Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 472 - 471: Precious as Gold

Zhu Yu watched as the young assistant ran upstairs to find the Shopkeeper, and he already had a rough idea in his mind.

From the assistant’s reaction, this witchcraft medicine shop likely has a clientele that’s far from ordinary.

Usually, a shop that only recognizes money won’t pay attention unless you place a gold ingot in front of them to shake their soul, perhaps compelling them to call the Shopkeeper over for the sake of money.

But earlier, Lu Qing merely displayed a proud attitude, and with confidence, Fu Wen presented a list without showing any real gold or silver. Yet the assistant immediately sensed something from these people’s demeanor, changed his attitude, and quickly ran to fetch the Shopkeeper, indicating that their usual interactions surely weren’t with ordinary wealthy merchants.

Here, there are the rare herbs that money can’t usually buy, and there’s a sickly King Fan in the Prince Mansion, making things much more understandable.

After a while, a middle-aged man with a fair complexion wearing a silk robe followed the assistant leisurely down the road, observing Lu Qing and the others before reaching the bottom of the stairs.

Lu Qing’s face remained calm, his eyelids slightly lowered, concealing his aura, making it difficult for others to guess anything about him.

Fu Wen stood respectfully behind Lu Qing. Though not as remarkable as Fu Lu, he still contrasted starkly with the worn-out Bhutanese people outside.

Even if Lu Qing’s identity was unclear, Fu Wen’s demeanor clearly suggested they weren’t regular followers or Protectors from ordinary households.

The person walking with such company must have intriguing status.

The Shopkeeper weighed his thoughts as he approached Lu Qing and the others, cupping his hands respectfully: "Sorry to keep you waiting, esteemed guest. May I inquire where you come from and what herbs you’re seeking from our store?"

Lu Qing cupped his hands in return, gesturing for Fu Wen to pass the list: "My junior brother and I are traveling doctors, wandering from place to place, with no fixed abode, and often search for exotic flowers and plants.

We’ve rarely visited Bhutan before. This time, my junior brother is treating locals, and asked me to find some specific herbs for him.

Walking this path, we found that only your store has these rare items, so we’ve come with admiration for your reputation."

The Shopkeeper listened to the talk of traveling doctors without much belief, only recognizing who Lu Qing’s junior brother was upon mention of treating the sick in the capital, his face showing some surprise as he glanced at the assistant.

The assistant shrinked slightly.

Though no words were exchanged, Zhu Yu could read the unspoken communication between them.

He must have been correct in thinking the assistant mistook Lu Qing for someone from the Prince Mansion or another significant figure, hence urgently calling the Shopkeeper down, only to find it’s merely a traveling doctor.

"Esteemed guest, your list items are available, but because these are hard to find, the price naturally..." the Shopkeeper, having seen much in his time, knew even a traveling doctor like Lu Qing couldn’t be ordinary, hence despite his discontented gaze at the assistant, he remained polite to Lu Qing and the others.

This time, Lu Qing was straightforward, retrieving a silk pouch from his bosom, pouring a handful of golden melon seeds into his palm, forming a golden pile.

"Price isn’t an issue, but the quality must be sufficient," he said dismissively, returning the seeds to the pouch and casually tossing it to Fu Wen.

The Shopkeeper’s expression shifted silently.

Though the guest’s identity differed from the assistant’s rushed assumptions, it appeared the guest was still esteemed, perhaps not aristocratic by name... but certainly "golden" by wealth!

This witchcraft medicine shop has always been among the top in Bhutan, possessing rare herbs unmatched elsewhere — significant investments were made here.

However, despite their rarity, ordinary ailments rarely called for them, and bigger problems often left many unable to afford them. Fanwang Mansion could afford them, yet payment wasn’t consistently prompt.

Being the ruler of Bhutan means even if payments fall short, few dare to complain. The mysterious owner occasionally delivers rare herbs, instructing care in storage, never concerning himself with profits, but without a predictable visit schedule, leaving the Shopkeeper and assistants reliant on store earnings.

So regardless of this traveling doctor’s true identity, as long as they pay the fixed price set by the owner, even if months pass without business, or the owner remains elusive, the staff needn’t worry about wages.

"What are you idling here for? Quickly brew tea and serve it upstairs," the Shopkeeper ordered the assistant, then smiled at Lu Qing: "Down here is bustling and noisy, esteemed guest. These rare items are better examined privately away from prying eyes.

Would you kindly join me upstairs for tea to clear your throats?"

"That sounds good, thank you," Lu Qing seemed satisfied, nodding and following him upstairs.

Though the witchcraft medicine shop’s ground floor was far from busy, the upstairs environment was indeed more serene, with no display shelves but many closed rooms with solid wooden doors and heavy locks, lending a heavily guarded appearance.

The Shopkeeper led them to a small room at the end of the corridor, dimly lit by candles without windows, lacking incense or similar items.