Chapter 20 Xiao Geer Settles a Case

Chapter 20: The Young Man Handles a Case

Auntie Liu’s words “someone is here to cause trouble” startled Wu Qiu. With Lei Xun and Lei Ding both away from home, Cui Nanshan ill, and both Yang Shu and Auntie Liu being older women, only the two children, Lei Li and Lei Tan, remained. How could they possibly handle such a situation? Although Wu Qiu was a man, he was, after all, in the prime of his youth. Having assisted Lei Ding in caring for patients these past days, he had gained some understanding of medical matters. Therefore, he hurriedly asked Auntie Liu to look after Cui Nanshan and rushed to the front courtyard to see what was happening.

When he arrived, a crowd had gathered at the front, in a heated argument. The leaders were several burly men, gesticulating aggressively and speaking with intimidating force. Lei Li, usually a boy of few words, had shielded his younger brother Lei Tan behind him, interjecting a few words of defense amidst the chaos. Lei Tan peeked out from behind his second brother and shouted back at the men.

Wu Qiu stepped forward for a closer look, and a cold sweat instantly broke out. He recognized the two men at the front—they were Zhao Wen and Zhao Wu, the very ones who had repeatedly robbed him of his money in Dayou Village and had tried to take advantage of him!

Though frightened, he knew these men were nothing but ruffians and scoundrels. More afraid that Lei Li and Lei Tan would come to harm, he hurried into the room, pulling the two children to his side. Forcing himself to appear calm, he spoke in a cold, steady voice, "The entrance to a medical clinic is no place for such a commotion. If you have something to say, gentlemen, please speak slowly. State your business clearly. Come inside and discuss it properly. Do not delay other patients seeking treatment. Tan Er, please fetch seats for these gentlemen. Yue Er, you go and attend to the patients waiting in the back."

His words were measured, his tone brooking no argument, and they actually managed to quell the men's noise for a moment. Quick-witted Lei Tan immediately pulled Lei Li along and respectfully ushered the two waiting patients inside, thus creating a diversion and slightly easing the tense atmosphere in the room.

Compared to his time in Dayou Village a month ago, Wu Qiu had changed considerably. Not only was he wearing clean, neat new clothes, but his complexion had also improved greatly. His cheeks, once gaunt and hollow, had filled out a bit, making him look like a different person. Zhao Wen didn't recognize him at first and shrilly demanded, "Who are you? We're here to see the physician of this clinic. It's none of your business."

Wu Qiu replied calmly, "Since I am here, I am naturally part of the clinic. My coming out to receive you means I am handling this matter. What exactly is your business here, causing such a racket?"

His attitude was neither subservient nor arrogant, making it difficult for the others to gauge his standing. For a moment, they dared not act rashly. When Zhao Wen spoke again, his tone was less forceful than before. "Your clinic's medicine killed someone. Either hand over your physician to pay with his life, or give us two hundred taels of silver to buy a coffin for a proper burial."

Although due to the epidemic, there weren't many idlers loitering on the streets, neighbors and passersby had still gathered quite a crowd in front of the hall. Zhao Wen's demand for two hundred taels immediately sparked murmurs and discussions all around.

But Wu Qiu knew well that this man was no good person; this was merely an attempt to extort money. With Lei Ding not by his side, his heart was pounding with anxiety. Yet, if he didn't deal with them, how could he let his two younger brothers be bullied? He couldn't let them grow more aggressive just because he was a man; he had to hold his ground. Steadying his nerves, Wu Qiu said, "A human life is a serious matter. Without proof, you cannot make such slanderous accusations."

These people had likely chosen their timing, taking advantage of both Lei Xun and Lei Ding being away from home to dare cause trouble. Therefore, Wu Qiu wanted to stall for time, waiting for Lei Xun to return from his house calls. So, he kept his words brief, not pressing for evidence all at once, letting them talk more.

Lei Li knew the situation was tricky. He subtly tugged at Lei Tan's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Go quickly and find someone to help."

If these men turned truly vicious and started a fight, relying on just the few of them would likely be insufficient. Though many were watching, it was uncertain if they would actually help. Understanding, Lei Tan spotted a gap and slipped out through a side door.

Meanwhile, Zhao Wen stood with his hands on his hips, head thrown back, grinning triumphantly. "If we had no evidence, why would we come to your door?" Then he leaned closer to Wu Qiu, lowering his voice to a mutter. "I can see you're an honest gentleman. Surely you don't want to see this clinic's reputation ruined? If you give me fifty taels first, I can talk to the others, have them disperse for now. I won't publicly show the evidence for everyone to see. I'll show it to you privately, and we can settle this quietly."

