Chapter 23

Chapter 23

[I’ll take the money] Watching Su Liang and Ning Jing board Xing Yusheng’s carriage, Huang Jin’s expression darkened, “Wanwan has developed hysteria, invite a doctor to our house to treat her!” Onlookers hadn’t dispersed yet, and with those words, Huang Wanwan’s reputation was thoroughly ruined. But she had deceived Crown Prince Bei Jingwang and the old lady first, and then publically slandered others later. If she wasn’t “crazy,” the consequences would be unbearable for Huang Jin. … The carriage moved, Xing Yusheng covered his mouth with a handkerchief, coughing repeatedly. Bright red blood spread on the snow-white handkerchief, and he leaned against the carriage wall, barely managing to sit up. “Master, are you alright?” asked a follower outside. “I’m fine.” Xing Yusheng wiped the blood from his lips, looking at Su Liang and Ning Jing who were sitting across from him. “You two aren’t locals, are you?” Su Liang spoke but didn’t answer his question, “Thank you for today’s events.” At the tea house, when they were about to leave, Su Liang noticed the man coming out from the neighboring room, who was one of Xing Yusheng’s followers. Even if Xing Yusheng hadn’t appeared, Su Liang would have dealt with Huang’s father and daughter. But because he stepped in, the matter was resolved more quickly and they didn’t have to worry about Huang Jin harming them anymore. Xing Yusheng shook his head slightly, “No need to thank me. This matter is related to me.” After speaking, his spirit seemed to drain away, and he closed his eyes to rest. Those that Ning Jing saw with “darkened glabella” were either dying or murderous. Xing Yusheng was obviously not going to live much longer. As to whether she should treat him, Su Liang planned to decide after arriving at Qiuming Manor. … When the carriage returned to Feiyan Town, Su Liang lifted the carriage curtain, and not far away was Bao’an Hall. Approaching noon, a long queue still stretched outside. “Sister! Sister!” Zhuzi, led by Liu, walked out of the Medical Hall. Seeing Su Liang in the carriage, his eyes lit up, and he let go of Liu’s hand to run toward her. Xing Yusheng opened his eyes, and with the swaying of the carriage curtain, Su Liang’s figure disappeared. Meanwhile, Ning Jing was holding a box of desserts, eating osmanthus cake elegantly… “Stop the carriage,” Xing Yusheng commanded. As the carriage halted, he immediately spotted Su Liang in the crowd, holding a child in her arms, and smiling tenderly as she spoke softly. The child looked up at her, full of reliance. … “This is the prescription given by famous doctor Feng from the capital city for Zhuzi,” Bai Peng held a piece of paper with a delighted expression. “Can I have a look?” Su Liang asked. Bai Peng hurriedly handed it over, “I almost forgot, your grandfather was also a famous doctor in the capital city; you can read and understand medicine!” After examining the prescription, Su Liang felt that the medication would be too strong for Zhuzi, and a few of the ingredients were expensive. Consuming them long-term would be unaffordable for the Bai Family. Thus, Su Liang’s opinion of Doctor Feng’s medical skills and ethics was somewhat diminished. “If Uncle Bai and Aunt trust me, I will prepare the medicine for Zhuzi to take back.” After reading the prescription, Su Liang felt more confident about treating Zhuzi. Bai Peng misunderstood and quickly waved his hand, “Of course, we trust you, but we can’t let you pay for it!” Su Liang smiled, “I’m not paying, just helping to prepare the medication, after all, I know a little about it. You can pay me back later.” “That’s great!” Liu looked grateful, “We really don’t know anything at all, and we wouldn’t be able to tell if the medicine was incorrect!” Su Liang put away the prescription, “You can go ahead, Ning Jing and I have other matters to attend to.” … The carriage stopped, Su Liang got out, and before her eyes were verdant ancient cypress trees. The servants in Qiuming Manor were well-trained, walking both lightly and quickly. When they arrived at Chuihua Gate, a tall and thin nanny greeted them with a curtsy and led Su Liang and Ning Jing to meet the old lady. Meanwhile, Xing Yusheng was pushed by his follower in another direction. “Master, that girl looks like a martial artist,” a follower mentioned Su Liang jumping off the moving carriage and landing steadily. Xing Yusheng frowned, “Has Qi Jun come back with their information?” A burly guard quickly approached, “Master, we’ve found out!” … After passing several gates, they