Chapter 16: A Trifecta of Moments

"Prepare yourself; we're leaving the manor," Su Yuxin said, securing the box.

"Madam, where are we headed?" Qingque inquired.

"To summon the peculiar physician, Song Jie," Su Yuxin replied, rising from her seat. "No need to pack, carry a surplus of silver notes."

"Understood," Qingque nodded, swiftly retrieving a stack of silver notes, likely amounting to several thousand taels. "Is this sufficient?"

"It'll do," Su Yuxin nodded, aware the physician might not accept silver notes. Her sole reliance was on the potash stone.

The peculiar physician had idiosyncrasies, notably an insatiable thirst for alcohol. Having sampled all the world's fine wines, even the court's royal brews failed to captivate him. However, the potash stone was different. Immersed in water for varying durations, it produced diverse flavors of wine, an exquisite rarity.

"Let's go," Su Yuxin rewrapped the box in red silk, holding it close.

Upon reaching the gate, she noticed Ziyuan returning with Maisie.

"Dr. Sun says there's no harm. He's provided a jar of ointment. Apply it twice within an hour," Ziyuan reported.

"Very well," Su Yuxin nodded. "Handle Yimei Garden's affairs in my absence."

"Madam, rest assured," Ziyuan responded.

"Also, ensure to prepare a generous gift and invite Madam Luo back. I can't personally extend the invitation right now, but I will make amends upon my return," Su Yuxin added.

In truth, she could have waited to invite Madam Luo after summoning the peculiar physician. Yet, she feared for Madam Luo's safety alone outside and couldn't bear the regret if something untoward happened.

"Leave it to me; I will ensure Madam Luo returns," Ziyuan assured.

At the manor's entrance, Zhou Zheng had readied guards and prepared a carriage.

"Madam, take care on this journey. If it's not feasible, please don't force it," Zhou Zheng expressed his concern.

"I know my limits. Just ensure that, upon the General's return, he immediately seeks Dr. Qian," Su Yuxin replied before boarding the carriage.

Speaking of Song Jie, he truly was eccentric. Despite being wealthy, he resided in the western district. Most residents in the prosperous capital's west district were common folk, living in cramped, narrow, and dirty houses. Yet, he seemed to revel in it.

Su Yuxin knew the approximate location but had to inquire further upon reaching the west district. Eventually, she found it—a narrow alley inaccessible to carriages. She descended from the carriage and proceeded on foot.

At the alley's end lay the temporary residence of the peculiar physician, Song Jie, a mud wall barely a person's height. A half-open gate led to a courtyard.

Underneath verdant grapevines, reclined a frail old man, holding a gourd of wine, humming a tune, seemingly at peace.

"Young one, Su Yuxin, seeks an audience with the esteemed physician," she announced crisply at the gate.

However, the old man seemed to ignore her, uninterrupted in his humming.

Su Yuxin remained composed, silently waiting without the urge to rush. Several times, Qingque seemed about to speak up but was restrained by Su Yuxin.

After a while, the old man's humming ceased abruptly. Lazily, he opened his eyes, casting a glance toward the gate. "What do you want?"

"Seeking the venerable senior's assistance in saving a life," Su Yuxin stated.

"I refuse," the old man bluntly declined, closing his eyes to resume his melody.

"Senior, are you certain?" Su Yuxin's tone slightly elevated, seemingly tinged with challenge.

"Are you threatening me?" The old man's eyes snapped open, glinting with an icy sheen. No one had dared speak to him this way for many years, except that rascal lad.

"I dare not," Su Yuxin smiled lightly. "But doesn't the senior wish to know my leverage?"

"I'm not interested," the old man squinted. "I'll give you three counts to leave; otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite."

"Thank you, Senior," Su Yuxin promptly responded.

"What gratitude?" the old man inquired.

"Senior, didn't you just grant me three counts' time?" Su Yuxin's eyes shimmered.

"Fine," the old man raised his gaze. "Let me see how you'll persuade me within this duration."