My Sister Insisted on Swapping Marriages, and I Became a Marchioness Instead-Chapter 167: Longevity Lock

Qin Yuan said, "Just ask Uncle Li to watch him closely. If anything is amiss, feel free to expose it, but both Uncle Li and Xiao Dong need to be cautious with him."

Doctor Li scoffed somewhat, "Why is it that the Imperial Hospital always has people like this? Instead of diligently researching medicine, their thoughts wander elsewhere."

Being a doctor himself, he immediately understood the sinister intentions of Doctor Liu from Qin Yuan’s words.

Doctor Li praised further, "Luckily, you’ve always been decisive, and now you’ve discovered this early. If we waited until more patients came, it would be too late. Now that I’m here, with an extra doctor, even if he wants to act, he won’t dare overstep too much."

Xiao Dong chimed in, smiling, "And there’s me, too. I’m a little clever one, sure to keep an eye on him tightly."

Qin Yuan couldn’t help but smile as well.

Doctor Li looked at the two of them and suddenly said, "I have a thought. Xiao Dong is eager to learn. Could you teach him your incense recipes?"

Qin Yuan’s expression showed hesitation.

Xiao Dong lowered his head.

Doctor Li continued, "We are here every day, observing whatever you use, in what quantities. We can guess just by looking and smelling, but Xiao Dong, he..."

After a pause, Doctor Li whispered, "We wouldn’t secretly learn without your consent."

Implying that he wanted Xiao Dong to legitimately learn the incense recipes.

Qin Yuan quickly decided, "Alright, but I also want to learn medicine from Uncle Li. If Uncle Li is willing, I will formally become your apprentice now."

Xiao Dong suddenly looked up, his eyes brightened.

Doctor Li was stunned for a moment before saying, "You child, what nonsense are you talking? You are already Marchioness, why learn medicine? What would people say if they heard?"

In the eyes of the worldly, how could being a renowned doctor compare to holding high rank and title?

Having married, Qin Yuan was already a distinguished Marchioness, still learning medicine would raise questions among others.

Qin Yuan observed Doctor Li’s expression, and sighed deeply, "I have no choice. The medical books passed down from ancestors cannot just end with me. Who else in the Chen family lineage remains but me?"

Doctor Li hesitated, wanting to say something but ultimately remained silent. He mulled over it before saying, "Alright, I’ll teach you. But don’t show off your medical skills to outsiders lightly. Learning medicine is not easy; if you truly wish to learn, you cannot be fickle about it."

Qin Yuan hadn’t expected to persuade Doctor Li so easily with a bit of pressure; this matter would need to be approached gradually. She laughed, "Then I will serve you the apprentice tea now, Uncle Li."

Cui Ming immediately prepared the tea, while Hong Ye laid down the mat. Qin Yuan walked forward, knelt down solemnly for the apprentice ceremony, and then took the tea, raising it respectfully over her head, and offered it.

In her past life, she benefited from the medical texts left by Doctor Li, advancing her skills, always regretting not having called him Master.

In this life, the gap was filled.

With trembling hands, Doctor Li accepted the apprentice tea, taking a sip before placing it on the table.

He forced a smile, his face stiff, "Unexpectedly, I accepted the Marchioness as an apprentice today. From now on, Renhe Hall can rely on Dingbei Marquis Mansion."

If listened carefully, his voice carried a hint of emotion.

Qin Yuan laughed, "As long as Master and Xiao Dong wish to walk boldly, I will ensure it."

Xiao Dong approached, suppressing his excitement, whispering, "Should I call you Senior Sister then?"

Doctor Li joined their hands, "Yes, call her Senior Sister. Though you joined the apprenticeship before her, consider it a courtesy. From now on, Xiao Dong, you’ll have one more family member to care for you, alright?"

Qin Yuan’s brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this. Although Doctor Li’s words seemed straightforward, she felt there was deeper meaning.

Xiao Dong’s handsome face was full of smiles, earnestly calling, "Senior Sister."

Clearly, he liked having her as a Senior Sister very much.

Qin Yuan responded, "Little Junior Brother, I ask that you guide me well in the future."

After some thought, she instructed Cui Ming, "Go fetch the longevity lock I wore as a child."

Cui Ming hesitated slightly, but seeing her insistence, went to retrieve it.

Doctor Li looked on with suspicion, while Qin Yuan smiled, "I noticed Little Junior Brother’s bare neck, reminded of the longevity lock my mother gave me as a child. Now married, I can’t wear it, so I might as well let Little Junior Brother have it as my greeting gift."

Xiao Dong kept glancing towards the hall’s entrance, looking very expectant.

Doctor Li laughed heartily, "Of course that’s fine, but just the longevity lock is not enough for a greeting gift."

Before Qin Yuan could speak, Xiao Dong quickly said, "The longevity lock is perfect, the best greeting gift. I like it very much."

"Silly Xiao Dong, your Senior Sister is wealthy. Look, Dingbei Marquis Mansion gifted Renhe Hall one thousand taels of silver. If your Senior Sister gives you too little, I won’t let it be."

Xiao Dong looked puzzled, "Why does Master also seem fond of wealth when it comes to Senior Sister?"

Qin Yuan laughed.

Doctor Li wasn’t really fond of wealth; his kindness lay hidden under the guise of materialism, something only a two-faced lifespan revealed to Qin Yuan.

Cui Ming soon entered with a tray containing a bulging pocket, a golden longevity lock, and a small Jade Cicada.

Qin Yuan first took the longevity lock and personally put it around Xiao Dong’s neck, softly saying, "This was made by my mother to ensure children live long lives. Giving it to you, Xiao Dong, ensures you’ll live peacefully to a ripe old age."

Xiao Dong gently touched it, shy yet satisfied, smiling, "Thank you, Senior Sister."

Watching this scene, Doctor Li’s eyes welled up, his nose subtly reddening.

Qin Yuan then handed the pocket and Jade Cicada to Xiao Dong, "These are also greeting gifts for you to keep. The pocket contains silver peanuts; save them well. The Jade Cicada should be tied with a string for you to wear. As the ancient saying goes: ’The cicada sheds amidst filth to float beyond the dust, immune to worldly grime.’ Xiao Dong, study medicine diligently with Master; one day, you’ll stand out."

Xiao Dong accepted them respectfully, thanking again and again, before solemnly placing them in Doctor Li’s arms, saying, "Please help me keep them, Master. If you’re ever short-handed, use the silver peanuts. Consider it a token of filial piety from me and Senior Sister."

"This rascal learned to offer gifts on behalf of others," Doctor Li laughed while gently scolding him, "Hurry and thank your Senior Sister. She’s willing to teach you her family’s recipes and has given such generous gifts. You must assist her well."

"That’s for sure," Xiao Dong said, "I’ll do good work, and learn diligently with Senior Sister."

Approaching Qin Yuan, he solemnly bowed, saying, "Thank you, Senior Sister. Xiao Dong will remember this deeply. If ever you need me, just ask. Xiao Dong will give his all to meet your needs."

Qin Yuan laughed, "I just gave you a longevity lock, and you speak of sacrificing yourself. What do I need your life for? Just take care of yourself."

As she spoke, the dishes were already set.

Qin Yuan said, "Let’s dine together, and later go see the Marquis in the outer court. Master and Xiao Dong will have more work to do."