jing Wudi."
Hu Zongxian frowned.
The Censorate… its function seemed similar to that of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot.
And the man before him, he certainly possessed a killer's instinct. Fan Li knew how to utilize talent.
Hu Zongxian asked another question. "Fan Li… Your Emperor, is he truly within the Great Ming? Where is he now?"
He didn't truly expect an answer. After all, an Emperor's safety was paramount. Since he had refused to meet with Fan Li, surely Jing Wudi wouldn't reveal his location.
But to Hu Zongxian's surprise, Jing Wudi answered directly. "My lord resides in Beiting Alley, at the Fan residence."
Hu Zongxian was astonished.
"Aren't you afraid I'll betray you? The Great Ming has countless experts. Our Emperor Jiajing is the strongest in the world.
If Fan Li's whereabouts are revealed, do you truly believe he can escape the Great Ming alive?!"
Jing Wudi smiled for the first time.
It was a smile that welcomed a future comrade.
"Grand Coordinator Hu," he said, "my lord has faith in himself. And he has faith in you."
…
Fan Residence.
"Young Master, Master Hu declined your invitation," Jing Wudi reported to Fan Li, carefully choosing his words.
There were ordinary servants in the house. He couldn't reveal the truth.
Fan Li nodded.
He had anticipated Hu Zongxian's refusal. The purpose of this meeting wasn't to force a confrontation, but to show his sincerity.
He would treat Hu Zongxian with respect and offer him a genuine opportunity.
Perhaps, even as an Emperor, he possessed more empathy than those rulers who believed they mastered the art of manipulating hearts.
Overhearing their conversation, the servant looked at Jing Wudi curiously.
"Master Hu?"
Was he referring to the accountant or the steward?
Perhaps the tutor?
No, Young Master's daughter was only a few months old. She was too young for lessons.
"Waaaa~~~~~~~~~~~!"
A baby's cry echoed from Fan Li's arms. He frantically tried to soothe her, but his efforts were futile.
Diao Chan's cries, loud and piercing, drove him to distraction.
"Why won't she stop crying?"
Fan Li was at his wit's end. He was in charge of childcare today.
Lu Fubao, in the midst of a cultivation breakthrough, had been forced into seclusion. And who was left to care for the baby? Fan Li, of course.
Diao Chan's identity was a secret. Aside from Jing Wudi and Yu Shenzi, Fan Li didn't allow anyone to touch her.
"Wudi, why is she crying so much?"
Jing Wudi hesitated, looking flustered. He seemed to want to say something, but the words wouldn't come out.
"Damn it! If you have a solution, tell me! Don't just stand there!"
"Your Majesty… Young Master… I… I might be old, but I haven't married yet. I'm… I'm still a virgin."
'Damn it!'
Fan Li almost kicked him. He thought Jing Wudi had a solution, but it was this?!
A virgin?
Was he bragging?!
"Young Master, I heard a commotion in the front hall. I came to see what was going on."
"Oh? Is Little Miss crying?"
Just as the two men struggled to soothe the child, Yu Shenzi arrived. The old man was dressed as a traveling physician.
Recently, with Fan Li's permission, Yu Shenzi had been exploring the Ming capital, disguising himself as a physician, visiting clinics and treating patients on the streets.
He believed that true medical cultivation wasn't found in mountains, caves, or quiet rooms. To heal and save lives was the best way to practice medicine.
Within a few days, "Divine Physician Yu" had become a legend among the common people.
"Let me see, let me see."
Yu Shenzi took the baby from Fan Li's arms. But instead of examining her pulse or checking her breathing, he leaned closer and sniffed.
"Old man Yu, what are you doing?!" Jing Wudi exclaimed. "Little Miss is precious! How dare you be so disrespectful?! Do you believe I'll…"
"Hush! Hush! Hush! Enough of your nonsense, you brute!"