entered a quiet courtyard. In the courtyard was an ancient ginkgo tree, its golden leaves quite a sight. As the wind blew, yellow leaves drifted down like dancing golden butterflies. “Old Madam, the guests have arrived.” A maidservant standing at the door lifted the curtain. Upon entering,sSu Liang saw an amiable elderly lady in elegant attire being supported as she came forward, “I took the liberty of inviting you two here because I wanted to meet the truly skillful people.” “Old Madam is too kind,” Su Liang felt it couldn’t be that simple. A maidservant brought warm water for Su Liang and Ning Jing to wash their hands, and then the meal was served. The meal was both rich and exquisite; Old Madam Xing specially introduced two nourishing medicinal dishes. Now Su Liang understood; the “elder of the owner’s friend” mentioned by the Feiyan restaurant’s manager referred to the Old Madam in front of her. After lunch, they had tea and snacks. While the two drank tea, Old Madam Xing, who excused herself to change clothes, saw Xing Yusheng. “That girl is the granddaughter of Su Yuanzhou?” Old Madam Xing was startled. “Grandmother, do you know Su Yuanzhou?” Xing Yusheng inquired. Old Madam Xing shook her head, “I’ve only heard about him. He was very skilled in medicine, but he followed the wrong master and implicated his family. I didn’t expect him to have a granddaughter still in this world.” “That young man is the seventh legitimate son of Ning Family, a tea merchant from Xunyang. He made a mistake last year and was expelled from home, yet he managed to hide here,” Xing Yusheng sighed lightly. Old Madam Xing grasped Xing Yusheng’s hand, “Huang Wanwan…” Xing Yusheng’s expression darkened slightly, “Grandmother, you happened to see Huang Wanwan’s embroidered handkerchief and got reminded of your late niece. Huang Wanwan deceived you with her sweet words, and I only accepted her gift to make you happy, not because I truly liked her.” Old Madam Xing’s eyes reddened, “Yuyu, you love this quiet place and don’t want to go home. I just couldn’t bear to see you so lonely and wanted to find you a companion… Today I met Su Miss. Both her appearance and temperament are extraordinary, and she’s quite likable. Unfortunately, we just missed our chance.” Xing Yusheng shook his head, his eyes dim, “Grandmother, I don’t have much time left to live, why harm others?” … Seeing Madam Xing and Xing Yusheng together, Su Liang guessed that the grandmother and grandson had already discovered their identities. Madam Xing requested to see the Plum Blossom Screen. As soon as Su Liang presented it, Madam Xing held it in her arms while weeping profusely. Xing Yusheng explained that Madam Xing once had a dearly loved granddaughter, who was also his fiancée, but she had passed away due to illness. That cousin of his was an expert in embroidery, and her works were strikingly similar to Su Liang’s. That was also the direct reason why Huang Wanwan could get close to Madam Xing. Before the young lady passed away, she mentioned that she wanted to embroider a Plum Blossom Screen as a birthday gift for Madam Xing. Regrettably, the plum blossoms did not come into full bloom, and the elder sent off the younger instead. “I don’t know if you’d be willing to part with this item? If five thousand taels are not enough, I can add more.” Xing Yusheng proposed to buy the Plum Blossom Screen. After hesitating for a moment, Su Liang still refused, “The deceased has passed away. Having that object in front of Madam Xing would only add to her grief.” Xing Yusheng’s expression paused for a moment, and he looked deeply at Su Liang, “I was short-sighted.” A nanny brought over a steaming bowl of Decoction Medicine, “Young Master, it’s time to take your medicine.” “Leave it for now.” Xing Yusheng furrowed his brow. The nanny urged, “It will not be good if the medicine gets cold.” Su Liang did not forget the purpose of her visit, “I’ve learned some medical skills from my grandfather. May I take a look at Crown Prince Xing’s medicine?” It was as if the nanny hadn’t heard, urging, “Young Master, quickly drink the medicine while it’s still hot so that Madam Xing doesn’t have to worry.” Xing Yusheng’s expression was displeased, “Bring it to Ning Madame.” The nanny came over with a stern face, carrying the medicine. Su Liang sniffed it and then requested to see the prescription. “Go fetch it.” Xing Yusheng ordered. “I’ll take the pulse for the Crown Prince Xing.” Su Liang thought that since she had come already, and as Ning Jing had noticed the “dark mark