Chapter 68: Recovery from Illness

  Thirteen girl painful is severe, it's a precursor to menstruation.

  Three days of Suhe Xiang San, regulating Qi and opening orifices, the blood is about to move, so the 13th daughter suffers from pain.

  "Take five qian of mirabilite and eight qian of rhubarb, decoct them into a bowl of thick liquid, and have her drink it." Chen Jiong came in, felt the pulse of Thirteen Niang, confirmed that the time had arrived, and instructed the servant woman.

  Mirabilite and rhubarb are both drastic purgatives, for a patient as weak as you, they are hazardous medicines.

  Shen Changyu asked a few more questions.

  Chen Jiong repeatedly assured her that he would not use medicine, and Shen Changyu did not say much more, hastily ordering someone to decoct the medicine according to Chen Jiong's instructions.

  Half an hour later, a bowl of thick and dark medicine was brought in.

  Thirteen girl clenched her teeth and drank it all in one breath.

  The abdominal pain gradually subsided.

  She also fell asleep dazedly for a while.

  After a time of about one and a half hours, it suddenly flowed freely; at first, it was just a little bit of dark red, but later it became a lot of dirty blood, and she was a bit scared. She changed her clothes four or five times that night, and when she got up early, her belly had shrunk by about one circle, and she seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief, without that feeling of being stuffy and uncomfortable.

  She was overjoyed and had the maid tell Chen Jing.

  "I'll have you take a decoction of Angelica, Rehmannia, and Artemisia to nourish the blood and stop the bleeding. Don't eat it now, but take it two days later." Chen Jing said, "This time the bleeding will be heavy, if we don't replenish, the person will become even weaker."

  Shen Changyu handed him paper and pen.

  Chuanxiong Guijiu Decoction comes from "Jin Kui Yao Lue", Chuanxiong, Ejiao and Licorice each two qian, Angelica three qian, Peony four qian, Rehmannia six qian, tonifying blood.

  The condition has progressed to this point, and the doctor has done almost everything that can be done.

  Next is to slowly nurse back to health.

  Shen Thirteen Niang's condition will likely require at least half a year of recuperation.

  Chen Jiong bid farewell to Shen Changyu: "It's been four days, it's time to go back. From now on, there won't be any more danger, just take your time and rest quietly. Don't over-supplement for a month, just eat light and plain food."

  Shen Changyu took note of it one by one.

  He wanted to personally escort Chen Jing back to town.

  On the way, he gave Chen Jing a fortune-telling.

  Chen Jiong smiled and said: "Then I'll take it." This was a return for his medical skills, Chen Jiong took the money without any mental burden, he didn't go around blackmailing.

  Shen Changyu was still prepared to persuade him, but he didn't expect him to be so straightforward. He also felt that this person was frank and sincere, and his intention to make friends with him deepened.

  Apart from giving money, he also told Chen Xing a few private words: "...... As I said last time, three people can make up a rumor and rumors are often terrifying. People like to hear dirty stories about others, but they may not be willing to listen to explanations.

  "Thirteen Niang was just ill, but the news got out and it's inevitable that some people would suspect we're covering up. Her reputation can't be restored. As for this matter, apart from a few family members who know about it, I still plan to keep it under wraps and pretend nothing happened. Please understand."

  "I know," said Chen Jiong. "Don't worry, I won't mention it to anyone. Even if my sister-in-law asks, I'll cover it up."

  Shen Changyu had to believe this.

  If Chen Jie really spread it out, he would have no way to deal with it. He could only bet that Chen Jie was a good person and willing to keep the secret.

  Shen Changyu accompanied Chen Jing all the way to Qiwan Lane.

  The elder sister-in-law hurried out to greet her.

  Shen Changyu didn't stay seated for long, he still had many things to attend to, and turned to leave.

  He returned to Nanqiaolong Shen's house and told his father about the situation with Thirteen Niang.

  His father listened and asked coldly after a long while: "Isn't she pregnant?"