Wu Qiu saw through it now. The so-called two hundred taels was just a bluff. From start to finish, they were after those fifty taels.

Seeing Wu Qiu show little reaction, Zhao Wen beckoned a man surrounded by the others to step forward. "Look, the man is right here."

This man wore mourning clothes and looked haggard. Wu Qiu looked carefully and did have some recollection. This man had come to the clinic some days ago, saying his wife was bedridden and requesting a physician for a house call. His matter likely was indeed related to the clinic. But Wu Qiu didn't let this unsettle him. He retreated two steps without changing expression, not letting them get too close. "Every patient who comes to the clinic is registered. Sir, please state your name. Allow me to first check the register for accuracy."

Zhao Wen refused, raising his voice again. "Your clinic killed someone! We won't let you waste time here! Be sensible, hand over the silver quickly, and we might spare you some face."

The Lei Family Clinic held considerable prestige in Yongning City, and many commoners had received the Lei family's kindness. So, before Wu Qiu could speak, some among the onlookers retorted, "At least let them check properly! You're making accusations without any proof. Who knows if what you're saying is true?"

A chorus of agreement rose from the crowd. Zhao Wen shouted a few more times. Wu Qiu, guessing he wouldn't dare resort to violence under everyone's watchful eyes, ignored him. In full view of everyone, he brought out a thick register. After asking for the man's name, he sat upright and began meticulously flipping through the pages at the front of the hall.

In truth, he had no confidence, nor had he figured out how to continue confronting them even if he found the record. He didn't even remember what the man's name looked like written down. Though he slowly turned the pages of the register, it was mostly for show, to buy time.

Zhao Wu pulled Zhao Wen aside and whispered in his ear, "Don't you think that young man looks familiar?"

Zhao Wen narrowed his eyes. Taking advantage of Wu Qiu's focus on the register in his hands, he stared intently at his face, his gaze seeming to want to strip the clothes right off him. After a long look, he suddenly realized, "Of course! Isn't this the young man who was down on his luck in Dayou Village before!"

A busybody came over and stood beside Wu Qiu, craning his neck to look at the register. He pointed at the man's name first and shouted, "Here it is! Found it! Found it!"

Believing he had seen through Wu Qiu's background, Zhao Wen grew even more triumphant. With his hands clasped behind his back, he sauntered over to Wu Qiu, deliberately trying to get close. "Well? It's here in black and white. What do you have to say now?"

Yang Shu, originally in the backyard, had come over upon hearing the commotion. As soon as she entered, she saw Zhao Wen crowding close to Wu Qiu. She hurried forward to shield Wu Qiu, pushing Zhao Wen away, and scolded, "If you have something to say, say it! You're a grown man, why are you squeezing so close to our young man!"

The scene was a tangled mess. Wu Qiu took two deep breaths to steady his mind. Although he didn't recognize the man's name, he recognized that it was recorded that Lei Ding had treated him. He trusted Lei Ding's medical skills and, even more, his medical ethics. If there was a problem, his own family certainly stood on the side of "reason." Therefore, he remained composed and spoke, "Everyone, please stop shouting. There are other patients here; we must not disturb them. Indeed, this person was treated by our clinic. However, you just accused us of causing his death, yet you have no proof."

Zhao Wen straightened his clothes, looking immensely pleased with himself. "Who says we have no proof? If we had no evidence, why would we come seeking justice? Everyone, look—"

He produced a prescription, waving it with a flourish. "This is the prescription issued by their clinic. Those of you who have prescriptions from home, feel free to compare. The handwriting is undoubtedly from their physician. This prescription contains an ingredient called 'Mansi'—a potent, fierce medicine. Originally, only two qian should have been prescribed. The patient was extremely weak, yet they wrote two liang instead of two qian. The patient drank it and passed away that very day. Everyone, isn't this the clinic killing someone?"

The surrounding crowd began murmuring again. Many started sympathizing with the man in mourning, saying that if this was true, the clinic had indeed caused a death.

Yang Shu tightly shielded Wu Qiu. Unconcerned, Zhao Wen still leaned in and whispered, "I recognize you two. You weren't originally from this clinic, were you? Young man, we've met many times before. Have you forgotten? Do you remember that day in the sorghum field? I don't know what sweet lies you told to deceive the clinic's physician. Tell me, if I were to reveal these ugly truths, say you're just a refugee, would this place still keep you? Once you're driven out of Yongning City, we'll be seeing each other often again."

Wu Qiu's face gradually turned deathly pale as he glared furiously at Zhao Wen. Satisfied with this reaction, Zhao Wen continued, "However, if you hand over fifty taels of silver now, we can consider the matter settled. I'll say a few good words, take the people away, and leave you some face."

