Xigui paid the money and got the medicine, then entrusted it to Baicaotang. He also gave Baicaotang some extra money as the cost of borrowing their shop and manpower to apply the medicine.

Knowing that someone was applying for the medicine, Baicaotang refused to accept the money for the labor, saying that they also had income from the medicinal materials.

After Xigui came back, she told Sheng Xiyan about it, and added with amusement: "When I went there today, there was only a young doctor there. He looked at the prescription with his eyes wide open. He just said it was wonderful."

Sheng Xiyan was carefully sealing the flower buds into a jar of honey. She had already sealed each of the plum buds with wax to preserve the fragrance of the plum blossoms to the greatest extent. She was very happy to hear this and said, "That's it." It was good for others to do their part, so she said generously, "Next time you go, tell them that I gave them this recipe."

Baicaotang is willing to make this effort, and this prescription will serve as a reward.

Xigui went to get the medicine with a prescription. The pharmacy had also looked at the contents of the prescription. However, according to the rules of this industry, they could not use it unless they got Sheng Xiyan's consent.

Xigui quickly agreed and said, "Miss, it's been really cold these days. When I went out, I heard that there was no harvest in Huaibei this autumn, and there are many refugees in the capital. No wonder there are more beggars on the streets."

"Refugees?"

"Yes, young lady, there are many people lying in the alley. The prefect of Jingzhao has issued an order not to allow refugees to enter the capital anymore. There are even more refugees outside the capital."

Sheng Xiyan nodded slightly.

No wonder. So many people died in the winter of the previous life. It turned out that a large number of refugees came to the capital.

These refugees had nothing and no shelter, so they were more likely to catch a cold, but if they did, they had no money to treat it.

Sheng Xiyan glanced out the window and found that snowflakes were floating in the sky again without her noticing.

First there was a drought, then a cold winter, and bandits sprang up everywhere, occupying the land and becoming kings.

The huge Darong Dynasty is quietly heading towards its twilight years.

The snow got heavier and the weather got colder.

Baicaotang also knew that many people had caught colds in recent days, so after receiving the money, they did not delay and hung a notice in front of the store that day to announce the free medicine, saying that a kind-hearted person was distributing medicine at Baicaotang, and anyone who had caught a cold could come and get it.

In addition to the refugees, for some poor people, firewood was hard to come by in the winter and colds were very common.

Following Sheng Xiyan's instructions, Baicaotang prepared the medicine in a large pot in advance, and everyone could come to get it every day until they recovered.

This winter is indeed colder than usual, and many people have suffered from frostbite.

Those who have money can rest, but those who don't have money can only endure. In previous years, only children were prone to dying, but this year, many healthy men are sick and dying.

Baicaotang dispenses medicine, and no matter whether the medicine is useful or not, many people flock to it and line up to get it.

On the first day, Baicaotang cooked two large pots to make enough food.

The effect of the medicine is indeed good. In the beginning, many people just wanted to give it a try. But after drinking a bowl of this medicine, they felt much better and the high fever went away. After drinking two more bowls, the disease was almost cured.

As soon as he recovered from his illness, some people came to Baicaotang with their families to kowtow.

Hearing that the medicine was given by an unknown kind-hearted person, he kowtowed repeatedly and expressed his gratitude profusely.

Originally the doctor at Baicaotang thought this prescription was very special, he didn't expect it to be so effective. He had also seen the man outside, who had a fever and cough at the time, and was almost half dead. But in just one day, his life seemed to be saved.

Doctor Gu pondered and said, "Bring the prescription here, I'll take a look at it."

The guy immediately found the recipe and handed it to him.

Doctor Gu thought about it carefully and nodded repeatedly.

The combination of this prescription is indeed ingenious. Most importantly, the herbs used are not expensive. It is obviously prepared for ordinary people. It is also effective in curing a wide range of diseases. The person who wrote this prescription is quite resourceful.

"Great." He praised.

With his level of skill, he could understand this prescription, but he couldn't write a similar one.

As soon as he put the prescription down, the waiter said, "Doctor Gu, when the girl Xigui came to pay the money this morning, she also said that this prescription can be used by our Baicaotang in the future."

