Chapter 63: The Prosperity Manor (Once again, heartfelt thanks to Sparrow's Turn for the generous reward—thank you.)

Wang Keyue made no comment. After viewing the manor, she ate a simple meal with the food she had brought, and then Manager Yang, without delay, led her to the next estate. This one was a bit farther, about half an hour’s journey from Plum Tree Village.

This manor was nestled at the foot of a barren mountain, covering only about five acres, but it included ownership of the entire mountain and nearly twenty acres of fertile fields nearby. As soon as Wang Keyue stepped out of the carriage, she was greeted by a brisk, refreshing breeze from the wild hillside.

Many laborers were still working in the fields; upon seeing the broker’s carriage, everyone immediately understood the purpose of the visit. Two or three farmers in long padded vests hurried over.

“Oh my, it really is Manager Yang! Greetings to Manager Yang, and greetings to the gentleman!” said a middle-aged man, bowing deeply to both Manager Yang and Wang Keyue.

Manager Yang smiled, “Little Liu, is your master at the manor?”

“Our master and madam have already moved to the capital of Qin, but the young master is still at home. Manager Yang, this way please,” replied Little Liu, leading them directly into the manor.

A sign above the entrance read “Prosperity Manor” in gilded characters, which made Wang Keyue’s lips twitch involuntarily.

“Doctor Wang, this Prosperity Manor is a property of the second branch of the Liu family from the capital of Qin. That branch has recently been summoned back to the family seat, and in Qin, wealth is paramount. So these surplus properties are in urgent need of disposal,” Manager Yang explained as he guided Wang Keyue.

While waiting in the main hall, Wang Keyue observed the manor closely. The repairs were proper and thorough; artificial hills, flowing water, pavilions and towers—all were exquisitely crafted.

She couldn’t help but sigh, recalling a line from her previous life: “Behind rich gates, meat and wine go to waste, while out on the road lie the bones of the frozen poor.”

A cheerful male voice rang out, “Manager Yang, what a pleasure to see you again!” A tall man approached.

He wore a robe of creamy white, with collar and cuffs trimmed in silver and gold clouds, a broad azure sash at his waist, and jet-black hair bound with a white jade crown.

His complexion was fair, his features refined, and his phoenix eyes were especially striking—dark, clear, serene, with a gentle hint of a smile.

“Young Master Liu, it has been a while!” Manager Yang stood up and returned the greeting. The two exchanged pleasantries, and it was clear that this Mr. Liu was a master of social graces.

“Young Master Liu is the legitimate son of the second branch of the Liu family, and the owner of this manor. This gentleman is Doctor Wang, who has been saving lives here in Kangle County these last few days, and is also a disciple of the renowned Divine Physician,” Manager Yang introduced them.

“So you are the famous Doctor Wang! I am Liu Zihan, and it is an honor to meet you,” said Young Master Liu. Upon learning Wang Keyue’s identity, he immediately shed his merchant’s smile and bowed deeply, his expression solemn.

Wang Keyue hurriedly helped the young man up. “Please rise, Young Master Liu. I am but an ordinary doctor, not a divine physician. Please just call me Doctor Wang.” These ancient courtesies were truly troublesome, and the way people spoke was so formal that Wang Keyue felt her tongue was tying itself in knots.

“Doctor Wang, your compassion is a blessing to Kangle County. May I ask if you have come today regarding this manor?” Liu asked.

Wang Keyue rolled her eyes inwardly. If not for the manor, why would she have come all this way? For the scenery? “Indeed, that’s the reason,” she replied.

“That’s wonderful news, Doctor Wang!” Liu Zihan’s face lit up with delight. “Someone, fetch all the deeds for the manor and the fields at once!”

What? Wait, what’s going on? Wang Keyue was stunned.

Liu Zihan presented a thick stack of documents with both hands.

“Doctor Wang, I have a request. If you can grant it, I am willing to give you the manor outright!” Liu’s eyes were full of earnest pleading.

“Please, tell me what it is. If it is within my power, I will not refuse,” Wang Keyue replied, already suspecting it had something to do with healing. She didn’t mind.

“I wish to ask Doctor Wang to treat my mother!” Liu said directly.

“I can examine her first, but I cannot promise a cure until I know the illness,” Wang Keyue replied cautiously, not daring to guarantee anything in case it was an incurable disease.

At these words, Liu Zihan’s brow relaxed. “I am deeply grateful that you are willing even to examine her.”

“Very well, let’s go see your mother now,” Wang Keyue said, rising to her feet.

“This way, please, Doctor Wang!” Liu Zihan hurried forward to lead the way.

“Manager Yang, please rest here for a while. I’ll go examine Madam Liu,” Wang Keyue said with a bow, then followed Liu Zihan out of the hall.

Manager Yang could only sigh helplessly. He had set out to show someone a property, but ended up accompanying a doctor to treat the sick. Still, he dared not show displeasure—these people were his bread and butter, and he couldn’t afford to offend any of them.

Within the master bedroom of the inner courtyard, a woman around forty lay in bed, her face pale, her body weak and listless.