Chapter 39: Chapter 41: Come, Experience the Trickiness of Buqiu Chapter 39: Chapter 41: Come, Experience the Trickiness of Buqiu Qi Qian had long heard from childhood friends that Master Buqiu was eccentric, but he hadn’t realized just how hard to deal with he was until now.
“What, a cause for celebration?”
Qi Qian gritted his teeth and suppressed his irritation, taking a deep breath before saying, “It appears we were ignorant and unaware of such a place as the Wangui Forest.”
Qin Liuxi nodded in agreement, saying, “That’s why one shouldn’t speak carelessly, nor should one recklessly enter dense forests. Once you do, it’s easy to run into trouble.”
I suspect you’re making lewd jokes, but I have no proof.
Ying Nan, gritting his teeth, said, “Since you knew, why did you still take that path through the forest, clearly leading us into it on purpose?”
“Ying Nan!” Qi Qian was already somewhat displeased, glaring at him.
Ying Nan shrank his neck, feeling wronged!
“I took that path because I was in a hurry. Traveling through the Wanhuai Forest would get me back to the city half an hour faster than the official road!” Qin Liuxi explained, “Moreover, with righteousness filling my body, I am not afraid of any crooked shadows; the upright qi of heaven and earth protects me from sinister forces.”
Damn it, he’s indirectly scolding us!
Ying Nan wanted to retort but was pulled back by Huo Lang, forcing him to step back.
“In the end, it was our fault for not knowing the way and taking the wrong path, just like you said, down to a bit of luck,” Qi Qian said indifferently.
Qin Liuxi eyed him and remarked, “Luck, you say? Well, one must guard their words, especially in places of Buddhist Path. Those who don’t watch their mouths could easily commit sins of speech. Who knows if it was your own verbal indiscretions that led you astray? There are some things that you may not believe in, but you must at least respect. What do you think, young master?”
Ying Nan, whose mouth often lacked restraint: “!”
Qi Qian caught the warning in the statement, realizing that perhaps Qin Liuxi had seen Ying Nan’s disrespect towards the Daoist the day before and this was his way of admonishing them.
“Qian takes the lesson to heart.” He bowed again with his hands clasped.
Qin Liuxi waved his hands dismissively, “Let’s leave it at that.”
“Master Buqiu, we’ve long heard of your exquisite medical skills, and we’ve come sincerely to seek medical help,” Qi Qian said, “It is said that a doctor possesses a parental heart; we implore Master Buqiu to make a house call.”
“You’ve got the wrong person,” Qin Liuxi called out without turning back, “This young lad here only has a superficial understanding of Qi Huang, enough to bluff people.”
“Ten thousand taels,” Qi Qian offered from behind her.
Qin Liuxi halted in his steps.
“As long as the master is willing to make a move, Qian is willing to offer ten thousand taels as the consultation fee.”
Qin Liuxi turned around with a smile, “What did you just say?”
“Ten thousand taels as the reward.”
“No, the sentence before that.”
Qi Qian, slightly confused, thought for a moment: “Master Buqiu…”
“Ah,” Qin Liuxi laughed, “Young master, what business do you have with me?”
Ying Nan and the others had already placed their hands on their sword hilts, ready to draw their blades at any moment, furious!
“Qian is here to seek medical assistance; if Master Buqiu is willing to accompany Qian to treat an elder in the family, Qian is willing to offer a reward of ten thousand taels in gold,” Qi Qian said, keeping his composure.
Qin Liuxi waved his hand, “Ah, seeking medical help is it? The reward doesn’t really matter; after all, a doctor has a parental heart, right? Especially moved by the young master’s filial piety, I’d be touched even if it wasn’t commanded by the heavens. Now, where is this patient? Let’s be on our way!”
Qi Qian and his companions couldn’t help but sneer internally, nearly believing the lofty way in which he spoke.
“The elder is not well enough to travel; it would trouble the master to journey far. The other residence is near Ningzhou Prefecture, and the journey will take about three days,” Qi Qian explained.
“Ah, Ningzhou, that’s quite a distant trip, and I, for one, dislike troubles. My body isn’t in the best condition either…”
Qi Qian quickly replied, “All matters of food, lodging, and travel on the road will be taken care of by Qian, the master need not worry.”
“Alright, then first, the carriage must be spacious and shock-absorbent, I want to drink the finest Da Hong Pao Tea, and since the journey is long and boring, we can’t skimp on snacks either…”
Ying Nan, listening from behind, scowled. These demands sounded like someone going on a vacation, didn’t they?