The mage the Wang Household had hired this time looked far fiercer than the previous ones. Even Wang Shicai and his father scarcely dared meet his eyes.
"What are you saying, Mage? Our Wang Household has always abided by the law. Everyone in Pingzhou City speaks well of us. My son Shicai was even this year's Provincial First Laureate in the Autumn Examination. He is a gifted scholar with a boundless future. Why would he do anything to ruin his prospects? This strange illness really did come out of nowhere!"
"Yes, yes, Mage. I am merely a scholar, too weak even to truss a chicken. I have always treated others kindly."
"Oh? A Provincial First Laureate in the Imperial Examination, no less?"
The mage released Wang Shicai's hand, looked him up and down, then surveyed their surroundings.
Quite a few people had gathered in the Wang Household's rear courtyard, including Madam Wang, who had hurried over upon hearing the news. Yet something was wrong with the atmosphere. The mage's presence alone weighed on everyone so heavily that none dared speak. Anyone caught by his sweeping gaze felt that pressure.
"Hmph. Whatever the case, what afflicts you is indeed no ordinary illness. Show me the medicine you've been taking!"
"Yes, yes, yes."
A short while later, beside the medicine stove in the kitchen, the mage opened the pot of simmering medicine. He gave a slight nod after merely sniffing it. Naturally, the Wang family had followed him.
A servant also brought over a paper packet and opened it to reveal the incense ash inside.
"Mage, this is the medicinal catalyst the physician prescribed."
The mage's eyes brightened slightly at the sight of the catalyst, and he looked at Wang Shicai again.
"Come here!"
"Uh-yes!"
Wang Shicai glanced at his father. After