Yu Shenzi chuckled and shook his head, looking at Jing Wudi with amusement. He turned to the servant. "Bring a basin of warm water. And remember, not too hot!"
Fan Li was puzzled.
"Why…"
"Young Master, Little Miss has soiled herself. We need to clean her and change her clothes."
Fan Li's face reddened. He was truly inept at childcare. The baby had been crying for a while, and he hadn't even noticed!
Jing Wudi looked flustered as well. He averted his gaze from Yu Shenzi and quickly went to fetch Diao Chan's clean clothes.
Cleaning and changing the baby presented another challenge for Fan Li.
Yu Shenzi rolled up his sleeves and expertly unwrapped the swaddling clothes. Within moments, Diao Chan was clean and dry.
The infant resembled a jade carving. She stopped crying and gazed at Yu Shenzi with wide, grateful eyes.
"You're quite skilled," Fan Li remarked. "Have you raised children before?"
"Yes," Yu Shenzi readily admitted. "A few hundred, I suppose."
Fan Li was astonished.
A few hundred children?!
Was he that virile?
"Oh? Hahaha, Young Master, you misunderstand. I've traveled the Central Plains several times. During wartime or plagues, there were always orphans.
I couldn't bear to watch them starve or freeze to death. So, whenever I encountered them, I took them in.
Those with medical aptitude became my disciples at the Azure Cloud Sect. Those without talent for cultivation were entrusted to good families in the Central Plains."
Fan Li was relieved. And he was even more grateful that he had persuaded the Azure Cloud Sect to join the Great Jin.
As they were speaking, Fan Yingcai approached, leaning heavily on his walking stick.
"Nephew."
He looked embarrassed as he attempted to maintain the air of an elder.
"Chen Deyan's family is here to see you."
It took Fan Li a moment to remember who Chen Deyan was.
The Great Ming's top scholar? The one who had bought Xue Susu's painting?
Had something happened?
'That would be… delightful.'
"Why are they looking for me?" Fan Li asked.
"They're not looking for you, actually," Fan Yingcai shook his head. He looked at Yu Shenzi. "They heard that Divine Physician Yu resides at the Fan residence. They're seeking medical treatment."
'Divine Physician Yu?'
Fan Li was both amused and alarmed. Had Yu Shenzi truly earned such a reputation in just a few days?
This wouldn't do!
Fame was a double-edged sword. If he continued to let Yu Shenzi wander freely, the man would surely attract Emperor Jiajing's attention.
Fan Li was about to warn Yu Shenzi when a figure barged into the room.
"I, Chen Erhe, might be retired, but I once served as the Chief Censor and the Junior Minister of Rites! Where is the Divine Physician? My son, Deyan, requires his treatment immediately!"
The old man was thin and frail, but his voice was incredibly loud, reminding Fan Li of his former boss in his previous life. He had honed his powerful vocal cords by delivering countless speeches and presentations. And the old man before him was clearly the same.
"Which of you is the Divine Physician?" Chen Erhe looked at them critically.
He immediately ruled out Fan Li.
Yu Shenzi, a true physician, stepped forward. "I am Yu Shenzi. May I ask…"
He intended to inquire about the patient's condition, but Chen Erhe was in no mood for such pleasantries.
"Quickly! Quickly! Quickly!
Accompany me to my residence! The palanquin is waiting outside!"
The servants who had cleared the path for him, pushed Yu Shenzi forward. It was clear that if the old man dared to refuse, they would carry him out by force.
However, these burly servants were only low-level cultivators at the Qi Condensation Realm. Even Fan Li, let alone the first-rank Unity Realm Yu Shenzi, could effortlessly send them flying.
"This…"
Yu Shenzi looked at Fan Li for guidance. Fan Li thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Since Top Scholar Chen is ill, perhaps we should accompany the esteemed official. We can offer our assistance."
Fan Li suspected that Chen Deyan's illness was related to the painting. It was a perfect opportunity to observe Xue Susu's techniques firsthand.
