Since Xu Zifan first demonstrated his skills, the resident doctors started discussing medical topics with him. In their spare time, they would invite him to discuss any ailments they encountered. Occasionally, apprentices would ask him questions, and he would patiently explain and help as much as he could. Everyone's goodwill towards him continued to grow, and naturally, they wouldn't object to him treating patients.
As a result, Xu Zifan took on more and more patients. After solving a difficult case for an emergency patient, he was appointed as the fourth resident doctor at the clinic. Like the other doctors, he became a reliable and trustworthy doctor and gradually gained fame.
"Dr. Xu, how old are you? Are you married?" The old woman, who was having her pulse taken by Xu Zifan, looked at him curiously and asked.
A young woman standing nearby chuckled and chimed in, "Dr. Xu is so young and already so skilled, he must be married with children by now." As she said this, her eyes were fixed on Xu Zifan, waiting to see if he would admit it or deny it.
Another girl dressed as a maid said, "I've come several times but never seen Doctor Xu's family. He must be unmarried."
This wasn't the first time Xu Zifan had been asked about his marriage. Ever since he gained some fame, patients, especially older women, had frequently inquired about his marital status, particularly eager to introduce him to potential wives. Xu Zifan smiled gently, first explaining his symptoms to the older woman and prescribing a prescription before replying, "I'm not married yet, but my mother has already made plans."
"Oh, I see..." The old woman immediately showed a look of regret. "I know several nice girls, and I was thinking of setting you up with one, but it seems we're not meant to be."
Xu Zifan smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, ma'am. Please come with me to get the medicine and settle the bill."
Xu Zifan got up and led the elderly woman to get her medicine, taking the opportunity to escape the gazes of several young wives and girls. He was good-looking and maintained a regular exercise routine, so he dressed reasonably well at the clinic. His gentle and polite demeanor made him very attractive to women. Most of the patients seeking Xu Zifan's treatment were women; some even pretended to be sick to get him to treat them. Doctor Tong had teased him more than once about how he was making the clinic more money, but he really didn't want this kind of romantic attention—his "family" was watching!
After seeing several patients, Xu Zifan walked over to Zheng Chuan, who was sitting upright, and said, "Are you tired from sitting for so long?"
Zheng Chuan shook his head. "I'm not tired. I can see a lot."
Xu Zifan chuckled and sat down next to her, whispering, "What are you looking at? You haven't finished reading after all these days? I'm not the kind of person who flirts with other women, don't you believe me?"
"Master said, if you can trust a man, pigs can fly." Zheng Chuan pursed his lips, looked at Xu Zifan somewhat embarrassedly, and lowered his voice to say, "I believe you, but I think I should also listen to Master's words. It's always good to observe more. Have I disturbed you? If I have, I can go to the teahouse across the street."
"No, it's fine here." Xu Zifan smiled helplessly. Actually, he didn't care much. After all, Zheng Chuan was just sitting in a corner when she came to see him, so it wouldn't bother anyone else. He just felt that this kind of observation was unnecessary, but wasn't that part of Zheng Chuan's charm? Inquiring about his sweetheart's love life... Hmm, it seems like what her master taught her wasn't entirely wrong.
Xu Zifan sat with Zheng Chuan for a while before going back to work. When the clinic closed, he invited Zheng Chuan to his home for dinner. Over the past six months, he had been demonstrating his medical skills, studying for the imperial examinations, and growing very close to Zheng Chuan. In Zheng Chuan's words, she wanted to learn more about Xu Zifan and his family before getting married. Marriage was not a game; she had never associated with anyone before and knew nothing about anyone, so she needed to understand them thoroughly before making a decision.
This was exactly what Xu Zifan wanted to hear. Free love was practically impossible in ancient times, but he never expected to meet such an extraordinary person as Zheng Chuan. Zheng Chuan, disguised as a man, acted as his friend, frequently visiting him. Her personality was more like a modern woman's, and their interactions allowed them to see if they were compatible. Zheng Chuan could also get along with his parents; understanding one's future in-laws beforehand was crucial.
Six months passed, and Zheng Chuan frequently ate at the Xu family's house. Xu Zifan would occasionally go into the mountains with Zheng Chuan, and their feelings for each other grew stronger day by day. They chatted and laughed in private, never getting bored. These past few days, Zheng Chuan heard Xiao Lian jokingly say that Xu Zifan had attracted many women, which suddenly gave him the idea to go to the clinic to see just how many women Xu Zifan had attracted and how he interacted with his female patients.
After observing for a few days, Zheng Chuan said boredly, "The patients, regardless of age or gender, seem to be no different. At most, the women will talk to you a few more times. I won't go next time."
Xu Zifan nodded. "I can't go now. I won't be going in a few days either. We need to prepare for the imperial examination." He smiled at Zheng Chuan and said, "Find an opportunity for you to leave, and then let your'sister' appear. I've already taken care of the household registration. This way, no one will know, and it's the most suitable."
Zheng Chuan thought about it seriously for a moment, then frowned and said, "Is there a problem with Su Qianyun? She's been keeping an eye on me for a while now."
"Why would she think of these things? It's okay."