Master of Rebirth

Although Zhao Jing said it was an "accident", he obviously had doubts.Wang Qi also felt that there was something strange about this matter, and he couldn't say what was wrong about it. He just thought it was too coincidental that Langzhong's house caught fire right after his death.

"Besides his son, does that doctor have any other relatives?" Wang Qi asked with her head raised.

Zhao Jing shook his head and said: "No more. My people found Langzhong's son's playmate. According to his recollection, the old Langzhong has been widowed for many years. Except for one or two good friends, he has never seen other relatives come to the door. After the fire At that time, the doctor's son was not yet married, so he did not have a wife or children. In addition, the fire was so big that year that it burned everything clean and affected several families around. Everyone felt that the fire was evil. Not long after that, many people moved away one after another. Even if distant relatives came to look for them, they couldn’t find anyone.”

"I don't know if the burned house is still there?" Wang Qi asked, although she didn't expect anything.

Knowing that Wang Qi wanted to go and have a look, Zhao Jing said: "It has changed a long time ago. Now it is the most prosperous market in the capital. It is very lively, and there is no trace of it at all."

"Why did it become a commercial street?" Wang Qi was a little surprised.

Zhao Jing also showed a trace of emotion on his face, "Some things are really hard to say. There used to be a lot of residents in that place, but because people were burnt to death, the people around were in awe. I heard that there were several ghosts afterwards. The people around were panicked. People around thought that the son of the doctor was lingering, so they sold the property at a low price, but unfortunately no one was willing to buy it. Even so, everyone who could move out tried their best to move out, and the place became deserted. It was not until more than half a year later that a foreign merchant bought all the properties at a very low price, rebuilt the front shop, and opened up a street. Later, more and more foreign merchants came to Beijing to do business, and the imperial court wanted to facilitate management. , then delineated a few streets, stipulating that all nearby shops must be moved inside. And that street is within the range designated by the imperial court, and because it is newly built, it is natural that the rent is faster than shops on other streets. That businessman was also blessed by misfortune."

"At the foot of the imperial city, every inch of land is precious. It is really a great fortune for foreign merchants to buy cabbage for a whole street." Wang Qi looked thoughtful.

"That's right." Zhao Jing took the opportunity to flatter Wang Qi secretly, "So many times, I have to admire the foresight, strategy and courage of businessmen. Their ability and vision are no worse than those of officials."

After saying this, Zhao Jing couldn't help but sneak a look at Wang Qi's reaction, seeing that he didn't respond at all, he could only say with a little disappointment: "Back then, everyone was afraid of that place, when the merchant bought the land , many people think that he is a foreigner, and it must be because he does not understand the market, so he is trying to get cheap. You must know that even if it is re-covered, no one will dare to live in a haunted place. Even if you pay a low price, It was also a loss of money. All of a sudden, everyone in the capital stared wide-eyed, waiting to see a joke. Unexpectedly, the businessman did not rebuild the house as expected by others, but rebuilt the storefront, and ended up making a lot of money made a fortune."

"The businessman is indeed capable." Without noticing Zhao Jing's expression, Wang Qi continued: "Where is that street? I want to go and have a look."

Zhao Jing said: "You have been there a long time ago. It turns out that the branch of Linglongzhai in the capital and the current Xianyunfang are both opened on that street."

"So it's that street?" Wang Qi asked suspiciously: "I heard that the owner of that street has a deep background and has many backers in the capital. It doesn't feel like an ordinary foreign businessman."

Zhao Jing said: "The owner of that street is called Li Mian. He really didn't have any backers when he first came, but this person is very good at coming. After the principal of the market was recovered, he sold it to the court and took the initiative to sell the commercial street to the court. Part of the profit was given up. As the saying goes, the one who eats people is the shortest, and the one who takes people is soft. The emperor was happy to benefit, and naturally treated Li Mian generously. Therefore, he gained a firm foothold in the capital and gained the support of the court."

"I picked up such a big bargain at the feet of the emperor, so there is no reason to take it all alone. This Li Mian really has vision, knows how to advance and retreat, and understands that he can't bear the child and can't catch the wolf." Wang Qi smiled and turned: "However, one It is not so easy to build a commercial street. It not only requires strong financial resources, but also strong official support. What's more, the street is 'just' built in the area designated by the imperial court. Li Mian had no background at all when he came to Beijing , but I don't believe it."

