Chapter 15: Don't Call Me Doggie

"Bo'an, this time, I must thank you for saving my life."

Lying on the sickbed, Du Ruhui understood well that it was Li Yi who had rescued him. Gratefully, he gazed at Li Yi, shaking his head with a bitter smile. "I never thought I could be mistaken in judgment. You, young man... truly possess such remarkable skills!"

"Uncle Du, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise," Li Yi replied humbly, cupping his hands with a modest smile. He made no attempt to claim credit, instead repeatedly commending, "In truth, it is your own great fortune and longevity, Uncle Du. I merely did what little I could, a trivial matter not worth mentioning."

Li Yi grinned, his demeanor modest and unassuming. Yet, in his heart, he could not deny a sense of pride—after all, he had saved Du Ruhui!

Prime Minister Du Ruhui was a renowned figure in the era of Zhenguan. Even in later generations, his name was recognized far and wide, known to all. How could Li Yi not be pleased or proud? He simply refrained from showing it.

Noticing that, despite his inner delight, Li Yi remained composed and unpretentious, Li Jing felt quite satisfied.

Du Ruhui, seeing Li Yi's humility and manners, nodded with approval, his admiration for Li Yi evident. Turning to Li Jing, he said, "Pharmacist, if Bo'an were to enter official service, he would surely become a pillar of our Great Tang in days to come!"

Du Ruhui, smiling broadly from his sickbed, fixed his gaze on Li Jing.

At once, Li Yi scratched his head and laughed foolishly, his joy unmistakable.

In contrast, Li Jing frowned, glancing at Li Yi before turning back to Du Ruhui, sighing, "This rascal's unruly nature is unchanged—he still needs much discipline. Right now, I cannot permit him to serve as an official!"

Upon hearing this, Du Ruhui's face showed a hint of surprise, but he quickly understood Li Jing's intentions.

Du Ruhui glanced at Li Yi thoughtfully and nodded.

But Li Yi's heart sank in an instant.

He had been secretly delighted, thinking that after his recent display and the recognition from Li Shimin, as well as Du Ruhui's recommendation, Li Jing would see him in a new light and arrange a post for him.

Yet Li Jing flatly refused, extinguishing that hope.

To come to the Great Tang and not become an official, to fail to achieve something extraordinary—what difference was there from a salted fish?

Moreover, even salted fish have dreams!

Hearing the implication in Li Jing's words, it seemed he was to remain a dreamless salted fish.

Li Yi could not understand Li Jing's thinking, and stood quietly by, saying nothing.

Yet at that moment, Li Jing cast a covert glance at Li Yi, taking in all his disappointment. Shaking his head with a wry smile, he suddenly said with gravity, "Sanlang, you may withdraw for now. I have matters to discuss with your Uncle Du."

This time, Du Ruhui did not intervene or speak on Li Yi's behalf, instead becoming a mere observer.

Naturally, he took note of Li Yi's behavior.

"Uh..." Li Yi was rendered speechless, furrowing his brow slightly as he cupped his hands to the two elders and withdrew from the room.

Li Jing and Du Ruhui exchanged smiles, their thoughts unreadable.

Li Yi, stepping out, happened to encounter a group of Du family members approaching.

Before Lady Du or Du Chuke could speak, Du Gou, the eldest son, rushed forward, slapping Li Yi's shoulder with unconcealed delight. "Third Brother, I never imagined you had such abilities—your secret's well kept!"

Du Gou, carefree as ever, winked at Li Yi, seemingly forgetting the patient inside was his own father.

"...Get lost," Li Yi rolled his eyes in annoyance, not bothering to respond.

At that moment, Du Chuke and Lady Du smiled warmly at Li Yi. Lady Du spoke first, "Bo'an, thank you for saving your Uncle Du's life."

She made no mention of previous matters, avoiding any awkwardness.

"Madam, you are too kind," Li Yi collected himself and bowed respectfully. "I was merely fortunate to be present; Uncle Du's own great destiny was the true cause."

Lady Du found Li Yi increasingly pleasing, smiling as she nodded. Secretly, she wondered if it was time to arrange for her daughter to marry Li Yi.

But it was only a thought, for such matters required discussion with Du Ruhui.

Besides, Li Yi had yet to marry at this age. Apart from Red Sleeves' fondness for him, there must be other reasons he was unwilling to wed early.

So Lady Du set the idea aside for now.

Du Chuke, for his part, did not offer polite thanks but instead asked with solemnity, "Bo'an, do you have any remedy to completely cure my elder brother's illness?"

Immediately, the entire Du family grew serious, watching Li Yi intently.

Du Gou, usually carefree, also lost his earlier levity.

"I do!" Li Yi nodded solemnly, suddenly remembering he had nearly forgotten the issue. Bowing, he said, "Madam, Second Uncle, please wait a moment. I shall write it down now."

"Good, thank you, Bo'an!" Lady Du and Du Chuke nodded, finally smiling with relief.

"Madam, Second Uncle, no need for formalities," Li Yi replied, smiling gently. Then he turned to Du Gou, waving, "Doggy, come, take me to your study!"

Du Gou's face twitched, and he raised his right fist, as if wanting to hit Li Yi.

But with so many people present—and knowing he couldn't best Li Yi—Du Gou merely glared at Li Yi in annoyance, clearly displeased with the nickname.

In the end, Du Gou could only pout and roll his eyes helplessly.

The two entered the study. Once alone, Du Gou, while grinding ink, glared angrily at Li Yi, nostrils flaring. "Third Brother, could you stop calling me 'Doggy' from now on?"

Li Yi chuckled, picking up the brush to write the prescription, and glanced at Du Gou thoughtfully. "Then what should I call you? Second Doggy? Hmm... that seems fitting too."

Du Gou was utterly speechless, his expression one of utter despair.

He simply snorted, stopped grinding ink, dropped the inkstone aside, and sat at the low table sipping tea, grumbling, "Then 'Doggy' is better, at least..."

Li Yi didn't hear Du Gou's muttering.

Fortunately, their relationship was always good, so Li Yi had no reason to worry about Du Gou bearing a grudge.

After all, Du Gou couldn't beat him—what was there to fear!

Soon, Li Yi finished transcribing the He family’s tuberculosis prescription from memory, set down the brush, and called out, "Doggy, let's go."

Du Gou pouted and snorted, but his actions were honest as he followed Li Yi out of the study.

This time, hearing no 'Second Doggy,' Du Gou's mood clearly improved.

Li Yi and Du Gou left the study and walked to the door of Du Ruhui's sickroom, where they saw a charming, adorable girl in green, blinking curiously at Li Yi.