Chapter 113: Unable to Escape (3)

Chapter 113: Trying to Avoid but Unable To (3)

“Is it really him?!” Li Zhide took the scroll handed over by Li Jihe and carefully spread it on the desk. Seeing the person depicted in the painting, he was greatly astonished. Liu Yitiao—wasn’t he just a veterinarian? Since when did he start treating humans? And, moreover, he had even cured the Crown Prince?

“What’s the matter? Does Lord Li recognize the person in the painting?” Li Jihe, having just sat down, rose again with some excitement and asked Li Zhide.

Li Zhide hurriedly bent forward and replied, “Lord Li, the person in the painting bears a striking resemblance to Liu Yitiao, a villager from Gutian Village. However, Liu Yitiao’s background is somewhat questionable. He is originally a farmer and had served as a veterinarian not long ago. It’s quite unlikely that a man like him would be the divine doctor who treated His Highness the Crown Prince.”

At heart, Li Zhide still looked down on Liu Yitiao’s status. Just a farmer, without any official rank or honors. Even if he possessed some talent, he was destined to spend his days tilling the land.

“Status?” Li Jihe shot a displeased glance at Li Zhide. Scholars like them always liked to make a fuss over one’s social standing. They fancied themselves superior just because they had some learning. It was all nonsense! When it came to battle, the first to be scared stiff were always scholars like them.

“But whether it’s possible or not isn’t for you to decide, Lord Li. We must see for ourselves to know,” Li Jihe said coldly, hands clasped behind his back. “The divine doctor who treated the Crown Prince that day was dressed plainly like a farmer. It’s hardly an exaggeration to say he was one of them. Also, Lord Li, as a colleague, I advise you not to judge people by their appearance, lest you suffer a great loss.”

“Indeed, Lord Li, your admonition is well-taken. It was my oversight to speak so rashly,” Li Zhide wiped the cold sweat from his brow. He had just recalled that this very Li Jihe had humble origins himself. His earlier remarks had bordered on the hypocrisy of the pot calling the kettle black, so it was no wonder Li Jihe was displeased.

Li Zhide stepped forward a few paces, bowing slightly as he smiled at Li Jihe. “Lord Li, Gutian Village is close by, less than a quarter of an hour’s ride on horseback. Why don’t we go see for ourselves? If it really is Liu Yitiao, then we can report back without delay.”

“Hmm,” Li Jihe nodded. “What you say is right. There is no time to waste—the Crown Prince is anxiously awaiting news in the Eastern Palace. Let us go at once.”

“I shall first prepare the horses. Please wait a moment, Lord Li.” Li Zhide excused himself and left the hall to instruct the servants to ready the mounts.

Li Jihe carefully folded the painting, tucking it into his bosom, silently hoping not to be disappointed again this time.

“Yitiao, make sure to bring plenty of clothing when you leave tomorrow. Although it’s almost February, the cold winds along the road still chill to the bone. If you arrive in Chang’an after everyone else, you and your brother might suffer from the cold,” Mrs. Liu chided as she packed their garments, “I had planned to buy some daily necessities for you tomorrow, but since you’ve moved the departure up by a day, you’ll have to rely on yourselves for those things…”

“Mother, don’t worry,” Liu Yitiao replied as he packed the shoes and socks for himself and Liu Ertiao. Rising, he affectionately wrapped an arm around Mrs. Liu’s shoulder. “We’re not children anymore—we know how to take care of ourselves. You and Father at home should take care not to catch a cold.”

“Heh, you’re such a thoughtful child,” Mrs. Liu smiled tenderly, feeling her eldest son had truly grown more sensible.

“Brother Liu! Are you home?!” A voice called from outside, making Liu Yitiao’s heart skip a beat. That was the voice of County Deputy Li Zhide. Why was he here at this hour?

Straightening his slightly disheveled clothes, Liu Yitiao came out of the back room to greet them.

“County Deputy Li’s visit is most unexpected. Please forgive the poor welcome,” Liu Yitiao cupped his hands and bowed politely. Then he opened the door wider to usher Li Zhide and the other inside.

“Divine doctor! Is it truly you? Heaven be merciful, this humble one has finally met you again!” Li Jihe suddenly knelt down before Liu Yitiao, bowing his head while tears streamed down his face. “Divine Doctor Liu, please accept my deepest respects!”

“You—you’re…” Liu Yitiao was startled by the sudden display. Who ever knelt to him upon meeting? He quickly stepped aside and glanced at Li Jihe’s face. Seeing clearly who it was, his heart sank. He had just thought to avoid trouble, and yet here it was coming to his doorstep. What a cruel world!

Pointing at Li Jihe, Liu Yitiao said, “Are you the servant from that day? Please rise at once—I cannot accept such honors.” Saying this, he hurried forward to help Li Jihe up.

“It is indeed I, humble servant. I didn’t expect the divine doctor to remember me,” Li Jihe said with reddened eyes, gazing at Liu Yitiao. “Since our last meeting, there has been no news of you. I have sought you everywhere. Heaven be merciful, I have finally found you.”

Li Jihe spoke to Liu Yitiao with great reverence, as if addressing another master, completely ignoring Liu’s simple farmer’s garb. This alone showed how deeply he valued Liu Yitiao’s aid that day.

“Congratulations, Lord Li. After endless searching and longing, you have finally found the divine doctor. I never expected him to be Brother Liu himself,” Li Zhide said, stepping forward as he cupped his hands in respect. “Brother Liu, please forgive my earlier rudeness.”

“Lord Li, you are too courteous. Let us go inside and talk,” Liu Yitiao said calmly, about to take the reins from Li Zhide and Li Jihe, but was stopped by Li Jihe.

In Li Jihe’s view, such tasks were not fit for the divine doctor; a servant like himself should handle them. Seeing Li Jihe’s insistence, Li Zhide dared not ask Liu Yitiao to tend the horses, lest he invite rebuke. Thus, they followed behind Li Jihe, who took the horses to be tied up.

Inside the house, the guests were seated according to protocol—the higher rank first. Yet, at Li Jihe’s insistence, Liu Yitiao took the place of honor, with Li Jihe at the lower seat and Li Zhide next. This arrangement made both Liu Yitiao and Li Zhide feel quite awkward.

“Oh, by the way, I don’t believe I know your name yet,” Liu Yitiao suddenly remembered.

Lowering his head respectfully, Li Jihe replied, “Humble servant’s surname is Li, given name Jihe. You may call me ‘Jihe.’ ‘Lord’ is far too honorable for one such as me.”

“Heh,” Liu Yitiao smiled calmly, sensing Li Jihe’s sincerity. “Very well, I won’t be formal with you. Jihe, may I ask what brings you and Lord Li here this time?”