He continued, “The pulse and symptoms were of congenital weakness, indicating a likely short lifespan, probably not living past 24.” Yuan Bi’s sword-hand trembled slightly as he looked up at Si Zhan, who sat quietly behind the pearl curtain, his expression calm.
“Continue,” Si Zhan prompted.
“But the girl didn’t believe me. She insisted her loved one was poisoned by something called ‘bone-eroding cold’ and begged me to find a way to detoxify him.”
A sudden crack echoed in the empty room — the sound of a porcelain cup breaking. Yuan Bi’s expression changed, and he quickly looked at Si Zhan, who appeared shocked, as if awakening from a dream.
“What sound?” the doctor asked, terrified.
Yuan Bi pressed the sword down. “What loved one? Stop talking nonsense.”
“I’m not talking nonsense,” the doctor retorted. “She said the person in the medical record was more important to her than her own life. If that’s not a loved one, what is?”
Yuan Bi was rendered speechless.
“Did she really say that?” Si Zhan asked, his voice trembling.
The doctor realized there were others in the room and nervously stuttered, “Ab-absolutely true.”
Si Zhan’s lips curved slightly, reassured that she held him in her heart.
Yuan Bi, somewhat angry, asked, “Why didn’t you say she was a loved one before?”
“Great hero, you didn’t ask in detail,” the doctor replied.
Yuan Bi was momentarily stunned, suppressing his anger. “And then?”
The doctor shrugged. “Then, I drove her away.”
“Drove her away?” Yuan Bi exclaimed.
“What else could I do? I don’t know anything about that ‘bone-eroding cold’ poison. Where would I solve it for her?”
Then, with a shocked expression, he said, “Maybe there’s no such thing as ‘bone-eroding cold.’ I think that girl… might have a problem.” He pointed to his head.
Yuan Bi was speechless, realizing he had brought back someone who was rambling. After questioning, Yuan Bi’s expression darkened, and he made a throat-cutting gesture to Si Zhan behind the pearl curtain, asking if he should silence the doctor. Si Zhan shook his head, indicating to let the man go.
Yuan Bi dragged the doctor up from the ground, warning him: “Leave Biandu City immediately. Don’t let me see you again, or your life will be in danger.” The doctor nodded vigorously, “Yes, yes, yes.”
