Ch67 - Relationship between me and the young master

Their eyes locked, and for some reason, they were momentarily dazed, staring at each other.

Someone stepped out from inside and spoke to him, “You must be Mei. Before you take them, I need to go over the bill and payment details with you. The total cost for three people is six gold coins. Additionally, there are shared accommodation costs and law enforcement fees, bringing the total to eight gold coins.”

Jian Mei didn’t have time to focus on the major general anymore. He snapped out of it and said in surprise, “Is it really that much?”

“We follow standard procedures,” the officer replied. “If you’re sure about paying for their release, please come with me to make the payment.”

Jian Mei only had seven gold coins on him. If the previous pricing applied, his money would’ve been enough, but with the new total, he was definitely short.

“Excuse me, officer,” Jian Mei called out, turning his head. He began to reason. “What I mean is, look, it’s two gold coins per person, right? But Pingping is just a kid, and he doesn’t pose any real harm, does he? How about just one gold coin for a child instead?”

The officer hadn’t expected anyone to come here and start bargaining. He scoffed, “Do you think this is a market?”

Jian Mei choked on his words.

“If you’re paying, then come with me. If not, don’t waste other people’s time.” The soldier’s tone carried a hint of impatience, clearly unwilling to argue further. “That’s it. Got it?”

Jian Mei felt flustered, unsure of what to do next.

The crowd behind him had figured out what was happening. Before, they only knew that the doctor selling medicine was young—but they didn’t expect him to be this young. Though they didn’t want to interfere, some had taken Jian Mei’s medicine and regained their health. Because of that, they couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

Someone spoke up. “Officer, he’s right. He’s just a kid—how can he be charged the same as an adult?”

“Yes, officer, just make an exception.”

“Life isn’t easy for anyone.”

“Officer…”

The sudden commotion from the crowd naturally caught the attention of the young general nearby. He had been heading toward the main hall but stopped in his tracks, glancing over in this direction.

Master Jia Si, who had been welcoming him, was momentarily stunned and hesitated. “Major General?”

Zuo Qingshan hesitated for a moment but ultimately stepped forward, walking toward the crowd. He asked, “What’s happening here?”

Everyone turned around.

Jian Mei also looked up at Zuo Qingshan. Upon hearing those words, he felt a sense of familiarity, but he couldn’t quite figure out why—like he had heard them somewhere before.

The prison guard, who had been acting arrogantly, immediately straightened up upon seeing the young general and reported, “Major General, someone is trying to bail out prisoners, but the amount they’re offering doesn’t meet our regulations. There are signs of potential disturbance, and we’re currently negotiating with them.”

Zuo Qingshan looked down at Jian Mei and asked, “Is that true?”

Jian Mei let out a soft sigh and briefly explained, “Sir, I wasn’t trying to cause trouble. I just wanted to negotiate.”

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Jian Mei looked at him in confusion.

“You actually dared to bargain with a prison guard.” Zuo Qingshan looked down at him. “Do you realize that what you just did could easily be considered intentional disruption of public order? That alone could get you arrested.”

“……”

Is this world really that terrifying?

Only then did Jian Mei realize that he might have acted impulsively again. He had only wanted to negotiate properly, so he earnestly apologized. “I’m sorry, and thank you.”

The serious and earnest way he spoke instantly reminded Zuo Qingshan of another child. And once that thought crossed his mind, he began scrutinizing the one in front of him more carefully. Hadn’t His Highness mentioned sensing his divine power? Could he be the one from Stan Star?

Zuo Qingshan hesitated and then asked, “You… What’s your name?”

At that moment, Lord Jia Si, who had been nearby, walked over. Initially, he had been curious about whom the major general was speaking to, but upon getting a clear look at the person, he was genuinely taken aback. Surprised, he asked, “What are you doing here?”

Jian Mei recognized him as the master of the house. He immediately bowed and responded respectfully, “Greetings, Lord Jia Si. I took leave from the young master today to bail out a friend.”

Zuo Qingshan turned his head and asked, “You two know each other?”

Jia Si immediately replied, “Major General, he’s a servant from our household. He has always served my son. If he has caused any offense, please forgive him.”

So, he was just a servant from the mayor’s residence.

So, he wasn’t the child I was looking for after all. What a shame.

Zuo Qingshan instantly lost interest. Withdrawing his gaze, he said, “It’s nothing serious. He hasn’t offended me. But your local prison guards—seriously? They’re making such a fuss over a child’s ransom fee? I remember the official policy setting bail at two gold coins per person, but that was for adults who bear criminal responsibility. Have they been locked up so long that they’ve lost their minds?”

Jia Si broke into a cold sweat and nodded frantically. “Yes, yes, of course! I’ll fix it right away.”

Zuo Qingshan finally dropped the matter. “Let’s go.”

He didn’t care anymore, but Jian Mei, standing beside him, suddenly froze.

The reason was simple—no one on this planet ever used the phrase “making up a fuss.” The only person who had ever said it was him, back when he was chatting with an online friend. Wait a second… Could this guy be… Dazhuang-ge?

Jian Mei was just about to step forward and ask when he saw the prison guards escorting Pingping’s family out. From a distance, he heard Pingping’s voice, filled with excitement and a hint of joy, as the boy ran toward him, his parents following closely behind. The reunion was filled with emotion, and Jian Mei chose to set aside his thoughts, quietly stepping away.

Although they might not be able to sell herbal medicine anymore, at least everyone was safe.

On the way back, as they sat in the carriage, Jian Mei looked at Pingping’s family, their tired faces filled with emotion. He felt guilty and said, “I’m sorry… this is all my fault.”

Pingping sat up and shook his head. “Mei-ge, this isn’t your fault.”

