Plotting with You: The Forensic Scientist in Ancient Times!-Chapter 476 - 475: High Priest

"There’s no choice then." Lu Qing nodded with some regret. "It’s a pity, I’ve always heard that the witch doctors of Bhutan are very skilled, possessing quite some extraordinary methods.

That old witch doctor managed to make such a big name for himself here, he must have been no ordinary character. His disciples should also each have their own strengths, and to think it ended like this."

"Yes, that’s why after his senior disciple caused that internal strife in the sect, the High Priest has always been particularly wary. It’s said he often advises our King to avoid any greed, to go with the flow, always maintain benevolence, and treat the people kindly." The Shopkeeper sighed with some worry as he said this, "To speak of it, some things are truly destined!

If it weren’t for the High Priest going into seclusion for over a year, our King wouldn’t even have anyone by his side to advise him. Who knows, we might not be seeing such scenes now..."

The Shopkeeper spoke with feeling, and realizing the inappropriate nature of his words, he quickly forced a smile of embarrassment: "Ah, look at me... finding such a kinship with a valued guest, how did I start rambling nonsense...

What I meant to say is, if the High Priest were around, at least he could help treat the King. The High Priest was mentored by the old witch doctor, and I estimate that he’s at least more skilled than the ordinary witch doctors or doctors..."

He then remembered that Lu Qing was a traveling doctor and instantly his smile became more uneasy, quickly adding: "After all, here in Bhutan... we don’t have any doctors as discerning and skilled as you, honored guest..."

"Is your King very ill?" Lu Qing did not take offense at his words but instead asked.

The Shopkeeper, seeing the guest was not bothered, sighed with relief, eager to change the topic quickly: "Ill wouldn’t exactly be the right word...

In fact, we don’t even know what illness the King has, as he’s not shown himself for a long time. We only know that the Prince Mansion has posted numerous notices seeking doctors and such.

Initially, we would occasionally see doctors going in, but lately, we haven’t seen much, perhaps showing signs of improvement!"

An improvement seems unlikely; otherwise, there wouldn’t be notices posted at the frontier bordering Lan Country.

It seems King Fan no longer wishes the people around the capital to think of him as gravely ill, making wild guesses.

Or perhaps, it’s not King Fan’s opinion at all, but someone else’s.

Like... that wise and mighty High Priest?

Zhu Yu stood behind Lu Qing, silently speculating. She did not understand the significance of seclusion, nor could she fathom why one would need to remain in seclusion for over a year without making an appearance; this, to her, was suspicious.

Lu Qing, however, did not delve into these matters but instead looked down at the wooden boxes and then at the Shopkeeper: "Your Shopkeeper does seem quite capable; for your King to be ill for so long, requiring many rare medicinal herbs, and yet your shop still maintains such a comprehensive stock is no easy feat."

"Naturally, our shop doesn’t deal in ordinary business." The Shopkeeper, hearing these words, showed a bit of pride while striving to appear modest and humble, "Even when our King was not ill, any necessary herbs for either the Prince Mansion or the High Priest would come from us.

Otherwise, why would our shop consistently stock a variety of rare items that are hard to find elsewhere?"

As he spoke, he gave Lu Qing a look that said, "Our shop is quite extraordinary, honored guest, you’d do well to take us seriously."

Lu Qing nodded in understanding: "No wonder, that is indeed remarkable. Now I know where to look if I ever need to purchase such rare medicinal herbs in the future."

"Exactly, if you need anything in the future, just come to me, even if it’s not in stock, give me a few days, and I’ll find a way to get it for you." The Shopkeeper was thrilled to hear this, thinking to himself, such a lavish guest was exactly what he hoped for, so he quickly said, "As for the Jade Snowbird, you must be curious precisely because it’s so rare, right?"

Lu Qing nodded: "Indeed. As we travel around, though we pride ourselves on our medical skills, a doctor is judged not just by skill but also by the rare herbs he possesses. To gain trust, sometimes all it takes is one rare herb, as otherwise, one might not even get the chance to check a pulse. How else can one prove superb medical skills, don’t you agree?

The Jade Snowbird has always been a part of legends, never seen, only known to be extraordinarily rare. As for its effects, they’ve never been verified, so I don’t take it too seriously." 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Yes, yes, the esteemed guest speaks the truth!" The Shopkeeper, already a seasoned veteran, quickly understood that this traveling doctor was extravagant because he presumably treated rare, high-status individuals. Thus, he became even more courteous: "That thing is far too dangerous. By the High Priest’s command, no one in Bhutan is allowed to touch it now.

So don’t bother with the Jade Snowbird; it’s genuinely impossible to obtain for you. Apart from that, should you require anything else, just ask me. I can manage to secure it."

"That would be excellent; in that case, I won’t have to wander aimlessly like a headless fly searching all around." Lu Qing nodded. "However, for you to secure so many rare treasures, your Shopkeeper must be quite exceptional.

Would it be possible for you to introduce me to your Shopkeeper for a meeting?"

"Ah... this..." The Shopkeeper heard this and immediately wore a troubled expression, smiling wryly, "I just said there’s nothing I can’t do, but now, just a blink later, I must eat my words."

"Oh? Is your Shopkeeper someone of such stature that not everyone can meet him?" Lu Qing looked at the Shopkeeper with a puzzled expression.

The Shopkeeper quickly waved his hand, "That’s not the case, it’s mainly because our Shopkeeper’s whereabouts are uncertain, rarely coming to the shop, and even when he does, he doesn’t stay long. He leaves things, gives a few instructions, and departs swiftly, very mysterious.

Frankly, I’ve watched over the shop for him for over ten years and have never seen his true face. Every time, he comes wearing a veiled hat, and it’s a quick in and out, so unless you can stay here in the capital and wait for the next time our Shopkeeper visits, I could introduce you then.

Speaking of which, it’s been a while since he last visited, and according to past customs, he should be coming back soon."