Chapter 968: 966 A Group of Clueless People

Words : 1222 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 968: Chapter 966 A Group of Clueless People After drinking tea and returning the courtesy, the master should address the disciples and announce the rules of the school. Imperial Physician Du stood up and solemnly announced the rules, which were mostly about respecting the teacher and the teachings, not harming fellow disciples, and saving lives and aiding those in need. There was one rule that Imperial Physician Du specifically highlighted: as a healer, one must not use their medicines and medical techniques to harm others. When he mentioned this rule, Imperial Physician Du looked at Wang Yongzhu: “Can you adhere to this? At any time, no matter what situation you find yourself in, you must not use your medicines and medical skills to harm others, even if they are your enemies!” Everyone looked towards Wang Yongzhu. Wang Yongzhu hesitated, feeling that Imperial Physician Du’s words were implying something. Since ancient times, medicine and poison have been closely related; was Imperial Physician Du worried that after learning, he might use his skills to harm people? Or was it something else? In this moment under the gaze of everyone, without time to think further, Wang Yongzhu briskly and decisively replied: “I, as a disciple, can adhere to this!” If there really were enemies, he would directly resort to fighting; why use poison? Is it because his fists aren’t hard enough, or his kick isn’t accurate enough? Imperial Physician Du nodded: “Entering my medical school and inheriting my teachings, focus on saving lives and helping the world, remember well!” Wang Yongzhu internally accepted the teachings and did not mention them further. With the ceremony over, it was nearing noon, and the Du family had already prepared the feast. Imperial Physician Du then stood up to invite everyone to the banquet. The head table naturally included Imperial Physician Du, Governor Chen, Zhu Haoran, Old Master Qin, Lv Wenguang, as well as the county magistrate, county magistrate’s assistant, chief clerk, historian officer, and others from the County Yamen. Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu were behind Imperial Physician Du, one holding the wine vessel, the other serving the wine, without designated seats. Old Granny Zhang and Lady Qi had two tables in the backyard to entertain the family members who came along today. Song Chongjin scanned the main table and noticed that the historian officer with the surname Loo was surprisingly seated there, although at the end, his placement at this table demonstrated his considerable status in Jing County. Today, the chef at Imperial Physician Du’s house showcased his expertise. This chef was originally brought back from the Capital City and had hosted many banquets there. He was truly skilled and experienced. The maid in blue clothes brought the dishes one after another; apart from a few local specialties, most were the chef’s Capital City recipes. Just by the appearance, the dishes were striking in colors, beautifully arranged. High-quality Jade Spring Wine was poured for everyone at the table by Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu, and the wine flowed freely. Governor Chen, after tasting two bites, couldn’t help but say: “The chef at Old Du’s house has remarkable skills. This peach kernel and mountain chicken dish is identical to what was served during the palace banquets in previous years.” Zhu Haoran also praised: “This Buddhist fruit roll dish matches the taste from the palace equally well.” Imperial Physician Du was indifferent: “My chef once studied under the chief in the palace kitchen for a few days, barely acquiring two or three-tenths of their culinary skills, worth not mentioning.” Others listening clicked their tongues in admiration. To hear this from him, the two noble guests from the Capital City were regulars at palace banquets, yet this retired Imperial Physician had a chef who trained under palace chefs. Such honor is generally granted only to those who have earned His Majesty’s trust. They were just minor officials of a county, fearing they’d never enjoy such privilege in their lifetime. However, Historian Officer Loo, smiling, raised his glass: “Indeed, today we owe thanks to the two esteemed gentlemen and Old Du, to savor this palace delicacy, making this lifetime worthwhile.” These words immediately prompted others to raise their glasses, their mouths filled with praise, warming the atmosphere at the table. Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran glanced more at Historian Officer Loo. The people at the table were all cunning and astute individuals, able to infer many things from the slightest hint. Therefore, several minor officials below Lv Wenguang looked at Historian Officer Loo with envy; today he gained prominence by flattering both the visitors from the Capital City and Imperial Physician Du. No matter which of the two visitors favored him, he might swiftly rise. Even Historian Officer Loo’s heart beat fast; who wouldn’t want to curry favor with the visitors from the Capital City? If he gained favor, he could move beyond stagnation as a historian officer for years. He believed that his talents and abilities weren’t inferior, lacking only the connections and opportunities. Today, he finally seized the chance to have both gentlemen look at him, and next, if they asked his name, he could seize another opportunity... Historian Officer Loo’s heart warmed with excitement as he eagerly watched Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran. Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran, being high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court, were accustomed to many sycophants eager to curry their favor, rendering Historian Officer Loo’s approach trivial. They considered him lacking in awareness, given the presence of many of his superiors, starting with Lv Wenguang, his direct supervisor. Ignoring his direct superior while flattering distant officials was foolish; expecting them to think highly of him was laughable. Especially considering today’s occasion was Imperial Physician Du’s discipleship ceremony; the protagonists were not them. This group was visibly blind to priorities, disregarding the principal event’s protagonists, and thus could not anticipate a response from them. Instead, they praised Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin. Initially, they only glanced at the couple, but now observed them serving with smiles and composure, complementing each other. With sharp awareness, they topped off wine glasses whenever emptied. Imperial Physician Du merely introduced the guests, while the couple approached to pay respects; the young woman, seemingly young, displayed eloquence. Their greetings were pleasant and non-redundant, with each brief exchange precisely addressing topics of interest. After going around, everyone softened their gaze towards the couple. Zhu Haoran couldn’t help but glance again at Song Chongjin behind, contemplating if he was indeed Duke Weiguo, Song Hong’s descendant. Even having married a peasant’s daughter early, lacking the polish of major households’ noblewomen, he wouldn’t disgrace himself. Yet, it’s uncertain whether Song Chongjin, if truly Song Hong’s bloodline, would retain his countryside wife once he reconnects with his heritage. In deep thought, Zhu Haoran appeared to continually look at Song Chongjin, causing the conversation at the table to gradually quiet down. Governor Chen laughed, clapping Zhu Haoran: “Were you admiring this disciple of Old Du as a perfect match, talented and charming, and feeling inferior?” Zhu Haoran, snapping back to reality, understood Governor Chen was aiding him, hence cheerfully raised his glass: “Indeed, observing them made me nostalgic, losing composure for a moment, come come, I’ll drink a penalty myself—” He laughed, sidestepping the matter.

Chapter 968: 966 A Group of Clueless People

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