on the forehead,” it seemed he was a person who should be saved. After a brief interaction, neither the grandmother nor the grandson was detestable, so she went straight to the point. Xing Yusheng was not surprised outwardly, but he was confused inwardly. Su Liang had been cold towards him all the way but suddenly started caring about his condition out of nowhere. After checking the pulse, Su Liang got the prescription that the famous doctor from the capital city, Old Master Feng, had given Xing Yusheng. She also got the prescriptions he had been using for a long time before. Xing Yusheng started coughing again, and the nanny hurriedly brought the medicine to let him drink. Just as the medicine was about to enter his mouth, Su Liang’s eyes became sharp, “Wait!” … The autumn wind was desolate, and the ginkgo leaves in the courtyard fell one after another. Madam Xing wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. Xing Yusheng instructed his confidant to immediately call Old Master Feng back and gather all the servants in the villa for supervision. He also brought all the unused medicinal materials to Su Liang. “The prescription is not wrong. But this bowl of medicine contains something that wasn’t in the prescription.” Su Liang smelled it first, then tasted a little, still unsure. Madam Xing’s expression became incredibly solemn, “Is it poisoned?” “It’s not poison, but for Crown Prince Xing’s body, it would have a similar effect to arsenic in the long run.” Su Liang sighed slightly. She picked out a few key ingredients, all very expensive and of high quality, but they had been tampered with. Xing Yusheng was already ill, and if he drank this medicine any further, he would not live for more than a few days. The medicine itself was not poisonous. If Xing Yusheng died, it would only be considered a natural death. By then, if the problematic medicinal materials were destroyed, no traces would be left. This kind of method required the guidance of an experienced expert. That famous doctor surnamed Feng, who had come specifically for Xing Yusheng, should not only prescribe medicine but also care about the medicinal materials used. Su Liang suspected that he might also be involved. Madam Xing quivered with anger, “No wonder…Yu’er has been getting worse despite using the best medicine!” Xing Yusheng’s face was ashen, and he most likely already had a suspect in mind. “Good girl, you must have inherited your ancestor’s true teachings. Is there still hope for my Yu’er?” Madam Xing clutched Su Liang’s hand tightly, tears shimmering in her eyes, full of pleading. “I can prescribe a treatment for the Crown Prince Xing. If supplemented with acupuncture, it might save his life.” Su Liang said. Xing Yusheng had someone bring the four treasures of the study. The silent Ning Jing suddenly spoke, “I’ll write down what you say.” “Alright.” Su Liang didn’t think much of it, and she was also afraid she might write some words incorrectly. After the prescription was written, it was handed over to Xing Yusheng. Qi Jun, the attendant, had fetched Old Master Feng from Bao’an Hall and brought him back along with the servants. He also provided Su Liang with the silver needles used by him. After Su Liang administered the acupuncture treatment to Xing Yusheng, he felt some relief in his chest. “Please stay at the villa and feel free to ask for anything you need.” Madam Xing pleaded for Su Liang to stay. Su Liang politely declined, “There are still matters at home, and I will come back tomorrow. I suppose you two also need to deal with family affairs.” Madam Xing gave a bitter smile, “It’s a pity that I’ve lived to such an age yet failed to see people clearly. If you hadn’t come, my Yu’er might have been killed by those with evil intentions!” … Qi Jun drove Su Liang and Ning Jing back home, while Su Liang first prepared several treatments for Zhuzi. At the door of their home, Qi Jun left with the carriage, indicating that he would come to pick Su Liang up and take her to Qiuming Manor the following day. Ning Jing unlocked the door. As they entered, Su Liang asked him, “Do you know about the affairs of Bei Jingwang Mansion?” “The current Princess Bei Jingwang is not Xing Yusheng’s biological mother.” Ning Jing revealed everything with a single statement. Su Liang sighed, “So-called nobles are terrible.” Ning Jing’s expression was flat, “Remember to maintain a distance from Xing Yusheng.” Su Liang snorted lightly, “It was you who asked me to save him.” Ning Jing nodded, “I will charge him for your medical treatment.”