Doctor Gu was stunned for a moment, as if he didn't believe his ears, and confirmed again: "What did you say? Can... we use it?"

The staff agreed again and again.

Doctor Gu was overjoyed and couldn't believe it.

This recipe can be regarded as a family heirloom. Even if it is not a family heirloom, it is generally not passed on to anyone other than a disciple.

This kind-hearted person is so generous.

The waiter said cheerfully, "Miss Xigui said that her master wanted to thank us because we didn't charge her money and lent her space and manpower to administer the medicine."

"Giving medicine is a good deed. We have already collected the money for the medicine materials, so how can we charge you for more money?" Doctor Gu sighed, "This is what we should do. In return, we got a valuable prescription.

Doctor Gu pinched the prescription, made a decision and said, "In this case, let's do five days of free consultation. This winter is really too cold, and saving a few people is a blessing."

The employee immediately agreed and asked other employees to prepare for the free clinic.

The news of Baicaotang's free medical consultation and distribution spread quickly throughout the capital, and many sick people made a special trip to ask for a bowl of medicine or to have the doctor take their pulse.

When Sheng Xiyan's carriage passed by, she saw a crowd of people in front of Baicaotang.

She said with some worry: "If we apply pesticides in front of Baicaotang, will it affect their business?" She didn't think it through carefully enough.

"Miss." Xigui replied with a smile, "Don't worry, the guy told me yesterday that his business has improved after applying the medicine, so there is no need to worry." Xigui asked specifically.

Hearing that it was not a problem, Sheng Xiyan felt relieved.

A few days ago, when she went out, it was too cold so she didn't open the car curtains. But today, thinking of what Xigui said, she couldn't help but pay a few more close attention. Along the way, there were indeed a lot of ragged people lying in the alleys, silently, and no one knew whether they were alive or dead.

"After a few days, let's go to Huangjue Temple and ask them to help distribute porridge."

Just think of it as accumulating blessings for Chu Yuanchen and Xiao Shuo, so that they can have a smooth life and achieve what they wish for.

The carriage soon passed through Huashang Street.

After turning a few streets, the carriage arrived in front of a mansion. On the vermilion lacquered gate, a black plaque had the four large characters "Anping Marquis Mansion" written on it. The plaque was very new, and the large gold-lacquered characters were still shining.

Chu Yuanchen had delivered a note in advance. He went up and knocked on the door, and soon the doorman opened the corner door.

The carriage did not stop until it reached the ceremonial gate.

Chu Yuanchen helped her get off the carriage. A man in his thirties had been waiting there for a long time and greeted her warmly: "Prince."

He bowed deeply to Chu Yuanchen.

He has a square face, a broad and kind face, and is an honest and sincere person.

Chu Yuanchen raised his hand and said kindly, "Uncle, please don't be polite."

Shi, Shibo?

Sheng Xiyan blinked. Anping Hou was Xue Zhongzhi's adopted son. Chu Yuanchen called him his uncle. Chu Yuanchen also called Xiao Shuo "big brother". Sheng Xiyan also recognized Xiao Shuo as his sworn brother...

Hmm, how is this generational share calculated?

By the way, Princess Jingle seems to call Prince Xue “uncle”?

Sheng Xiyan was a little confused, but she didn't want to care. As long as Chu Yuanchen and the others were happy, it was no big deal.

Anping Hou quickly waved his hands and said, "I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it."

"Uncle, you're too polite." Chu Yuanchen said amiably, "Prince Xue and my grandfather were close friends. You are Prince Xue's adopted son, so it's only right that you address me as Uncle."

Chu Yuanchen was born into a noble family and had a noble temperament. If he wanted to, he could make people feel like spring breeze, which was very different from his usual behavior.

Sheng Xiyan secretly thought in her heart: He is actually quite good at intimidating people when he is like this.

Anping Hou said "I don't deserve it" several times before looking at Sheng Xiyan and asking, "Who is this..."

"This is the eldest daughter of the Sheng family." Chu Yuanchen said with a smile, "I'll bring her to see the Madam."

