The physicians called for consultation were all about the same age as Liu Pucheng, and the onlooking crowd could call out their names, showing they were renowned doctors in the city, sufficient to serve as authorities and earn the people’s trust.
“Dr. Liu, forgive the offense.” The ones called Dr. Qian and Dr. Huang showed no gloating expression whatsoever. After all, they were all in the same profession, and encountering such matters stirred some feelings of “when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves.”
Another physician, however, wore a stern expression and said nothing at all.
Liu Pucheng nodded to them as well.
“Since we’re all physicians, let’s think of a solution together…” Qi Yue squeezed through the crowd and said hastily.
The three physicians looked at her with astonished expressions. Dr. Qian and Dr. Huang had participated in treating the prefect’s son and recognized her at once. Before they could speak, the other physician spoke first.
“Think of a solution? Are you saying, young lady, that you want us to help cure the patient?” His voice suddenly rose, loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
Qi Yue was stunned for a moment, not quite understanding why he was speaking so loudly, but still nodded.
“Then if we cure him, will the credit go to Dr. Liu?” someone outside shouted loudly.
This remark stirred a buzz of voices.
“Even if he’s cured, you can’t escape the crime of being a quack doctor!”
“What were you doing earlier? Pestering people and delaying treatment!”
Qi Yue looked at this physician and understood.
“What is your honorable surname, Doctor?” she suddenly asked.
Wang Qingchun looked at this woman with some composure.
“This old man is Wang Qingchun of Huichun Hall,” he answered.
Qi Yue made an “oh” sound, with an expression of “so it’s you.”
Wang Qingchun calmly accepted her gaze.
The two physicians beside him wanted to remind him of something but didn’t have time to speak, showing some unease as they averted their eyes.
“Please, would the three of you take a look. If there’s still hope, let’s try to save him. Of course, if it’s my fault, I’ll naturally take responsibility.” Liu Pucheng said.
“Naturally, naturally.” The two physicians nodded.
Everyone then walked together toward the room where the injured person was placed.
Because it was an intensive care ward, despite having just experienced a calamity, the disciple in charge of the ward still limped over carrying salt water and burning liquor.
“What’s this for?” All three physicians were puzzled.
“The patient is in critical condition, so we’re implementing isolation. Therefore, you need to disinfect before entering,” Qi Yue explained from behind.
The two physicians hesitated, but Wang Qingchun scoffed.
“Ridiculous,” he said, pushing past the disciple in front and entering directly.
The remaining two physicians hesitated, then still followed the instructions and wiped themselves down briefly.
“Thank you,” Qi Yue said to them.
“We dare not, we dare not, Young Madam.” The two physicians hastily returned the courtesy before entering.
To avoid any appearance of impropriety, the people from Qianjin Hall couldn’t enter. Both Qi Yue and Liu Pucheng remained outside the door.
Dr. Qian entered to find Wang Qingchun already examining the patient.
“Dr. Wang, you… sigh… this kind of thing is unavoidable, why must you be so aggressive?” he said in a low voice.
Wang Qingchun snorted.
“Dr. Qian, you can’t say that. This concerns the reputation of all physicians in Yongqing Prefecture. A quack doctor is undoubtedly a black sheep among us,” he said, looking at the physician while pointing outside. “Look at those common people. If we don’t give them an explanation today, if we cover up for him because he’s a colleague, I’m sure they won’t accept it.”
Dr. Qian felt somewhat stifled by his words.
“When did I say anything about covering up?” he said, frowning. “I’m saying you should be a bit more courteous in your attitude…”
“It’s not like I killed someone. Why should I be courteous to him?” Wang Qingchun laughed.
“Dr. Wang, if not for the monk’s face, then for the Buddha’s face. That woman…” Dr. Huang said in a low voice, “is the Young Madam of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion…”
What? The Young Madam of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion? Wang Qingchun was startled.
He knew that Qianjin Hall might have the backing of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion, but such “backing” would just be some behind-the-scenes pressure on the authorities. He never imagined that the Young Madam of the noble marquis mansion would come in person!
This relationship was definitely extraordinary!
But so what? Marquis Dingxi’s mansion dared to pressure the authorities, but would they dare pressure the common people?
The people’s emotions had already been stirred up. If Marquis Dingxi’s mansion dared to protect this Liu Pucheng, they’d have to weigh public opinion carefully.
He didn’t believe that once Liu Pucheng was confirmed as a quack who killed someone, this so-called Young Madam of Marquis Dingxi would still dare to openly protect him.
“Dr. Wang, we haven’t even examined him yet. Don’t keep saying he killed someone…” Dr. Qian frowned. “What if nothing’s wrong and he won’t die?”
Wang Qingchun laughed.
“Won’t die?” He pointed at the injured person lying on the bed. “Look at this. Is there any hope?”
Dr. Qian and Dr. Huang looked over, and without even taking his pulse, their faces darkened.
Seeing the three physicians emerge from the room, people inside and outside the hall began crowding over.