Lei Li, after all, was still a child and not that brave. Seeing these men so aggressive and speaking with such conviction, and seeing them surrounding and harassing Wu Qiu, he feared some disaster might occur. Knowing they were here to extort money, he quietly tugged at Wu Qiu's sleeve. "Brother Qiu, how much silver do they want? Why not just give it to them? If they really start a fight and someone gets hurt..."

But the clinic's money was the hard-earned income of Lei Ding and the others. In the midst of this major disaster, they had even donated a significant amount to support the government. How could he let these people take it for nothing? Moreover, he had seen Lei Ding write prescriptions. No matter how many patients or how busy he was, Lei Ding always checked and rechecked, ensuring no mistakes before handing the prescription to the patient. A mistake like this was highly unlikely for him to make. If they really gave the money, wouldn't it be tantamount to admitting to this false accusation, damaging the clinic's reputation? He patted Lei Li's head. "It's alright. They won't be able to stir up much trouble. You just go and look after the patients. Mother and I will handle things here. Nothing will happen."

Wu Qiu pressed his lips together, glaring fiercely at Zhao Wen. "You are slandering us. Who knows where you got this prescription? Perhaps you just picked up a discarded prescription somewhere and came here to cause trouble."

Zhao Wen feigned surprise. "I didn't expect you to be so stubborn. Come, come, look. Isn't this your physician's handwriting? Doesn't this paper have the patient's name written on it?"

Wu Qiu fell silent, using this opportunity to scrutinize the prescription closely. How would scoundrels like Zhao Wen understand medicine? Someone must have framed them, incited them to come. Since that was the case, there must be some flaw. He needed to find a way to expose their trickery.

After slipping out of the clinic, Lei Tan suddenly remembered he hadn't asked Lei Xun which houses he was visiting for his calls. In the vastness of Yongning City, he had no idea where to start looking. If he went to report to the authorities, the yamen was far from the clinic. He was just a child; if the guards ignored him and he couldn't bring help, wouldn't his effort be wasted? Although there were familiar friends among the neighbors, for a clinic matter, if those who came didn't understand medicine, they probably couldn't help much either. He was anxiously pacing in circles when he suddenly thought of the pharmacy.

The young shopkeeper of the pharmacy, Yu Yuan, was Lei Ding's sworn brother. However, this man's temperament wasn't very steady. Every time he saw Lei Tan, he always found ways to tease and play tricks on him. Lei Tan had originally found him annoying. But now, in this crisis, he was actually the most suitable person who could help. Thinking of this, Lei Tan broke into a run towards the pharmacy.

The pharmacy wasn't too far from the clinic, but it was still a distance. Lei Tan ran all the way without stopping. By the time he reached the door, he was panting too hard to speak. Several shop assistants at the pharmacy recognized him and quickly greeted him, "Young Master Lei, what's the matter? You seem in such a hurry. Come in, rest, have some tea."

Lei Tan didn't have time for pleasantries. Waving his hand, he dashed inside. The assistants couldn't stop him and could only follow behind.

Two men stood inside the room. Lei Tan, bent over supporting himself on his knees while catching his breath, didn't notice who they were. He spoke in broken phrases, "It's terrible... Brother Yu... please come to the clinic and help... someone's causing trouble!"

He heard a somewhat puzzled voice call, "Tan Er?"

Lei Tan quickly looked up and saw Yu Yuan and Lei Ding standing by the counter. Lei Ding was holding some medicine. It turned out he was supposed to be on duty at the convalescent home, but they had run short of medicine there. The purchasing officers had failed to procure the full amount several times. Afraid they might mess up again, Lei Ding had no choice but to come to the pharmacy personally to get some urgently. Unexpectedly, he ran into Lei Tan here. He hurriedly asked, "What happened at the clinic?"

Seeing his eldest brother, Lei Tan almost threw himself at Lei Ding's legs to cry. He shouted, "Big Brother! Hurry back and take a look! Father is out on house calls. A group of men came to the clinic to cause trouble, all of them strong, burly men. They say our medicine killed someone and are shouting for compensation. Dad is sick and can't get up. Second Brother told me to come out and find someone. Only Brother Qiu, Second Brother, and Auntie Yang are dealing with them!"

Yu Yuan quickly said, "They must have seen that Lord Lei was out and thought the clinic was unmanned, so they dared to come. I'll go with you. Let's hurry!"

It wasn't the first time someone had caused trouble at the clinic; Lei Ding had experienced it before. Once, someone even dared to pull a knife. The thought of Wu Qiu now having to handle such a situation alone—if anything went wrong, it could cost him his life—made Lei Ding's blood rush to his head. Without another thought, he went out, mounted a horse, and galloped towards the clinic.

-----------------------