Chapter 2895 - 2896: Awakening

Chapter 2895: Chapter 2896: Awakening

"She bribed some people and also used family connections to persuade others; in addition, there were some uninformed citizens who were incited," Jianqi continued.

Bai Ruozhu smiled, "Don’t worry, the Emperor said to leave it to him, so we don’t need to be overly concerned."

"Yes," Jianqi replied.

"Send a message to Ding Mama, saying that the singing girl was previously possessed by a fox demon. Later, she was sent to Niu Butou’s home, but the fox demon feared the righteousness emanating from Niu Butou and fled to the mountains. The singing girl lost all her beauty and seemed somewhat ominous, so she was sold off by Niu Butou’s household," Bai Ruozhu said.

Jianqi was dumbfounded, "Fox demon?"

"It’s that Dream Demon we were chasing before," Bai Ruozhu smiled gently. "If you tell her it’s a Dream Demon, explaining that it’s a demon from Fusang, she might not understand or believe it. Saying it’s a fox demon, although a bit fantastical, she will certainly believe it."

Regarding matters of demons and ghosts, many people believe in their existence.

"Yes," Jianqi responded.

It was Gao De’s words that reminded Bai Ruozhu, and she came up with this explanation on the spur of the moment.

Just as Jianqi left, a message came from outside saying the president of the Medical Alliance Xunyang City Branch sought an audience.

Bai Ruozhu had spent the past year in Fusang, and upon returning, she hadn’t had the time to manage the Medical Alliance. Fortunately, her disciples managed it well, and she had intended to meet the president, who she heard was doing a good job, whenever she found the time. Yet, it seemed he sought her out himself.

"Invite him in," Bai Ruozhu instructed.

Not long after, a middle-aged man in his forties was brought in. Although he was thin and not tall, he stood with a straight back, and his bright eyes gave off an energetic presence.

"Your subordinate Wei Mingli pays respects to the Alliance Leader," he bowed respectfully. Although facing a young woman, his eyes were full of admiration.

"No need for formalities, President Wei, you’ve worked hard," Bai Ruozhu nodded with a smile. "Sit and have a cup of tea."

Wei Mingli appeared somewhat honored and sat only after expressing his gratitude.

"I’ve heard you’ve managed the Xunyang City Medical Alliance well, providing free consultations to help many citizens. I was planning to visit, but unexpected matters arose," Bai Ruozhu spoke frankly, as there were rumors she had killed Sun Zhou; hence there was no need to avoid the topic.

"The Alliance Leader’s praise is undeserved. My medical skills are limited. It is merely some management skills that led to this position," Wei Mingli gave a bitter smile. "After reading the manuscripts you left, I realized the vastness of medical space, making me feel even more inadequate."

Bai Ruozhu was not surprised. A president need not be the best in medical skills, for many renowned doctors are not skilled in organizing. They often dedicate their time to medical research, without excess time to manage the Medical Alliance’s affairs, making it wise to appoint someone with management skills.

"You’ve done well. There are specialties in every field. Even the best doctor needs talented people to organize," Bai Ruozhu offered an encouraging smile.

Wei Mingli felt reassured, as he had feared being tested on medical skills, uncertain he could pass.

"Alliance Leader, rumors outside say the Sun Family is spreading lies, accusing you of targeting Sun Zhou because he was about to inherit the family’s headship. The doctors wish to organize the citizens to petition for you," Wei Mingli said.

Bai Ruozhu frowned, "There’s no need."

Wei Mingli was surprised, "Why? The citizens trust our Medical Alliance."

"All the more reason not to," Bai Ruozhu retorted sternly. "Previously, Sun Zhou reported to His Majesty, claiming the Medical Alliance sought to win over the populace, intending to control Danliang’s doctors and public sentiment. I founded the Medical Alliance to help doctors exchange knowledge and improve medical skills, enhancing citizen care."

She shook her head slightly, "I’m not selfless, but if this becomes a means for personal gain, and our reputation grows too large, it will eventually cause trouble."

Wei Mingli broke into a cold sweat, having never thought of this. With the Emperor in Xunyang City, organizing citizens to petition would validate Sun Zhou’s claims, perhaps even imply threats to the Emperor.

"You are wise, Alliance Leader; I was careless," Wei Mingli blushed.

"You focus on medicine, detached from politics, so such thoughts are uncommon," Bai Ruozhu was not blaming him, merely offering a reminder. "Help citizens where needed, but the Medical Alliance must not overshadow others."

Wei Mingli nodded hastily, "I understand."

"Return to your duties and assure other doctors not to worry. His Majesty trusts me and will handle this matter appropriately; anything further from us would be overstepping," Bai Ruozhu advised.

"Understood," Wei Mingli replied.

After Wei Mingli departed, he felt a layer of sweat on his back. Though the Alliance Leader neither scolded nor criticized him, even praising him, why was he so nervous?

Back at the Medical Alliance, many doctors gathered around, asking if they should contact people now.

"The Alliance Leader said no, His Majesty believes in her and will address it, so we shouldn’t act now," Wei Mingli conveyed.

Bai Ruozhu’s words were heartfelt advice, not meant for public disclosure.

"Those people put pressure on the Emperor; if we don’t do anything, what if the Alliance Leader is bullied?" one doctor asked fervently.

Wei Mingli widened his eyes, "Nonsense, who could bully our Alliance Leader? Have you all forgotten her achievements? Those without boundaries pressure the Emperor; should we do the same? How would that reflect on her?"

At once, everyone fell silent. The more perceptive quickly understood his point and ceased discussion.

Soon, the situation was reported to Bai Ruozhu by the dark guards. Bai Ruozhu nodded in satisfaction, "Wei Mingli is competent; I needn’t worry too much."

"Master, Madam Sun already believes it and has sent people to find the dancing girl. Also, we discovered that Kong Er has been weak lately, much like the dancing girl," Jianqi reported.

"Oh?" Bai Ruozhu chuckled, "So they’ve switched to a new person."