Thinking about this, Chen Yi decided not to go out and start an argument with Miss Cui.

The sole purpose of his visit was to wake Chen Yunfan. He had no intention of getting involved in other affairs.

Li Huai’gu, however, was clearly displeased. "Brother Qingzhou, her words..."

Before he could finish, Chen Yi raised a hand to cut him off. "The young lady of the Qinghe Cui Family has every right to her arrogance."

"Never mind simply looking down on the Physicians of Shu State."

"I reckon she looks down on the two of us just the same."

Li Huai’gu paused at his words, then cupped his hands with a bitter smile. "Brother Qingzhou, my apologies. You’ve been put in an awkward position because of me."

He had, of course, heard of the Qinghe Cui Family and knew their current Patriarch, Cui Mao, was one of the Nine Ministers.

Their power and prestige were among the greatest in the Great Wei Dynasty, so it was only natural for the family’s younger generation to be a bit arrogant.

However, it was his invitation, after all, that had brought Chen Yi and the Physician from the Medicine Hall here.

They hadn’t even begun to diagnose Chen Yunfan, yet they were already being disparaged for no reason. That’s why he looked so displeased.

Chen Yi smiled and offered a few words of comfort before turning his gaze outside, saying no more.

A faint gleam flickered in his eyes.

Upon getting a clear look at the qi emanating from Miss Cui and her companions, his expression shifted slightly.

The auras of the three women were like clouds and mist, wreathed in a radiant glow.

The leading Miss Cui was even more impressive.

Seeing this, Chen Yi dispelled his Qi Observation Skill and thought silently, ’The Middle Three Grades Realm.’

’None of these people from the long-established Noble Families are to be trifled with.’

’Compared to them, disciples from the Lower Class are so much weaker in both scholarship and Martial Arts.’

Just then, Miss Cui, who seemed to have overheard their conversation, glanced toward the side hall and said placidly,

"Chun Ying, your master is now the top scholar and the youngest Assistant Governor in the Governor’s Office. It’s inevitable that he will attract people with ulterior motives."

"After I leave, you must look after your master well. Don’t be careless."

Chun Ying understood the implication of her words and looked troubled. "Well..."

"I’ll let it slide this time. But if it happens again, I won’t let you off so easily, even if you are one of Yunfan’s people."

Without waiting for Chun Ying’s response, Miss Cui turned and led her people away.

Chun Ying hesitated for a moment before following them out to see them off. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

Inside the side hall, Chen Yi and Li Huai’gu had, of course, heard everything clearly.

"Brother Qingzhou, that woman..."

Chen Yi raised his hand to interrupt him again. "Brother Fang Gui, let’s just wait."

They hadn’t gone far.

With their level of Martial Arts Cultivation, they would certainly be able to hear their conversation.

If Li Huai’gu were to say something improper behind her back and that obviously difficult Miss Cui overheard him, it would inevitably lead to trouble.

Only after Chun Ying returned did Chen Yi, Li Huai’gu, and Ma Liangcai step out of the side hall.

"Young Master Yi, please forgive her. That’s just Miss Cui’s temperament. She’s, um... not a bad person."

Chun Ying apologized in a low voice as she led Ma Liangcai toward the chamber.

Chen Yi smiled. "It’s no matter."

When they arrived at the chamber, they saw Chen Yunfan lying peacefully on the bed, dressed in a light inner robe.

His complexion was ruddy, his breathing deep and even. He looked as though he were simply in a deep, peaceful sleep.

Chen Yi observed him for a moment and couldn’t help but feel amused.

’No matter how well my dear brother concealed his Martial Arts, he still ended up in a pinch at my hands.’

’I wonder what his expression will be when he wakes up.’

’It should be quite a sight.’

Just then, Chun Ying looked at the three men, stepped aside, and bowed. "I’m entrusting him to you."

Chen Yi waved his hand. "There’s no need for such formalities."

He then motioned for Ma Liangcai to diagnose Chen Yunfan.

Ma Liangcai, truly living up to his reputation as a "Divine Doctor" who had been a charlatan for years, put on a show. He stepped forward to take a pulse, checked under the eyelids, and went through a whole routine.

After about a quarter of an hour, he let out a long breath, stood up smiling, and cupped his hands toward Chen Yi and the other two.

"Lord Assistant Governor’s pulse is stable and his body is healthy. There is nothing seriously wrong."

"His current inability to wake from this deep sleep is likely due to a peculiar poison."

"Poison?"

Chun Ying’s expression faltered. When she recovered, she quickly asked, "Do you know what kind of poison my master has been afflicted with?"

She knew exactly why Chen Yunfan was still unconscious—he had been drugged that night.

Hearing Ma Liangcai’s words, her heart naturally leaped with excitement.

Li Huai’gu, however, wore a solemn expression.

If word got out that a person of Chen Yunfan’s status had been poisoned, it would likely send shockwaves through Shu State.

With this in mind, he also asked, "What kind of poison is it? Will it endanger Brother Yunfan’s life?"

Ma Liangcai smiled and shook his head. "Forgive me, I wasn’t clear. This poison isn’t fatal. It merely causes one to fall into a deep, drunken-like sleep from which they cannot wake."

"So, it’s treatable."

At these words, both Li Huai’gu and Chun Ying breathed a sigh of relief and proceeded to ask him about the treatment.

Ma Liangcai glanced at Chen Yi out of the corner of his eye, then, following the instructions he’d been given, found a brush and paper and wrote out a prescription.

It consisted of several common medicinal herbs.

Chun Ying took it and gave it a quick glance before immediately leaving the chamber to prepare and decoct the herbs.

But just as she stepped out of the rear courtyard, she saw the members of the Cui Family standing not far off, holding umbrellas.

Apparently, they had gone only to return.

The leader of the group, Miss Cui—Cui Qingwu—glanced at her. Without a word, she simply held out her hand.

Chun Ying hesitated for a moment before handing over the prescription, saying,

"Miss Cui, Advisor Li and Young Master Yi are not villains. Please, rest assured."

Others might not have known, but as a White-robed Minister, Chun Ying was well aware of Li Huai’gu’s and Chen Yi’s backgrounds and characters.

The two of them had neither reason nor inclination to harm Chen Yunfan.

Cui Qingwu took the prescription, glanced at it, and handed it to the old man behind her. Her tone was flat as she said,

"After Elder Chang has a look, it will be crystal clear whether they are villains or not."

Chun Ying pursed her lips and said no more, her gaze shifting to the old man.