To Xiao Shuo, the name Xue Yao seemed like something from his previous life.

He had long regarded everything before the age of six as just a dream. Dreams must end, so why bother to keep thinking about them?

If not for this, how could he have survived? He would have lost all hope and died in depression long ago.

The lady turned over, seemed a little uneasy, and groaned in pain.

"It's so hot..." Xiao Shuo suddenly spoke.

He quickly placed his other hand on the lady's forehead, his palm feeling so hot that it seemed to be burning.

His face changed drastically, and he said hurriedly, "It's burned again."

He has always been a calm and composed person, but now he is completely unable to hide the anxiety and panic in his eyes.

Sheng Xiyan hurried over. She first tested the temperature of his forehead, then took his pulse for a while, and her beautiful eyebrows were tightly furrowed.

It's burned again.

"Is the old mustard greens useless?" Chu Yuanchen asked.

Sheng Xiyan did not answer. She continued to take his pulse. This time it took her longer. Neither Chu Yuanchen nor Xiao Shuo spoke to disturb her.

The two of them stared at her intently. Finally, she let go of his hand, a hint of joy appeared on her face, and she said, "It worked. My pulse is much more stable than before."

Just now, the lady's pulse seemed to be weakening, and she was afraid that she would not be able to hold on.

Now, judging from the pulse, his fate is temporarily secured.

Xiao Shuo said hoarsely: "Then why..."

"Madam is old." Sheng Xiyan sighed, "The effect of the mustard brine is still too slow."

The lady is almost seventy years old. She is old and weak. As the saying goes, illness is like a mountain falling on her.

It was for this reason that Sheng Xiyan did not use the mustard brine at first. She originally wanted to use a gentler method to slowly remove the toxins from the Madam's body. Now, the mustard brine is useful, but it is too slow to heal external injuries, and the Madam is too weak, so she may not be able to wait until it takes effect completely.

We can only take risky measures.

Sheng Xiyan pondered for a moment and said decisively: "Achen, ask someone to find some hairy paste."

Chu Yuanchen: "Pussy?"

Sheng Xiyan nodded and emphasized: "It must be one with green hair."

The paste is made by grinding glutinous rice and boiling it. If it is left for a long time, a layer of green hair will grow on the surface.

What Sheng Xiyan wanted was this kind of paste with green hair.

A few days ago, when Sheng Xiyan accompanied Cheng Chuyu to the bookstore to buy storybooks, she also picked out several medical books for herself. She was even lucky enough to pick up a rare copy before the Chinese New Year. This book was written by a military doctor in the previous dynasty. There were cases in the book that used hairy paste to treat external injuries, and there were more than one case.

Sheng Xiyan thought of Chen Jie Cai Haloxylon at that time.

The pickled mustard greens also need to be pickled until green hairs grow on them and then settle for several years before they can be used. This solitary copy mentions the paste and also emphasizes that it has hairs.

There should be a similarity between the two.

Sheng Xiyan had originally planned to talk to Chu Yuanchen about it, perhaps it could be used to treat external injuries in the military, but she didn't have time yet.

Given the lady's current condition, aged mustard brine alone is not enough. Sheng Xiyan was struggling with the problem for a long time, and finally decided to use another method and try it with both methods.

"Even during the Chinese New Year, you may not be able to find it."

It's only the second day of the first lunar month and the shops haven't opened yet. Ordinary people may not be able to keep the paste for such a long time at home. Besides, it's not appropriate to knock on every door during the New Year.

"I'll ask someone to look for it. You can also ask at the manor..."

Chu Yuanchen was halfway through his words when Xiao Shuo interrupted him: "Wuning. Go and pass the message."

Wu Ning had been waiting obediently by the side since he came in, and Sheng Xiyan almost didn't notice his presence.

Wu Ning bowed and replied, "Yes, Lord Governor."

He walked out without looking around.

Although Wu Ning didn't know what the hairy paste could be used for, since the governor wanted to find it, he had to find it.

After Wu Ning returned to Dongchang, he immediately summoned all the thousand households and Dongchang guards.

"The governor has ordered us to find the paste with green hair, and we need it immediately."

"The sooner the better."

Wu Ning gave the order in a concise manner. The soldiers did not ask any questions and immediately clasped their fists in response.

The three thousand men each led their own men and set out immediately.

