Chapter 24: State the obvious

He also glanced at Gao Lan Mei, anticipating her next action. Feeling his gaze, she glanced back with a raised brow, "See, he is not dead yet." That tone also meant, 'I told you so.' for Xi Ma.

Xi Ma was forced to endure a scowl that was starting to form on his. 'Sure, he is not dead yet.'

The crows had already proven that there was something wrong with the remaining walnuts. Anyone who was not stupid would know that.

Xi Ma released a deep breath. Judging from the current situation, there's no need for the shopkeeper to try a walnut to prove that it's poisonous, but who would stop this young woman from doing what she pleased.

All of the mute beggar's current actions would depend on her every word.

The crows on the roof were a clear warning for whoever wanted to act. What if the rest that had already left decided to return?

If the master was not willing to show himself, Xi Ma was responsible for solving this.

He was also wondering what his master thoughts were at that moment since it's impossible to miss the high number of crows. Wei Jiayi was fond of this type of birds.

The shopkeeper was lying on the ground, eyes closed. His face showed his extreme agony from all the wounds on his whole body.

He intentionally did not move as he was not aware that the crows were now far from him. The plans that he had formulated to get out of the Medical Pavilion in a better condition was not going anywhere.

With his brows still wrinkled, while he silently endured the pain, an object was forced into his mouth.

He tried to throw it out but failed as there was something stopping him from opening his mouth. He felt like choking from it.

'Wait. Walnut! This is a walnut!' Shopkeeper Yu screamed inside his head.

As soon as realizing this, he desperately tried to pry open his mouth. His painful hands tried to remove the hand that was stopping him from doing so. There was still no avail despite all his efforts.

On a normal basis, the mute old beggar wouldn't be able to smoothly force the shopkeeper to do what he wanted, but since he was injured, the shopkeeper did not have enough strength to retaliate.

Based on the old mute beggar's judgment there was still enough time for the other physicians to check the shopkeeper's pulse to confirm the presence of poison.

After he moved away from the shopkeeper, Xi Ma waived his hand as an indication for the physicians of the Medical Pavilion to attend to Shopkeeper Yu immediately.

While doing so, Gao Lan Mei's actions were well observed by Xi Ma, that's why he did not miss the sharp glint in her eyes.

"He is poisoned Young Master Xi'' Confirmed one of the physicians that had checked the shopkeeper's pulse.

'State the obvious, shall we?' He wanted to sarcastically retort but refrained from doing so. Xi Ma snorted.

"Gather all remaining walnuts for further investigation." He stated instead with a tired expression.

"Everyone, please leave the Medical Pavilion, we will be closing for the day. I hope everyone understands." Facing the remaining audience, Xi Ma wanted them to leave immediately.

Since there was no need to watch, they left with no words.

"Xi Ma, do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything the Ming family can help." Ming Ya said. She decided to stay to offer support to Xi Ma.

The second daughter of the Ming family, desired to marry into the Wei Palace. She was one of the most beautiful women in Shizi Empire.

She's already passed her marriageable age but she insisted that she only wanted to marry Prince Wei who seldom went out of his palace.

With a deep sigh, "We appreciate that Miss Ming, but, we can take care of this ourselves. For anything else, we will let you know."