Chapter 9: Confronted for Debt

Qin Hanxiao deliberately avoided the questions she didn’t want to answer and simply stated, “I went to treat someone’s illness; my master sent me back.”

This revelation left the curious villagers utterly shocked. “You say you can treat illnesses?”

“Yes,” Qin Hanxiao replied with a light smile and a nod.

She had no intention of hiding it.

While being a healer might not be extraordinary, it was enough to make the villagers wary of her.

After all, no one could claim they would never fall ill or get hurt. With that caution, they dared not casually slander her.

Though she had never overheard it herself, she knew well how the villagers spoke of her.

They said she was ungrateful and would eventually run away.

Some unruly bachelors even spread rumors about her, though they dared not be too reckless, fearing the influence of Pei Yuanxing.

Some women called her a fox spirit, wary that she might seduce their husbands.

She had heard all this from the women next door while standing beneath the courtyard wall.

At that moment, the young coachman loudly came to her defense.

“Madam Qin is truly a miraculous healer, a reincarnation of Hua Tuo himself.

Many famous doctors have treated our family matron, yet all were helpless. It was Madam Qin who saved her.

Our seventh young master specially instructed me to escort Madam Qin to her doorstep.

In a couple of days, I will come again to take Madam Qin to administer acupuncture treatment for our matron.”

Qin Hanxiao silently admired the young man’s eloquence, and the villagers grew even more curious, asking questions one after another.

Especially the old man who had just scolded her said, “Tell us, how exactly do you treat people? We’ve never heard you say you could heal.

A woman should stay home to serve her mother-in-law and husband, not run around all day. Who knows what you’re really up to?”

His words not only accused Qin Hanxiao and the coachman of lying but also cast vile aspersions on her—a truly malicious attack.

Not only was Qin Hanxiao angered, but the coachman was even more furious.

He would never tolerate anyone speaking ill of his master. Without hesitation, he cracked his whip sharply against the old man.

“Garbage mouth cannot spit out pearls. You dare slander my master’s honor? Watch me beat you senseless.

My master is from the Huang family, salt merchants in the capital. Our seventh young master is a scholar whose writings have been praised even by the prefect.

Who do you think you are to slander my master with baseless accusations?”

Although the old man was struck and furious, the villagers thought he was too arrogant. How could a mere servant dare to hit someone in their village so casually?

But when they heard the coachman’s words, they were frightened and even stepped back to keep their distance, afraid of being implicated.

The old man’s face turned pale as he stammered, “I didn’t mean that; how could I dare slander the scholar?

I meant Miss Qin is restless—I was just worried she was deceiving you.”

Though the coachman was just a carriage driver, his master was someone they could not afford to offend.

They feared that offending the family might bring ruin and destruction upon themselves.

It was a hastily concocted excuse, but the coachman would not allow any more slander to be cast on Qin Hanxiao.

To slander her was to slander his master.

Moreover, Qin Hanxiao was about to treat their matron, a distinguished guest who must never be wronged.

“Nonsense! Madam Qin’s medical skills are superb. She just saved our matron. If you dare slander her honor again, do you believe I’ll have you arrested and punished?”

This frightened the old man even more. He trembled so much he was close to kneeling and begging for mercy.

“I didn’t mean it, I was wrong.”

He slapped his own face repeatedly. “It’s all my loose tongue and nonsense. Please, have mercy on me this once.

I promise I will never speak ill again or spread falsehoods.”

The coachman intended only to teach him a lesson and, seeing it had effect, did not press further.

However, Qin Hanxiao’s dignity had to be preserved.

He then asked her, “Madam Qin, what do you say?”

Qin Hanxiao did not wish to worsen relations with the villagers. This outcome was just right—enough to deter them but not so much as to burn bridges.

“He didn’t know the truth and just repeated what others said. Now that he understands, he certainly won’t speak recklessly again.”

The old man nodded repeatedly, “I understand now. I won’t say anything more.”

The villagers chuckled and pleaded, “We didn’t know before, but now that we do, we won’t say a word.”

Qin Hanxiao said, “We’re all from the same village. Let’s just let it go this time.

Coachman, please consider this on my behalf and spare him.”

The coachman willingly gave Qin Hanxiao this face, and she smiled and bid farewell to the villagers.

“I must hurry back to attend to my mother-in-law and husband, so I won’t stay long. We can talk more when there’s time.”

After they left, she thanked the coachman sincerely, “Thank you for standing up for me.”

Without looking back, the coachman smiled, “Madam Qin, you are too kind. I merely spoke the truth. No thanks are necessary.”

The coachman was shrewd and perceptive. He knew when to speak and what to say.

Upon arriving at the Pei residence, he repeated the arrangement to fetch her the next morning before turning the carriage around and leaving.

Pei Jinghui heard the commotion and came out. Seeing Qin Hanxiao return, her face instantly brightened with joy.

“Sister-in-law, you’re back! Have you eaten? There’s some food warming in the pot for you.”

Pei Jinghui was clever and gentle. Even when Qin Hanxiao was away, she had thought deeply about many things.

But when she saw Qin Hanxiao, she never said anything that might cause discomfort. Her expression and tone were always considerate.

Holding Yingying’s hand, Qin Hanxiao smiled as they stepped inside.

“I haven’t eaten yet. I was so hungry I felt like my front and back were sticking together.”

Yingying, unable to hide her delight, exclaimed loudly, “Auntie was late because she was treating someone’s illness, and there was a carriage sent especially to bring her back.”

Qin Hanxiao patted the girl’s head, thinking what a considerate child she was.

Before Qin Hanxiao could praise her, the gate suddenly banged open.

“Mrs. Bai, come out here!”

The loud crash startled Qin Hanxiao, and she turned sharply.

At the door stood an elderly woman with white hair but spirited eyes, supported by two middle-aged women.

Qin Hanxiao did not recognize them.

“Grandmother, eldest aunt, second aunt, what brings you here?”

Pei Jinghui, no longer concerned about the medical matters, hurried over to push Qin Hanxiao and Yingying inside.

“Sister-in-law, you said you were hungry. Go to the kitchen and eat with Yingying first.”

Qin Hanxiao was taken aback, her heart aching as she watched Pei Jinghui’s retreating figure.

The coachman had helped her for his master’s sake, but Pei Jinghui did it instinctively.

This young woman was two years younger than her.

Pei Jinghui knew exactly why the grandmother and two aunts had come and how troublesome they could be.

With their third brother away, she was determined to protect her sister-in-law and Yingying.

The elderly woman, Pei Jiang, stomped her cane heavily and snorted coldly.

“If it weren’t for your foolishness, I wouldn’t come to this unlucky place.

Starting this month, your third branch must pay me an extra ounce of silver monthly for my retirement. Pay me now.”