As a result, the streets and alleys of the capital were filled with the figures of the Dongchang guards. They went to the three cities in the east, west and north respectively, and the Jinyiwei was in charge of the south city.

Captain Shen stood on Huashang Street and gave orders expressionlessly, "Spread out your movements, and report back immediately if you have any news."

"yes!"

The foreigners responded loudly and scattered in all directions.

They are disciplined and well-trained, and each of them is like an elite soldier trained on the battlefield, acting in a hurry but not in a disorderly manner.

During the Chinese New Year, all the shops on the street were closed, but Dongchang didn't care and went knocking on every door.

The store owner opened the door and was immediately frightened to death when he saw Dongchang. However, Dongchang was not here to smash the store or arrest anyone. Instead, he was...

"Is there any paste?"

The shopkeeper was stunned for a while before he quickly replied, "Yes, yes!"

Paste is a very useful thing and almost every shop has it. He was about to go in and get some, but the foreigner wanted the one with green hair.

The paste can be used up quickly and can be used up before it grows hair. If there is some hair growing, there is no need to keep it and just throw it away. It is not worth the money anyway.

Now if you ask him to find hairy paste, where can he find it?

The shopkeeper turned pale with panic and said cautiously, "We don't have any hairy ones."

After he finished speaking, he quickly lowered his head, fearing that his brain would become as useless as the paste. However, he waited for a long time but there was no movement. When he raised his head quietly, the Dongchang man had already left.

"Finally I saved my life."

He quickly glanced at the shop next door, silently hoping that his neighbor would be as lucky as he was, and quickly closed the door.

The neighbor was indeed as lucky as he was. There was no hairy paste, so Dongchang left immediately without staying for a moment.

Dongchang had a clear goal and worked quickly. Soon all the businesses on Huashang Street had been knocked on, and then they moved to another street.

During the New Year, there were few people walking on the streets, and the news of Dongchang's brazen behavior spread throughout the capital in no time.

The Dongchang rarely mobilized on such a large scale; even if it was to search property, it would not require so many people. The entire capital was terrified at the news, fearing that Xiao Shuo would do something big.

"You mean, the East Factory is looking for a paste with green hair?"

Aren't you trying to force the emperor to abdicate?

Chief Minister Lin wiped his cold sweat and said "Fortunately" several times. With such a big commotion in Dongchang, he really thought they were going to force him to abdicate.

I couldn't help but think about it for a long time. If Xiao Shuo really forced me to abdicate, should I give in or would I rather die than obey?

After thinking for a long time, I decided that I should fight again. But it turned out that I was looking for mud...

“Thank goodness!”

Prime Minister Lin didn't want to care what the East Factory wanted to do with the long-haired paste, he just wanted to avoid forcing the palace.

Not only Prime Minister Lin, but almost every wealthy family in the capital was watching with fear and every household closed their doors.

Originally, married women would return to their parents' home after lunch, but now there were so many Japanese people on the street, who would dare to leave? They simply stayed at their parents' home and planned to have dinner first.

There were also some people who, knowing that the East Factory was looking for a long-haired paste, were secretly asking around, hoping to show their favor to Xiao Shuo.

Many families even stopped dancing and music. Everyone lowered their heads and acted cautiously. The whole capital was filled with a dangerous atmosphere.

The Dongchang barbarians didn't care what others thought. They knocked on doors one by one, turning almost the entire capital upside down, before they finally found the hairy paste in a tailor shop.

Captain Shen was overjoyed and immediately took it and handed it to Wu Ning personally.

There was only half a can of paste, which was left over from the tailor shop but was forgotten to be thrown away. A layer of long green hair had grown on it, which was a bit creepy to look at.

Wu Ning held the small half jar of paste tightly in his hand and immediately said, "Reward the tailor shop with 100 taels of gold."

After giving his instructions, he hurried to the Zhenbei Palace.

"Master. Found it."

Along the way, he was afraid that the things would be lost, so he put them directly in his arms. When he took them out now, they still retained some of his body temperature.

Xiao Shuo took it, took a look at it, and then gave it directly to Sheng Xiyan.

Sheng Xiyan first looked through the jar, then took out a small, dry spoon and gently scooped out some.

This paste has been left for some time and has a layer of long green hair on it, but it doesn't smell sour or unpleasant.

“It should be possible.”

The medical book didn't specify how long the green hair needed to grow, but Sheng Xiyan estimated that it was about right.

