Xu Rao was startled and looked intently at the Marquis. The Marquis nodded and said, "They desperately need support from outside. We are far away and have no idea what the situation is like on their side. His Majesty has a carrier pigeon connection with Yun'an County, so we can find out about anything quickly. If supplies need to be allocated here, you, as the head of the Ministry of Revenue, will be very important. Cheer up and don't be like this. This is also a way of supporting them."

Xu Rao nodded and said, "Father, I was thinking too narrowly. After I finish eating, I will go to the Ministry of Revenue to take inventory of the supplies, especially the medicinal herbs."

The Marquis nodded, looking at his second son eating heartily. He thought that this young man was truly capable and had great ambition to become the head of the Ministry of Revenue at such a young age. He was able to take on responsibilities and let go of them, and once he knew what he needed to do, he put aside distractions and devoted himself to it.

After Xu Rao finished his meal, he went to the Ministry of Revenue. The Marquis, on the other hand, sat in his study for a long time, lost in thought, before inviting several of his advisors over. The light in the Marquis's study stayed on until the fourth watch of the night.

It wasn't just the Xu family; many homes in the capital had their lights on late into the night, some even all night long.

Xu Rao was busy at the Ministry of Revenue until very late, and it wasn't until his personal attendant urged him that he took a carriage back home.

When passing by the pastry shop that Chen Zhaoci loved to eat at, Xu Rao asked someone to stop so he could go in and buy two jin (1 kg).

Because he was a regular customer, the shopkeeper recognized Xu Rao and quickly bowed, saying, "Lord Xu, are you buying the same few items again?"

Xu Rao nodded, and the shopkeeper quickly had his servants pack several packages. When Xu Rao reached for his money, the shopkeeper stopped him, saying, "Lord Xu, we've all heard that Madam Xu is in Yun'an County. Madam Xu is so righteous. These things are nothing but a small token of our appreciation to thank Madam Xu for risking her own safety to treat those infected with the plague."

Xu Rao wanted to insist on paying, but this was the shopkeeper's way of acknowledging and thanking Chen Zhaoci for his actions. Xu Rao took the food box from the shopkeeper with both hands, bowed deeply to him, and the shopkeeper quickly returned the bow. He escorted Xu Rao to her carriage and watched it drive away before letting out a soft sigh and turning back into the shop.