Xu Rao nodded, suppressing her anxiety, rubbed her hands together vigorously, and turned to look out of the carriage curtain at the street scene.

This street was the most bustling in the capital, teeming with people. Occasionally, the enticing aroma of food wafted from the roadside taverns and restaurants. Xu Rao felt a sense of desolation. She had always heard people say that in times of peace and prosperity, one shouldn't just look at the surface of prosperity, but rather carefully consider who is protecting these ordinary people behind the scenes. Back then, Xu Rao was just an ordinary teacher, but she was the family member of an excellent surgeon. Whenever someone needed help, Chen Zhaoci was always the first to rush to the rescue. Xu Rao simply regarded Chen Zhaoci's life-saving work as her job. But now, Xu Rao realized that Chen Zhaoci was not just a doctor; she was also a guardian of this peaceful and prosperous world.

The Marquis and the Heir Apparent both knew that Xu Rao was in a bad mood, but they didn't know how to comfort him. In the end, the Marquis could only hold Xu Rao's hand in his own and squeeze it tightly.

Back at the Marquis's residence, the Marquis told the heir to go back first, while he took Xu Rao to the study in the front courtyard. The Marquis's residence had several advisors. As the saying goes, "An army is raised for a thousand days to be used for one day," and this was the time for everyone to pool their wisdom and efforts to come up with a plan.

When the prince returned to the backyard, Ning Shi quickly had someone bring him lunch. The prince had been waiting in front of the palace gate for most of the day, and there was no water or food in the carriage. He was tired and hungry, so when he saw the food, he quickly picked up his chopsticks and started eating.

Ning added rice and dishes to his bowl, and when he had almost finished eating, she served him tea and said, "Why is there another argument at this time of day during the grand court assembly?"

The prince nodded and said, "This time His Majesty seems to want to stir things up, but unfortunately no one dares to step forward. The third prince's wife discovered a plague in Yun'an County, Miaozhou, and led people to surround the village. She is treating patients in the village."

Because of the plague before the establishment of the dynasty, the people of Daliang were terrified of the plague. Ning Shi, with a pale face, said fearfully: "Plague? How dare the third son's wife? Knowing it was a plague, she didn't stay far away, but went to treat people. I heard that during the plague before the establishment of the dynasty, not only did doctors from Daliang go, but doctors from Da Yan were also invited to help treat people. In the end, when there was no other way, they burned down the people and houses within a hundred miles."

That was a true human tragedy, and because it wasn't that long ago, many people have heard about it from their grandparents and parents.

The young master nodded and said, "Third brother wants to go to Yun'an County, but Father won't allow it. I feel so sorry for Third Brother now. Ninth Sister and Seventh Sister are here, and Uncle is here too. Please don't let Mother know."

When Ning heard that Wu Muyue was also in Miaozhou, she was very surprised. The Crown Prince sighed and said, "Fortunately, our Yao'er left early, otherwise, she would have also encountered this plague."

Upon hearing this, Ning quickly chanted Buddhist prayers, saying, "Thank you, Buddha, for protecting my son and allowing him to leave Miaozhou at such a young age."

The prince looked at Ning Shi speechlessly. Ning Shi lowered her hand and said, "Why hasn't Uncle left yet? He must have been gone for quite some time, right? I heard that Uncle went to Miaozhou before the floods even started, which is more than a month ago. What's so good about Miaozhou? He went there and never left."

The prince waved his hand and said, "Who can know? Uncle has been away for decades. Who can know what he's thinking? Oh, right, you should give the order that not only should Mother not know about this, but Grandmother should not be allowed to know anything about it either. The third son's wife is Grandmother's darling."

The couple said that the old lady favored Chen Zhaoci, but they had no other intentions. Putting aside Chen Zhaoci's medical skills, no one in the family could compare to the affection he showed for the old lady. Everyone in the family knew very well that Chen Zhaoci had made a great contribution to the old lady's peaceful life to this age.

Why is life so good for the Yongning Marquis's family? The Grand Madam is the pillar of this household. With the Grand Madam around, anyone who wants to take advantage of the Yongning Marquis's family has to think twice. After all, the Grand Madam is the only daughter of the Eldest Princess and the only heir of the Yongyi Marquis's family. The Yongyi Marquis's family, in particular, were all meritorious officials who helped the Great Liang establish its dynasty. Without any family wealth, could they have been called the cornerstone of the founding of the dynasty by the founding emperors Taizu and Taizong?

Ning nodded and said, "I know that. Oh, wait a minute, His Majesty came yesterday and talked with Grandmother in her room for more than an hour. Do you think Grandmother might have known about it already?"

Upon hearing this, the prince stared blankly for a long time before hesitatingly saying, "No way, if Grandmother knew, would she really remain completely silent? The third son's family is Grandmother's darling, and aren't Xiao Jiu and Xiao Qi also the apple of Grandmother's eye? If Grandmother knew, she wouldn't be so calm."

Ning nodded. Although she felt that her grandmother was a little strange, she suppressed her slight unease and went outside to give instructions.

The Marquis took Xu Rao to his study and had someone bring him food. It was already past noon, and the Marquis was no longer hungry after he had eaten his fill, but he still had millet porridge, a few side dishes, and two bowls of steamed buns with gold and silver fillings served. He then pulled Xu Rao to eat with him.

Xu Rao ate with a gusto, which made the Marquis feel uneasy. He put down his chopsticks and said, "Third son, I know you're upset about Zhao Ci and the others in Yun'an County, but the capital isn't so peaceful either. Yun'an County needs many things that have to be sent from the capital, especially some medicinal herbs. Those are specially sent by the imperial court. Do you think some people will let these useful medicinal herbs be sent smoothly?"

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