She scooped some out separately with a small bowl and mixed the green hair on top with the paste at the bottom.

"Xigui, go get me a basin of warm water."

Because Xiao Shuo was here, the servants in the house were sent away early, leaving only Xi Gui.

After Sheng Xiyan finished speaking, she walked over and carefully lifted up the lady's sleeve, revealing the scar on her forearm.

This was the first time Xiao Shuo saw the injuries on the old lady's hands, as well as the bruises from being pinched. The bruises had faded a lot, but the old scars on her arms were still shocking.

His eyes became darker, and his face, as warm and smooth as jade, turned cold in an instant. Wu Ning shuddered, knowing that the governor was angry. The governor rarely got angry, but once he got angry, it was a disaster.

The last time the governor got angry, the capital lost three large families that had existed for a hundred years, and the smell of blood in Caishikou lingered for a long time.

Xiao Shuo said nothing, his eyes always fixed on the lady.

Xigui brought some warm water.

Sheng Xiyan first wiped off the ointment on the lady's wound with a wet handkerchief, and then applied the paste on it.

She just applied a thin layer and put her sleeves down again.

She calculated the time and said, "It's time to feed them some more aged mustard greens."

When I returned home, I brought back some mustard greens.

"I'll do it." Xiao Shuo said.

Sheng Xiyan did not refuse and said, "Just feed him ten spoonfuls lightly."

Xiao Shuo nodded, scooped up some with a small spoon and fed it to the lady's mouth.

His movements were gentle and slow; the lady's throat moved and she swallowed.

Then the second spoonful, the third spoonful...

After the lady had finished drinking, he carefully wiped the corners of her mouth with his handkerchief and handed the bowl back to Sheng Xiyan.

Xiao Shuo asked: "Do you need to take more medicine?"

Sheng Xiyan thought for a moment and then shook her head.

For now, she decided to see the effect of the mustard greens and paste.

"Sister." Jiuyang knocked on the door and said, "Mother asked me to bring dinner over."

By this time, it was almost dusk and the sky was dark.

Sheng Xiyan raised her eyebrows and suddenly realized that Jingle had just gone to sleep for an hour or two. Given Jingle's personality, she would definitely come straight over after waking up. However, she hasn't come until now.

Sheng Xiyan and Chu Yuanchen exchanged glances. They both realized that Jingle probably guessed that they had deliberately sent her away. And Jingle also believed in her son, so she did not come as he wished.

"Brother," Chu Yuanchen said bluntly, "I'm afraid my mother can't keep it a secret anymore."

Xiao Shuo held the lady's hand tightly, and after a while he said, "Princess Jingle is a smart person." Because of her intelligence, she would not ask questions to get to the bottom of things.

This is fine. Chu Yuanchen didn't say anything else.

Sheng Xiyan motioned to Xigui to open the door.

Jiuyang came in with a lunch box. There was no one else there except her. The lunch box contained simple meals, which consisted of five dishes and a soup, as well as some buns and other things. It was enough for four or five people.

If Jiuyang wasn't so strong, he probably wouldn't be able to lift it.

Jiuyang stared at Xiao Shuo and recognized him, saying, "Thank you for helping me fix the safety lock."

Jiaoyang was very sensitive and could sense that he was in a bad mood because of the Madam, so he added, "The Madam will definitely be fine. She promised me. Don't be sad."

Xiao Shuo smiled slightly. He had just seen the safety lock placed next to the lady's pillow.

Obviously arrogant.

Jiuyang walked to the side of the lady's couch and, imitating others, touched her forehead.

"Ayan, do you want me to send someone to the Sheng Mansion to tell them?" Seeing that it was already this late, Chu Yuanchen asked.

"Today is the day for married women to return to their parents' home. Father knows that Zhao Yuanrou and I don't get along, so he won't ask me to entertain guests." Sheng Xiyan said to Xigui, "You go back to the mansion first. If there is anything, just deal with it. I will come back when the lady's condition gets better."

Xigui: “…”

She looked silently at the people in the room, but did not dare to say "no". She couldn't help thinking that after the girl got married, she would be fine. At least she would not be dragged away by the prince to see a doctor and stay out all night.

Xigui comforted himself, then knelt down and took his leave.

"Brother, please have something to eat first."

