Chapter 22: Li Rouer

Chapter 22: Li Rouer

Despite knowing that Peng Wang had been bitten by a silver ring snake, He Zhiran wouldn't act recklessly without being absolutely certain of a cure. Squatting beside Peng Wang, she first examined his eyes, then checked his pulse, and finally inspected the wound on his leg.

Given Peng Wang's current state, if he had come to her just half an hour later, it might have been too late to save him.

Fortunately, her medical room contained several vials of the appropriate antivenin for this type of snake bite.

One could say that Peng Wang was destined not to die, having encountered her.

After her inspection, He Zhiran slowly stood up, returning to the pile of sorted herbs under everyone's watchful gaze.

She selected the most bitter Gentiana plant and broke off a stem.

Handing the Gentiana to Zhang Qing, who had just shouted at her, He Zhiran knew that Gentiana wasn't the right herb for treating snake venom. However, she couldn't help but hold a grudge.

"Chew this and use it as a poultice for the wound later."

Zhang Qing was reluctant.

"Why must I bite it when we can crush it with two stones?" he questioned.

"He Zhiran, crushing it with stones would cause the medicinal essence to be lost," the latter replied, clearly impatient.

Zhang Qing knew that for the sake of his leader's life, he had to chew the herb. However, he didn't fully trust He Zhiran.

"You're not doing this to avenge my scolding just now by feeding me poisonous grass, are you?" he asked suspiciously.

He Zhiran rolled his eyes. He hadn't expected the officer to be so vigilant.

"If you're afraid, then don't do it. Your leader's life or death doesn't concern me," He Zhiran said indifferently.

Zhou Laoba, seeing this, urged, "Zhang Qing, for the sake of our leader, just follow He's instructions!"

Zhang Qing's face contorted, adopting a heroic posture as if preparing for a noble sacrifice.

Just as he was about to bring the gentian herb to his lips, a young woman dashed swiftly from the direction of the Li residence.

"Sir, don't listen to He Zhiran," she pleaded. "She has no knowledge of medicine; don't let her deceive you."

He Zhiran squinted at the newcomer, scanning the memories of her former self and recognizing a familiar face.

It was Li Rouer, the illegitimate daughter of the Li family.

The only person the original host had considered a true friend, He Zhiran recognized her instantly.

Moreover, Li Rouer played a significant role in the original host's refusal to marry into the Mo family.

Day after day, Li Rouer would nag her about how any woman who married into the Mo household inevitably became a widow soon after entering.

Why should one spend their youth in widowhood?

In short, the conversations between Li Rouer and the original host always revolved around the topic of widowhood.

This was why the original owner developed a fear of marrying into the Mo family, which ultimately led to He Yuanming and his wife drugging her.

It could be said that Li Rouer had a direct connection to the original owner's death.

With these thoughts in mind, He Zhiran looked at Li Rouer with a sharper gaze. Not to mention, coming over to ruin her plan—was this how a good sister should behave?

"Li Rouer, since you claim I don't know medicine, you should be the one to cure Magistrate Peng's poisoning," He Zhiran declared before turning to leave.

Li Rouer was momentarily stunned by He Zhiran's attitude. In the past, He Zhiran had always obeyed her without question, never defying her like this.

The current He Zhiran seemed like an entirely different person.

Could it be that she has come to terms with marrying into the Mo family?

Just as Li Rouer was pondering this, Zhou Laoba shot her an unhappy look.

"Whose family are you from, causing such commotion?"

Faced with the rebuke, Li Rouer promptly withdrew her thoughts.

"Sir, every word I speak is true. I often spend time with He Zhiran, and I've never heard of her possessing any medical knowledge. Don't let her deceive you," Li Rouer declared earnestly.

Upon witnessing Li Rouer's conviction, the officials hesitated. However, seeing Peng Wang on the brink of death, they were indeed at a loss for alternatives.

Amidst this deserted wilderness, it was utterly impossible to summon a physician.

The bailiffs gathered for a discussion and eventually decided to take a desperate chance, continuing to rely on He Zhiran to help their chief detoxify.

Zhang Qing called out to He Zhiran's retreating figure, "Mrs. He, return and resume the detoxification process."

He Zhiran halted and turned around, her gaze landing on Li Rouer.

With a faint smile playing on her lips, she inquired, "Li Rouer claims I lack medical expertise. Aren't you afraid, Sir, that I might accidentally kill the patient?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qing's face instantly darkened with fury.

This time, his anger was directed at Li Rouer.

"In what capacity do you, the family member of a convicted criminal, have the right to speak here? You really must be tired of living," he barked.

To vent his rage, Zhang Qing promptly removed the whip from his waist and lashed out at Li Rouer before she could react.

"Ahh…" Li Rouer let out a shrill scream as the whip struck her.

Simultaneously, another woman in her thirties rushed over from the Li family's side.

Trembling with fear, she positioned herself protectively in front of Li Rouer and pleaded humbly.

"Sir, my lady is inexperienced and ignorant. I beg your honor to overlook her offense and not hold it against her."

The burning pain from the blow served as a constant reminder to Li Rouer that all of this was He Zhiran's doing. If not for He Zhiran's sarcastic remarks, would the officer have struck her?

From the corner of her eye, He Zhiran could see Li Rouer glaring at her with fury.

She rolled her eyes slightly and addressed Zhang Qing, "Sir, weren't you just worried that this herb might be poisonous?"

Somewhat puzzled by her suggestion, Zhang Qing nodded stiffly in response.

He Zhiran glanced again at the still-angry Li Rouer.

"In truth, it makes no difference who chews this herb."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qing immediately understood and felt a slight admiration for He Zhiran's wit.

This woman was rather clever; how had he not thought of such a solution?

Without hesitation, Zhang Qing passed the gentian herb to Li Rouer.

"If you wish to avoid further physical torment, chew on this."

Although Li Rouer was inwardly resistant, she dared not argue back.

She had to swallow her pride and, in full view of everyone, pop the gentian herb into her mouth.

Her already unremarkable features contorted instantly.

The medicine was unbearably bitter...

Zhang Qing, too, reflexively gulped down the sour bile rising in her throat.

Chewing it up, Li Rouer spat the gentian into her palm with a twisted expression and asked,

"Sir, is this enough?"

Zhang Qing was unsure and gestured for He Zhiran to inspect.

He Zhiran pretended to examine the pile of green, nauseating substance in Li Rouer's hand and reluctantly nodded.

"Well, that'll do!"

With that, she didn't bother to gauge the reactions of the crowd and approached Peng Wang once more.

He Zhiran asked the officials to roll up his pants leg higher, exposing the wound completely.

Disregarding the gazes of the onlookers, she ripped off a corner of Peng Wang's clothing and turned to Zhang Qing. "I need clean water."

Zhang Qing promptly took out a water pouch from his waist and handed it to her.

He Zhiran soaked the cloth in water and then gently wiped Peng Wang's wound with it.

Although this method was unhygienic, with so many people watching, she couldn't retrieve alcohol swabs from her space. She had no choice but to make do temporarily.