SYADEPCO – CH024

Chapter 24: Being Targeted

When Chu Baihan arrived at Qianling Pavilion, she discovered that not only had the Tang Sect delivered the money, but they had also piled the place high with top-quality medicinal herbs.

Currently, Guangming Hall had basically bought out all the medicinal herbs in the capital, yet the Tang Sect had still managed to deliver so many in such a short time.

The strength behind the Tang Sect might far exceed her imagination.

Seeing Qian Ying following behind Chu Baihan, Doctor Wu quickly helped her conceal the matter, simply saying the herbs were obtained through a friend’s help.

Although Ziying felt suspicious, he didn’t probe further.

“By the way, Little Miss, a child came to Qianling Pavilion asking to see you,” Doctor Wu suddenly mentioned.

A child?

Chu Baihan frowned, only to see a small figure running in from the backyard, stopping directly in front of her.

It was… that little beggar girl.

She was still wearing the same tattered clothes from that day, but her face was now clean, and her eyes were bright and clear.

“I told you I’d come to repay you,” she said stubbornly.

Chu Baihan couldn’t help but smile. She asked, “And how do you plan to repay me?”

“I… I…” The little beggar blushed bright red and couldn’t speak for a long time.

Seeing her like that, Chu Baihan was reminded of her younger self and didn’t tease her further.

Her tone softened. “From now on, you can help out with chores here at Qianling Pavilion.”

“Yes! I—I’ll do my best!” the little beggar said firmly, lifting her head with determination.

“Little Miss, those people also asked me to give this to you,” Doctor Wu suddenly walked over with something in hand.

Chu Baihan took it and found that it was actually an invitation from Guangming Hall.

“The Su family is holding a medical competition in a few days. If you want to open a medical clinic, it would be good to attend and learn more,” Doctor Wu advised.

A flicker passed through Chu Baihan’s eyes. This was exactly what she had in mind.

Shutting oneself away from the world wouldn’t work. She needed to see how other medical clinics operated.

“Alright, I’ll go,” she nodded decisively.

…

“Your Highness, are you sure we won’t be recognized?” Ruolan followed behind Chu Baihan. The two wore veils and were dressed plainly, not a single piece of jewelry on them.

“Don’t worry. We won’t be,” Chu Baihan said calmly.

She hadn’t returned to the capital in eleven years—how could anyone recognize her?

“By the way, how’s Qianling Pavilion?” she asked.

“Your Highness, it has been completely refurbished. It’ll be ready to reopen soon,” Ruolan answered seriously.

Chu Baihan nodded. As expected, having enough money made everything easier.

“Also, don’t call me ‘Your Highness’ in front of others. Just call me ‘Miss.’”

“Yes, Miss.”

“What’s your business?” Before they even reached the entrance of the Su family’s clinic, several burly men blocked their way.

“We’re here to participate in the medical competition,” Ruolan quickly handed over the invitation.

“You’re a doctor?” One of the burly men looked at Chu Baihan with suspicion, then spoke loudly.

The area was already filled with curious citizens and doctors. A three-day medical competition was new and exciting—naturally, no one wanted to miss it.

Now, hearing the loud voice, people turned to look.

Their eyes naturally fell on Chu Baihan.

“She doesn’t even look twenty. How could she be a doctor?”

“Exactly! Was the Su family handing out invitations to just anyone? You rarely hear of women being doctors!”

“Hey, don’t say that. Women *can* be doctors. Isn’t there a famous female physician in Jiangnan? Her needlework is unmatched.”

“Not just Jiangnan—there are female healers here in the capital too! Like the prime minister Liu’s eldest daughter. You all know her, right? She studied medicine with palace doctors from a young age. The emperor has praised her multiple times!”

The crowd began to buzz with discussion.

Liu Taifu’s daughter? Chu Baihan frowned slightly.

Wasn’t that… the girl Consort Jiang favored as a daughter-in-law?

She hadn’t expected that woman to know medicine too.

“Oh, yes! I almost forgot. A few days ago, Miss Liu saved a child with a broken bone on the street. She’s truly kind-hearted.”

“And more importantly, her medical skills are top-notch. A broken bone is serious, yet she healed it. I heard she’s participating in this competition too.”

“No way—someone as noble as Miss Liu, whom the crown prince wants to marry, would lower herself to compete with commoners?”

“That, I don’t know. Maybe she just wants to exchange skills with other doctors and help people.”

“Yeah, that must be it. Miss Liu is beautiful and kind.”

The praise for Liu Shuxin from the crowd piqued Chu Baihan’s curiosity.

“Can we go in now?” Seeing the guard still holding her invitation, Chu Baihan frowned and asked.

“Our prince said this competition is for truly talented doctors. No charlatans allowed. If you want to enter, prove your medical skills right here,” the burly man said gruffly, putting the invitation behind his back.

“Why are others allowed in with just the invitation then? You’re clearly targeting us!” Ruolan protested angrily, having seen several men enter freely after showing their invitations.

“So what if I am targeting you? If you won’t prove yourself, then leave. Don’t block the entrance,” the man barked.

“You—!”

“I believe this young lady is indeed a skilled physician.”

Just then, a soft voice rang out from behind them.