Chapter 99: Do You Know Your Crime? (One Update, Please Vote)

“Doctor Luo, what are you doing? Get up quickly! How can Bo’an bear such a grand gesture?” Li Yi urged as he hurried over to support Luo Jihai.

Li Yi couldn’t understand why Luo Jihai suddenly paid him such a profound respect, and that too in front of all the imperial physicians present.

Yet, when Li Yi reached out to help, Luo Jihai abruptly pushed his hand away.

“Bo’an Li, this respect you should accept!” His eyes unwavering, Luo Jihai shook his head firmly, stubbornly bowing without rising. He spoke each word with deliberate weight, “If you refuse to forgive me, I will not get up today!”

“...”

Luo Jihai’s sudden rogue declaration left Li Yi momentarily speechless.

The other imperial physicians in the hall were equally dumbfounded.

Was this unruly rogue really the same Doctor Luo they once knew?

At this moment, he resembled nothing less than a street thug!

“Ahem...” One elder physician cleared his throat nervously, his face twitching as he said, “Doctor Luo, what’s the meaning of this? If there’s something, let’s talk it through calmly.”

“Yes, Doctor Luo, please stand up first. Whatever it is, we can discuss it properly...” the others chimed in.

But Luo Jihai’s gaze shifted, casting them a sharp look as he retorted irritably, “You don’t understand. I know best how to handle my own affairs.”

The elder physicians were left utterly stifled, fists clenched and sleeves flared, itching to give Luo Jihai a good scolding to vent their frustration.

That old rascal was infuriating beyond words!

Truly ungrateful!

Li Yi was equally stunned.

Seeing Luo Jihai so resolute, Li Yi half-smiled, half-chuckled, and said, “Doctor Luo, Bo’an forgives you. Now please get up. We have much to discuss.”

“Really? Bo’an Li, you truly don’t hold a grudge?” Luo Jihai’s eyes suddenly brightened, fixed intently on Li Yi.

“...Of course!” Li Yi nodded without hesitation and quickly helped Luo Jihai to his feet.

Only then did Luo Jihai rise slowly.

Gazing at Li Yi before him, he hesitated briefly before speaking with heartfelt remorse, “Bo’an Li, at the Du residence before, I did misunderstand you deeply and spoke harshly. Shall we just put it all behind us?”

Li Yi was taken aback, never expecting that Luo Jihai’s apology stemmed from that old grievance.

But how long had it been since then?

Besides, Li Yi had only been focused on curing Minister Du, paying little heed to Luo Jihai.

Still, since Luo Jihai had taken the first step to apologize, Li Yi naturally had to show him some face.

“Doctor Luo,” Li Yi said earnestly, “As physicians, we must always consider the patient’s well-being.”

“Moreover, given those circumstances, not only you but even I would have found it hard to trust anyone to heal Minister Du.”

“This misunderstanding is not your fault, but rather my own breach of etiquette that caused the confusion. Please do not take offense.”

Li Yi bowed slightly, his words free of blame and tinged instead with self-reflection.

Luo Jihai was momentarily struck by this.

He had not expected such magnanimity from Li Yi.

He reflected carefully—while Li Yi’s words were true, he himself had erred.

But now that all was out in the open, his guilt eased considerably.

“In that case, Bo’an Li, let’s call it even and move forward!” Luo Jihai smiled, a rare warmth breaking over his face. “If you ever need help, just ask. As long as it’s within my ability, I will never refuse.”

“Then Bo’an... I thank you in advance, Doctor Luo,” Li Yi smiled and nodded.

The imperial physicians in the hall finally understood why Luo Jihai had apologized to Li Yi.

Seeing their misunderstanding resolved, the atmosphere in the hall instantly returned to harmony.

Yet just then, a graceful female figure appeared outside the hall.

“Bo’an Li, do you know your crime?!”

A cold, icy voice suddenly cut through the laughter, silencing everyone as all turned to the speaker.

Li Yi was startled and recognized the visitor as none other than Lin Lang.

“Lin Lang?” Li Yi asked in surprise, “What brings you here?”

“...”

Lin Lang, who had intended to scold Li Yi to vent her anger, suddenly found her words caught in her throat by Li Yi’s interruption.

“Shameless and brazen!” she cursed silently.

She glared at Li Yi, eyes flashing with fury as she said, “Bo’an Li, the princess commanded you to see her, yet you come here to the imperial medical office instead. Are you aware of your offense?”

“...” Li Yi was speechless for a moment, then caught the mischievous smirk on Lin Lang’s face and suddenly understood.

Damn it!

His visit to the imperial physicians had been a trap set by Lin Lang!

That girl dared to take personal revenge under the guise of official business!

Yet Li Yi was not in the least intimidated by her reprimand. Instead, he smiled wryly, eyes gleaming playfully at her.

“Lin Lang, that accusation is on you,” he said, shrugging fearlessly. “Was it not you who sent me here? If anyone’s to blame, I think... it’s you, far more than me.”

“You... you’re talking nonsense!” Lin Lang blushed angrily, her small fists clenched.

She had hoped to assert authority in the princess’s name and vent her frustration on Li Yi, but instead he stood unafraid and even shifted the blame onto her.

Flustered and speechless, she knew she could not argue with him and chose silence.

Glowering, she snorted coldly and said, “Bo’an Li, come with me to the princess’s residence; she wishes to see you!”

With that, Lin Lang turned on her heel, her face dark and stern, a stark contrast to the bright smile she’d worn upon arrival.

“...” Li Yi was left dumbfounded. After bidding farewell to Luo Jihai and the others with a respectful bow, he turned and followed her.

Along the way, no matter what Li Yi asked, Lin Lang only replied with “I don’t know,” deliberately quickening her pace to keep some distance between them.

Li Yi could only laugh helplessly as they finally arrived at the princess’s residence.

(End of chapter)