Now everyone in the capital knew that Sheng Xiyan was the future princess of the Zhenbei Palace. Even though Marquis Anping had just arrived in the capital, he had heard about it. After greeting each other, Marquis Anping led them to the main hall in the front yard and quickly asked someone to call out the Marquis's wife to entertain the guests.

Sheng Xiyan was a young girl who had not yet married, so it was not appropriate for him to come and greet her in person. They had not expected that Chu Yuanchen would bring his unmarried wife along.

Just as they sat down and had tea served, Lady Lou, wife of Marquis of Anping, came rushing over. She came in a hurry and was a little breathless.

Before she spoke, Lady Lou smiled: "My Lord, Miss Shengda..."

Her voice suddenly paused, and she showed a hint of surprise at first, and then her smile became a little gentler: "So it's you, young lady. Lord, do you still remember the day when we first arrived in the capital, my grandmother accidentally ran off the carriage, and it was this young lady who took care of us for a while. Otherwise, we were unfamiliar with this capital, and I'm afraid the consequences would be disastrous."

She patted her chest lightly with some fear.

After Lady Lou said this, Marquis Anping also remembered it and bowed again to express his gratitude, "Thank you very much, young lady."

After another round of greetings, everyone sat down one by one.

Chu Yuanchen picked up the teacup, took a sip symbolically, and asked knowingly: "Uncle, you just arrived in the capital, right?"

"We just arrived a few days ago." Anping Hou said gratefully, "The emperor is so thoughtful and has prepared a house for us. His grace is really great."

This house was given to them by the Emperor before they arrived in Beijing after he had the Ministry of Works renovate an abandoned mansion.

Anping Hou said, "I went to pay my respects to the emperor, and he said that he would take me to worship my father and mother in a few days."

The parents he referred to naturally referred to Xue Zhongzhi and the princess.

He said: "Over the years, we have only been able to worship our father and mother's tablets in our hometown, which is really a bit unfilial."

Sheng Xiyan was sitting nearby, her hands neatly placed on her knees, a smile on her lips, looking like a lady from an aristocratic family.

She listened carefully to what Marquis Anping said and raised her eyebrows when she heard his words. While she said "unfilial", she was also telling Chu Yuanchen clearly that they had fulfilled their responsibility as adopted sons to offer incense.

This Marquis of Anping looks honest, but he is quite good at speaking.

Chu Yuanchen smiled and said, "My uncle has just arrived in the capital. If you need anything, just let me know."

Marquis Anping hurriedly said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

The two exchanged a few words, and Anping Hou said, "My two boys have always admired you, my lord. If you have time, please come and meet them."

Chu Yuanchen said, "That's perfect." He then said to Sheng Xiyan, "Ayan, go see the lady."

Sheng Xiyan responded with a smile and asked, "Madam Hou, at this time, the Madam should not have taken a nap yet, right?"

It is now the hour of Si.

I must have woken up, but it's not even time for lunch yet, so it's certainly impossible for me to take a nap.

Lady Lou hesitated for a moment, exchanged glances with Marquis Anping, and then smiled tenderly, "Grandmother has just finished her breakfast, Miss Shengda, I will take you there."

The lady was in the inner house, and if the Marquis of Anping used the excuse that it was inconvenient, Chu Yuanchen really couldn't barge in without permission. That was why he brought Sheng Xiyan with him, and he also calculated the time precisely so that they couldn't make excuses by saying they were taking a nap or hadn't gotten up yet.

Sheng Xiyan bowed and said gently, "Thank you, ma'am."

Lu went out of the main hall with her. The moment Sheng Xiyan turned around, she quickly blinked at Chu Yuanchen, signaling him to rest assured.

Lu led the way to the backyard and said kindly, "Miss Shengda, your grandmother lives in Rongfu Hall in the back. She has some..."

She sighed, as if she was embarrassed.

Sheng Xiyan then said, "Last time I saw Madam, she looked very dull. Is she ill?"

"Yes." Lou said worriedly, "Grandmother has had this disease for more than ten years."

"Ten years?"

Sheng Xiyan calculated in her mind that the Lingnan Palace had suffered a devastating disaster twenty years ago. Afterwards, the late emperor took pity on the Xue family and the entire family was wiped out. Xue Zhongzhi had no one to offer incense to him, so the late emperor personally adopted an adopted son for him. This event attracted widespread praise from the court and the people at the time.

