They had also added some dried mushrooms they’d picked from the mountains earlier, making the soup especially fragrant.
Just looking at it made one’s mouth water.
After the stewed wild chicken and flatbreads were ready, Old Madam Li sent Li Mutou to deliver a bowl to the neighbor. Only then did they begin eating.
Shen Qinghe grew curious and asked about it.
Old Madam Li explained:
“Our neighbor is a doctor. He once saved your grandfather’s life—he’s our benefactor.
He’s an old man with no family, so whenever we have something good to eat, we send him a bowl as a way of repaying his kindness.”
Shen Qinghe nodded. So that was the reason. She hadn’t expected their neighbor to be a doctor.
It was actually quite convenient—at least medical care was close by. Perhaps she’d get the chance to get to know him in the future.
That night, everyone in the Li family, including Shen Qinghe, ate to their heart’s content.
The wild chicken was incredibly delicious!
Even the flatbreads—though made from mixed grains—were soaked in the rich broth and tasted amazing.
Old Madam Li had considered the men’s appetites, so she told her daughters-in-law to make plenty of flatbreads. Even if the meat wasn’t enough to fill them up, the bread soaked in soup would still be satisfying.
Everyone ate their fill and slept soundly.
Once night fell, the Li household went to bed early again.
Just like the night before, Shen Qingli quietly got up and went outside.
This time, she went to the backyard. During the day, she had noticed plenty of weeds there—perfect for harvesting.
After collecting them, she once again slipped a few eggs into the chicken coop, mixing them in with the hens’ own eggs.
The hens were clearly displeased, watching her stuff eggs beneath them.
Noticing their reactions, Shen Qingli awkwardly whispered apologies as she quickly slipped away.
The next morning, Yang Jinhua’s first task after waking was to collect eggs.
Sure enough—there were twelve again.
She was overjoyed.
But just as she happily told Old Madam Li about it, a commotion suddenly arose at the front gate.
It sounded like something had happened.
Li Mutou ran in from outside, breathless:
“Grandpa, something’s wrong! A group of constables from the county office just went to Grandpa Zheng’s house next door!
I heard that one of his patients died, and the family reported it to the authorities. They’re here to arrest him!”
Hearing this, Old Master Li immediately stood up and rushed next door.
The rest of the Li family quickly followed.
Even Shen Qingli and her family went along, hoping to help if possible.
By the time they arrived, the constables were already confronting the doctor in the courtyard.
The leading constable was quite young—only about sixteen or seventeen—but seemed to be in charge. He spoke firmly:
“Are you Zheng Qiuwen? Someone from Guo Village has accused you of malpractice, claiming you caused his mother’s death. The magistrate has summoned you—please come with us.”
Hearing this, Doctor Zheng immediately understood.
A few days ago, he had treated a woman from Guo Village. He had only prescribed calming medicine—how could it possibly have caused her death?
He was utterly baffled.
But with no other choice, he gathered his medical notes and prepared to go with them.
Whether fortune or misfortune awaited him, he could only leave it to fate.
Seeing Doctor Zheng being taken away, the villagers of Li Village were outraged:
“Doctor Zheng is such a good man—there’s no way he killed anyone! There must be some misunderstanding!”
“That’s right! When my son had a fever as a child, he was the one who cured him!”
“Are those people from Guo Village doing this on purpose? Jealous that we have a doctor and they don’t?”
“Doctor Zheng is too kind! If you ask me, he shouldn’t treat outsiders!”
“Exactly! If he hadn’t treated them, this wouldn’t have happened!”
“Poor Doctor Zheng… if he goes to the county office, will he be jailed? What kind of injustice is this—getting into trouble just for treating patients?”
“Let’s go to the county and see if we can help! He’s treated so many of us—we can’t just stand by!”
…
As they spoke, the villagers began organizing themselves.
The people of Li Village had one admirable trait—they were united.
Doctor Zheng had always been kind to everyone, so they couldn’t just ignore his plight.
Just then, the village head arrived after hearing the news. He immediately decided to go to the county office.
The village’s only two ox carts were prepared, and everyone climbed aboard to set off.
Old Master Li and Li Dahe also planned to go. After informing the family, they boarded the carts.
Seeing this, Shen Qingli ran over and said:
“Grandpa, I know some medical theory—I might be able to help. Please take me with you.”
Hearing this, Old Master Li didn’t hesitate or question her. He immediately pulled her onto the ox cart.
Li Liuye, seeing her daughter going as well, remembered her earlier story about being granted abilities by an immortal. She quickly went over and urged:
“Ali, be careful.”
“Don’t worry, Mother. With Grandpa and Uncle there, nothing will happen. We’ll be back soon.”
Judging from the constables’ behavior, they were only taking Doctor Zheng for questioning. Without direct evidence, they couldn’t convict him.
And so, led by the village head, two ox carts full of villagers set off toward the county town.
By the time they arrived at the county office, the case was already underway:
“You’re lying! You killed my mother! She only had a headache, but after taking your medicine, her stomach started hurting. Within one or two days, she died—who else could it be if not you?!”
“Your Honor, I swear I only prescribed calming medicine. It could not possibly kill someone.
Here are my medical records. Every patient I’ve treated is documented in detail—the symptoms and the treatment. Please review them.”
He handed the records over to be presented.
County Magistrate Gu Zhengfeng took the records, glanced at them, and struck the gavel:
“Guilt is not determined by mere accusations. It requires evidence. Summon the coroner.
Additionally, I will send people to investigate witnesses and physical evidence. If there has been an injustice, I will clear your name.”
While the case was being heard, Shen Qingli noticed that the young constable who had arrested Doctor Zheng had already been given instructions and left the courtroom.
He was likely going to investigate.
So after informing her grandfather, Shen Qingli slipped out of the courtroom.
She hurried after the constable, who was striding away with two others.