Several talismans were no match for Ye Siheng’s abilities.
However, news of this incident quickly reached Emperor Muwu, who sought a protective talisman from Nanli to ensure the safety of Lady of Bright Deportment of Yang, guarding her against evil spirits.
Nanli had earned a considerable sum of 150,000 taels in Luoyang, but most of it was invested in the free clinic, which would be depleted within a year or so.
However, with the financial support of her wealthy family and Nanli’s diligent efforts in drawing talismans and capturing ghosts, there was no fear of the clinic closing down soon.
Chu Shuo knew that this was the result of his sixth sister’s hard work, so he also put in a lot of effort in finding people and managing the clinic.
Even in the midst of winter, a clinic that the poor could visit without spending money was now open.
However, this inevitably caused dissatisfaction among other clinics, as some commoners chose to go to the free clinic to save money, which meant they were taking away their business.
On this day, the free clinic was as busy as usual, with a long line of people waiting.
Chu Shuo had been coming out to oversee the clinic for several days in a row, and today was no exception.
The commoners knew that he was doing good deeds and respectfully called him "Second Young Master."
Chu Shuo adjusted his clothes and was in a particularly good mood. "This wasn’t my idea, it was my sixth sister’s. She has spent a lot of money on this."
Hehe, he was just basking in her glory.
The commoners were once again surprised to hear this.
After all, Nanli’s reputation had spread far and wide.
She captured ghosts and drew talismans for poor families, charging only three copper coins.
Now, she had opened a clinic with her elder brother, and it was not an exaggeration to say that even the Bodhisattva Guanyin would approve.
At this moment, a luxurious carriage stopped in front of the clinic.
Chu Shuo raised an eyebrow because the free clinic was located near the slums, with narrow streets where prestigious carriages rarely passed by.
When he went out to see, he saw a signboard with the character "Lu" hanging on it, and his expression immediately darkened.
Could it be that it was that jinx, Lu Yanyan?
Sure enough, a woman stepped down from the carriage with the help of a footstool.
She was dressed in gorgeous attire, with a dignified and beautiful appearance.
It was none other than Lu Yanyan.
Chu Shuo had no kind words for her. "Oh, is the Prime Minister’s residence out of money? That’s why the esteemed Prime Minister’s daughter has come here for treatment?"
Lu Yanyan glared at him and said, "You still have a foul mouth. I’m here to money!"
Chu Shuo had plenty of money, but he never had any problems with money.
He grinned, "Oh really? Without at least eighteen thousand taels, you wouldn’t be worthy of the Prime Minister’s daughter’s status."
Although Lu Yanyan wanted to tear his mouth apart, as he said, if she didn’t contribute a substantial amount, how could she justify her status and repay Nanli’s previous help?
She raised her chin slightly and had her maid hand over a small box.
Chu Shuo opened it and found not only silver bills but also a considerable amount of silver and gold.
With his discerning eyes, he was somewhat surprised. "There are more than twenty thousand taels here. Miss Lu, I really underestimated you."
After all, an official’s daughter would only receive a monthly allowance of a dozen or so taels.
Lu Yanyan had provided so much silver that he was afraid she would run out of money in the future and lose her ability to show off.
"Now that you know you underestimated me," Lu Yanyan coldly snorted, feeling somewhat proud.
"This is all contributed by me and a group of young ladies."
Chu Shuo, seeing their genuine intentions, clasped his hands in gratitude.
"Thank you very much."
Lu Yanyan nodded slightly and added, "Remember to tell your sixth sister about this when you go back."
Chu Shuo pursed his lips and agreed.
Lu Yanyan finished delivering the silver and was about to leave when a man with a cane pushed his way forward and shouted loudly, "Quack doctors! They’re all quack doctors! No wonder this clinic doesn’t charge any money. It turns out they’re all quack doctors using ineffective medicinal ingredients!"
The crowd turned their attention to him, and people gathered around.
The man almost bumped into Lu Yanyan, causing Chu Shuo to furrow his brows.
He stood in front of Lu Yanyan to protect her.
Lu Yanyan breathed a sigh of relief and took a few steps back to see what was happening.
Chu Shuo’s face turned cold as he stood with his hands behind his back.
"What’s wrong with our clinic? You better explain yourself, sir."
The man rolled up his pants, revealing a wound on his leg that was rotting and quite disgusting, making people’s scalps tingle just looking at it.
"A few days ago, I came to this clinic for treatment and medicine, but it was useless. My leg wound has become even worse!"
The man slowly turned his body. "Everyone, take a good look!"
The crowd began to discuss among themselves.
Lu Yanyan whispered, "Chu Shuo, could it be that you hired mediocre doctors to save money?"
Chu Shuo retorted, his tone filled with annoyance, "Do I appear to be lacking in funds?"
Lu Yanyan scrutinized him, dressed in silk and adorned with a jade crown, exuding wealth without being ostentatious.
The man continued to shout.
Some of the commoners had already left, afraid to seek treatment at this cost-free clinic.
However, there were still some who truly couldn’t afford it, their faces hesitant and troubled.
They wouldn’t be able to afford the fees elsewhere.
Only then did Chu Shuo step forward and say, "Sir, are you suggesting that all the doctors in my clinic are quacks and that the medicines are ineffective?"
The man, with a fierce and menacing expression, replied, "Exactly! You’ve made my leg condition worse, making it difficult for me to walk. You must compensate me!"
Chu Shuo burst into laughter and promptly produced a true speech talisman.
He exclaimed loudly, "Everyone, please take a look. This is a true speech talisman painted by my younger sister. Once applied, it compels people to speak the truth. If this gentleman’s words are no different from before, my clinic will certainly take responsibility and not shirk it."
Although the man didn’t believe in such talismans, he had heard of Nanli’s formidable reputation.
He shouted, "Don’t use these demonic talismans to deceive people!"
Chu Shuo exchanged a glance, and his attendants immediately restrained the man.
As soon as the true speech talisman was applied, Chu Shuo asked, "Did you truly receive treatment at my clinic?"
"Of course!" the man shouted.
"Did you use the medicines from my clinic?"
"No..." The man widened his eyes, quickly closing his mouth.
But his face turned red, ultimately unable to resist the power of the true speech talisman.
"No, I used rotten meat powder, which worsened my injuries."
The crowd erupted in uproar, pointing fingers and scolding the man.
Even Lu Yanyan was particularly indignant.
"How could you stoop to such a degree? Chu Shuo and the Qian family established this clinic to provide medical care for the impoverished. Instead of showing gratitude, you come here to frame them?"
The man couldn’t hold back any longer and finally gave up struggling.
"It was... several doctors from other clinics who gave me money to do this..."
Lu Yanyan placed her hands on her hips.
"Which clinics? I must report them!"
Chu Shuo hadn’t expected Luü Yanyan to be so passionate.
He said, "There’s no need for you to be so angry. Leave it to me to handle."
Lu Yanyan gave him a disdainful look but remained silent.
The true speech talisman had already lost its effect and turned into ashes on its own.
Chu Shuo stared at the man and said, "I won’t send you to the authorities today, nor will I investigate the malicious intentions of those clinics. But this is the only time. If it happens again, myself, Chu Shuo, will show no mercy.
"If anyone still wishes to stage accidents or frame others, it’s best to think seriously. My arsenal extends beyond true speech talismans."
He maintained a stern expression, exuding an air of dominance.