"If it had continued , it wouldn’t have been much of a problem. Over time, her body would have recovered on its own. However, she did not recuperate well after childbirth, which left a more serious issue. In the past year or two, the old madam was probably anxious and angry, causing her to suffer from internal damage. If she had let it out, it might have been better."
"But the old madam is strong-willed and kept everything bottled up inside. Although it didn’t show externally, it actually harmed her liver and also affected her heart and lungs. Because she repressed everything, it didn’t manifest until now. The sudden release of her pent-up emotions caused the inflammation of her liverfire, triggering an old illness, leading to the persistent high fever."
"Luckily, the old madam is blessed. If the fever hadn’t subsided, it would have been a real concern. But with the fever going down, it’s not a big problem. In fact, this incident has helped to expel the poison from her body, turning misfortune into fortune!"
Wang Yongzhu was thoroughly convinced by Imperial Doctor Du’s detailed explanation, which made it seem as if he had witnessed everything personally.
"The Imperial Physician is absolutely right! My mother’s health was severely weakened in her younger years. Last year, our family went through some troubles, and my mother held on with sheer willpower. This year, our days have been slightly better, so—" At this point, he paused.
"I kindly ask the Imperial Physician to give further advice about my mother’s illness—" He looked at Imperial Doctor Du expectantly.
Imperial Doctor Du checked the pulse, and with his extensive experience, he could understand the situation well. He respected the filial piety of the patient’s children, observing their dedication.
He then spoke more kindly, "It’s not a serious issue! The doctor you previously consulted had some real skills. You must have spent quite a fortune to get a Hundred-Year-Old Ganoderma as the primary herb, which preserved her vitality! Now, as long as you take good care and avoid stress and overexertion, there will be no major problem!"
Wang Yongzhu felt immensely relieved.
Imperial Doctor Du, being thorough, said, "Let me see the prescription you have. I’ll check if anything needs adjusting."
Wang Yongzhu quickly took out the prescription. After reviewing it, Imperial Doctor Du nodded, "This prescription is good; only two herbs need to be adjusted. Use it once a day, decoct twice a day, and take it half an hour after meals. Tomorrow, I’ll prepare a separate pill for better efficacy. With this regimen for two months, all will be well!"
With that, he added two herbs to the prescription and handed it back to Wang Yongzhu.
Wang Yongzhu carefully took the prescription and formally thanked Imperial Doctor Du, intending to pay for the consultation.
Imperial Doctor Du waved it off, "Girl, if you truly wish to thank me, just give me a bag of the tea leaves you offered earlier."
How simple was that? Tea leaves were something they had in abundant supply!
Wang Yongzhu glanced at Ninth Master Lee, who nodded slightly in approval.
Understanding the gesture, Wang Yongzhu cheerfully agreed and went inside to fetch two taels of tea.
Imperial Doctor Du gleefully received the tea and, placing it into his coat, prepared to leave, "Alright, come to my place tomorrow to get the pills. My residence is the second house at West Calabash Alley on East Main Street, with a plaque that reads ’Du Residence’."
Ninth Master Lee wanted to say something, but Imperial Doctor Du quickly reached the door, "Ninth Master, I’ve examined the patient, given the prescription, and will provide the pills. Everything that needed to be done is done. It’s time for me to go home, or my family will worry I’ve been kidnapped by bandits!"
Ninth Master Lee snorted coldly, motioning for Imperial Doctor Du to leave promptly.
Imperial Doctor Du nimbly climbed into his carriage despite his age, swiftly ordering, "Let’s go—" and hurried off.
After Imperial Doctor Du had left, Wang Yongzhu returned, glanced at Ninth Master Lee sitting to the left, and then at Old Madam Ding, who was still at a loss for how to entertain the guests.
Waving Old Madam Ding away, Wang Yongzhu stepped forward to express heartfelt gratitude, "My mother’s health has always worried Brother Song and me. Being able to get Imperial Doctor Du to diagnose her, you went to great lengths, Ninth Master. Someday, I will make sure Brother Song drinks with you to show our appreciation!"
Ninth Master Lee’s formerly smug expression instantly faltered, and he waved his hand half-heartedly, "No need! I just did you a small favor. Given the significant gift you’ve given me, what’s this in comparison?"
This indicated he wasn’t taking advantage.
Wang Yongzhu admired Ninth Master Lee’s clear distinction between public and private matters and without further ado, brought out a small box, pushing it towards him, "Here are dyeing recipes for four colors: indigo, madder red, turmeric yellow, and peacock green, as well as the Dyeing Valves Technique for creating various patterns on white cloth."
Ninth Master Lee glanced at the small box containing a few thin sheets of paper, each worth a fortune.
Taking a deep breath, he felt the little conscience he had left and said frankly, "To be blunt, these recipes are crucial to the Lee Family and me. I won’t pretend to refuse. I will accept these recipes! I, Lee Changnan, am not one to take advantage of others. These dyeing recipes and techniques are invaluable, but I won’t insult you with gold or silver!"
"In Qingzhou Prefecture, I have a small, quiet courtyard ideal for your mother to recuperate. It’s modest in value but thoughtful. Outside the provincial capital, there’s also a small estate with two to three hundred acres of land and a small hill. Though it can’t compare to the value of the dyeing recipes, it’s a token of my goodwill!"
When Ninth Master Lee mentioned not insulting with gold or silver, Wang Yongzhu almost wanted to say she wouldn’t mind the insult.
However, upon hearing the detailed arrangements Ninth Master Lee provided, she couldn’t help but regard him with newfound respect. Despite his usual aloof and unapproachable demeanor, his thoughtfulness and thoroughness impressed her.
Perhaps understanding Wang Yongzhu’s current situation, Ninth Master Lee didn’t flaunt silver to attract attention but provided the most needed provincial capital property and estate.
Not to mention, the three-section courtyard in Qingzhou Prefecture was worth at least three thousand silver. Adding the estate with two to three hundred acres of land and a hill amounted to a hefty sum, certainly a generous gesture.
Moreover, fields and estates weren’t something ordinary people could easily acquire.
Wang Yongzhu and her family currently lacked land, the most crucial and un devalued asset in this era.
Ninth Master Lee’s return gift was not only substantial but also perfectly suited to their needs.
Wang Yongzhu felt satisfied and appreciated dealing with such a sensible person. She promptly agreed, "That’s perfect! I was planning to visit the provincial capital once my mother recovers and was worrying about where to stay. With this courtyard, there’s nothing to worry about!"
Accepting the deed Ninth Master Lee produced from his sleeve, she carefully inspected and kept it.
She then nodded to Ninth Master Lee, "Now we’re even!"