Yun Jinnian nodded towards her and let Ruan Wanrong lead him into the courtyard. Observing the scenery of the courtyard, Yun Jinnian felt little.
Upon entering the living hall, he saw the old lady of the Duan Family sitting on the Arhat bed. Her complexion was somewhat pale, and she looked remarkably thin, her hair also turned white.
"Grandmother!" Ruan Wanrong called softly.
The old lady of the Duan Family nodded slightly.
Ruan Wanrong stepped forward to help the old lady sit up straight, then stood by her side.
Yun Jinnian bowed slightly, "I’ve seen the old madam!"
"You’re back, huh?" asked the old lady of the Duan Family, smiling.
She didn’t recognize Yun Jinnian, but having been informed of Yun Jinnian’s arrival, she had told the servants to help her bathe and change clothes, and waited here for him.
Having been through death and back to life, she actually wanted to live a long life now.
"Yes, I arrived at the Capital City yesterday. Is the old madam’s health alright?" Yun Jinnian asked.
"Good, good, come sit by my side and have some tea!"
Yun Jinnian nodded, took a seat on the Arhat bed, right across a tea table from the old lady of the Duan Family. A maid served tea, and Yun Jinnian gently sipped from his cup.
The ladies of the various households also took their seats, sipping tea and looking for an opportunity to get close to Yun Jinnian, but seeing him with an unsmiling face, they found it difficult to initiate conversation.
After tea, Yun Jinnian addressed the old lady, "Old madam, may I take your pulse for you?"
The old lady of the Duan Family couldn’t have been more eager.
Hemei immediately opened the medicine box, took out a wet towel to wipe Yun Jinnian’s hands, while Ruan Wanrong rolled up the old lady’s sleeve and placed her hand on a pillow prepared by Yun Jinnian for pulse-taking.
Only then did Yun Jinnian seriously take the old lady’s pulse.
Even though his maternal grandfather had come to the Duan Residence to administer acupuncture to the old lady, it hadn’t cured her ailment. This left her in a state where she couldn’t die but was still suffering.
"Sister Jinnian, how is it?" Ruan Wanrong asked.
"The old madam has been suffering from Chenke for many years, so it is unlikely to be cured overnight. I will prescribe medicine for now; let’s get the old madam to drink it and take good care of her. There is still hope for a full recovery!"
The most important thing was that the Duan Family had silver, so they could afford any rare medicinal ingredients needed.
This greatly increased the old lady’s chances of recovery.
"Really?" The old lady of the Duan Family asked eagerly.
Ruan Wanrong was also overjoyed.
If her grandmother stayed alive, her husband wouldn’t need to observe mourning, and even if he had to later, the court would already have made arrangements. After three years, he should be able to return to his position, or at least to a position not too low.
Yun Jinnian nodded and asked someone to prepare brush, ink, paper, and inkstone to write down the prescription, "Boil three bowls of water down to one. Three times a day, after meals!"
Ruan Wanrong took the prescription, carefully looked it over, then handed it to the butler on the side, "Go and prepare the medicine completely from the storeroom!"
Yun Jinnian then said, "Old madam, I haven’t seen Ruan sister for over a year. We should talk for a bit!"
The old lady of the Duan Family nodded, "Go, go!"
The ladies from the other households were immediately envious, but they couldn’t say much. They could only watch with longing as Yun Jinnian followed Ruan Wanrong out.
Within the Duan Residence adorned with intricately carved beams and painted rafters, small and elegant pavilions, it was now August 14th, and the weather was hot. Yet inside the Duan Residence, there was not a trace of heat to be felt. Tall trees blocked much of the sun, and the birds chirped incessantly from the branches.
"Sister Ruan’s home is really nice!"
"If you like it, come and play more often. Your brother-in-law and I always welcome you!"
Yun Jinnian smiled and didn’t say much.
Arriving at the courtyard of Ruan Wanrong and Duan Qimeng, Duan Qimeng was waiting at the entrance for the two of them.
"Are you going out?" Ruan Wanrong asked.
Duan Qimeng nodded, "Need to step out for a bit. You sisters have a good chat!"