CHAPTER 124: CHAPTER 122 MUTUAL

Song Xian frowned and pushed away his thoughts, refocusing his attention on governmental affairs.

Li You’s secret report had arrived at the Capital City, and the criminals were to be taken there by Li You; Song Qizheng would go as well. Qu Chengmei questioned the prisoners daily and ordered the clerks to draft reports, all of which Song Xian had to review.

After a while, Chang An entered and reported: "Master, Chang Yue sent a message, Miss Xie is ill." Chang Yue’s latter half of the message was that Mr. Xu had examined the pulse, and it shouldn’t be anything serious.

However, Chang An decided to swallow the latter half of the sentence for now; what Chang Yue said was uncertain, and if any delay caused problems, it would be a disaster. He knew the urgency and importance in his heart.

One had to know that within this short while, the master had checked the hourglass four times, looked out the window three times, as if worried about missing the news.

Song Xian almost immediately raised his head and stared at Chang An: "What’s going on?"

Chang An shook his head: "I don’t know, reportedly she suddenly fainted while talking with Su Huaiqing."

Song Xian didn’t ask further, stood up, and walked outside.

Still looking calm as if going to the government office to handle an ordinary matter.

However... Chang An’s lips moved without making a sound; he wanted to remind the master that he still held the document sent by the Zhenzhou Government Office in his hand.

...

Xie Liangchen heard her brother’s shouting, then a stabbing pain in her head; she was about to frown and gather her strength to endure the discomfort but her vision suddenly went black.

When she woke up again, she was lying on the kang, hearing Chen Zigeng’s voice next to her: "Mr. Xu, what’s wrong with my sister?"

Xu Tingzhen said: "The pulse shows no major issue; it’s probably because she’s been too tired lately and needs some rest."

Old Mrs. Chen said: "Let’s close the Familiar Medicine Institute for these days, let the doctor also take a break."

Xu Tingzhen was about to nod when he noticed Xie Liangchen had opened her eyes on the kang.

"Grandmother, Doctor, I’m fine," Xie Liangchen’s gaze fell on the people around her, "just suddenly felt dizzy earlier, but I’m fine now."

Xie Liangchen said this and was about to sit up but was simultaneously pressed down gently by Xu Tingzhen and Old Mrs. Chen, while Chen Zigeng clung to her arm, his eyes red, filled with endless emotions.

"You rest," Old Mrs. Chen said, "even if there’s something major, we’ll handle it. I have millet porridge cooking on the stove and chicken soup being simmered; you’ll need to eat more later."

Her grandmother was serious; Xie Liangchen couldn’t argue further, thus she obediently nodded. Actually, her body wasn’t in major trouble; it was probably hearing what Su Huaiqing said that made her mind frantically recall past events, touching a former ailment.

Xie Liangchen reached behind her neck, her fingertips grazing along a long scar.

Within moments, others in the village heard the news and all came into the yard to see Xie Liangchen.

"Madam, only stewing a chicken isn’t enough; your millet porridge isn’t well-cooked. I have better millet at home; I’ll bring it over."

"No, save yours, use mine; yours is bought for your mother-in-law."

"Madam, ask Mr. Xu when those ginseng slices we divided earlier will be used."

Everyone was talking noisily in the yard.

"Mr. Xu and we’re here; you all can go back," Chen Yongsheng started ushering people, "Mr. Xu said Liangchen needs to rest. How can she rest if you’re all here? Go now, all go home."

Only then did everyone quiet down, though they didn’t all leave but stayed outside Old Mrs. Chen’s courtyard watching.

Xie Liangchen looked toward Chen Zigeng: "Let everyone go home; it’s too cold outside for them to stand."

Only then did Chen Zigeng jump off the kang and quickly step outside.

"It’s my fault," Old Mrs. Chen said, "Miss Chen didn’t properly rest when she returned from the Xie Family and immediately started collecting and selling medicine everywhere."

Xu Tingzhen comforted Old Mrs. Chen: "Liangchen’s constitution is good; she’s just momentarily exhausted, resting for a couple of days will cure her."

Before Old Mrs. Chen could speak, Xie Liangchen looked outside: "How’s Mr. Su? Has he left?"

Old Mrs. Chen only then remembered Su Huaiqing: "Not yet, he’s still waiting outside."

Xu Tingzhen said: "I’ll be here, you go and see."

Old Mrs. Chen exited the room, and Su Huaiqing approached her: "How is Miss Xie?"

"She’s fine," Old Mrs. Chen said, "just tired lately; the doctor said resting more will be good. She just woke up and didn’t feel uncomfortable."

Su Huaiqing nodded: "That’s good; if any medicine is needed and not available in Chen Family Village, I’ll have someone make a trip for it." Su Huaiqing had come on horseback, thus speaking like this.

Old Mrs. Chen waved her hand: "There are plenty of medicines at the Familiar Medicine Institute, the doctor didn’t even need to use them, just asked me to make some good ones. I started stewing the chicken before Miss Chen woke up, and will serve her soup when it’s ready."

In her busy moment, Old Mrs. Chen had set Su Huaiqing aside, inevitably feeling a bit apologetic, she tentatively asked: "Will you stay for some food in the village before leaving?"

Su Huaiqing said: "I’m afraid I don’t have time today; I still need to hurry back to the pharmacy."

At this point, Su Huaiqing paused slightly: "I’ll have a cup of tea before I leave." He decided to stay for tea because he had confirmed there was nothing else he could help with; after all, riding a horse back to town would be much faster.

Old Mrs. Chen understood perfectly: "Next time you visit, I’ll prepare a proper meal."

Su Huaiqing agreed.

While waiting for tea, Su Huaiqing noticed several large baskets nearby containing dried reed roots, and he got up naturally to help sort them.

"How come you’re doing work," Old Mrs. Chen placed the tea on the stone table, urging Su Huaiqing to put down the herbs.

Su Huaiqing responded: "My grandfather always sorted herbs himself at home, each time I would help; now, after being away from home for a while, seeing these herbs brings a familiar feeling."

Old Mrs. Chen smiled: "You’re a good child."

Su Huaiqing continued: "Earlier I mentioned the Yu Yao Li Family matter, it was quite hurried; if the old lady remembers anything she wants to ask me about, just send word.

If I’m in Zhenzhou, I’ll come to report, to prevent any details from being missed, and if I’m not in Zhenzhou, I’ll have someone deliver a letter to Chen Family Village.

If you wish to go to Yu Yao, I’ll find a map indicating the location of the Li Family, and arrange for someone to accompany you anytime."

Su Huaiqing could tell that Miss Xie was very concerned with the previous events; he was the one who brought Xie Liangchen back from Yu Yao Li Family, so if he could help naturally it would be best.

Old Mrs. Chen responded straightforwardly: "Understood, we appreciate your kindness, and will definitely seek your help if needed."

Su Huaiqing rolled up his sleeves and worked, sorting the entire basket of herbs before raising his head to discern the hour, preparing to take his leave.

Just then, someone entered the courtyard.

"Old Mrs. Chen, General Song is here."

Song Xian was not wearing his official uniform, he followed Chen Yongyi all the way over, Chen Yongyi first entered the courtyard to announce, and then he followed in.

Almost immediately, Song Xian and Su Huaiqing locked eyes, although meeting for the first time, no prompts were needed as both instantly recognized each other’s identity.