"You mean, someone in the court heard the news in advance, and then revealed it to Li Mian. Li Mian took advantage of the death of Langzhong's son and the fire to create rumors of haunting, scare away the nearby residents, and then bought it at a low price. That piece of land?" Zhao Jing was smart, and immediately understood the implication of Wang Qi's words.

He disapproved and said: "You think too much, I have investigated very clearly, Li Mian did not come to the capital more than half a year after the fire broke out. He was able to buy that piece of land purely because he was lucky enough to catch up. Not all businessmen and officials are connected."

Zhao Jing is good at marching and fighting, but he is a layman in business, and he doesn't understand the tricks inside.

Wang Qi smiled and didn't explain much, but said: "After all, this happened more than 20 years ago. Maybe you can ask Lord Hou for information. If the official really pushed things secretly, maybe he will know what's going on inside. inside story."

"It's nothing to ask." Zhao Jing said suspiciously: "But haven't we been discussing the doctor of Ning'an Bofu? Does this matter have something to do with them?"

Wang Qi said leisurely: "Since you and I are both very concerned about the fire, maybe if you ask clearly, you can explain many things clearly and help us clear up our doubts."

Zhao Jing was already brooding about the fire, so he nodded and said: "Okay, I will find a chance to ask my father."

"By the way, how is the old man who treated Ning Anbo usually? Does he have any enemies?" Wang Qi continued to ask.

Zhao Jing said: "After all, this happened more than 20 years ago. Almost everyone around the same age as the old man passed away. But his son's playmate said that the old man is very skilled and kind to others. People around him have a headache. No matter how late he knocked on the door, the old doctor never complained, and the consultation fee was very little. When he was not out of the clinic on weekdays, he would stay at home, read books and raise flowers. If it weren't for the doctor's son's funeral, Ning Anbo Those who sent someone to take care of it didn't even know that the old man had a relationship with the Ning Anbo Mansion."

"Such a highly respected and non-provoking doctor should not have any enemies." Wang Qi said, "What about his son?"

"That year, his son was just seventeen, and he had been studying at home preparing for the scientific examination. Even if he offended someone, he wouldn't go so far as to kill someone." The more Zhao Jing said, the more he felt that he was too sensitive, "I'm afraid...it was really an accident. "

"People are harmless to tigers, but tigers are harmful to others. We should not take it lightly." Wang Qi said: "Well, Wang Sheng's wife has studied medicine with Xinglin for many years, and she has treated those wives and ladies in Beijing for many years. Tomorrow, I will go to Xianyunfang to find Wang Sheng, and ask him to ask his wife to see if she has heard about the old doctor. Give me the name of the doctor."

After giving the name of the old doctor to Wang Qi, Zhao Jing said: "I have heard of Xinglin's younger sister, but she is young after all, and she has only been in the capital for a short time, and she is a female class. Even if she is in the same company, one of them is already dead. She may not have heard of people who have been around for many years."

Wang Qi didn't expect to find out anything from Wang Liushi either, he was just worried about Xinglin and Qi Xiaohui, and he was afraid that Zhao Jing would feel guilty if he said it outright, so he used this as an excuse.

"I don't want to give up even the slightest bit of hope." Wang Qi said, "It's just a matter of one sentence, so it doesn't matter if you ask, maybe she knows something?"

Holding Wang Qi in his arms, Zhao Jing was touched and said: "You have helped me a lot, I really don't want you to work so hard for such a small matter."

"It's just a visit, a few steps away, it's not a lot of work." Wang Qi said with a smile: "Anyway, I have nothing to do in the mansion, it's good to go for a walk, and I can talk to Wang Sheng. "

Zhao Jing sighed, and said, "That's fine. Grandma is sorry for Xinglin about the matter of Lianyi. But I have a lot of things recently, and I really don't have time to go and make amends. I'll ask someone to back up a generous gift, and you can bring it to me tomorrow."

"I can't blame you for that." Seeing that Zhao Jing still felt uncomfortable, Wang Qi also felt uncomfortable, so she hurriedly comforted her.

Lowering her head and giving a wry smile, Zhao Jing said, "I know, I just... don't worry, I won't make things difficult for myself."