Chu Yuanchen helped Sheng Xiyan to set out the dishes and chopsticks. Xiao Shuo withdrew his gaze from the lady and nodded slightly.

They dealt with it casually, and Jiuyang left with the food box. After more than an hour, Sheng Xiyan, who had been paying attention to the lady's pulse, moved her eyebrows and naturally showed joy on her face. She quickly felt the lady's temperature and said in surprise: "The temperature has come down."

The fire has subsided.

It didn't completely subside, it just went from a high burn to a low burn, which was enough to make her ecstatic.

it works!

Aged mustard brine is indeed useful for treating exogenous toxins.

The hairy paste is also useful for sore wounds.

Moreover, they do not cause much harm to the human body. Even a weak body like the Madam can withstand them.

Sheng Xiyan carefully checked her pulse again. After a long while, she put the lady's wrist back into the quilt and said to Xiao Shuo with a relaxed look, "She's alive. There shouldn't be any serious problems."

Xiao Shuo's heart, which had been hanging in the air, finally settled down.

He hadn't been worried or scared for many years, and had almost forgotten what it felt like to worry about someone's life or death.

He almost forgot that he was also afraid, afraid of losing.

Xiao Shuo closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they were completely calm, with all his fragility suppressed, just like most of the time, indestructible.

Xiao Shuo stood up, brushed his robe, and said, "I'm leaving first."

He did not linger any longer and was about to turn around when his right wrist was suddenly grabbed by a slightly hot hand.

Xiao Shuo's shoulders stiffened, with a hint of surprise on his face. He slowly lowered his head and saw that the old lady had opened her eyes at some point and was holding his wrist with her old hands.

"Yao...Brother..."

Her dry lips moved slightly and made unclear sounds.

Her empty eyes were fixed on Xiao Shuo's face. Xiao Shuo avoided her gaze without hesitation and gently pulled his hand back.

The lady was too weak and had no strength, so she just loosely grasped her hand. Xiao Shuo just moved slightly and easily pulled her hand away.

Then he walked out without looking back.

Xiao Shuo was too decisive, and seemed not to be moved at all. However, someone as familiar with him as Chu Yuanchen could see that Xiao Shuo's steps were a little unsteady, and his steps were not as firm and unstoppable as before.

The old lady's eyes were lifeless, and it was obvious that she was not awake yet. She was in a daze, as if she was half asleep and half awake.

Chu Yuanchen followed Xiao Shuo out, and Sheng Xiyan called out in a gentle voice: "Madam? Madam..."

The lady did not respond and fell asleep again.

This time, she slept much more soundly than before, and her breathing became even more stable.

Not long after, Chu Yuanchen came in again and said, "Brother has gone back."

Sheng Xiyan said, "Madam Tai hasn't woken up yet. Maybe she was startled from a dream."

Chu Yuanchen was relieved.

"It should be fine now." Sheng Xiyan said with a little fatigue, "As long as the fever subsides, it will be fine. Just rest for a few days and you will recover soon."

Hearing that her voice was not as energetic as usual, Chu Yuanchen walked up to her, put his arm around her shoulders, raised his hand and patted her shoulder gently.

"Are you tired?"

"A little bit." Sheng Xiyan said with a hint of coquettishness that she herself was not even aware of. She still sat there, but subconsciously leaned her head on his arm again.

Holding the soft jade in his arms, Chu Yuanchen suddenly felt that his luck was extremely good. The faint fragrance lingered around his nose, and the warmth so close to him made him reluctant to let go.

This nice little girl has been involved in all kinds of troubles since she got engaged to me. If it weren't for me, she would have been carefree like other noble ladies in the capital.

And I am so lucky to have met her.

Chu Yuanchen could almost imagine how much regret and remorse he would have now if it weren't for her.

Sheng Xiyan leaned on him for a while. Even though his arms were tied stiffly and it was uncomfortable to lean on him, she didn't want to move away.

She said softly, "Let me tell you, this mustard brine is also useful for treating high fever caused by external injuries."

She raised her eyes to look at him, her almond-shaped eyes were dark and bright, as if they contained starlight, as if she was saying: Come and praise me.

Chu Yuanchen understood: "Ayan is awesome. With this Chen Jie Cai Yan, the casualties of the Zhenbei Army can be reduced by at least 30%. This is all thanks to Ayan!"

His compliment simply touched her heart. Sheng Xiyan was satisfied and smiled happily.