In other words, the lady fell ill shortly after her adopted son took over.

"Was the Madam so ill from the beginning?" Sheng Xi looked worried and deliberately asked.

Lou sighed and said, "At first she just didn't know the way, then she didn't know people, and then it got worse and worse. Like now, when I talk to her, I get no response after talking for a long time, and no one wants to pay attention to me. If I'm not careful, she will run away by herself, and after running away, she won't know the way..."

She rubbed her brows, as if she was worried about the lady.

"Miss Shengda, you saw it too. We had just arrived in the capital, and in the blink of an eye, my grandmother almost ran away. The capital is different from my hometown. What would we do if someone got lost?" At this point, she sighed again.

Sheng Xiyan raised her eyebrows. It must be said that she sighed too much.

Furthermore, the marquis’ wife repeatedly stressed that the lady-in-waiting would “get lost”.

Lu continued, "We have just arrived in the capital and are unfamiliar with the place. We are really worried that the lady will get lost."

Do it again.

Sheng Xiyan's mind moved slightly, but she remained expressionless, and responded to her words with a few words like "Madam is still very considerate" and so on.

Then he added, "I heard from Princess Jingle that the Zhenbei Palace and the Lingnan Palace are old friends. If the princess knew that the lady was so seriously ill, she would definitely be sad."

Lou nodded gently and replied, "I have also heard from our Lord Hou."

Sheng Xiyan continued, "The princess often said that she had been to Lingnan when she was young and had met the Madam. The Madam treated her like her own grandmother and took great care of her. The princess always sighed when she thought of it. I was thinking, can I ask the Madam to stay at the palace for a few days on behalf of the princess? You just came to the capital, so it's a good opportunity for you to settle down."

As she spoke, her eyes never left the Lou family. She clearly noticed that the smile on Lou's face froze for a moment. It was only a very small moment, and if Sheng Xiyan had not had excellent eyesight, she would have missed it.

Lu said slowly, "Grandmother is shy. I'm afraid her condition will get worse if she goes to the palace. Well, after coming to the capital, maybe it's too unfamiliar here. Her condition has gotten worse recently. Now she doesn't even recognize me and our master."

She seemed to be nonchalant, yet cleverly avoided Sheng Xiyan's topic.

Sheng Xiyan narrowed her almond-shaped eyes slightly, as if she was thinking about something.

When they were in the Zhenbei Palace, Chu Yuanchen once said that they only knew that the old lady had been ill for many years, but they didn't know whether it was a real illness or someone had tampered with it.

The character of this heir of Marquis Anping is equally unclear.

Now Xiao Shuo is indeed in power, and can even deceive the emperor, but before that, he couldn't even secretly inquire about the Xue family's affairs. At that time, one wrong step would be irreparable.

Even now, Xiao Shuo cannot come to see the lady in person. Chu Yuanchen said "can't", but they all know in their hearts that he may "dare not", just like he dare not tell Jingle.

Sheng Xiyan calmed herself down. Her sworn brother had already accepted it, so she would definitely take care of this matter for Xiao Shuo.

She asked anxiously, "The Madam is so seriously ill, has the Madam asked the imperial physician to see her?"

"Yes." Lady Lou sighed again, "As soon as we arrived in the capital, the emperor sent a special doctor to see grandma. The doctor said that grandma has Alzheimer's disease and it can't be cured. We can only take good care of her."

Sheng Xiyan nodded suddenly and comforted him, "Don't worry, there are many good doctors in the capital who can come and take a look."

Lou smiled and agreed.

She speaks softly and gently, and her behavior is also gentle and pleasing.

As she spoke, Lu led Sheng Xiyan to Rongfu Hall.

There are pine trees planted in Rongfu Hall, which represent the longevity of pine cranes, as well as many bonsai, making the layout rich and elegant.

There were two maids sweeping the snow in the yard. When they saw them come in, they bowed in a panic.

Walking into the yard along the bluestone path, Sheng Xiyan suddenly saw a heavy lock on the door of the main room, which locked the room tightly.