  Shen Changyu knew that his father had never trusted Thirteen Niang, thinking that she was incompatible with her stepmother and therefore lacked close relatives to educate her, so it was only natural that she would have a strange personality and commit filthy acts.

  Father was deeply ashamed of this, if it weren't for Shen Changyu, Father would have taken San Shi's life first.

  Family dignity is more important than life!

  Now hearing that it's not a pregnancy, Father still doesn't believe it, thinking that Shen Changyu secretly had an abortion for Thirteen Niang and is covering it up.

  "No!" Shen Changyu's voice was also slightly cold.

  The father and son used to be on good terms, but they had a falling out over the 13th daughter's affair and couldn't make up for it no matter what.

  "...Since that's the case, you handle it yourself. The people on Zhuangzi are all your mother's trusted attendants who were brought over as part of her dowry, and they're all loyal to you siblings. If this matter is handled properly, it'll be thanks to your efforts." Father said.

  His tone was dissatisfied with Shen Changyu's mother's dowry.

  In this era, women have the right to their dowry. A woman's dowry is entirely in her own hands and can be excluded from family property, to be left separately to her son or daughter in the future. After the mother passed away, this inheritance would be inherited by Shen Changyu and his sister.

  Of course, it can also be given to family members, which is everyone's wish, and family members cannot be forced.

  Shen Changyu's father hoped that his son would take out this inheritance and hand it over to the family. This way, they would appear generous and dignified as the second house. Shen Changyu and his sister having it alone, their father couldn't bask in the glory.

  Shen Changyu refused.

  He won't waste his mother's dowry on these worthless things. This is left for Thirteen Niang. With this inheritance, Thirteen Niang will be wealthy and respected no matter whose family she marries into, and she won't be bullied by her husband or mother-in-law.

  Shen Changyu had only one younger sister, thirteen maiden, who was her only maternal sibling. Her father didn't care about anything, so she had to take care of everything for her sister.

  So, the father and son disagreed, and the father could not persuade Shen Changyu, so he had to mention when Shen Changyu's mother was married, speaking in a gloomy tone and saying some cold words.

  "Yes." Shen Changyu ignored his father's sarcasm and bid farewell with a bow.

  Then he went to the big house and told the story to his uncle and aunt.

  As the head of the household, Zhang Fang must be very open-minded.

  The great aunt heard this and immediately said: "I'll go with you to the Zhuangzi to take a look. I've always said that Thirteen Niang wouldn't do anything foolish."

  She is good at speaking politely.

  "Alright, I'll also return to the Zhuangzi, take care of Thirteen Niang for a few days, and accompany Eldest Maternal Aunt." Shen Changyu said.

  The elder aunt nodded and went into the house to change her clothes.

  Shen Changyu was waiting when Shen Nanhua arrived.

  "Fourth Brother!" Shen Nan Hua had always admired this elder cousin of his, and every time he saw him, he felt a sense of closeness.

  However, Shen Changyu did not have a special liking for Shen Nanhua, and it could even be said that she didn't like him.

  Shen Changyu was very kind to Liu Lang and Thirteen Niang, as if he would give his heart and lungs for them. Everyone in the family thought he was a good person to get along with. In fact, he was extremely indifferent inside.

  Apart from Liu Lang and Thirteen Girl, he doesn't care about anyone else in this household.

  No one could see his emotions.

  "Fourth Sister." Shen Changyu and Shen Nanhua greeted her with a bow, smiling as they asked, "You've come to pay your respects so early?"

  "Yes." Shen Nanhua said.

  They were talking when Eldest Aunt came out after changing her clothes.

  "Mother, where are we going?"

  "Go see Thirteen Niang." Eldest Aunt replied, "Your fourth brother said that Thirteen Niang's condition has improved greatly, I want to go take a look at her."

  "I'll go too," said Shen Nanhua, "I've been worried about Thirteen Niang day and night."

  She was really worried about Thirteen Girl.

  Since the thirteenth girl fell ill, Shen Nanhua has been copying Buddhist scriptures every day to pray for her safety. She has already copied them for half a year and is very sincere in her heart. Moreover, Eldest Aunt intentionally cultivated this daughter and did not hide anything from her at home.

