Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10 Who Was Your Teacher?

Finished

“So you admit their words were harsh, yet you still urge me not to take it to heart. How could I possibly mind?”

Margaret swept her gaze across the crowd. Wherever her eyes fell, most people sheepishly lowered their heads…

Seeing this, she said no more. With a cold laugh, she turned and walked away.

A mob was a mob. They weren’t worth her energy.

By the second–floor window, Cyan stared in astonishment. “Even a physician from the Life Preserve Pavilion couldn’t cure that poison–yet she did…”

Sensing Theodore’s utter lack of reaction, he fell silent.

Right. If this woman could cure Theodore’s blood parasites–the thing every physician in the capital had failed at–why was he surprised?

He had clearly underestimated her earlier…

But in all these years, he’d never heard that she knew medicine…

Suddenly recalling something, he said, “Wait–where’s she going? We’ve been waiting here all this time. She saved that child, now she’s wandering off like we don’t exist?”

Theodore’s gaze darkened slightly. “You’re certain she was invited?”

Cyan shuddered. “Yes, absolutely…”

Then he spotted something and pointed out the window. “She’s coming back! She’s here…”

Seeing Margaret turn and enter the Fragrant Celestial Pavilion’s main gate, Theodore’s expression finally softened.

He sat by the table and waited.

Downstairs, Margaret followed a servant up to the second floor. “Who wants to see me?” she asked as they walked.

“You’ll know when you see him, Miss.”

The servant’s manner was exceedingly respectful. “That display with the needles–I was watching from upstairs. Astonishing. My master couldn’t look away, and neither could I. That’s why I rushed down to intercept you. I hope I didn’t overstep.”

He bowed slightly, showing Margaret every courtesy.

Margaret shrugged. “No harm done. I had nowhere to be anyway.”

The servant’s eyebrows rose. “You’re much more… approachable than the rumors suggest.

1/4

8:33 pm

Chapter 10 Who Was Your Teacher?

Finished

Margaret smiled, “What do the rumors say about me?”

The servant’s smile froze awkwardly.

Margaret added, “Relax. Just curious.”

Relax. This woman was telling him to relax–after he’d stopped her in the street and dragged her to meet a stranger?

No wonder his master had specifically requested her.

They soon reached a private room. The servant gently pushed open the door. “After you, miss.

“Don’t be nervous. This is the busiest restaurant in the capital, and my master is a respectable man. I explained all that on the way. The door stays open. I’ll be right here. There are servants inside as well.”

“I know. I saw them.”

Margaret stepped directly into the room.

Inside, a man in his fifties or sixties sat quietly at a table, two maids standing in attendance behind him. When Margaret entered, they silently withdrew to the side.

Margaret sat down unceremoniously across from the older man. “Your servant said you run a medical clinic and want to cooperate with me?”

The old man blinked at her directness, then smiled warmly, “Indeed. I’m Darren Kingston. I manage several clinics. Today, I had the privilege of watching you treat that child. Your acupuncture technique was extraordinary. I was deeply impressed. Hence the… impromptu invitation.”

Margaret replied flatly, “Your servant has excellent manners. Stopping me was abrupt, but he handled it well. And the ‘partnership‘ angle piqued my interest.”

She paused. “I’m direct, so I’ll be blunt. What kind of partnership did you have in mind?”

Darren’s lips twitched slightly. Her reaction is so calm–does she not know who I am?

He recovered quickly. “No need to rush. I rarely have time for conversation these days. It’s pleasant to simply… talk.”

Margaret raised an eyebrow. Talk? About what?

Soon enough, the man before her answered her unspoken question. “If I recall correctly, you have an elder brother…”

“You know me?”

Margaret’s expression flickered, but she quickly recovered. Her identity had been exposed to everyone on the street earlier. His knowing her was only natural…

Darren simply smiled, “I know your brother fairly well. He’s always been interested in the Life Preserve Pavilion. In fact, the physician serving your household was personally selected by him–from our ranks.”

8:33 pm

Chapter 10 Who Was Your Teacher?

0

Finished

Hearing this, Margaret finally understood. “Life Preserve Pavilion? That Mr. Lynn earlier–he’s one of yours?”

Darren nodded slightly. “Yes. You didn’t know of the Life Preserve Pavilion?”

Margaret’s lips twitched. Should I?

Wait–in the original Margaret’s memories, there was indeed some recollection…

She nodded carefully. “I know a little.”

“Then you know we only employ the finest physicians. Your technique, however–it’s unlike anything I’ve seen. Clean. Precise. Efficient. You’ve clearly treated many patients.” He leaned forward. “Would you consider joining us?”

Darren’s voice was filled with respect; his admiration was genuine.

Margaret sighed helplessly, “I’m sorry, but I have no interest in joining any organization.”

Darren’s eyes flickered with surprise. He hadn’t expected her to refuse.

Did she understand what the Life Preserve Pavilion was?

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify