A Shocking Dream

Chapter 177

Lin Wunian was slightly startled, then looked up at Zhou Junze. A ripple of emotion seemed to flicker across her cold gaze. She nodded gently, her voice calm and composed, "Mr. Zhou, you are too kind. I can only do my humble part. Saving the dying and healing the wounded is a doctor's duty."

Zhou Junze, however, was still pondering the source of that familiar feeling. He stared at Lin Wunian, as if trying to see beyond her exterior. He secretly wondered, was his relationship with Dr. Wunian merely a matter of acquaintance and first meeting? Why was this sense of familiarity so strong? It was as if they had crossed paths long ago, obscured by the mists of time, now gradually unveiling its mysteries.

Xie Yuan and Yang Zishi were stunned when they heard Zhou Junze's words. Such a beautiful woman turned out to be the doctor Wu Nian who turned the tide of the epidemic in Linzhou.

In their imagination, the person who could stand up in that tragic epidemic might be an experienced and weathered medical elder, or a burly and imposing master of medicine, but they never expected it to be such a graceful and elegant young woman.

Xie Yuan was the first to recover. He clasped his fists and bowed, saying sincerely, "I've long heard of Doctor Wu Nian's great name. During the crisis in Linzhou, I heard you worked tirelessly day and night, prescribing medicine and saving countless lives. The people of Linzhou will surely remember your great kindness, and we all admire you immensely. I only regret not being able to go to Linzhou in person to lend a hand. It's truly a pity."

Yang Zishi also bowed, his eyes filled with respect. "Doctor Wunian, you shouldered the heavy responsibility of saving the city with your frail body. This is truly beyond the capability of an ordinary woman. I'm curious. During this time of rampant disease, when it was so dangerous, how did you prepare the prescriptions and appease the people, thus saving Linzhou from danger?"

Lin Wunian lowered her head slightly and responded humbly: "Your Majesty, you are too kind, and Young Master Yang, you are too complimentary. In the face of the epidemic, Wunian was just following the heart of a doctor, relying on some medical skills, working together with other doctors in the city, and gaining the trust and help of the people. I was lucky enough to succeed, and I dare not take credit for it. At that time, I was just doing my best and had no time to care about other things." After she finished speaking, her eyes seemed to be distant for a moment, as if she was recalling that thrilling time.

Zhou Junze was filled with amazement. He looked at Lin Wunian and said, "Doctor, don't be too modest. I have heard that the epidemic in Linzhou is raging, like a demon descending upon the world. Wherever it strikes, people are in panic, and the shadow of death hangs over every inch of the land. Yet, amidst that chaos and despair, you were able to systematically intervene and treat the disease."

Zhou Junze paused slightly, his curiosity growing. "I also heard that, in search of a cure for the epidemic, you risked your own life deep in the mountains to personally gather herbs. The fog was thick and dangerous, so weren't you afraid? Also, during the treatment process, with supplies in short supply and people feeling uneasy, how did you manage to stabilize the situation and keep everyone working together?"

Lin Wunian sighed softly, then raised his eyes and said, "Although there was danger at the time, the patients' pain and desperate eyes made me fearless. In the mountains and forests, I only relied on my knowledge of herbs and a bit of luck. As for calming people's hearts, it was just patiently explaining the medical principles I knew to everyone, letting them understand that as long as they worked together, there was hope. And they chose to trust me simply to survive."

Zhou Junze listened attentively, and his admiration for the woman in front of him increased a little more. He thought to himself: Such an intelligent, courageous and loving woman is rare in the world.

Xie Yuan and Yang Zishi's words were merely lip service; their original intention was to see the peerless beauty. Now that this beauty was actually a meritorious official, Xie Yuan felt a little apprehensive. He was already a powerful figure here, accustomed to controlling everything. But Lin Wunian's appearance was like an unexpected stone dropped into the lake of his calm heart, creating ripples he could hardly control.

Xie Yuan thought to himself, "Lin Wunian is both stunningly beautiful and capable of saving lives. She holds a high reputation among the people. If she has close connections to the imperial court, I'm afraid her future actions will be greatly hindered." His eyes flickered slightly, but he maintained that seemingly respectful smile, though it didn't reach his eyes.

Yang Zishi, however, was unaware of Xie Yuan's change of heart and continued to chat with Lin Wunian, his words full of admiration: "Doctor Wunian, you are not only a skilled doctor, but also have such beauty and temperament. You are truly blessed by God. I am very lucky to meet you today."

Lin Wunian merely smiled politely in response to Yang Zishi's compliments. She seemed to sense something, and her gaze flicked gently over Xie Yuan. Her cold gaze seemed to penetrate his disguise, perceiving his inner unease and calculations. This made Xie Yuan even more uncomfortable. He coughed lightly, trying to change the subject. "Doctor Wunian must be exhausted from all the traveling. Why don't we arrange for him to stay overnight first, and then we can talk more."

Lin Wunian nodded slightly, "Thank you for your concern, My Lord. I'm just passing by here to rest for a few days and will leave soon." Her voice was like a clear mountain spring, calm but with an indescribable sense of alienation.

Marquis Xie Yuan raised his brows slightly, with a hint of imperceptible displeasure flashing in his eyes, but he instantly regained his graceful and magnanimous appearance, "What are you talking about, Doctor Wu Nian? You are an honored guest. Let alone resting for a few days, even if you stay for a long time, this marquis will definitely welcome you." Although he said so enthusiastically, he was secretly thinking in his heart that if Lin Wu Nian was only staying for a short time, it might not have much impact on his plan, but her appearance had attracted the attention of many people, so he had to be careful in dealing with it.

Yang Zishi on the side became a little anxious and said hurriedly: "Doctor Wunian, with your medical skills, if you could stay here for a while and give some advice, it would be a great deed to benefit the people. How can you leave in such a hurry?" His eyes were full of expectation and reluctance, as if Lin Wunian was already the beautiful cloud that was about to disappear in the sky.

Lin Wunian shook her head slightly, "Mr. Yang means well. Wunian is determined to travel around and help more people in need, so it is inconvenient for her to stay for long." Her eyes were firm and clear, and she was not moved by Yang Zishi's words.

Seeing this, Xie Yuan's heart moved, and a seemingly sincere smile appeared on his face. "Well, since the doctor has such a great wish, I will not force him. But in the next few days, I must let the doctor feel our hospitality. Come on, clean up the quiet courtyard in the east yard for the doctor to rest, and select a few maids and old women who are nimble and tight-lipped to serve him." After saying this, he glanced at Lin Wunian intentionally or unintentionally, trying to see some clues from her face.

Lin Wunian remained calm. "No need. I'm perfectly fine living here." Xie Yuan's extravagant banquet was deeply offensive to her. Thinking of Lu Yao's experience, she felt a surge of hatred for Xie Yuan.