Chapter Sixty-Three: The Bloody Tragedy

Imperial Physician Yu felt for Scholar Wang’s pulse, then checked his breath and listened to his chest. His brows furrowed deeply, and after a moment, he said, "Master Wang, I fear Scholar Wang has... ascended to the heavens."

Wang Sinian's face went rigid, staring in disbelief at Imperial Physician Yu. Yu was the most experienced elder in the Imperial Medical Bureau—if even he declared it so, then—

Suddenly, more than a dozen people, both young and old, rushed in. Leading them was the venerable Lady Wang, followed by the ladies of the eldest and second branches, as well as several grandchildren of Scholar Wang.

"What's happened to your father? He was perfectly well at noon," the old lady looked at Wang Sinian, bewildered.

Wang Sinian choked back tears. "Mother, Imperial Physician Yu just said that Father has already passed away."

"Mother!"

Lady Wang could barely stand upon hearing this; her body swayed and nearly collapsed backward, but Wang Sinian hurriedly caught her.

"Grandfather, wake up!" Several children ran up, shaking Scholar Wang's hand.

The women began to weep softly.

"Scholar Wang isn’t dead yet."

Amidst the lamentations, a calm voice suddenly sounded, making everyone pause for two seconds before they realized what was said.

All eyes turned to Wen Jing in the corner, and everyone exchanged puzzled glances.

"Is that the seventh daughter of the Wen family?" a middle-aged woman asked, looking at Wen Jing.

"It is indeed the seventh daughter," Wen Jing replied with a bow, surprised to be recognized.

In the astonished gazes of several young ladies, a hint of disdain crept in. Their eyes flicked to Ji Changge beside her, and a silent understanding passed between them. In the eyes of these noble daughters, Wen Jing’s act of pursuing a man was disgraceful, tarnishing the reputation of all the city's aristocratic women. It had always been mere rumors, but now they saw the real person: Wen Seventh Daughter truly liked to chase after the Young Lord.

Wen Jing cast a glance at the young ladies, feeling a trace of irritation. She thought, must they always look at her through prejudiced eyes? So what if the former Wen Seventh Daughter pursued the Young Lord? Was it necessary to judge her like this? The women exchanged looks, gossiping even as their grandfather was on the verge of death.

Imperial Physician Yu eyed Wen Jing suspiciously. "Young Lady Wen, please do not speak rashly. If a man has neither heartbeat nor pulse, what else could it mean but death?"

Wen Jing bowed to Imperial Physician Yu, saying, "You are correct. However, Scholar Wang has not died of natural causes or illness, but of sudden poisoning. If treated in time, he might yet recover."

"Please, young lady, save my husband!" Lady Wang pleaded, clutching at this last hope.

Ji Changge coughed softly, and Wen Jing glanced at him, pretending not to notice.

Wen Jing whispered a few words to the steward, who was startled, then hurried out.

Ji Changge observed Wen Jing, a hint of wry amusement in his gaze. He sighed inwardly—he had never known her to be so bold. This was Scholar Wang, after all, and Imperial Physician Yu had already declared him dead. If she succeeded, all would be well; but if something went wrong, the entire Wen family could face disaster.

The steward returned in haste.

The young ladies wrinkled their noses at the foul smell that spread upon the steward’s entrance but held their composure—such vulgar words as "smelly" were never to be uttered by ladies of high birth, especially in the presence of men.

Wen Jing took the item from the steward, unwrapped the paper.

"Ah!" A young girl could not help but shriek. Realizing everyone was looking at her, she blushed deeply, mortified. Of all things, Wen Seventh Daughter had chosen those foul-smelling black pellets—sheep droppings!

Lady Wang shot her granddaughter a glare; she could not care for propriety now. Folk remedies were many, and anything that could save her husband was worth a try.

Wen Jing donned gloves, poured the sheep droppings into the incense burner, and the stench grew unbearable. The young ladies edged subtly toward the door, but dared not leave.

Wen Jing brought the incense burner close to Scholar Wang.

Watching Wen Jing’s earnest expression, Ji Changge felt his own breathing become difficult, a bead of sweat sliding down his brow. He could almost picture Lady Wang’s fury if this failed. Even when facing the most cunning criminals, he had never been so anxious. Yet, whenever Wen Jing was involved, his heart raced. He wished he could shield this proud woman behind him, so he would not have to watch, helpless yet unable to assist.

Imperial Physician Yu shook his head and rose, addressing Lady Wang, "My lady, as I can do no more, I shall return to the Imperial Medical Bureau."

"Thank you, Master Yu. Steward, escort Master Yu back."

Imperial Physician Yu had barely reached the door when a groan sounded behind him.

"Master!" Lady Wang looked at Scholar Wang in disbelief, profoundly grateful for her earlier decision. Sometimes, desperate measures were indeed worthwhile.

