Qin Liuxi enjoyed a meal of crab and wine at Yu Changkong’s, feeling completely satisfied. Yu was generous and gave her two baskets to take home, stating that no one else would eat them.
Qin Liuxi accepted them and, as a return gift, she took a wallet from around her waist, pulling out a small glass bottle and handing it to Yu Changkong, saying, "These sugar beans can moisten the throat and lungs. I made them myself, please take them."
It was something Qi Huang had prepared for her before leaving, and surprisingly, it came in handy.
Yu Changkong did not refuse, holding the smooth little bottle: "Thank you very much."
Qin Liuxi said, "I’m leaving now. Remember to use the eye drops every three hours. See you tomorrow."
"I’ll see you out," Yu Changkong stepped forward and then remembered something, saying, "By the way, Haoran had urgent matters and returned to Ningzhou Prefecture last night. He asked me to tell you."
"Qi Qian, Prince Rui."
"Oh." Qin Liuxi was a bit puzzled, "Well, if he’s gone, why tell me?"
Yu Changkong said, "...It’s not good to leave without saying goodbye."
Qin Liuxi didn’t mind, as her relationship with Qi Qian was merely that of a customer; even if he left without saying goodbye, she had no reason to blame him.
"It’s inconvenient for you with your eyes, let me just send you this far. The day you can truly take that bandage off, seeing me out will be enough." Qin Liuxi said with a smile.
Yu Changkong’s fingers curled slightly as he looked in her direction, "Alright."
Regardless of whether he could see her or not, Qin Liuxi waved her hand and left.
"Master, you should try these sugar beans, they look multicolored." Sifang stared at the glass bottle in Yu Changkong’s hands.
After hesitating, Yu Changkong fumbled to open the bottle, a sweet, fruity fragrance mixed with a hint of mint, very pleasant to smell.
He carefully poured two beans and handed one to Sifang, "You try one too, it’s supposed to be soothing for the throat. I noticed your voice is a bit hoarse."
Sifang rubbed his hands, "Master, are you really giving this to me? It looks quite valuable."
"Thank you, Master." Sifang placed one on his tongue, the sweet honey flavor and autumn pear taste masking the bitterness of the medicine, cooling the throat and soothing the lungs, he couldn’t help but smile with delight.
Yu Changkong also tasted one, a rare smile appeared on his lips, "It’s sweet."
He held the bottle in his hand, reached for the wallet, and placed the little glass bottle inside it.
Qin Liuxi handed over the two baskets of crabs to Qi Huang, saying, "Take as many as you want, and send the rest to Lady."
After saying this, she yawned, "I’m going to take a nap."
Qi Huang quickly set down the baskets, helping her into the house to rest. After Qin Liuxi laid down, she kept two crabs for herself and took the rest to Mrs. Wang’s yard.
Mrs. Wang was teaching Qin Mingchun literacy when she saw the two baskets of plump crabs, asking, "These look as good as those from Shangjing, were they caught from the Li River?"
Qi Huang chuckled, "I’m not sure, the young lady brought them back from her outing."
"We did, Madam, you manage them as you see fit."
"Then let me thank your young lady."
Qi Huang bowed and then retreated.
When Qin Mingchun saw her leave, he approached the baskets to inspect the crabs, counting them, "Mother, there are only ten crabs in total, I’m afraid it’s not enough to share."
"What do you suggest?" Mrs. Wang asked, testing him.
Qin Mingchun pursed his lips, "How about hosting a small family banquet in grandmother’s courtyard tonight? We can steam the crab and split it among everyone."
Mrs. Wang felt somewhat reassured by his consideration of not hogging them all to himself, indeed a heart of gold. She patted his head, "Let’s do as you suggest!"