Qiu returned the next day with two physicians and a new version of the challenge protocol. Both doctors had been chosen by the Registry. Qinghe asked their specialties and recent work before she accepted them as witnesses.
“Physician Luo treats meridian damage at the city hospital,” Qiu said. “Physician Ren studies prohibited arts for the arena.”
“Have either of you treated Yan?” Qinghe asked.
“No,” Luo replied. “We’ve never examined him.”
“Will you publish your measurements after the test?”
“We agreed to announce them and sign the record,” Ren said. “Whether the Registry accepts the result is another matter.”
Qinghe appreciated the direct answer. She was still cautious. The court had chosen both doctors, and it controlled their appointment. But they could examine real injuries and show how they reached their conclusions.
Wei proposed adding one physician selected by White Orchard. Qiu objected that a local doctor might favor Yan. Ning asked for a compromise: Qinghe could choose a physician from outside the refuge, and the Registry could keep its two.
