Chapter Thirty-Nine: Shaking Down for Profit

Zhou Linqing was no fool. Li Zisheng’s repeated arrogance, coupled with his disclosure of his own health, was nothing more than a demand for a pledge—proof that Zhou posed no threat to him, and a way to ensure such troubles would not arise again. If that was truly the case, then Zhou would need to offer Yan Ziqing, the root of the trouble, as the token of goodwill.

Scholars valued their reputation above all. Due to the academy’s control over examinations, Yan Ziqing himself had not suffered much—he merely spread Li Zisheng’s poem, “The Brocade Se”, but its reach was limited. The reason was that those above had silenced the matter; though the culprit was unknown, their influence was considerable.

Initially, Zhou Linqing had helped Yan Ziqing because Li Zisheng must have offended someone, being of modest background. By assisting Yan Ziqing, Zhou hoped to forge a beneficial connection, thereby gaining some standing in the Genius Institute, for he himself was a member of the Martial Institute. Even with future achievements, his prospects would never be too great. Making acquaintance with those in the Genius Institute was a task given by his father. Yet, Li Zisheng turned out to be not only a prodigy in literature, but also outstanding in the healing arts—a true talent.

To make an enemy of such a person—his father would surely punish him severely. Thus, Zhou Linqing steeled himself and took drastic measures, ensuring Yan Ziqing would never recover, so that he might understand the consequences of crossing Zhou.

“Physician Yang, Zhou Linqing is petty and malicious, often troubling the townsfolk. I am not deliberately making things difficult for him; it is Zhou Linqing who came to threaten me. I know this ailment will not endanger his life in the short term; the talk of fatality was simply because Zhou relies on his wealth and power, and few believe the words of a physician. Thus, I spoke as I did partly to protect myself, and partly to save Zhou Linqing while preventing him from causing further harm.”

“Good, very good. Zhou Linqing is arrogant and unruly, so claiming mortal danger serves to deter him from tormenting the villagers—this is to their benefit. I see there is some enmity between you two, so Zhou Linqing must be cautious—another advantage. By employing both tactics, you may achieve remarkable results. Zisheng, you are clever indeed.”

Physician Yang seemed to be upright and sincere, so he did not hold back his praise.

“Then I hope Physician Yang will cooperate with me,” Li Zisheng said with a respectful bow.

“Certainly, certainly. I am at your disposal,” Physician Yang replied with cheerful ease.

“Is Zhou Linqing present?”

“I am, I am!” Zhou Linqing hurried in, pushing open the door.

“Zhou Linqing, do you trust me?” Li Zisheng took the initiative, asking directly. If Zhou trusted him, all would proceed smoothly; if not, there was no need for further discussion.

“Of course I trust you. But Physician Yang, have you two reached a conclusion regarding my illness?” Zhou Linqing was no fool; he turned to Physician Yang, knowing that if there were secret dealings, some flaw would appear.

“I am not as skilled as Li Zisheng.”

Physician Yang was straightforward. Though he agreed to Li Zisheng’s plan, he found it hard to speak in riddles, so he simply admitted, “I am not as skilled as Li Zisheng,” laying everything bare.

“I dare not claim such,” Li Zisheng replied, bowing again, now understanding Physician Yang’s character.

The words were spoken with intent, and the listener was shocked.

Hearing this, Zhou Linqing perceived a deeper meaning.

“Not as skilled as him, not as skilled—doesn’t this mean Li Zisheng’s medical skill has surpassed even the medical scholars of Lingzhou? This Yan Ziqing is truly hateful.”

Zhou Linqing was furious, and anxiety welled up again. He had previously provoked Li Zisheng; if Li held a grudge, merely dealing with Yan Ziqing would not be enough.

“Brother Zisheng, here are fifty taels of silver. Please accept them as payment for my treatment, will you? Otherwise, I would feel ashamed before you.”

Zhou Linqing took out fifty taels from his purse, forcing a comical smile onto his plump face.

“Brother Zhou, that is unnecessary. I will not accept these fifty taels; consider them the cost of the medicine I provide you. After all, fifty taels barely cover the treatment process. As the saying goes, it is better to resolve enmity than to create it. What do you think, Brother Zhou?” Li Zisheng said with a gentle smile.

Physician Yang stroked his beard as he listened, his admiration for Li Zisheng rising. The fifty taels Zhou Linqing offered were not easily accepted.

For an ordinary family, fifty taels would be a year’s expenses. Li Zisheng was unmoved by profit, showing admirable character. If he had accepted the money, he would henceforth be beholden to Zhou Linqing. Scholars were particular about receiving silver, and even physicians had their principles.

Physician Yang glanced at Zhou Linqing.

“Master Zhou, follow Zisheng’s treatment carefully. His medical skill is respected even in Chang’an,” Physician Yang said, then looked at Li Zisheng and departed.

Zhou Linqing knew his ploy had been seen through, but though his face was somewhat embarrassed, he maintained a smiling demeanor, showing no concern for his failed scheme.

“Brother Zisheng, this was all due to my believing slander, listening to Yan Ziqing’s nonsense. In a moment of impulse, I tried to defend a friend to the bitter end. Such false friends have brought me nothing but trouble. I beg your forgiveness, Brother Zisheng,” Zhou Linqing said, bowing deeply.

“No wonder Zhou Linqing, despite his notorious reputation, remains unscathed—such cunning is rare,” Li Zisheng thought, realizing Zhou Linqing was now prepared to deal with Yan Ziqing, as evidenced by his words.

“Brother Zhou, there’s no need for such formality. I am not one to bear grudges, though my cousin has a fiery temper and is somewhat upset. But it’s nothing serious—I’ll persuade him, perhaps send him some amusements from the army, and he’ll no longer be angry,” Li Zisheng replied, still smiling.

Zhou Linqing, shrewd as ever, understood the implied meaning: Li Zisheng was extorting him, suggesting he send some military curiosities as a private gift. Given that Zhou’s father was a deputy supervisor of military equipment, such items were plentiful.

But compared to his own life, Zhou Linqing knew which was more important, especially after Physician Yang’s parting remark that Li Zisheng’s medical prowess was respected even in Chang’an. Though Zhou found it hard to believe, he responded cheerfully, thanking Zisheng for his tolerance.

“So, Brother Zisheng, how do you plan to treat me? And what exactly is the urgent illness I suffer from?” Zhou Linqing asked, determined to clarify the matter and discreetly investigate the treatment, for being at someone’s mercy was never pleasant.