Ji Changge’s eyes widened as his mentor slowly regained consciousness. Rarely had he shown such joy. After the intense emotions, he glanced at Wen Jing’s calm and composed face, and a warm smile curved his lips. Looking at her, he felt that having such a person by his side in this lifetime was enough.

"So... smelly..." Scholar Wang moved his lips with difficulty, forcing out two words.

"Father, what did you say?" Wang Sinian, too, was overcome with emotion.

Wen Jing quickly moved the burner away, coughing lightly. "Scholar Wang must have meant 'so smelly.'"

Wang Sinian, having focused solely on his father, now relaxed and found the stench unbearable. He hurriedly ordered the maid to discard the burner and light a fresh incense.

Seeing the old man finally relax, Wen Jing felt a pang of guilt. There were other ways to save him, but she had chosen the most offensive. She glanced at the young ladies, their faces flushed red, and an imperceptible smile touched her lips. She had come to save a life, not to suffer their scorn. If they wished to act above the mundane, today she would show them what real "smoke" and "fire" meant.

"Never in my years have I witnessed someone return from death. Today, my eyes have truly been opened. The land ever brings forth talent, how admirable," Imperial Physician Yu said, looking at Wen Jing with praise.

"You flatter me, Master Yu. It was only a folk remedy, far inferior to your medical expertise," Wen Jing replied.

"Thank you, Lady Wen," Wang Sinian bowed to Wen Jing.

Wen Jing quickly returned the bow. "You are too generous, Master Wang. Saving lives is a physician’s duty. Scholar Wang is devoted to the nation and its people; his health is a blessing to all."

"Shouldn't you all thank Wen the Divine Physician?" Lady Wang said to the daughters and grandchildren standing by.

"Thank you, Divine Physician Wen."

Wen Jing smiled as the young ladies came forward to express their gratitude, their reluctance barely masked by forced smiles.

Ji Changge watched Wen Jing’s smiling lips and suddenly recalled the scene from last year’s flower festival, when she was mocked by a group of young ladies and ran away in tears. Comparing that to the present scene, he could not help but smile wryly. The old saying goes, the river changes in ten years; yet in just over a year, one must look anew.

"What caused Scholar Wang’s sudden collapse?" Imperial Physician Yu asked.

"Scholar Wang fell ill from overwork, his body consumed by internal heat. After drinking ginseng soup, his weakness could not withstand the tonic, leading to apparent death. If you look, there are small blisters on the inside of his lips—I have already pricked them with a silver needle and dripped white wine into his nostrils," Wen Jing explained.

Lady Wang seized the chance to interrupt. "Here are some humble gifts; I hope you will accept them, Lady Wen."

Wen Jing glanced at the gift boxes, all surely valuable. She could not open them in front of everyone, nor refuse them outright, so as not to seem aloof. The Wang estate did not wish to owe her a favor, so she chose the smallest box, saying, "Lady Wang is too kind; this one item is more than enough."

Looking up, she met a heated gaze—a young man behind Lady Wang was smiling at her.

Lady Wang, seeing her insistence, nodded and had the remaining boxes taken away.

Suddenly, a servant rushed in from outside. "Second Master, something terrible has happened—a death!"

Wang Sinian scolded, "Nonsense! Where has a death occurred?"

The servant, bewildered, took a light slap and protested, "It’s at Carp Garden—a candidate has died."

Ji Changge was startled. The autumn imperial examination was the day after tomorrow, and now there had been a murder. If the case was not solved quickly, it could affect the candidates’ spirits.

"Take me to see," Wang Sinian said in a grave tone.

Ji Changge and Wen Jing followed, and the group hurried to Carp Garden. Scholar Wang had built this place to host candidates from across the land, always eager to nurture talent. So he ordered the construction of Carp Garden, welcoming all visitors. Many penniless candidates came seeking fame, or simply to exchange scholarly ideas. Occasionally, disputes arose but never anything serious—now, a death had occurred, an unprecedented event.

Within Carp Garden, the commotion nearly raised the roof. Everyone was debating, each considering themselves a great detective.

"Please clear the way," the steward called out.

Seeing Wang Sinian arrive, the crowd parted to let the group through.

Wang Sinian entered the room to find a man slumped at the desk. Blood splattered the wall, the floor, and the desk.

"The Ministry of Justice is investigating; everyone must leave. From now on, this room is off-limits," Ji Changge announced to the crowd.

Hearing “Ministry of Justice,” the candidates quickly left. Many were from all over the country, and those words carried great authority.

(To be continued...)

PS: A recommended supernatural novel for those interested in such books~

Title: The Profound Well

Author: Wei Xiangyin

Book number: 3129509

Synopsis: By a twist of fate, young artist Bai Xiuqi discovers an ancient building on the outskirts of S City, built during the early Republic. It was once a prison, then a slaughterhouse, now a dilapidated apartment. Nearly every door is locked, shrouded in gloom. The diverse tenants and bizarre events fascinate Bai Xiuqi, and the mysterious, handsome manager seems to share a karmic bond with him through countless lifetimes...