A New Companion
“Who are you? Why did you save us? What were you doing in that area, and where exactly is this place?” Shaoqi fired off questions one after another, leaving Dr. Chen raising an eyebrow in surprise.
“Young Master Shaoqi certainly knows how to ask everything at once,” Chen Luxian replied, curling his lips into a smirk. He stood and walked toward the window, striking a pose reminiscent of the noble martial heroes seen in wuxia films.
“Let me be clear. My name is Luxian. I aspire to be both a martial master and a legendary divine doctor renowned throughout the martial world for my ability to determine life or death. I could be both a healer and an assassin, depending on what’s necessary to exact vengeance on my father’s new wife and my half-siblings who brought me to this wretched state.”
He gestured to his face without needing further explanation. In this society, disfigurement or visible flaws were a significant stigma. Many noblemen and noblewomen wore veils to conceal their imperfections. Beauty was such a critical matter that some women refused to leave their homes over mere red blemishes on their faces.
“I only wish to reclaim what rightfully belongs to Chen... no, to me. Everything I’ve done is a stepping stone toward that goal. I established the Hall of Lu Yue to gather power, and you are the first source of that power I’ve encountered. As a doctor, I wish to treat the injured and sick, but I’m not so compassionate as to help without reason. You could say I act according to my whims. Naturally, I saved you with the expectation of mutual benefit and friendship. And, well... I really dislike cowards who gang up on others. It annoys me,” Luxian said truthfully.
“Why are you being so honest? Aren’t you afraid we might sell your secrets?” Muwen asked suspiciously. With his experience interrogating people in the military, he could tell Luxian wasn’t lying—though he wasn’t telling the whole truth, either.
“Why wouldn’t I answer? Even if I don’t tell you, Young Master Rongqi would likely send you two to investigate my background anyway. Better to lay it all out now. After all, there’s no way you’d ever discover whose son I am or where my allegiances lie in the capital.
Besides, if you start snooping around on your own and end up with infected wounds, I’ll be the one stuck treating you. It’s less trouble this way. To forge friendships, you must first show sincerity. Isn’t that how it works here?” Chen Luxian raised an eyebrow, his expression as provocative as his words.
The three men fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances. Luxian had read them like an open book, discerning who held authority among them and who followed orders.
“Well, I should be tending to your wounds right now, but it seems you have matters to discuss. I won’t intrude. Don’t forget to eat the meals I’ve prepared for you and clean yourselves up properly. Even if you decide not to let me treat you, consider this a place to rest for the night. You can leave tomorrow,” he said, walking out of the patient room without waiting for a response.
Chen Luxian left them in stunned silence, lying in their beds with IV drips dangling from their arms. Each man was lost in his thoughts, reflecting on the events that had unfolded. No one spoke until the meals were delivered.
Finally, unable to bear the quiet any longer, Muwen broke the silence.
“What do you think?”
“This Young Master Luxian isn’t lying. His intentions are clear—he seeks fame, justice, and alliances to pave his way to power. He saved our lives, and though he expects something in return, I doubt he intends to harm us later,” Shaoqi offered his thoughts.
Muwen nodded in agreement.
“His treatment methods are as strange as he claimed. When I checked earlier, Shaochang wasn’t breathing, and we were all so shocked we nearly lost our senses. But when we followed his instructions... Shaochang started breathing again. I’ve never heard of anyone bringing someone back to life after they’ve stopped breathing. At that moment, I could barely think clearly—whatever he told me to do, I did. When he asked us to come here, we came. Even Shaochang’s severed arm, he could sew it back together. It’s bizarre, yes, but Shaochang is alive now, isn’t he? His methods may be unconventional, but they’re extraordinary and truly saved Shaochang’s life.”
“His medical skills are astounding, but also exceedingly peculiar. He and the four maidens don’t seem to be older than twenty. From his voice, I’m even more certain. Calling him a rogue doctor and dismissing his age as irrelevant might work as an explanation, but for someone of his capability? I believe we should investigate further,” Shaoqi said thoughtfully.
“You don’t need to go anywhere,” Rongqi interjected. “He already anticipated that we might. As a ruler, Ben Wang[1] doesn’t wish to be the kind of cruel master who forces injured subordinates to run errands. He has offered us his sincerity, and we should respond in kind. Were it not for him, we’d all be in the underworld by now. When he’s back, let him treat you. He’s right—I cannot betray those who have sacrificed their lives for me. If there’s even a glimmer of hope, why not try our hardest? Even if the treatment fails, at least I’ll have tried rather than living as a useless burden. He has a grievance against his half-siblings, and Ben Wang has half-siblings to face as well. I’d like to see the expressions on their faces when they realize Ben Wang is still alive,” Rongqi said with determination.
In his twenty years of life, no one had ever spoken to him the way Luxian had. Was he angry? No. Everything Luxian said was the truth. Rongqi had already given up. No matter how skilled the doctors he sought, none could cure him. Get faster updates on g.com.
As the Eastern General, a man of the military, how could he accept being a burden to his subordinates? Now someone had offered to treat him, full of confidence in his methods. Though unorthodox, it was like a faint light of hope at the end of the tunnel.
If the treatment failed and he died, at least it would be better than sitting idly by, waiting for assassins to finish the job.
Muwen and Shaoqi were overjoyed after hearing his words. Their friend was back to being the resolute and decisive general they knew. This was the Eastern General who was meticulous and unwavering in his decisions.
To them, Young Master Luxian truly seemed like a godsend.
