Chapter 461: Chapter 448: Poisoned

“There seems to be some misunderstanding about this,” said Zhuang Qingning, furrowing her brows after hearing Fang Hou’s explanation. “Doctor Zhuang and I are from the same village. I usually refer to him as my elder brother. He is always prudent and honest, never impulsive, and never cheats others.”

“I can vouch for Doctor Zhuang, I guarantee he never practices medicine irresponsibly.”

Fang Hou glanced at Zhuang Qingning and then at the bound Zhuang Wencheng, hesitated for a while, and said, “I believe in Manager Zhuang as a person, but this incident is related to my young master’s life…”

“Let’s do this,” Zhuang Qingning interrupted Fang Hou, “I also have some medical skills. I heard that Manager Cheng was seriously ill, so I came to see if I could help diagnose.”

“Why don’t Brother Fang take me to see Manager Cheng first?”

“As for Dr. Fang, can we take him aside first to loosen the bindings and watch over him? After I’ve finished treating Manager Cheng, I will investigate the reasons behind this. Do you think this is acceptable?”

Fang Hou lowered his head and pondered for a moment.

Zhuang Qingning is here to diagnose. I’d never heard she has medical skills before.

However, some people who are skilled often choose to conceal their abilities. Isn’t Zhuang Qingning the one who made that mosquito repellent herbal medicine package? Even Cheng Ruize says that the medicine powder used in the package is very unique, which shows that the maker of the medicine package is a highly skilled doctor.

Perhaps, Zhuang Qingning is a renowned doctor unknown to others.

There would indeed be no problem letting her examine Cheng Ruize.

But that Fang Wencheng…

Is a quack who harmed Cheng Ruize.

Can I just let his actions go so easily?

“You’re just watching over him, not letting him go, it’s just a matter of sooner or later. If he really is a quack, I believe Manager Zhuang will not speak up for him. Right now, what is important is the Third Young Master’s illness. We can’t afford to delay,” Manager Fang said from the side.

Fang Hou immediately came to his senses.

Indeed, there’s no need to rush at this moment. Imprison him first and look into his mistakes later. The priority right now is to let Zhuang Qingning examine Cheng Ruize.

“Yes, I understand,” Fang Hou nodded, waved his hand, and instructed the servant to take Zhuang Wencheng away first.

“Brother Wencheng, you go with them for now. I’ll check on Manager Cheng’s condition. I’ll help you with your issue and clear your name,” Zhuang Qingning said to Zhuang Wencheng seriously.

Zhuang Wencheng was in a great mess, but seeing Zhuang Qingning’s determined face, he stopped struggling and just slightly nodded, indicating his agreement to Zhuang Qingning’s words.

The two servants received their orders and took Zhuang Wencheng away first to be kept under watch nearby.

But now that they knew Zhuang Wencheng was Zhuang Qingning’s elder brother and that there might be some misunderstanding, they didn’t treat Zhuang Wencheng as rudely as before. They just brought him to the firewood room, slightly loosened his ropes, and locked him up.

Hearing those words from Zhuang Qingning earlier, Zhuang Wencheng did not cause any more trouble now. He merely sat quietly in the firewood room, looking through the small window at the birds chirping in the willow tree outside.

In the meantime, Fang Hou, along with Manager Fang, led Zhuang Qingning to Cheng Ruize’s courtyard and into his bedroom.

Doctor Qin, who had just completed a prescription, handed it to Fang Hou when he came in. “Boil this medicine until it becomes a thick soup, and then let your young master drink it. After he finishes this soup, I’ll take his pulse again half an hour later.”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work, Doctor Qin. You have come from a long way. I’ll have someone take you to the guest room first to rest for a while. When it’s the time you mentioned, I’ll ask you to come over again,” Fang Hou called over a servant to take Doctor Qin for a rest.

Doctor Qin had rushed here from the mansion, with the carriage travelling so fast on the way that he felt his bones were falling apart. Now he felt extremely tired and sore all over. So, without further ado, he went with the servant to rest.

Before leaving, he looked at Zhuang Qingning and Manager Fang and reminded them, “It’s only natural that you care for your young master. However, Young Master Cheng needs to rest quietly now. You must not disturb him too much.”

In the presence of a doctor, they naturally couldn’t say that Zhuang Qingning was here to treat Cheng Ruize.

“Of course, Doctor Qin please rest assured. We will just take a quick look and will not disturb too much. Be careful with the step, Manager Qin,” Fang Hou escorted Doctor Qin out, then led Zhuang Qingning into the room and moved a chair to the bedside, “Please have a seat, Manager Zhuang.”

Zhuang Qingning sat down and examined Cheng Ruize, who was lying in bed.

He had lost quite a bit of weight, his face was somewhat pale, but there were two abnormal blushes on his cheeks. If listened carefully, one could hear that Cheng Ruize’s breathing was much weaker than normal.

At first glance, Cheng Ruize did indeed seem very ill, just as Doctor Qin had mentioned.

Zhuang Qingning immediately frowned.

Fang Hou placed a pulse pillow under Cheng Ruize’s wrist. “Please proceed, Manager Zhuang.”

Zhuang Qingning’s frown deepened.

Taking the pulse is something she had no knowledge of…

She had claimed earlier that she had medical skills, but this was only to quickly see Cheng Ruize and complete the task as soon as possible.

Now when it comes to real diagnosis, she can not do it.

Zhuang Qingning intentionally thought these words twice in her mind.

[So, you, the host, are just waiting for the system to help you complete the task?]

What else can I do? You clearly know that the host is not a doctor, and yet you set up such a medical task, and very urgent at that. How can I not rely on you, the system?

Also, didn’t you say before that even if the host doesn’t complete this task set by the author, there won’t be any penalty? If you don’t step in, why don’t we just not do it?

At most, it just means not getting the soap formula, and the road to wealth will become more difficult…

But it’s okay, based on her current progress, she can take it slow. She can borrrow lifespan from the heavens, another three to five hundred years should be just about enough for you to reach the peak of your life, system.

[…Why does this feel so wrong?]

[Well, never mind, just have to spoil the host I chose myself, even with tears in my eyes…]

[Sigh…]

[Host, just take the pulse. The system will activate the built-in scanner during this time and display the results.]

Very good.

Zhuang Qingning stealthily gave a thumbs up to a certain system, then placed her hand on Cheng Ruize’s wrist like a traditional Chinese doctor taking a pulse, pretending to take one.

A moment later, Zhuang Qingning’s brows furrowed heavily, and her face was also very unpleasant.

“Manager Zhuang, is there something wrong with my young master?” Fang Hou asked anxiously, seeing her condition.

Especially when he saw Zhuang Qingning’s gloomy face, remembering what Doctor Qin had said earlier, his heart started to race.

“Manager Cheng, he is not ill, but…”

Zhuang Qingning paused, struggling to say, “He’s been poisoned!”