Chapter Twenty-three: Shengjing Medical Pavilion

Yan He nodded, accepting the mask handed to her by the gentleman. He, too, picked up a mask from the vendor’s cart and placed it over his own face, before drawing four copper coins from his waist and giving them to the owner.

Afterward, the man led Yan He away. Before they left, Yan He caught sight out of the corner of her eye of several people on the street, glancing around as if searching for someone.

The man guided her to a slightly secluded street. “Thank you, miss.”

He took off his mask, revealing a refined and handsome face. Yan He realized just how striking he was; even though he wore a somber black robe, it couldn’t conceal his beauty.

He was the complete opposite of Shen Hezhi in terms of appearance—Shen Hezhi favored flamboyant clothing and possessed a seductive, almost rakish charm, like the dashing gentlemen found in novels.

But this man, standing before her, looked scholarly and dignified, exuding the aura of an upright gentleman.

Were all the men in this world so handsome?

Yan He wondered to herself, and the man continued his introduction. “If not for you, miss, I might have lost my life today. My name is Han Xingzhou.”

Han Xingzhou? What a fine name.

“It’s nothing. As long as you’re safe, that’s all that matters. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave,” Yan He said with a smile.

Han Xingzhou nodded, watching as she walked away.

Yan He thought this was just a fleeting episode in her life, but unexpectedly, she soon crossed paths with Han Xingzhou again—this time at her intended destination: Shengjing Medical Pavilion.

In modern terms, this was the capital’s largest and most prestigious hospital.

“Are you here to see a doctor?” As Yan He entered the pavilion, a listless young attendant sitting at the entrance asked her without enthusiasm.

Yan He found this odd. Why was the service so poor in the city’s finest medical establishment?

“I have some matters to discuss with your director. I—”

The attendant abruptly cut her off.

“And who are you? Did you have an appointment?” Now that she mentioned the director, he managed to rouse himself a bit.

“No…” Yan He replied awkwardly.

“If you don’t have an appointment, then you won’t be able to meet the director. Best to leave—closing time is in a quarter of an hour anyway.” The attendant stretched lazily as he spoke.

Yan He was quite displeased with his attitude. “Then how do I make an appointment? If I book one now, when can I meet the director?”

“Which family’s young lady are you?” The attendant’s answer had nothing to do with her question.

“So, unless I’m some noble’s daughter, I have no right to see your director?” Yan He retorted.

“Of course. Without status or background, how could you possibly see our director? Do you even know who he is? He doesn’t have time for unknown nobodies. If you’re not here for treatment, you’d best be on your way.”

The attendant was growing impatient, clearly eager to send her off.

Annoyed, Yan He was about to leave when someone called out, “Miss?”

Recognizing the familiar voice, Yan He turned and saw that it was the man she had just saved.

“Young Master Lin.”

“Miss, are you here to seek medical attention?” Lin Xingzhou asked.

“I just wanted to meet the director of Shengjing Medical Pavilion, but without an appointment, it’s impossible.” Yan He sighed.

“Then…may I ask what you wish to see him for? Perhaps I can help arrange it,” Lin Xingzhou offered with a smile.

Seeing hope, Yan He brightened. “I know this is the largest medical pavilion in Shengjing, so I want to become a physician here.”

As soon as she finished speaking, both Lin Xingzhou and the insolent attendant fell silent.

She glanced at them, wondering if she had said something wrong.

After a moment, Lin Xingzhou cleared his throat. “You want to be a physician here? Then…do you know the requirements?”

“One must have extensive clinical experience, or else possess exceptional medical knowledge. As long as you pass the director’s assessment, you may stay.” Yan He answered without hesitation. She had already researched this beforehand, and the original owner’s memory confirmed it.

Though she didn’t know why the original owner was so interested in the pavilion, the details were certainly useful.

“Since you know the rules, then…I’ll help you,” Lin Xingzhou said with a gentle smile.

His smile was soothing, Yan He thought—it lightened her mood just to look at him.

“Thank you very much,” she replied, returning his smile.

“Dr. Lin, do you even know your own position here? And yet you’re helping a complete stranger—I suppose you want to be dismissed sooner rather than later,” the attendant sneered, his voice dripping with derision.

Yan He was confused. From what she had heard, physicians at Shengjing Medical Pavilion were highly esteemed, surpassing even many high officials, and few would dare speak to them with such disrespect. Yet, here was a mere attendant mocking a physician so openly.

“She only wants to see the director. If she’s truly capable and becomes a physician, what’s wrong with that?” Lin Xingzhou replied, unfazed by the attendant’s rudeness.

Watching their exchange, Yan He began to suspect that Shengjing Medical Pavilion was not quite as illustrious as she had imagined.

“A woman? Become a physician? Ridiculous,” the attendant scoffed, casting a scornful glance at Yan He before patting his trousers and heading inside. “Closing time—doors are shutting.”

His languid tone would have infuriated anyone.

Once the attendant was gone, Lin Xingzhou apologized with another gentle smile. “Forgive him—he’s always like that. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Yan He shook her head; she wasn’t about to argue with someone like that.

“By the way, I haven’t asked your name yet, miss. Would you mind telling me?” Lin Xingzhou asked carefully.

“My name is Yan…” She paused for a moment, then continued, “Yan Shu.”