The Qi family's carriage glided through Chessboard Street in the twilight, the wheels clattering over the bluestone road.
The Hospital Director sat inside the carriage, tilting his body to lift a corner of the curtain and look outside. Pedestrians on the street were becoming scarce, and shops were starting to close.
The Dean softly spoke beside him, "Sir?"
The Hospital Director let the curtain fall back and turned to look at him.
The Dean lowered his voice, "The Qi family hasn't let any Imperial Physicians visit in the past few days. So why, having awakened today, would they invite us to the Qi family? There's something..."
The Hospital Director glanced at him, speaking with deep meaning, "One mustn't be muddle-headed; sometimes it's wise to play the fool. Whatever illness Mr. Qi has, we'll see soon enough."
The carriage turned into Fuyou Street, slowing its pace. Fuyou Street was tranquil, with high gray walls on both sides, from which withered wisteria branches reached out.
