C38 – This Kid Isn’t Stupid, Right?
Tang Yue didn’t conceal anything from Wang Zizhao. He opened the cloth bag in front of him and explained the functions of the tools.
“The thread you used to stitch the wound looks peculiar. What is it made of?” Wang Zizhao inquired.
Tang Yue retrieved a bag wrapped tightly in silk cloth from the bottom of the box and opened a corner. “It’s made of lamb intestines. I made it myself,” he replied.
There were only two long, thin, dry and hard lamb intestines in the silk cloth, which looked rather unappealing.
However, Tang Yue had spent a lot of time crafting these threads, intending to use them on Wang Zizhao. They were capable of being absorbed by the human body and were ideal for blood vessels or areas where it was difficult to remove the threads.
Tang Yue had carefully chosen the best material to use on Wang Zizhao, given his abilities.
“This thread degrades easily, so it’s best to use it today. What do you think?” he asked Wang Zizhao.
Wang Zizhao did not rummage through Tang Yue’s medicine box as it was neatly arranged, with most of the items wrapped in cloth to prevent contamination, according to Tang Yue.
Although he didn’t comprehend the impact of those invisible, filthy substances, Tang Yue’s cautious approach instilled trust in him.
Wang Zizhao didn’t object when he saw Tang Yue’s actions. Tang Yue instructed the servant to move the unconscious patient to another room. He replaced the bedding and sprayed the area with diluted vinegar.
Wang Zizhao inquired, “Why did you use vinegar?”
Tang Yue chuckled. “Even if I explain it to you, you won’t understand.” Was he supposed to educate the ancients about sterilization? He’d have to explain what bacteria was first!
For a moment, Wang Zizhao was speechless, and he took a deep breath to prevent himself from losing control and harming Tang Yue.
“If you can heal my leg, what do you want in return?” he asked.
“What do you believe your worth is?” countered Tang Yue, who straightened his back and began negotiating.
Tang Yue wasn’t a capitalist. He didn’t demand anything from Wang Zizhao, and he understood the significance of Wang Zizhao’s legs.
This issue not only affected his well-being, but also his future prospects. It could determine whether he would thrive or perish, even risking his life. Throughout history, the battle for the throne was always a bloody struggle.
Wang Zizhao anticipated this question and gave a casual response, “A thousand gold coins or a thousand favors from this prince? Which one do you prefer?”
“……” Tang Yue was left speechless and swallowed hard.
If Wang Zizhao ascended the throne in the future, then his favor would be more valuable than any sum of money. Tang Yue could use this favor to request a noble title, which was superior to mere cash.
However, Tang Yue had no intention of accepting this favor. Seizing the throne was the cruelest power struggle in history, and as a doctor, he might not survive if he got involved.
If he left Prince Zhao’s Mansion today without any payment, he might be perceived as affiliated with Prince Zhao’s Mansion tomorrow. It was different if he continued practicing medicine independently.
This was not the outcome he desired.
“The Ninth Prince’s favor is certainly valuable, but I, Tang, practice medicine for profit. It is a transaction, and I will not owe any favors to others. So, you can just give me five hundred gold coins and a shop.”
“……” Tang Yue’s response not only astonished Wang Zizhao, but also surprised Hu Jinpeng.
Mu Sifa wondered if Tang Xiaolang was naive or underestimated Wang Zizhao’s ability to become the next ruler. Did he think this favor was worthless?
He felt compelled to persuade Tang Xiaolang. “Tang Xiaolang, you should reconsider and consult with Yueyang Marquis about what this means. As a newcomer, it’s understandable that you may not understand everything.”
“There’s no need. Five hundred gold coins isn’t more valuable than a prince’s identity, but I’ve made a decent profit. Oh, and make sure that the shop is in the busiest section of the main street. Otherwise, I won’t accept it,” Tang Yue emphasized with a grin.
Tang Yue wanted to open a clinic in Ye City and sell self-made medicinal wine and plaster. He wanted to display his surgical skills and not depend on Yueyang Marquis’s Mansion for his livelihood. He didn’t want to be a stingy old man either.
Supporting himself with the money he earned was his bottom line.
Wang Zizhao studied Tang Yue attentively. Having encountered all kinds of people since he was young, he knew that individuals had seven emotions and six desires. To manipulate someone, it was enough to understand what they wanted.
However, he couldn’t comprehend the young man in front of him. Tang Yue claimed to love money, yet he didn’t demand an exorbitant price. Five hundred gold coins was insignificant compared to his status.
Apart from money, he didn’t ask for anything else. Was he too cunning to be understood, or was he truly pure-hearted?