If her rebirth can save more people, it will not be in vain for this opportunity given to her.

It would be even better if God was willing to share the opportunity with Chu Yuanchen and Xiao Shuo, so that they could have a smooth life and fulfill their wishes!

“Ayan is the best!”

“Always.”

Sheng Xiyan felt so soft and itchy inside because of the compliment. She really wanted to act cool and aloof, but the two pear-shaped wrinkles on her cheeks just wouldn't obey her.

This delicate and soft look almost melted Chu Yuanchen's heart.

He stroked her hair gently, then brought a cup of tea and let her drink it from his hands.

The fatigue on Sheng Xiyan's face gradually faded away. She raised her head and met those sparkling peach blossom eyes. There was only her reflected in those eyes.

Her smile deepened unconsciously.

She really likes someone looking at her wholeheartedly like this.

"Princess."

There were greetings from outside.

When Chu Yuanchen sent Xiao Shuo out just now, he had someone tell Jingle that the lady's fever had subsided.

Upon hearing the news, Jingle hurried over immediately.

Jingle pushed the door open and went straight to the lady's bed. Seeing that she was sleeping soundly, she asked Sheng Xiyan a few questions softly until she was finally relieved.

"Sister Yan, it's getting late. You should go back and rest first." Jingle looked at her haggard face with concern. "Achen, you can take Sister Yan back. I can watch over here."

It was indeed very late, and the lady's condition was relatively stable, so Sheng Xiyan agreed.

Chu Yuanchen first sent Sheng Xiyan back to the Sheng Mansion, and then he climbed over the eaves and walls and sent her to the small study.

"I'll go see the Madam tomorrow." Sheng Xiyan said, and then reminded her, "If the Madam has a fever again at night, come find me."

If the burning sensation subsides, it means the aged mustard greens salt has taken effect and there should be no more danger, but it is still better to be on the safe side.

Chu Yuanchen agreed, and Xu helped her climb through the window into the small study before leaving.

Xigui was waiting in the main hall. Seeing Sheng Xiyan come back, she was finally relieved and said quickly, "Miss, the eldest aunt and cousin left after dinner. During dinner, Madam asked Amber to take you over, but I sent her away. I said you didn't want to see cousin Zhao."

Liu was going to visit her parents' home tomorrow, so she stayed in the house today to entertain the guests.

Sheng Xiyan nodded casually and said, "You are right. I don't want to see her."

Xigui said: "No one has come here since then."

Sheng Xiyan sent her downstairs to rest. "I've already had my meal at the palace. You can go and rest first. We have to go again tomorrow morning."

Xigui knelt down and agreed, then went downstairs and told the maid to prepare water for Sheng Xiyan to wash.

Sheng Xiyan yawned and felt a little lazy. Her heart had been tense almost all day long. Once she relaxed, the fatigue that came over her became even more severe.

She quickly washed up, fell on the bed, closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Sheng Xiyan was afraid that the lady's condition might worsen in the middle of the night, so she did not sleep well and even woke up several times. However, she was delighted that the night was peaceful.

After she had breakfast, Liu wanted to take her back to her parents' home, but she refused.

As soon as Liu and the others left, she hurried to the Zhenbei Palace.

Jingle told her that the lady had not woken up yet.

"Madam, you slept very soundly." Jingle smiled happily, "You didn't wake up all night. It was just that you had a fever for a while during the second watch, but it wasn't too severe. After applying a wet towel for a while, the fever subsided, so I didn't ask Achen to wake you up."

Jingle stayed there all night without leaving.

"Princess."

Sheng Xiyan was about to ask again, but Nanny Lan suddenly said in surprise, "Princess, young lady, the Madam is awake."

They were both delighted and looked over at the same time, and found that the lady had indeed woken up.

"Madam, are you awake?"

Jinglese did not hide her joy and said, "Would you like to sit up?"

As she spoke, she motioned to Nanny Lan to bring over a pillow.

"You are...Awu?"

The lady spoke in a hoarse voice, which was extremely clear.

Jingle was about to take the pillow, but when she heard the words, her hands suddenly loosened and the pillow fell to the ground.

She subconsciously looked towards the old lady, and saw a pair of calm eyes. The darkness that originally shrouded the eyes gradually dissipated, like a tear in the mist.

"Awu, I seem to have had a very long dream..."