When the butler from the Dong Family arrived at the inn with the invitation, Yang Ruxin was not there; she had gone out early in the morning with Qian Er, revisiting the several shops, courtyards, and manors they had seen previously. By the time she returned to the inn, it was already noon. She had intended to change her clothes quickly and go to the Fang Family, but she saw Dong Hang instead.
With a gossipy tone, Sanni said the old man had been waiting for her all morning.
Although Dong Hang did not recognize Yang Ruxin, she recognized him and her eyes flashed, "What brings the elder gentleman to me?"
"Are you the Divine Doctor?" Dong Hang frowned almost imperceptibly at the sight of the young and plainly dressed Yang Ruxin, yet he dared not be negligent.
Yang Ruxin smiled, "I do not practice medicine."
Dong Hang choked, wondering how this girl could be so direct. Pretending not to understand, he continued with due respect, "To be frank, my family’s son-in-law has been ill for several months without improvement despite seeking medical advice everywhere... It’s just..." He sighed, "I implore the Divine Doctor to come with me; the Dong Family will certainly not treat you unfairly..."
"Your family’s son-in-law?" Yang Ruxin glanced at the delicate Wanhua paper in her hand, her lips curving into a sarcastic arc, "Mo Wenjie? The one who married into the family?"
The corner of Dong Hang’s mouth twitched, "Our lord and madam have only one precious daughter and naturally could not bear to send her far away..."
Yang Ruxin smiled, her initial thought was to refuse, but she changed her mind as she spoke, "Why should I bother treating an in-law of your household, old butler?"
Dong Hang was taken aback, but being experienced, he replied with deference, "The Dong Family will certainly not slight the Divine Doctor." Presenting the gifts he brought, he added, "And there will be a generous reward later..."
Yang Ruxin glanced at the gifts with disdain, "Even though the Dong Family once held the status of Imperial Merchant, they are now so mean-spirited. Who are they looking down upon?"
Dong Hang froze; he had brought generous gifts, and yet this girl...
"Enough, let’s skip the pretense," Yang Ruxin said as she stood up. "The consultation fee is ten thousand taels. If there’s a need for medication or acupuncture, that will be extra. If you can afford it, I’ll go; otherwise, seek someone else..."
"Ten..." Not only did Dong Hang’s mouth twitch, but his heart did too. A consultation fee of ten thousand taels? And that didn’t even guarantee a cure; it was outrageously expensive! Truthfully, had the fee been one thousand taels, he might have gritted his teeth and agreed, but ten thousand was beyond his ability to consent.
"If you can’t decide, go back and discuss with your masters. I will be leaving the county town tomorrow," Yang Ruxin finished abruptly and left without another word, for she still had to visit the Fang Family.
Dong Hang had no choice but to hastily pack up the gifts and scurry back to consult with the young master.
Meanwhile, at the Fang Family, a great transformation had taken place.
Although yesterday’s incident was kept from the public, Fang Jing and his wife could not keep it from themselves. After the guests had left, the old master eventually raised the question.
Fang Dehua and Yuan Mengzhu acted swiftly and soon uncovered the truth. Yet out of consideration for their reputation, they did not publicize the matter. Come the following morning, everyone heard that Boss and his family were sent back to the countryside, purportedly because the old master missed his homeland and wanted to refurbish the ancestral temple. Only the people involved knew the real reason.
As for the miss from the Dai Family, it was said that she suddenly fell ill and was sent to a manor in the south for recuperation early this very morning...