184: Little Miracle Doctor

Just as the Valley Master said, the name "Little Divine Doctor" swept through the entire Medicine King Valley like a whirlwind.

"Have you heard? Those three difficult Old Ancestors from Beast King Valley were all cured by a newly joined outer sect female Disciple!"

"More than that! It's said that even Vice Hall Master Lei was filled with admiration, calling her the 'Little Divine Doctor'!"

"She seems to be Senior Brother Chu's daughter? As expected of a Family with such a deep heritage!"

"The 'Green-Eyed Fire Fox' I'm raising has been anorexic and listless lately, and I've been worried about finding a skilled doctor to take a look..."

"The 'Black Water Turtle' I'm responsible for caring for has grown some strange spots on its shell, and medicine has been ineffective. I wonder if I can invite the Little Divine Doctor..."

For a time, some peeking figures began to appear outside Bamboo Rhyme Residence, either making excuses to pass by or asking through familiar Ghost Doctor Hall Disciples. Many Disciples, Deacons, and even some low-level Elders who raised Spirit Beasts or had difficult and complicated illnesses themselves or among relatives and friends that had remained uncured for a long time, all had the idea of asking Xiao Chun to take a look.

However, the gates of Bamboo Rhyme Residence remained tightly closed.

Qin Feng deeply understood the principle that a tall tree attracts the wind, especially at a time when they hadn't yet fully established themselves and their Master was still trapped. Using the excuse that Xiao Chun had exhausted her spirit while treating the Spirit Beasts and needed quiet cultivation, he declined all visits and requests. Xia Ya stood guard inside the courtyard gate with her shield, and Ji Ruxue's spiritual sense enveloped the small courtyard, cutting off any unnecessary contact.

Xiao Chun hid in the room, looking at the abundant contribution points in her identity Jade Slip that had increased again, representing the completion of the second class a mission. She felt both happy and a bit at a loss.

"Brother Qin Feng, there are so many people outside..." She was a bit uneasy.

"Don't be afraid, this is a good thing; it means your value has been recognized," Qin Feng comforted her, though there was deep thought in his eyes. "But we also need to be cautious. The waters of Medicine King Valley are deep. Now that you have a reputation, it's both a protective charm and something that might attract unnecessary attention or even jealousy. Next, we must be even more careful."

He took out the proof of completion for the second class a mission, which was a Jade Slip jointly certified by the Spirit Beast Hall and the Mission Hall. "The second mission is completed, one step closer to our goal. Now, it's time to consider the third mission. There should be news from Elder Duanmu and Elder Ling's side."

Just as he finished speaking, Ling Yunzi's hearty laughter came from outside the courtyard: "Little friend Qin Feng, Miss Xiao Chun, congratulations, congratulations! The second class a mission was completed beautifully! Even the Valley Master has heard of your deeds!"

Qin Feng opened the door to welcome him, only to see Ling Yunzi standing outside the courtyard with a beaming face, followed by a Medicine Boy carrying a tray.

"Elder Ling overpraises us; it was just luck," Qin Feng said, cupping his hands.

"Eh, excessive modesty is pride." Ling Yunzi waved his hand and signaled the Medicine Boy to present the two brocade boxes on the tray. "This is an extra reward from the valley for completing the second class a mission—some Medicinal Pills for nourishing the Divine Soul and warming the Meridians. Take them."

Qin Feng thanked him and accepted them. Ling Yunzi lowered his voice again: "Regarding the third mission, Senior Brother Duanmu already has a plan and will summon you to the Ghost Doctor Hall tomorrow to discuss it. This matter... may be related to the needle techniques you showed before and Miss Xiao Chun's special talent. Be prepared."

After seeing Ling Yunzi off, Qin Feng returned to the room and distributed the Medicinal Pills to everyone, his expression grave.

"The third mission is finally coming. From what Elder Ling says, I'm afraid it won't be simple and might point directly to some internal difficult problems within Medicine King Valley." Qin Feng looked at Xiao Chun. "Xiao Chun, your medical skills and talent are our greatest reliance, but you must also remember Senior Gray Shadow's warning. Elder Duanmu and the others may be trustworthy, but within Medicine King Valley, there isn't only goodwill."

