Hysteria

Su Ziji had always been calm and composed. This was the first time Cen Rubai had seen a faint trace of anxiety in his expression. Sensibly, he did not ask anything, and even tugged at Zeng Nianzhen, signaling him not to speak either.

Obviously, if the young master wished to ask for their opinions, he would certainly take the initiative to do so. Since he said nothing now, he likely had no intention of seeking their counsel.

This sense of measure was not easy to grasp, yet Cen Rubai had just such a talent—he could read what was in others' hearts.

"Report!"

Just then, someone suddenly came running over in great haste. Upon seeing Su Ziji, he immediately knelt and reported, "Reporting to you, my lord! Prefect Qi is gravely ill and asks that you return to the residence at once!"

"What did you say? Qi Hong... Lord Qi is gravely ill?" Su Ziji was greatly alarmed. Was he not merely feigning illness?

"Yes. I heard that he suddenly fell unconscious. The physician has treated him until now, but he has yet to awaken. The officials in the residence therefore ask that you return at once to steady the situation."

After hearing this, Su Ziji did not hesitate. He immediately rose and ordered, "Someone, prepare my horse, and immediately summon a squad of garrison soldiers to return to the city with me!"

Several personal guards led over a horse. Without another word, Su Ziji swung himself into the saddle and galloped off like a gust of wind, racing straight through the roads into the city and toward the yamen.

Only when Su Ziji reached the rear courtyard of the prefectural yamen did he smell the thick, bitter scent of medicine before even reaching the door.

An elderly physician with grizzled