Pingping’s mother looked at Jian Mei with deep sincerity and said, “Child, this isn’t your fault. Without you, so many people wouldn’t have been able to treat their illnesses. Too many have suffered because they couldn’t afford medical care. You saved so many lives—don’t lose hope, and don’t blame yourself. You’ve done more than enough. The real problem isn’t you…”

Everyone in the carriage understood. The real issue was this chaotic world, the cruelty hidden in human hearts, and the unjust system that kept so many in suffering.

Xiao Ban snarled, “Meimei, it’s all those businessmen’s fault! But don’t worry—even if we can’t sell it, neither can they. The market has strict rules: only the creator of a medicine can register and sell it. The prescription is in your hands, and no matter how tough things get, we won’t let them win.”

Shen Huai was much calmer. He turned to him and said, “Meimei, there’s less than three months left until school enrollment starts in spring. You’ve been working at Master Jia Si’s place for almost six months now. Do you have enough saved up for tuition?”

Jian Mei had originally saved enough, but now things were tight. He admitted, “Not enough.”

Xiao Ban sighed. “School tuition alone costs ten gold coins.”

Shen Huai cautiously added, “Meimei, you could let the young master help you with tuition. After all, he’s going to school too.”

Xiao Ban immediately countered, “He still can’t even walk! And even if he recovers, he won’t meet the age requirement until the year after next. That means Meimei would have to wait another whole year!”

Seeing their argument, Jian Mei quickly intervened. “Alright, alright, let’s take it one step at a time. For now, we’ll save up, and if the opportunity comes, we’ll go.”

With that, the others had no choice but to drop the subject.

When Jian Mei returned to the mansion, he was about to check on the young master when he saw Aunt Wu already waiting at the entrance. “Mei, come with me. Master Jia Si wants to see you,” she said.

Jian Mei lowered his voice. “Why does Daren want to see me?”

“What do you think?” Aunt Wu sighed, clearly exasperated. “You troublemaker! You embarrassed the master at the prison today—of course he’s calling for you!”

“……”

Jian Mei simply nodded. “Got it.”

Aunt Wu narrowed her eyes at him. Why wasn’t this kid scared?

Of course, Jian Mei was afraid, but fear wouldn’t help him now. Fortunately, Shen Huai and Xiao Ban had sensed trouble earlier and slipped away—they were likely off looking for the young master. By the time he arrived, he would surely step in to help.

Still, Jian Mei couldn’t stop thinking about the term Zuo Qingshan had used. If he could steer the conversation in the right direction, he might get Lord Jia Si to reveal something useful.

He followed Aunt Wu as they made their way to the grand hall of the mansion. Lord Jia Si sat at the head of the table, casually eating. Beside him was his wife—a delicate and elegant woman, rarely seen around the residence. Her presence was almost elusive.

Jia Si glanced at Jian Mei as he entered and spoke, “I heard from my subordinates about the herbal medicine incident in town. Was that your doing?”

Jian Mei nodded.

“You’ve got some nerve.” Jia Si gave him a cold look. “If not for you, the major general wouldn’t have focused on criticizing our military office today, making me, a town mayor, look bad.”

Jian Mei apologized sincerely. “I’m sorry.”

Jia Si had no intention of letting him off the hook so easily. But before he could continue, the woman who had been quietly eating spoke up. “Forget it. Why bother arguing with a child?”

Jia Si cast a displeased glance at his wife.

The woman smiled gently at Jian Mei. “I heard my son’s leg has been improving. Grandma Li told me he can now walk slowly with assistance. Perhaps in two years, he’ll be able to walk on his own. With such a contribution, shouldn’t his mistakes be forgiven?”

Jia Si shot Jian Mei with a skeptical look. “You actually know healing techniques?”

Jian Mei shook his head honestly. “Not really. Just some home remedies. As long as they help the young master’s leg, that’s all that matters.”

“Hmph!” Jia Si scoffed.

The woman gestured for Jian Mei to come closer. “Come here.”

Jian Mei hesitated but stepped forward cautiously.

The woman smiled warmly. She took Jian Mei’s hand, inspecting it gently, and said softly, “These are the hands of someone who has worked hard since childhood. Your temperament is admirable—independent, capable, and decisive.” She paused before continuing, “I heard from Aunt Wu that you’re a temporary worker. Do you plan to go to school in the future?”

Jian Mei nodded.

The woman’s smile remained gentle as she said, “That’s alright. The young master will be attending school too, and since you two get along well, it would be nice for you to keep each other company.”

A light fragrance lingered around her as she spoke softly, “There hasn’t been anyone by his side to take care of him, which has been troubling for me. Ever since that incident, he’s become even more withdrawn—he barely wants to see me either. Grandma Li is getting older, and I worry about him. If you stay by his side, I’ll feel more at ease.”

Jian Mei thought for a moment before replying, “Furen, I understand your meaning, but the young master and I are of different ages, so we wouldn’t be enrolling at the same time.”

The woman was momentarily surprised before smiling gently. “What’s the big deal? There’s no rush. Wouldn’t it be nice if you waited a year and went to school with the young master? You’ve been by his side for so long, which shows you have some ability. Since you two get along well and are a good match, you might as well go together when the time comes. I’ve heard that his legs have improved a lot. If you can truly cure him…”

Jian Mei looked at her, confused. For some reason, he always felt that Furen’s gaze toward him was a little odd. Not only that, but she spoke in such a roundabout way that he often felt lost—like there was something hidden in her words.

The woman’s smile faded, and she spoke seriously, “I don’t oppose the two of you being together.”

“……”

…Wait—hold on, what do you mean by that? Could you be a little clearer?