Xiao Chun nodded vigorously: "I understand, Brother Qin Feng. I'll be careful."

As the night deepened, the discussions about the "Little Divine Doctor" in Medicine King Valley continued, but inside Bamboo Rhyme Residence, the four had already begun to conserve their energy for the next—and also the last—class a mission on the path to saving their Master.

In the Imperial Capital of Great Gan, deep within the Imperial City, was the Cining Palace.

This place was not like the towering and solemn palaces of the outer court; it had a bit more elegance and tranquility. It was early summer, and several century-old crabapple trees in the courtyard were in full bloom, their petals like crimson clouds piled with snow, their faint fragrance floating. Under the corridor, a woman dressed in simple palace attire, with silver hair but an elegant demeanor, was leaning against the railing to enjoy the flowers, twisting a string of warm sandalwood prayer beads in her hand. She was the mother of the current Emperor of Great Gan, Empress Dowager Xiao, who had been listening to politics from behind the curtain for many years.

Steady footsteps approached from afar. General Li Ju, dressed in casual clothes and led by a Palace Attendant, passed through the flower corridor and came to the courtyard, kneeling on one knee: "Your servant Li Ju kowtows to The Empress Dowager. May The Empress Dowager enjoy ten thousand blessings and golden peace."

Empress Dowager Xiao turned around, her gaze falling on Li Ju. Seeing his ruddy complexion and steady breathing, a hint of gratification flashed in her eyes, and she slightly raised her hand: "General Li, there is no need for such ceremony; rise. Looking at your complexion, that Heart-Eroding Baleful Curse is truly cured."

"Thanks to The Empress Dowager's great fortune and the divine doctor's skilled hands, it is ninety percent cured. After another ten days of rest, it will be restored as before." Li Ju rose and replied respectfully.

"Divine doctor?" Empress Dowager Xiao slightly raised an eyebrow. "I heard it was Medicine King Valley who intervened? Isn't their 'sacred jade meridian-protecting pill' in very short supply?"

Li Ju shook his head: "It was not due to the merit of Medicine King Valley's Medicinal Pills. When your servant was in Luoxia Town, Medicine King Valley was unable to provide medicine in time due to their rules. The ones who saved your servant's life were the court's newly appointed loyal and courageous gentleman Qin Feng and his Junior Sister, Miss Xiao Chun. It was all thanks to Miss Xiao Chun's superb acupuncture techniques, combined with the medicinal liquid later provided by Medicine King Valley, that your servant was pulled back from the gates of hell and the remaining poison was eradicated."

"Qin Feng? loyal and courageous gentleman?" Empress Dowager Xiao pondered. She had always paid attention to the newly promoted young talents in the court, and she had some impression of this name. "Is it the young man who was personally titled by the Emperor for assisting in the great defeat of the Barbarians in Star South City and assisting in the suppression of the Japanese Pirates in West Lake City? He has such a capable healer by his side?"

"Exactly," Li Ju affirmed. "This young man has not only reached the Martial King level in his cultivation, with a solid Foundation and outstanding swordsmanship, but more rarely, he is heavy on sentiment and righteousness and acts steadily. His Junior Sister, Miss Xiao Chun, though young, has medical skills that have already reached the Transcendent level and a pure heart. Your servant observes that the few people in his team are all extraordinary."

Empress Dowager Xiao paced slowly, the prayer beads turning silently at her fingertips: "To receive such an evaluation from you, it seems they indeed have extraordinary qualities. You owe them a great debt for saving your life this time, and my Royal Family also indirectly accepts the favor." She paused and asked as if casually, "I remember that girl from the Su Family returned to the capital a few days ago and mentioned this Qin Feng. It seems... there was some friction with the Bai Family?"

Li Ju's expression turned serious. He knew that the "girl from the Su Family" The Empress Dowager mentioned referred to Su Xiaoxiao, and The Empress Dowager was like a sister to the late Consort Su, always looking after the Su Family. He said in a deep voice: "The Empress Dowager is wise."