Even though he said this, Wang Qi knew that he still felt guilty, so he wanted to persuade him a few more words.Zhao Jing restrained all his emotions, looked at Wang Qi and said with a smile: "However, you are not a person who is idle now. I have already told my father that Mr. Kong is also willing to help draw Mr. Wuzhu's portrait .Whether it will succeed in the end depends on you."

Wang Qi was stunned for a moment, and then remembered that he had discussed with Zhao Jing before, maybe through Kong Yun's dictation, he could draw Mr. Wuzhu's appearance 20 years ago.Unexpectedly, Kong Yun actually agreed.

"Okay, when I come back from Wang Sheng tomorrow, I'll go find Mr. Wu Zhu." Wang Qi said.

Fearing that Wang Qi would be under too much pressure, Zhao Jing said, "Just try your best, there's no need to embarrass yourself."

"Don't worry, I know." Wang Qi smiled.

Zhao Jing was really tired after a busy day.Seeing that his face was tired, Wang Qi asked Wang Pingan to deliver the meal, and seeing Zhao Jing finished eating, she drove him to rest.

Before dawn on the second day, Zhao Jing went out.After breakfast, Wang Qi also got up and went to Xianyunfang.Who knew that Wang Sheng didn't come to the store today until he entered the door.Wang Qi had no choice but to board the carriage again and went to Wang Sheng's house.

When I saw Wang Sheng, he was busy packing his things.Wang Qi looked at the mess in the yard and said with a smile, "What are you busy with?"

"Hey, the young master is here." Seeing Wang Qi, Wang Sheng quickly wiped the sweat off his face with his sleeve, and ran over and said, "It's a good day today, my wife asked me to take these things out to dry in the sun. It's already cleaned up now." It's almost done, you go and sit in the living room first, and the little one will go over after finishing what you are doing."

Looking at the brochures hanging on the table, Wang Qi picked them up casually and said, "Are you posting books, why don't you ask a few more people to help you?"

"Master, don't..." Stopping Wang Qi from flipping through the pages, Wang Sheng said embarrassedly: "These are not books, they are the pulse records of my wife. They are all ladies and ladies in the inner house, so they cannot be read casually." of."

The so-called pulse case refers to the diagnosis records of TCM consultations, which will record the patient's condition and the prescriptions issued.Doctors who treat wealthy families all the year round will have these pulse records in their hands, which is convenient for future consultations. Liu Yun and Xinglin have Wang Qi's pulse records in their hands.Wang Qi knows that some diseases are extremely secretive and private, and patients do not want others to know.Especially for those big families, they value face more than fate.Something seemed to flash through my mind, and it was gone before Wang Qi caught it.

She let go of it very understandingly, and Wang Qi said with a smile: "I never thought that your wife's medical skills are so good. After coming to the capital for a few years, she won the trust of these wives and young ladies."

"Young Master thinks highly of her." Wang Sheng scratched his head in embarrassment, and said, "It means she has the favor of one or two wives, and she is far behind my uncle."

Although he said so, Wang Sheng's face was full of praise for his wife.

Wang Qi didn't expose him, but said: "You don't have to belittle yourself. I came today because I want to ask your wife some questions. I don't know if she is convenient?"

"Early this morning, my wife went out to see a doctor with my uncle." Wang Sheng said, "Young master, why don't you just have lunch at home, I think they should be back by then."

Wang Qi said briskly: "Okay, you should do your work first."

"I'll send you off, little one." He personally sent Wang Qi to the hall, and asked his servants to take care of him, so Wang Sheng went on to work.

Wang Sheng was right. Before lunch, Xinglin and Wang Liushi returned home.At noon, the family had a lively meal.During the dinner, Wang Qi was relieved to see that Xinglin and Qi Xiaohui got along well.

Knowing that Wang Qi was here for business with Wang Sheng's wife, Qian Shi and Qi Xiaohui took the children back after dinner.Qi Xing also found an excuse and left.Xinglin also wanted to stand up and leave, but was stopped by Wang Qi.

The servants brought refreshments after dinner, and Wang Sheng sent them all away.

Asking Wang Pingan to present the gift prepared by Zhao Jing, Wang Qi looked at Xing Lin and said, "Ah Man also wants to come, but these days he is busy with affairs in the court, and he really can't get away, so I can only make him apologize to you. Wait." After being busy for a while, he must personally come to the door to apologize."