“Your Highness, we’ve never regretted following you. Please don’t feel guilty,” Muwen said earnestly.
“What Deputy General Qin said is right. At this point, we’ve entrusted Shaochang’s life to him. There’s no reason to refuse his help any longer. I’ll go summon him to treat Deputy General Qin, and we’ll discuss your treatment after that, Your Highness,” Shaoqi said, glancing toward the door Luxian had closed behind him.
Rongqi and Muwen nodded in agreement, and the three said no more.
...
Not long after, Luxian heard the sound of footsteps outside his private quarters on the second floor. When he opened the door, he found Shaoqi standing there.
“At least you followed the doctor’s orders and didn’t go wandering about. I assume you’ve had your discussion. So, what’s your decision? Do you want me to proceed with your treatment or not?” Dr. Chen said with a smile, pleased that they had stayed put, finished their IVs, and refrained from chasing unnecessary answers—even if he had sarcastically suggested earlier that they could go shopping for finer clothes.
Having read countless novels, watched many dramas, and lived in this world for several months now, Luxian understood the strict hierarchy of feudal society. These patients, who clearly weren’t ordinary people, had him somewhat worried that their noble pride might prevent them from heeding his medical advice.
“Your methods may be unconventional, but you did save Xiao Chang. Since you’ve extended goodwill to us, it’s only right that we reciprocate. From now on, the lives of the four of us are in your hands,” Shaoqi said solemnly.
Hearing this, Luxian smiled beneath his veil. For a doctor, earning the trust of their patients was deeply gratifying. As for his plan to forge connections and alliances, it seemed to be progressing smoothly.
Returning to the room, Chen Luxian noticed how Rongqi and Muwen remained composed, and it pleased him. It seemed these nobles weren’t as difficult to deal with as he had initially imagined.
“In that case, since you’ve made your decision, you’ll need to follow the doctor’s orders strictly from now on. First, go bathe and clean off all the blood. Wear the patient clothes we have here for now. I’ll send someone to buy new ones for you later. After you’ve cleaned up, I’ll take care of your wounds. As for Young Master Rongqi, rest assured. There’s no need to worry about leaving him alone. This place is safe—no one knows about the existence of this clinic yet. You’re the first group I’ve brought here.”
Seeing Rongqi nod in agreement, the other two finally felt at ease and followed one of the young nurses to the bathing area.
“Lu Lu, bring clean clothes for the two gentlemen, along with fresh water and towels. Prepare everything we’ll need.”
“Yes, Sir,” Lu Lu replied before hurrying off to fulfill her tasks.
Rongqi quietly observed every move of this so-called rogue doctor, who approached him with an air of authority. Luxian began to remove Rongqi’s outer robe, followed by the middle layer, and then reached for the innermost garment.
“Are you planning to strip me completely?” Rongqi asked, his ears turning red. Though he understood he couldn’t bathe on his own in his current condition and appreciated the doctor’s intention to clean him up, he still couldn’t help feeling embarrassed. Even in his palace, where attendants assisted him during baths, his clothes were never removed entirely.
“Of course. Since you’ve agreed to let me treat your arm and leg, I’ll begin the procedure tomorrow. Delaying it any further won’t be good. Before entering the operating room, we must ensure everything is clean. If we’re going to do this, we’ll do it properly. Besides, you’re a man, and so am I—why make a fuss over such things?”
Hearing his words, Rongqi reluctantly nodded and let Luxian continue undressing him. Before long, Lu Lu returned with a bucket of water and clean towels.
“Wash his hair thoroughly—make sure it’s completely clean. Be careful not to spill water everywhere,” Luxian instructed while gently helping Rongqi lie down, positioning his head over the edge of the bed. He removed the golden coronet from Rongqi’s hair, allowing the long, jet-black strands to flow freely.
Lu Lu began washing Rongqi’s hair by placing a table, level with the bed, to support the water basin beneath his head—a method reminiscent of modern hair salons. Meanwhile, Luxian meticulously wiped Rongqi’s body twice to ensure cleanliness.
By the time he finished, Muwen and Shaoqi had returned from their baths. They walked in just in time to see their prince being turned left and right by the master-servant duo, as they dressed him and dried his hair.
It was common knowledge that a royal’s body and hair were sacred, untouchable by just anyone. But since their prince remained silent, they refrained from voicing any objections.
“Lu Lu, make sure Young Master Rong’s hair is completely dry. Don’t let it stay damp.”
“Yes, Young Master,” Lu Lu replied dutifully and continued her task while Rongqi remained quiet.
Once Luxian finished cleaning Rongqi, he turned to Muwen and Shaoqi, who were now in the room.
“These outfits suit you both well. Take a seat, and I’ll dress your wounds,” Luxian said.
The two men were now wearing patient uniforms custom-designed by Luxian. The outfits were similar to modern hospital gowns but made of soft, plain white cotton fabric, without any patterns.
Obediently, the two walked over and sat on their respective beds. The nursemaids, trained rigorously by Luxian, efficiently prepared the wound-dressing kits.
After tending to their wounds, Luxian sat down to discuss Rongqi’s treatment plan and update them on Shaochang’s condition. Their conversation flowed naturally, covering topics about medicine before veering into the intricacies of noble society in the capital. They talked for hours, completely engrossed in their conversations, until they were interrupted by the voice of Qing Hai, who had been monitoring Shaochang’s condition in the neighboring room.
“Young Masters! Young Master Shaochang has regained consciousness!”
[1] Ben Wang is a first-person pronoun used by individuals holding the title of Wang (Prince) or King.