"Bai Potian..." Empress Dowager Xiao spoke the name of the current Grand Elder of the Bai Family in a flat tone, showing no joy or anger, but the temperature under the corridor seemed to drop several degrees suddenly. "His third son is named Bai Shaojian, right? A useless thing. The Bai Family has been reaching out a bit too far in recent years, even daring to humiliate an official appointed by the Emperor, and they've forgotten some of the rules."

She didn't say anything more, only instructing an old eunuch standing nearby with an ordinary face but an aura like an ancient well or a deep pool: "Chang'an, those few memorials regarding the audit of water transport and mineral taxes submitted by the Ministry of Revenue at the end of last year can be sent back for reconsideration. Also, for the Inner Office's procurement this year, reduce the shares related to the Bai Family appropriately. The Royal Family, after all, must maintain some dignity."

The old eunuch Chang'an bowed, his voice high-pitched and steady: "This old servant understands."

Li Ju stood with his head bowed, understanding clearly. The few words Empress Dowager Xiao spoke lightly would be real thunderous methods when they fell on the Bai Family. Auditing water transport and mineral taxes meant that several important trade routes and mines controlled by the Bai Family would face the strictest scrutiny from the court. Any "gray operations" that might have existed in the past would have nowhere to hide, and profits would be greatly reduced. The reduction in Inner Office procurement shares was even more direct, cutting off a stable and dignified source of wealth for the Bai Family and sending a clear signal—the Bai Family had fallen out of favor.

This seemed to be aimed at the Bai Family's recent "transgressions" and "indignity," but Li Ju knew that there was likely an indirect protection for Qin Feng's life-saving favor and a faint appreciation for talent. The Empress Dowager was beating the Bai Family and also acting for that young man.

"General Li."

"Your servant is here."

"You have just recovered from your illness; go back to your residence and rest well. The military affairs of the Northern Border will be temporarily handled by the Vice General. Once you are fully recovered, I still have important matters to entrust to you." Empress Dowager Xiao's tone returned to being gentle.

"Your servant obeys! Thank The Empress Dowager for her consideration!" Li Ju bowing solemnly， Slowly retreat。

A few days later, a series of targeted government orders were quietly issued from the Ministry of Revenue and the Inner Office. Many industries under the Bai Family were investigated one after another, several highly profitable trade routes were restricted by stricter rules, and several Imperial Merchant qualifications that were originally certain were unexpectedly lost. What made the Bai Family feel even more chilled was that the attitudes of some court officials and aristocratic families who originally collaborated closely with the Bai Family began to become subtle and distant.

Inside the study of the Bai Residence, the Family head Bai Potian looked at the latest briefing presented by the Accounting Room with a gloomy face. In just half a month, the Family's overt profits had been lost by nearly thirty percent, and the implicit losses and damage to connections were even harder to estimate.

"Have you found out? Where exactly did the mistake occur?" Bai Potian's voice was cold.

The trusted Manager below was sweating on his forehead and said in a low voice: "Reporting to the Family Head, on the surface, it's the Ministry of Revenue's routine tax audit and the Inner Office's procurement adjustment, but... but according to vague news from the palace, it seems... The Empress Dowager had some slight criticisms regarding the 'way' the Family Head handled Southeast affairs before..."

The teacup in Bai Potian's hand cracked with a "snap." The Empress Dowager! It was actually The Empress Dowager herself who had intervened to beat them!

He closed his eyes and pondered for a long time. When he opened them again, they were filled with cold severity. "Pass down the order: all clansmen are to speak and act cautiously in the near future and shrink our industries, especially in the Southeast region."

Bai Potian looked out the window at the bustling street scene of the Imperial Capital, his eyes deep. Losing thirty percent of profits, though painful, was unavoidable. The Empress Dowager's move was more of a warning than an actual punishment. His Bai Family was a tall tree with deep roots and could not be shaken so easily. It's just that young man named Qin Feng... it seems he needs to be re-evaluated.