Page 624

Shen Chuwei, imitating Ouyang Jingyuan, raised her right hand to her left chest and bowed in greeting, "Clan Leader."

The Clan Leader, busy these days, hadn’t found time to meet the exceptional Doctor Shen, and now seeing her so young in person was filled with surprise.

"Doctor Shen, no need to be formal, please eat and drink as you like," the Clan Leader said.

Shen Chuwei gave thanks with a bow, "Thank you for your hospitality, Clan Leader."

Ouyang Jingyuan led Shen Chuwei to sit down next to Princess Leyuan.

Shen Chuwei, looking at the dozens of plates of pastries and fruit in front of her, couldn’t wait to pick up a piece of the unfamiliar pastry and bite into it. It was cool and refreshing, slightly sweet, and tasted good.

Ouyang Jingyuan picked up a wine jug and poured her a cup, "This is a sweet wine brewed from fruit, have a taste."

Shen Chuwei looked at the sweet wine in the colored glass cup, which was a light red hue, lifted it with curiosity, and took a sip. It was sour and sweet and ice cold, probably chilled.

Princess Leyuan saw the Snow Group in the Doctor’s arms and turned to clutch the Clan Leader’s arm, cooing, "Father, Doctor Shen has a pet that your daughter really likes."

The Clan Leader looked over to the pet in Doctor Shen’s arms upon hearing this. He had only glanced in a hurry before and now saw it was a pure white cat with striking blue eyes that exuded spirituality, no wonder his daughter liked it.

"Doctor Shen."

Shen Chuwei, hearing this, raised her head to look at the Clan Leader. After finishing the fruit in her mouth, she inquired, "Is there something you need, Clan Leader?"

The Clan Leader chuckled and said, "My daughter really likes your pet. How much would it cost to sell it?"

If it had been someone else, out of respect for the Clan Leader, they might give away the pet to Princess Leyuan without asking for payment.

Shen Chuwei, however, hugged Xuetuan tight and refused bluntly, "Clan Leader, this is my pet. It’s not for sale. I have already declined Princess Leyuan previously."

The Clan Leader’s smile stiffened upon hearing this. As the Clan Leader, when had he ever been refused?

Princess Leyuan did not expect Doctor Shen to refuse even in front of her father and continued pleading, "Father, I really do like it very much."

Seeing his daughter’s hopeful eyes, the Clan Leader couldn’t bear to disappoint her, so he tried again, "Since Doctor Shen doesn’t want money, is there something else you would consider for a trade?"

Shen Chuwei put down the glass cup in her hand and said earnestly, "Clan Leader, you may see Snow as a pet, but to me, it’s like family. I have no thoughts of selling or giving it away, nor would I trade Xuetuan for anything."

The Clan Leader faced another affront to his dignity, his expression turning rather unsightly, but with Doctor Shen unwilling to make a trade, he certainly couldn’t exert his power to force her.

Princess Leyuan, not wanting to give up, tugged at the Clan Leader’s arm, continuing to act spoiled, "Father."

Seeing his sister being so unreasonable, Ouyang Jingyuan said, "Sister, a gentleman does not covet what others cherish. If you like cats, I’ll have one bought for you tomorrow."

Princess Leyuan, realizing her brother was siding with an outsider, said dissatisfied, "I like Doctor Shen’s pet Snow Group specifically, can you find me an identical cat?"

Ouyang Jingyuan replied, "You’re being unreasonable. How can there be another cat identical to it?"

"Third brother, if our sister likes it and Doctor Shen is not stingy, as a gentleman ought to help others achieve their aims, it is only a cat after all, why not give it to our sister?

" The one speaking was the second son of the Clan Leader, Ouyang Jingxuan, his face filled with indulgence as he looked at his sister.

"At least Second Brother cherishes me, unlike some people, who are all too willing to side with outsiders," huffed Princess Leyuan.

"I am neither a gentleman nor generous. I’m just an ordinary person; you think too highly of me," said Shen Chuwei, her words bold and confident.

No one present expected Doctor Shen to belittle herself in such a way, leaving them momentarily speechless.

Ouyang Jingyuan withdrew his gaze back to Shen Chuwei, her indifferent expression not something anyone could adopt to openly refuse the Clan Leader, and he couldn’t help but admire her a bit.

The sound of drums began, signaling the start of the water splashing event.

Both members of the Royal Clan and the nobility moved to the center of the square to participate in the water splashing for blessings.

Princess Leyuan ran down happily, because she wanted to offer blessings to Lin Xian.

Ouyang Jingyuan asked Shen Chuwei, "Water splashing for blessings, will you go?"

Shen Chuwei shook her head resolutely, "No, I will return after finishing the pastries and fruit."

Ouyang Jingyuan paused and then laughed, realizing her visit was truly just for a few plates of pastries and fruit.

"Then I will go down."

Shen Chuwei nodded.

As the third eldest of the Xingmiao Clan, Ouyang Jingyuan was certainly expected to participate in the water splashing blessings.

After finishing the pastries and fruit, Shen Chuwei took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, then picked up Xuetuan and returned to the Imperial City.

Back in the Guest Room, Shen Chuwei placed Xuetuan aside, and herself flopped onto the bed to continue sleeping, as she had to stay up late to treat patients.

Just as Shen Chuwei was drifting off, she suddenly heard a commotion of fighting.

Xuetuan cried out in alarm, "Meow."

Shen Chuwei lifted her head and rubbed her eyes, just in time to see a Maid rush in hurriedly.

"Doctor Shen, something’s happened."

Something happened?

Shen Chuwei got up from the bed, put on her shoes, and stepped out of the room, only to see Qin Xiao fighting with a group of Guards in the yard.

She shouted, "What on earth is going on here?"

Qin Xiao found time to respond amidst the fighting, "Miss, they’re trying to capture you."

Once they all stopped, Shen Chuwei asked in confusion, "What for?"

The lead Guard replied, "The Third Master has suddenly fainted. We need Doctor Shen to come with us."

If not for his conviction, Shen Chuwei would have thought they were joking.

"He was fine before I left; how could he suddenly faint?"

"We’re just carrying out orders," said the lead Guard, gesturing to apprehend her.

The Guards surrounded them once again. As Qin Xiao was about to act, Shen Chuwei stopped him.

"This is their territory, and they know how to use Poisonous Insects; we can’t fight this forcefully."

Hearing this, Qin Xiao stared hard at the Guards approaching, unwilling to be captured without a fight.

...

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