Ji Zizhao knew that the Seventh Prince’s arrival was likely to encourage her.
Only this husky-like Seventh Prince would be so reckless and straightforward, almost wishing the whole world knew she was assisting him.
Yet, in this world, it was precisely this kind of pure heart that was the most precious.
So, despite her internal grumbling, Ji Zizhao intended to accept the Seventh Prince’s goodwill. However, accepting it did not mean she would show him a pleasant face.
The events at the teahouse that day were still vivid in her mind. Now, just seeing the Fourth Prince’s face made Ji Zizhao feel a stifling sensation in her chest. The only reason she hadn’t turned and left immediately was that she still had to participate in the final round of the examination.
Xie Jingqi, whose small eyes were glancing her way intermittently, was completely bewildered by Ji Zizhao’s darkened expression. However, he quickly turned his gaze and glared fiercely at the other physicians in the courtyard.
His dark eyes, now as fiery as they had been bewildered moments ago.
The physicians in the courtyard, "…"
What was going on?
Xie Jingqi was furious. He had the nerve to ask what was going on? If you hadn’t bullied Ji Zizhao, why would she be looking so glum in broad daylight? If I don’t beat you up today, you probably won’t even know how to spell Ji Zizhao’s name!
The physicians waiting for the examination saw the Seventh Prince’s rage burning brighter and brighter, their legs starting to tremble with fear.
Xie Jinglan genuinely feared his younger brother would do something foolish that would result in bloodshed at the medical education institute. He sighed helplessly, "It has nothing to do with anyone else. I angered her."
Xie Jingqi, instantly losing his combative spirit, was stunned. "Fourth Brother, why would you inexplicably anger Ji Zizhao?"
Xie Jinglan gave a wry smile.
He wanted to say that, in fact, his Fourth Brother was also quite confused.
Just then, Jiang Guangcheng entered.
Upon seeing the two princes, he hurried over to pay his respects. After straightening up, he then walked towards Ji Zizhao’s direction.
"Something happened at home today, which delayed my arrival. Has the eldest daughter of the Ji family been here for a long time?" Jiang Guangcheng smiled gently, greeting Ji Zizhao familiarly.
Ji Zizhao returned a faint smile, "As long as it didn't delay the examination."
"I heard today’s examination is not to be held at the medical education institute. It seems there will be some trouble today."
"Since the Imperial Hospital has set the exam questions, no matter what the problem is, there must be a reason from the Imperial Hospital. We candidates only need to focus on the exam."
Jiang Guangcheng had known Ji Zizhao for a few days. He had thought they would be more familiar with each other by now, but he hadn't expected Ji Zizhao's attitude towards him to remain distant.
However, Jiang Guangcheng was not discouraged. As long as he and Ji Zizhao both entered the Imperial Hospital, there would be plenty of time in the future.
Xie Jingqi, standing not far away, watched this scene, his brows furrowed into a tight knot. "Fourth Brother, who is that pretty boy? Does he have any shame, getting so close to a young lady in broad daylight?"
Xie Jinglan glanced over and said, "He is the son of the Jiang family, the second eldest son. For years, many medicinal herbs for the Imperial Hospital have been sent into the palace through his hands."
Xie Jingqi was displeased upon hearing this. So what if he was from the Jiang family? Ji Zizhao was the wife his Fourth Brother had found for him. If this pretty boy dared to intercept, no matter whose family he belonged to, he would be beaten.
Jiang Guangcheng, who was speaking with Ji Zizhao, felt a pair of eyes on his back making him shiver. He turned around in confusion, only to see the Seventh Prince staring at him with a chilling aura.
Jiang Guangcheng, "…"
He didn't recall having provoked this notorious young master.
Just then, the manager of the medical education institute came out and invited the Seventh Prince and Fourth Prince to come in for a brief rest.
Xie Jinglan, of course, would not allow his brother to act rashly at this moment. Without further ado, he pulled him up the steps.
Unable to move his hands or kick with his feet, Xie Jingqi did not forget to cast a fierce glare at Jiang Guangcheng before entering. Pretty boy, you're lucky.
Jiang Guangcheng, "…"
After the Seventh Prince and Fourth Prince left, the senior ladies in the courtyard felt a sense of relief.
Even the air felt much fresher.
After about the time it took for an incense stick to burn, someone entered the courtyard.
They first took a headcount, then led everyone out of the courtyard, without a single extra word from beginning to end.
The senior ladies following behind felt uneasy but could only brace themselves and keep up.
Upon arriving at their destination, everyone was somewhat dumbfounded.
Temple Street?
This was the lowest-class area in the imperial city. The only residents here were beggars and vagrants!
It was at this moment that all the physicians finally learned the topic of the examination: to treat the common people of Temple Street at random, within two hours, with the number of people treated and the accuracy of the diagnosis serving as the scoring criteria.
Instantly, the crowd erupted into an uproar.
The people of Temple Street were dirty and smelly, and no one was willing to go near them.
Some even felt the exam question was too difficult. Each person’s ailment was different, and if they encountered a complex illness, it would naturally take more time.
"I actually think this exam question is rather simple," a voice suddenly sounded from behind the crowd.
Everyone turned around and saw a young man stepping down from a carriage.
He wore a dark indigo robe that was form-fitting and elegant. Both the neckline and cuffs were embroidered with silver threads in a cloud pattern.
Judging by his attire alone, he was either wealthy or noble.
Jiang Guangcheng, standing beside Ji Zizhao, whispered, "This is Zou Hansheng, the first place in the previous two examinations."
No one dared to refute Zou Hansheng’s words.
He was not only a predetermined candidate for the Imperial Hospital but also someone who had voluntarily participated in the examinations and achieved first place.
Considering that he also had a father who was a court physician, all the physicians felt immense pressure.
Zou Hansheng’s gaze immediately fell upon Ji Zizhao in the crowd, and he approached with a measured stride, hands clasped behind his back.
Jiang Guangcheng instinctively took a step forward, positioning himself in front of Ji Zizhao.
Zou Hansheng completely ignored Jiang Guangcheng. He stopped in front of Ji Zizhao, examined her carefully, and then smiled, "You must be the eldest daughter of the Ji family."
Ji Zizhao nodded, "Indeed."
Zou Hansheng smiled, "I’ve heard your name mentioned frequently these past few days, always speaking of your exquisite medical skills, your miraculous recovery, and even your status as a prodigy who broke the norm to become Court Physician Zhang’s disciple. I had wondered what kind of talent this was, and it turns out to be merely this."
Jiang Guangcheng frowned, "Young Master Zou, what do you intend to do?"
Zou Hansheng glanced at Jiang Guangcheng, "What, Young Master Jiang, are you intending to play the hero and save the damsel? It's a pity, though. I have no desire to be the villain who bullies the beautiful, especially since this person, apart from her beauty, offers no reason for me to bully her."