The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure-Chapter 849 - 848: Great, it’s him!

Ninth Master Lee raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak. He picked up the box, took out a piece of paper, scanned it quickly, then closed the box and tucked it into his chest.

"I just heard Lady Wang say she was going to the Provincial Capital. Perfect timing, my Lee Family has a few boats on the Jing River with several guest rooms. If you want to go to the Provincial Capital, just board our boat. Besides, safety is guaranteed."

Having collected the courtyard and the estate, taking a boat was just a trivial matter. Wang Yongzhu knew this was Ninth Master Lee showing goodwill.

Whether or not she would take the Lee Family’s boat in the future was uncertain, but Wang Yongzhu responded unreservedly, "If the time comes, I will trouble you!"

Ninth Master Lee showed his first smile since entering the courtyard, satisfied that Wang Yongzhu didn’t reject his goodwill. It seemed she at least considered him a friend and not an outsider.

Thinking this, Ninth Master Lee picked up a cup of tea, drank a couple of sips, and got interested in some idle chit-chat, "Lady Wang, what do you plan to do after you stop doing business?"

He felt somewhat regretful; such a woman retreating to the home to live a life revolving around the stove and children was a waste.

He couldn’t help but think, if Wang Yongzhu were to marry him, he certainly wouldn’t confine her to the house. He would encourage her to do business; she had the talent and only with their Lee Family could she freely realize her potential.

Marrying a scholar like Song Chongjin, scholars were often rigid and dull, what a pity!

Thinking of this, Ninth Master Lee showed a fleeting expression of regret.

Of course, Wang Yongzhu couldn’t read minds, and naturally didn’t know what Ninth Master Lee was regretting. She just smiled, "I haven’t planned anything yet. For now, I just want to help my mother recover—"

Speaking of which, she suddenly remembered that she wanted to learn medical techniques. But learning them suddenly like that would give away something fishy.

She was previously worried about how to learn medicine openly; at least she needed a legitimate cover.

But wasn’t Ninth Master Lee sending Imperial Doctor Du right to her door?

He was simply the perfect candidate.

Her eyes brightened, staring at Ninth Master Lee without blinking, "Ninth Master, is Imperial Doctor Du’s medical skills top-notch in the Capital City’s palace?"

Ninth Master Lee felt his ears burning under Yongzhu’s direct gaze and was somewhat uncomfortable. He forced himself to sit upright, showing no trace of his discomfort, and replied nonchalantly, "Indeed! Although Imperial Doctor Du is rather cunning, his medical skills are genuinely excellent. If you’re worried about your mother’s health, rest assured. With this old chap at work, your mother can live healthily and safely to eighty years old!"

Wang Yongzhu clapped her hands; perfect, it’s settled!

Hopeful, she looked at Ninth Master Lee, "Ninth Master, do you think if I ask Imperial Doctor Du to teach me some practical medical skills to take care of my mother, or to prepare nourishing medicinal meals, would he agree?"

Ninth Master Lee was about to say "Don’t daydream", but seeing Yongzhu’s expectant glinting eyes, he just couldn’t bear to crush her hopes.

After hesitating a bit, he gently remarked, "Imperial Doctor Du retired to his hometown to spend his twilight years. Over the years, he has trained many apprentices in the Capital City, not to mention his eldest apprentice, who succeeded him at the Imperial Medical Bureau, is also his eldest son. It’s a family tradition, rarely shared with outsiders. Additionally, there’s no precedence of women learning medicine—"

In other words, it’s impossible; don’t daydream.

Wang Yongzhu was undeterred, "I don’t intend to learn his family’s secret recipes, merely to pick up basic care techniques for elderly people like my mother, and to know how to prevent and treat common diseases—"

But realizing this might be difficult for Ninth Master Lee, she quickly stopped herself, "Ninth Master is right, it’s my oversight. I truly apologize!"

Seeing Wang Yongzhu apologizing, Ninth Master Lee grew unhappy again.

Didn’t I say I wouldn’t help her? Just a few words, and she’s acting distant?

Wang Yongzhu didn’t think like Ninth Master Lee; she felt this matter shouldn’t trouble him.

Ninth Master Lee had almost forcefully invited Imperial Doctor Du to her house to treat Old Granny Zhang; it was already a huge favor.

She shouldn’t overstep and ask for more!

Moreover, she noticed Imperial Doctor Du liked tea. The primary-level tea he had earlier already amazed him.

Worst case, she could give him a couple of pounds of tea made with the intermediate-level tea machine, and it might impress him.

Having made up her mind, Wang Yongzhu decided not to bring it up again.

Meanwhile, Ninth Master Lee kept trying to steer the conversation back, hoping Wang Yongzhu would mention it again. He then feigned difficulty before reluctantly agreeing.

Then he’d tie up Imperial Doctor Du and bring him straight to Wang Yongzhu!

Yet Wang Yongzhu, not wanting to trouble Ninth Master Lee, diligently changed the topic, right up until Song Chongjin returned, not steering back.

Ninth Master Lee was both frustrated and somewhat reluctant; they chatted through the afternoon. Though Wang Yongzhu’s language was sometimes too blunt, somewhat rough, her thoughts were quick, her insights and vision no less than a man’s.

If Wang Yongzhu were a man, undoubtedly, he’d immediately make a brotherly pact, share a bed, and talk endlessly.

When Song Chongjin returned, he wasn’t alone; he was accompanied by Gu Zikai.

Both were surprised to see Ninth Master Lee as soon as they entered the courtyard.

Gu Zikai spoke first, "Why are you here again?"

Ninth Master Lee’s face turned dark, "You can come; why can’t I?"

Whenever they met, there was an air of hostility; they found each other infuriating.

Even Gu Zikai’s usually gentle smile cracked, "Brother Song and I are classmates and neighbors. Today, after school, we came back together to visit Auntie. But you, aren’t you busy with business in Qingzhou Prefecture? What are you doing in Jing County?"

Ninth Master Lee’s face darkened further, and he rolled his eyes impatiently, "Do I need your permission to be wherever I want? I’ll be in Jing County today, in the Provincial Capital tomorrow, and back here later. Gotta problem? Instead of fretting, bookworm, read more books. Don’t fail the exams embarrassingly!"

"Your Gu Family treats you like a precious egg, spreading word that you’ll surely pass the imperial exam this year. If you fail, it’ll be quite a spectacle! Your Gu Family’s reputation will be totally ruined!"

Gu Zikai’s face darkened at these words.

Song Chongjin felt their words were heavy with hostility yet oddly offbeat.

But now wasn’t the time for deep thoughts; as the host, having guests argue in his home was his fault.

He quickly stepped forward to mediate.

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