Chen Erhe was shocked.
"Who are you?! How dare you be so disrespectful!?"
An illness was a private matter. Who would willingly expose their weakness to strangers?
Fan Li chuckled. "I'm also a physician. Perhaps today, with Master Yu present, we could engage in a friendly exchange of medical knowledge. It's a coincidence you've arrived."
Chen Erhe didn't believe him.
He looked at Fan Li skeptically. Such a young man, claiming to be a physician? He resembled an apprentice more than a true master.
Fan Li, sensing his thoughts, discreetly gestured to Yu Shenzi.
The old man immediately understood. "Master Fan comes from a prestigious medical family," he said, "not only is his medical expertise exceptional, but he also excels in treating strange and complex illnesses."
'Hah! What a convincing liar! No wonder he dared to fleece me!'
"Is that true?" Chen Erhe was overjoyed. His attitude did a complete one-eighty. "Then, please, Divine Physicians, accompany me to my residence!"
"We would be honored to assist," Fan Li said with a smile.
…
Lying on the sickbed, Chen Deyan was thin as a stick. He had once been handsome and elegant. Now, he had lost at least forty pounds!
He mumbled incoherently, "Susu… Susu…"
Fan Li noticed a painting hanging on the wall behind the bed.
The woman in the painting was breathtakingly beautiful – her face pale as snow, her lips red as fire, her figure graceful. It was a self-portrait of Xue Susu.
"My son has been ill for days," Chen Erhe said. . "He refuses to eat or drink. He has cultivation, yet he's wasting away! I beg you, Divine Physicians, save my son! This old man… I… I will be eternally grateful!"
Seeing his son on the verge of death, Chen Erhe abandoned all pretense of arrogance. He pleaded with the two physicians. His despair touched even Fan Li.
A father's love was a powerful force. Although Chen Deyan had been reckless and foolish, he didn't deserve to die.
Fan Li gestured to Yu Shenzi to examine the patient. He turned his attention to Xue Susu's painting.
He wasn't worried it would harm him. After all, only Chen Deyan had been affected. Fan Li suspected that the painting's effect was targeted solely at Chen Deyan.
"Esteemed Official Chen," Fan Li asked, "this painting has clearly captivated your son. Why not remove it from the wall? Surely that would help him rest and recover?"
Chen Erhe shook his head sadly.
"Master Fan, you misunderstand. I was concerned about the painting's influence and tried to remove it. But my son reacted as if possessed, twisting and screaming. If I didn't hang the painting back up, he would have surely died from his frenzy."
Fan Li nodded. It seemed the painting was the key to Chen Deyan's illness.
At that moment, Yu Shenzi finished his examination. His brow was furrowed, and his expression troubled. After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"Top Scholar Chen's illness… it's not an injury, nor is it poison or a curse. I… I cannot offer a diagnosis at this time."
"What?! Even you can't cure him?!"
Chen Erhe cried out.
"What should I do?! I've consulted countless physicians in the capital, and they've all been unable to help! Is my family line destined to end here?!"
Fan Li stepped forward and comforted the distraught father.
"Esteemed Official Chen, please calm yourself. This is only a preliminary diagnosis. Perhaps you could excuse us for a moment? Master Yu and I need to discuss the matter further. We call it a 'consultation.'"
His words finally persuaded Chen Erhe to leave the room.
Only Fan Li, Yu Shenzi, and the comatose Chen Deyan remained.
Chen Deyan resembled a living corpse, lying motionless on the bed, his eyes vacant, still mumbling Xue Susu's name.
"Your Majesty," Yu Shenzi whispered, "I am truly baffled by this illness. I have no idea what's causing it."
Fan Li nodded understandingly. After all, Yu Shenzi hadn't visited the Smoke and Waves Pleasure Barge, nor did he know about Xue Susu and the painting.
"Listen," Fan Li said. The Brahma Sound Pure Land has a secret technique called the 'Immortal in the Painting'…"