"My lord, please don't say that." Xing Lin hurriedly said, "That matter has already passed, and my wife and I didn't take it to heart. What's more, Granny Ma has come to the door to apologize in person, so I trouble you to go back and tell the young master. Please don't mind it."

The two chatted politely for a while, seeing that Xinglin really didn't mind, Wang Qi was finally completely relieved.

"I remember that your sister's patients are all housewives, why did you get dragged away today?" Wang Qi looked at Xinglin and smiled.

Before Xinglin could make a sound, Wang Liushi covered her lips and said with a smile: "My lord, it's like this. Today, the wife of Mr. Li's mansion sent someone to say that the youngest daughter had a rash. The concubine felt that the symptoms were similar to chicken pox. , it happened that my elder brother was better at treating this disease, so I dragged him over there together."

Back then in Pingyao County, Xinglin cured the chickenpox of the girl's younger sister, so she became famous.Afterwards, any family in Pingyao County who had chickenpox would ask Xinglin to see a doctor.It's no wonder that Wang Liushi would pull his brother over to support the scene.

"So that's the case." Wang Qi looked at Wang Liushi and said, "You have been practicing medicine in the capital to save lives these years, do you know this doctor?"

……

Wang Qi briefly talked about the name and resume of the old man.Wang Liushi listened to him patiently, then lowered her head and recalled it carefully, then shook her head and said: "I have heard of the famous concubines in the middle of the capital, but I have never heard of this name."

Although she didn't expect much, Wang Qi was still a little disappointed when she got a negative result.

"My lord, this Langzhong has been dead for more than 20 years, and Jiannei has only been in the capital for a few years, so it's normal if I haven't heard of it." Wang Sheng followed up: "You can send someone to inquire about it, maybe you can find out something. "

"I'm just asking casually, so don't bother. Don't mention this to the outside world." Wang Qi said.

After several people talked for a while, Wang Qi left.

Hurrying back to Hou's mansion, Wang Qi immediately asked Wang Pingan to deliver a post to Kong Yun.After receiving the reply, he rushed to Kong Yun's residence without stopping.

Kong Yun's condition still didn't improve, he was lying on the couch sickly, his face was darker than the previous few days, but fortunately he was still energetic.

The two exchanged pleasantries first, Wang Qi got Kong Yun's consent, and asked someone to move the table and chairs to his bed, then prepared paper and pens, and started to paint.

It is very challenging to draw a person who has never met with only one person's memory and a few words. Fortunately, both Wang Qi and Kong Yun have enough patience.The two struggled from noon to night, during which Wang Qi did not know how many times to change it, until the candle on the table was almost exhausted, and the ground was full of discarded paper balls, Kong Yun looked at the final image and finally nodded.

With the portrait of Mr. Wuzhu 20 years ago, Wang Qi returned to the residence happily, but Zhao Jing did not come back.

Recently, it is common for Zhao Jing not to return home at night.Now that he was close to Zi, Wang Qi knew that he might not come back, so he had to suppress the disappointment in his heart and go to rest first.

I thought Zhao Jing would come back the next day, but I waited until noon, but I still didn't see him, even Zheng Xihou and Xiuwen Yanwu were not in the mansion.Knowing that something must happen, Wang Qi asked Wang Pingan to inquire, but no one knew what they were doing.

Wang Qi waited impatiently, but had no other choice but to find something for herself to do.Based on Mr. Wuzhu's appearance 20 years ago, he guessed his current appearance and drew several pictures in a row.

It was not until the morning of the third day that Yan Wu showed up.

Seeing Yan Wu unexpectedly, Wang Qi was surprised and asked, "Where have you been these days? What happened?"

"Mr. Wu Zhu has caught it." Yan Wu said concisely.

Catching Wu Zhu was a great thing, but Yan Wu's face was only exhausted, but not half joyful.Wang Qi's heart sank, and he said, "Who caught it?"

"Dingbei Hou Zhouying and Ning Anbo Shen Rongchang." Yan Wu said wearily.

If Zhou Ying and Shen Rongchang captured Wuzhu, it would undoubtedly be a huge blow to the crown prince and Zhengxihoufu.Unexpectedly, it would be the worst outcome, Wang Qi just felt unbelievable, "Who is Mr. Wu Zhu?"

"His current name is Li Mian, he is a businessman." Yan Wu said.

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The author has something to say:

The temperature has dropped significantly today, and it is said that it will be even colder tomorrow, little angels, keep warm.