Chapter 43: The Maid's Demeanor

Everyone's eyes turned to the newcomer, and Hua Qinci was no exception. The visitor wore a robe of watery blue, simple in design, yet exquisitely made. Judging by the attire, she was likely a maidservant from a prominent household.

A glimmer of anticipation flashed in Hua Qinci's eyes as she waited for the visitor to make her move.

The maid glanced around, then walked directly toward Hua Qinci. With a gentle smile, she offered a respectful greeting, then leaned in to whisper, "My mistress invites Miss Hua to meet at Tianxiang Pavilion tomorrow."

As she spoke, she handed Hua Qinci an envelope. "This is the payment for the ginseng," she said.

With another smile, the maid departed.

Immediately after, the arrogant constable tossed his matters to Constable Zhao and hurried away as well.

Hua Qinci, clutching the envelope, was utterly bewildered.

Constable Zhao took charge and arranged for Wei San to be sent to the clinic.

Liu Bingbing was even more puzzled, her mind lingering on the image of the young woman. She seemed familiar, yet couldn't place her. Judging by her bearing, she wasn't an ordinary servant.

"Qinci?" The crowd was still confused about the recent events, curious about the beautiful maid, and unable to comprehend the behavior of the notorious, cold-blooded Constable Xiao. He was famous for his ruthlessness, after all.

Everyone fell silent, their eyes fixed on the envelope in Hua Qinci's hand. No one spoke until Qin Youtian softly called her name.

He too was perplexed—what method had Hua Qinci used to attract that maid with her message?

"Qinci?"

Seeing Hua Qinci dazed, Qin Youtian reached out and gently squeezed her hand.

Hua Qinci snapped back to herself. "What is it?"

"Right, we must hurry Wei San to the clinic."

"Constable Zhao has already gone!"

"Oh!" Hua Qinci sat down.

"Cousin, what happened? Who was that young lady? What did she say to you?" Liu Bingbing asked eagerly.

"Nothing, nothing at all." Hua Qinci herself was unsure. How could a mere maid in such a small county town silence the officers with not a single word? It was extraordinary!

But who was the mistress the maid spoke of? With only a servant appearing, saying almost nothing, even the officials quietly withdrew.

"Cousin, what should we do now?" Liu Bingbing pressed on, seeing she could get no answers.

Hua Qinci opened the envelope, discovering three banknotes, each worth a hundred taels of silver.

Everyone present, including Qin Youtian, Liu Bingbing, and the rest, was stunned.

"Banknotes, they're banknotes!"

"So much silver!"

"The Qin family’s daughter-in-law, the Qin family’s daughter-in-law..." Excitement overwhelmed them, leaving words tumbling.

Only Hua Qinci remained composed. She took one note and handed it to Qin Youtian, then passed the rest to Doctor Li.

"Doctor Li, please take these back to my mother and ask her to exchange them for silver for everyone."

"Yes, yes!" Doctor Li, wiping his tears, was unsure whether from joy or excitement.

Hua Qinci glanced around, then suddenly said to Qin Youtian, "Youtian, you should accompany Doctor Li to the bank, exchange the notes for silver, and deliver it to my mother so she can distribute it to everyone. Return tomorrow, I’ll wait for you here."

The moment they heard their silver would be returned, a wave of joy swept through the crowd. Laughter and praise for Hua Qinci filled the air.

"Right, those who were injured will be compensated for medical expenses—free treatment and medicine."

Qin Youtian nodded, "Alright."

"Really?" Everyone could barely believe it.

"Of course, I keep my word," Hua Qinci assured them. Those who had caused trouble earlier now felt regretful and ashamed, while the rest rejoiced.

"The Qin family’s daughter-in-law, you are truly a good person!"