Bai Ruolan suddenly spoke, startling her husband and mother-in-law.
They both hurried over, leaning in to examine Bai Ruolan's condition.
Though still a little weak, Bai Ruolan's complexion had gradually returned, her breathing was steady, and she was no longer uncomfortable.
"Miraculous," the man exclaimed, his gaze immediately falling upon Li Man'er. He cupped his fists and bowed deeply, "You are truly a master!"
Lu Yi couldn't help but sneer, "And who was it just now that doubted our lady's medical skills?"
The middle-aged man's face burned with shame. He bowed again, "It was my fault. I beg the lady for forgiveness."
The elderly woman also quickly apologized to Li Man'er, "I am sixty-three years old, and it is only today that my eyes have been opened. You are young, but your medical skills are extraordinary. I am truly impressed."
Li Man'er did not mind. She was a physician, and saving lives was her duty.
"Madam, there is no need for such politeness. It was merely a small effort. Moreover, saving a life is a doctor's responsibility, and it is also your good fortune."
Good fortune?
The mother and son were both stunned.
"Shopkeeper, you don't remember me? I borrowed some paste from your shop earlier."
Hearing Zi Yan's words, the man suddenly realized, "Ah, that was a trivial matter, but this lady has saved my wife's life."
By now, Bai Ruolan had fully recovered. She sat up and apologized to Li Man'er, "Thank you for saving my life."
"Madam, there is no need for such formality," Li Man'er replied. "Madam, do you suffer from asthma?"
Bai Ruolan nodded, "It's an old ailment I've had for many years. It is truly a miracle that I am alive today."
The shopkeeper quickly said, "Ruolan, don't speak such nonsense. Little Bao is still young and cannot be without his mother. Rest assured, I will find a renowned physician for you and will certainly cure your asthma."
The old woman suddenly interjected, "Since we are troubling you already, why not have the young lady examine my daughter-in-law?"
"Yes, yes!" The middle-aged man suddenly slapped his forehead. "Look at my muddled brain, I forgot the renowned physician is right here. Miss, why don't you examine my wife?"
Just then, the young errand boy returned, "Shopkeeper, the doctor is here."
The aged physician, seeing so many people in the room, immediately showed displeasure. "It seems Shopkeeper Li does not take my words to heart! So many people in the room, the air is not circulating, which is of no benefit to Madam's condition."
The shopkeeper was also surnamed Li? Perhaps they were distantly related from five hundred years ago.
Shopkeeper Li's face showed embarrassment, "Uh, Doctor Xu."
"I have said that Madam's condition is very serious and requires a very clean environment, free from dust and impurities, with no crowds..."
Before he could finish speaking, Li Man'er interrupted him, "Doctor Xu, do you know why you are here? You are here to save a life. An asthma attack can be fatal at any moment. Instead of first inquiring about the patient's condition, you are lecturing and spouting meaningless platitudes!"
Doctor Xu's old face stiffened, and he finally realized what he had done. "How is the patient?"
Shopkeeper Li's expression soured. "Thank you for your concern, Doctor Xu. My wife is fine now. Gou'er, take a string of coins and see Doctor Xu out."
Only then did Doctor Xu notice Bai Ruolan sitting on the bed, unharmed and with a normal complexion. He was greatly astonished, for he knew Bai Ruolan's condition well. Each attack would take a long time, and even with the fastest preparation of medicine, she would still suffer. How could she have recovered so quickly today?
"Something is not right. Madam, may I take your pulse?"
Bai Ruolan subconsciously glanced at Li Man'er.
Li Man'er, however, was indifferent. She directly proposed to leave to Shopkeeper Li, who would hardly let her go.
"Miss, please wait. If you have no urgent matters, please examine my wife."
Hearing this, Doctor Xu was so angered his beard seemed to twitch. "You would rather believe a young girl than trust me? Don't you forget, it was I who treated your wife's illness before. I have been helping her recuperate for half a year, and now you let this little girl snatch my credit... I..."
This old doctor was quite rude, his words unpleasant and sharp, causing Lu Yi to bristle immediately.
"How dare you speak like that? Do you know who our lady is? Let me tell you, my lady is the legitimate eldest daughter of the Iron Gallant Marquis's mansion. Are you tired of living?"
Upon hearing this, Doctor Xu flinched, "This, this, I did not know..." He then prepared to kneel.
At most, he was a doctor with decent skills. He was just a commoner. How could he contend with a noble household? They were not to be trifled with!
Shopkeeper Li and the old woman were also greatly surprised, not expecting this young lady to have such a distinguished background.
But...
As natives of the capital, they had all heard rumors about the eldest daughter of the Iron Gallant Marquis's mansion. They said she was arrogant and overbearing, a butcher who threatened people's lives at every turn. Now, it seemed, rumors were indeed to be disbelieved.
"Doctor Xu, there is no need for this. I am merely reminding you of your duty as a physician, and I do not wish to use my status to suppress you. A physician's duty is to heal and save lives, not to engage in petty squabbles. You are not young, and you should know that there is always someone better, and there are always mountains beyond mountains."
"Yes, yes, yes." Doctor Xu dared not say another word. "I will leave now."
Li Man'er then asked, "Did you bring Madam Li's medical records?"
Medical records?
Those were things only found in wealthy households. Ordinary families, when seeing a doctor, did not have medical records!
Doctor Xu's face showed considerable embarrassment, "No, I did not." Perhaps fearing Li Man'er's reprimand, he spoke haltingly.
Li Man'er then asked, "What about the previous prescriptions?"
Shopkeeper Li quickly replied, "We do have them, here." He turned and retrieved a thick stack of prescriptions from a nearby table.
Li Man'er took them and read them one by one, a hint of helplessness in her eyes.
"Doctor Xu, your prescriptions are too mild."
Doctor Xu looked like a primary school student being reprimanded by a teacher. "It's mainly because Madam Li is frail. If strong medicine were used, I fear her body might not withstand it."
"Your medicine is mild, but the patient's condition has only been relieved; it has not been effectively treated. You have been prescribing these remedies for nearly two years, yet her illness has not only not been cured but has worsened."
Uh...
Doctor Xu was starting to sweat profusely.
"Asthma is a difficult disease. I have never heard of any doctor who dared to guarantee that they could completely eliminate this condition." Thinking of this, Doctor Xu regained some confidence. "Miss, do you perhaps have a better method?"
Hearing this, Shopkeeper Li and Bai Ruolan looked expectantly at Li Man'er.
The old woman was even more direct, taking Li Man'er's hand. "If you can save Ruolan, this old woman will repay your kindness in the next life by being your ox or horse."