Mr. Lou explained: "My grandma just ran out the day before yesterday. She got caught in the snow and almost caught a cold. I had to ask her not to go out for now. I will take her around later after she has settled down."

She looked very filial, as if she had no choice but to do this.

Sheng Xiyan thought to herself: No wonder Mrs. Lou just said a lot of things about the Madam wanting to run away, it turns out it was for this moment.

Chu Yuanchen had sent the invitation in advance, but they probably didn't know that he would be coming, so they didn't make any prior arrangements.

Sheng Xiyan knew that she might be a little biased, thinking that Lou had ill intentions from the beginning. However, in her opinion, the wife of the Marquis of Anping was indeed a bit pretentious.

Moreover, in the previous life, the Anping Marquisate was completely wiped out...

Lu asked the maid to unlock the door and led Sheng Xiyan in.

There was a charcoal stove lit in the main room, it was warm and comfortable. There was an antique display shelf against the wall with many antiques and vases on it. There was incense lit in the corner, emitting a faint fragrance.

The main room is decorated quite comfortably, and it's obvious that a lot of effort was put into it.

The lady was sitting on the Luohan bed in the main room, with her hands on her knees, muttering to herself. When she saw someone coming in, she didn't even look up.

Her eyes were cloudy and hollow, and at first glance they looked very similar to the dementia described in medical books.

"Madam."

Sheng Xiyan walked up to her, bowed, and said with a smile, "My last name is Sheng, and Princess Jingle asked me to come and see you."

"Miss Shengda." Lady Lou said at the side, "Grandmother doesn't care about outsiders."

Indeed, the lady ignored her and continued to stare blankly ahead.

Sheng Xiyan didn't care. She smiled and said, "Madam, do you still remember Princess Jingle? She was from the Zhenbei Palace. When she was little, you always called her Awu."

She had heard Princess Jingle mention a few times that she had stayed in Lingnan for a while when she was young.

There was no response, so Sheng Xiyan smiled nonchalantly and said, "You don't remember? It doesn't matter if you don't remember. I'll come to see you next time with Princess Jingle."

Mrs. Lou stood aside calmly and greeted politely: "Miss Shengda, please sit for a while. Grandmother has long forgotten me, but she will be happy if you can talk to her."

Mrs. Lou had tea served and asked Sheng Xiyan what kind of cakes she liked. She didn't seem to care how long she would stay.

Sheng Xiyan took out the stone blue headband inlaid with agate beads and said with a smile: "Madam, I made this for you personally. Let me try it on you."

Madam: “…”

Lou reached out to take it: "Let me do it."

"Madam, please allow me to show my filial piety." Sheng Xiyan walked to Luohan's bed with a headband, half-knelt down, and said in a gentle voice, "Madam, let me try it on for you."

She spoke softly and gently put the headband on the lady, then asked with a smile, "Madam, what do you think?"

She stood in front of the old lady, and at an angle where Lou couldn't see, she gently placed her fingers on the old lady's wrist while holding her hand. With her other hand, she was still adjusting her headband, straightening it. With a smile on her lips, she looked normal.

Sheng Xiyan was multitasking as he carefully checked his subordinate's pulse.

Three breaths were not enough, and it took nearly ten breaths before a hint of strangeness finally appeared on her face.

Judging from her pulse, the lady is indeed mentally ill, but she does not have any signs of liver qi stagnation, it seems...

Huh?

Sheng Xiyan showed a little surprise. She noticed that there were several deep and shallow pinch marks on the lady's arm, which was covered by the sleeves.

She leaned forward again, and a faint foul odor rushed into her nostrils. It was a bit like the smell of a rotting wound. She had smelled a similar smell in her previous life.

"Shengda girl."

Lou smiled and interrupted her thoughts.

Sheng Xiyan let go of the hand that was holding the lady's pulse as if nothing had happened, and at this moment, the lady grabbed her with her backhand, and then her wrist dropped weakly again.

Sheng Xiyan's pupils shrank slightly. She noticed that the lady's lips moved silently, as if she was saying: Awu.

Chu Wu is the nickname of Princess Jingle.