Chapter 343: Chapter 344: Picking a Fight at the Door

Shao He did not refuse this time, being able to enter the Imperial Medical Bureau and having free use of the medicines inside would be more beneficial for him.

Compared with those so-called titles of Commandery Princess or County Princess, this was more substantial.

Just as she was about to kneel to express her gratitude, the Emperor continued, “Furthermore, I award you ten thousand taels of gold, ten boxes of Chinese cedarwood, two hundred hector of pearls and agates, and a thousand rolls of fine silk fabrics.”

“This commoner girl thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace,” Shao He said joyfully as she expressed her thanks.

Finally, the Emperor took out a token and handed it to Xiao Linzhang, at which Shao He’s face changed dramatically.

“Your Majesty, this must not be done.”

“This is a token that allows you to enter and exit the imperial palace at will, and you may bring the child to the palace anytime without anyone daring to block your way.”

Shao He looked at the Emperor in shock. She had intended to decline, as she dare not accept such precious items.

But the Emperor was adamant, seemingly insistent that she must not refuse. In the end, she could only stiffen her resolve and carefully accepted the token, placing it into her bosom.

Eunuch Liu saw this and was even more astonished, for this was a token that many people could only dream of obtaining, yet the Emperor had easily given it to a woman. It seemed that Doctor Shao was no ordinary person.

The day after the Emperor returned to the palace, the Empress Dowager sent out invitations for a banquet to be held at Biyao Mountain Villa in half a month’s time.

Biyao Mountain Villa was a Royal Manor, and it was rare for banquets to be held there, but everyone knew full well that the so-called banquet was merely a pretext for the princes to select consorts, and even Shao He received an invitation.

Qingxia, seeing her young mistress holding the invitation with a worried look, asked in confusion, “Miss, do you not want to attend this banquet?”

Shao He casually tossed the invitation onto the table and said with a sarcastic tone, “What’s there to want, it’s just being picked over by others like an item.”

“True, but why would the Empress Dowager give you an invitation? Could it be she’s trying to pair you with the Fifth Prince?”

Shao He snorted coldly, “How could that be possible? I am a married woman with a child; the Empress Dowager would never allow me to marry the Fifth Prince as his Principal Wife, and I probably wouldn’t even be considered for the position of Concubine.”

The reason the Empress Dowager sent her the invitation this time was probably to let her know her place, which was really a veiled threat.

However, since they had sent an invitation, she had to go anyway.

The next day, Shao He arrived at Anji Hall to see patients, but she did not find Yun Qian. After asking Zhao Yuebei, she learned that he had been busy with something lately and could hardly be seen.

Shao He guessed it might have to do with Imperial Doctor Yun’s case.

As they chatted idly, patients gradually arrived to be seen by her. They had come specifically because they heard that Shao He would be attending the clinic that day.

Sitting down to take their pulse one by one, Shao He was surprised to find that many ladies had come today, which made her suspicious.

Especially the woman sitting before her made her feel very familiar, as if she had seen her somewhere before.

“We’ve heard of Doctor Shao’s superb medical skills and have come here specifically to seek them,” Liang Rou said with a shallow smile curling at the corners of her mouth.

“Yes, because you healed the Fifth Prince’s leg, truly amazing.”

“Indeed, even the Emperor has titled you as the Divine Doctor, unparalleled.”

Facing the praises of the crowd, Shao He merely smiled indifferently, showing neither pride nor modesty.

“Please tell me, what discomfort are you ladies experiencing?”

Liang Rou looked back at a few women and one of them took the lead, “Doctor Shao, you have been in contact with the Fifth Prince for quite some time, do you understand his preferences?”

“Yes, we’ve heard that you stayed at the Fifth Prince’s Mansion for a while when treating the Emperor, may I ask what the Fifth Prince likes?”

“Does he prefer white, pink, or black? What does he like to eat on a daily basis, what tea does he favor, and also… what kind of women does he like?”

The women, convinced that Shao He’s status was not a match for any prince, were unabashed in their purpose, with expectant glee showing in their eyes.

As Shao He heard their eager questions, her gaze revealed impatience.

“If you ladies are not feeling unwell, please leave so as not to disturb the other patients here for a consultation.” Shao He issued the order to leave in the gentlest tone she could manage, suppressing the fury inside her.

Liang Rou did not expect her to be so rude, but thinking of Shao He’s contact with the Fifth Prince, she persisted patiently, “Do you perhaps find this place inconvenient for speaking? We could change locations if you prefer.”

“Sorry, there are still patients here who need treatment.”

“Then just answer us one question, what kind of women does the Fifth Prince actually like?”

Shao He sneered, “What kind of women he likes, you should be asking him, not probing for information here with me.”

With the issue now laid bare, Liang Rou, somewhat unable to save face, abruptly flipped her demeanor and scolded, “You’re just playing the saint here, yet even if you’ve cured the Emperor, you’re no more than a lowly life suited for treating peasants!”

Shao He, who had never allowed herself to be bullied, retaliated straightforwardly now that the other party had dropped their pretense, “You’re no different from the peasants in white clothes.”

“We are as good as each other, neither of us should talk down to the other!” Shao He raised her eyebrows, her gaze sharp as she looked at the angered Liang Rou, not taking her seriously at all.