Chen Dalao spoke, his eyes reddening.
He was also over fifty, his eldest son was in his thirties, and his oldest grandchild was over ten years old, yet he couldn’t forget the days when he had followed by his father’s side since childhood.
His father was strict, but he was also affectionate towards him.
Furthermore, his father took him by the hand to teach him how to grow up, and that affection was naturally different.
Especially in these days, his father had called him to his side and carefully instructed him, even going so far as to divide the family assets. His younger brothers who were also present knew about this too.
"Princess Yijia, please speak!"
Yun Jinnian took a deep breath, "Elder Chen’s days are numbered, and even with aggressive treatment, he will not last more than three months!"
As soon as Yun Jinnian finished speaking, cries were heard in the hall.
No matter how one looked at it, Elder Chen was a very successful elder.
Chen Danyan was even more devastated.
"We must trouble Princess Yijia with everything!" Chen Dalao said, then stood up and bowed to Yun Jinnian in respect.
Following this, other senior members of the Chen Family and those from the younger generations, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, did the same.
Even Feng Wushuang stood up and solemnly bowed to Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian returned the bow, feeling a sense of awe at the genuine scholarly family before her.
Chen Dalao asked Chen Danyan to take Yun Jinnian to the pharmacy to prepare the medicine, while the others remained in the hall.
"From this moment on, no one in the residence is allowed to wear bright red or green or cause any disturbances; everyone must begin preparations!" Chen Dalao said, then turned to Feng Wushuang, "Wushuang, the letters to your senior fellow disciples will be written by you!"
"Yes, Senior Brother!"
Feng Wushuang knew that this was a sign of great trust to have him write these letters.
"There’s no need to mention that father doesn’t have much time left, just say his health isn’t great and ask everyone to come back to see him one last time."
Yun Jinnian followed Chen Danyan to the pharmacy, where Chen Danyan finally burst into tears.
Standing by her side, Yun Jinnian did not know how to comfort her.
So she simply stood by quietly.
It wasn’t until Chen Danyan’s eyes had swollen severely, and she looked at Yun Jinnian through squinted eyes, "Jinnian, I..."
"It’s alright, do you feel any better?"
This was just to comfort Yun Jinnian, though.
Yun Jinnian didn’t expose the charade and moved aside to prepare the prescription.
Elder Chen had reached such a state that not even Thousand-Year Ginseng, Tian Mountain Snow Lotus, Lingzhi, or miraculous elixirs could help; his life was nearing its end, and if medicine was used rashly, it would only hasten Elder Chen’s death.
This was also why she had Snow Lotus Pills but dared not use them.
In preparing the prescription, Yun Jinnian had to think it over carefully and certainly couldn’t prescribe just any medicine rashly.
She planned to go back and consult with her maternal grandfather before deciding how to prepare the medicine, which would then be combined with the Snow Lotus Pills for Elder Chen to take.
After leaving the pharmacy, the young ladies of the Chen Family were all waiting at the door; Yun Jinnian gave them their meeting gifts—a single Eastern Pearl for each, all tucked into their purses. The ladies returned the favor with books, paintings, and the like, befitting the thoughts of young ladies from a scholarly family.
The married women each gave jade bracelets, lustrous and round in quality, clearly made from jade that had been aged for many years, and quite valuable.
After eating lunch and sitting for a while, Yun Jinnian rose to take her leave. On her return, it was Chen Danyan’s elder brother, Chen Kang, who escorted her back to the Han Residence on horseback. The second carriage was filled with medicinal herbs for Yun Jinnian, all selected for their value without knowing what prescription she would need.
The rest would be decided later.
After Chen Kang had delivered Yun Jinnian back to the Han Residence, Han Tianci came forward to welcome them. After only sharing a cup of tea, Chen Kang took his leave.
Once the visitor had left, Han Tianci asked Yun Jinnian, "Sister, is Elder Chen’s illness very serious?"