  The great aunt glanced at Shen Changyu.

  Shen Changyu said: "Thirteen Niang still needs to rest in the villa for several months, Ten Niang goes to see her and keeps her company, she will surely like it."

  Then they went up to Zhuangzi's place.

  Let's not mention anything else, but San Shi Niang's slightly bulging belly has already gone away.

  The great aunt nodded with satisfaction, holding thirteen's hand and saying a lot of things.

  Seeing her aunt and Shen Nan Hua, Thirteen Niang was also very happy.

  The great aunt had something to ask Shen Changyu and went to the east wing, leaving only Shen Nanhua and Thirteen Niang in the house talking.

  "Which doctor did you invite? This is terrible!" Shen Nan Hua asked Thirteen Niang, "Thirteen Niang's illness has already gone more than half."

  She comforted Thirteen Niang. From her complexion, it was impossible to tell whether she had improved or not, after all, it had only been a day.

  Thirteen Niang believed it to be true, and laughed: "He's Fourth Brother's friend, a young man. At the time I saw him, I was annoyed with Fourth Brother for being reckless. Who would have thought that there are indeed many extraordinary people in this world? He's so young, yet his medical skills are astonishingly superb."

  "Fourth Brother's friend?" Shen Nanhua muttered.

  It was a coincidence that she thought of Chen Jiong, whom she had met at the gate that day. Later, after asking around, she found out that he was invited by her fourth brother as a guest. He was also a friend of her fourth brother's.

  Shen Nanhua suddenly came to herself and found her thoughts had wandered far away, so she quickly gathered her wits.

  She heard Thirteen continue saying: "Yes, surname Chen, named Chen Yangji, fourth brother told me..."

  Shen Nanhua was shocked.

  She had a sudden thought and remembered Chen Xuan, what a coincidence, that doctor was indeed Chen Xuan.

  A scholar with exceptional horsemanship skills, unexpectedly also has exceptional medical skills, this is too incredible...

  It's really puzzling, what kind of god is he?

  Shen Nanhua was stunned.

  "What's wrong, tenth sister?" Thirteen Girl saw Shen Nan Hua dazed and thought she had said something wrong, so she called out to her.

  Shen Nanhua came back to his senses, smiled and said: "Thirteen Niang's illness is so severe that our Shen family is worried. The famous doctors were helpless, but now Chen Guanren has cured her, we should thank him."

  "Yes, I must thank him!" exclaimed Thirteen Niang, "He didn't just cure my illness, he saved my life!"

  Chen Jie proved San Shi Er's innocence.

  This is life-saving.

  A debt of gratitude as great as the heavens!

  This kindness, Thirteen Niang cannot repay.

  Shen Nanhua smiled. She was originally a straightforward person, and if it were usual, she would certainly tell Thirteen Niang about her own encounter with Chen Jing.

  Even Chen Jing's horse riding and ball throwing skills were vividly described to Thirteen Niang.

  But at this moment, she couldn't say a word.

  She didn't want others to know.

  This feeling is hard to express in words.

  After talking for a while, Thirteen Niang felt tired and dizzy. Shen Nanhua helped her move the pillow, supported her to lie down in a half-sitting position, and then sat beside her for a while, accompanying Thirteen Niang.

  Outside, Shen Changyu and Eldest Aunt were also discussing San Shi Niang's illness.

  "I gave him a thousand taels as a diagnostic fee. Although it's a bit too much, it also serves to shut his mouth. The Chen family is also considered a respectable family, they know what's important and won't speak recklessly." Shen Changyu said to Eldest Aunt, "This money will come from my mother's dowry, no need to go through the public account."

  Great Aunt thought Shen Changyu handled it properly.

  However, when it comes to money, one should still be polite.

  Then Eldest Aunt said: "I'll tell your uncle about it later. This money should be taken from the common fund, and Thirteen Niang is also a Shen family daughter."

  "No need to trouble you, Aunt," Shen Changyu hastily said, "No need to bother Uncle with such a small matter..."

  Thirteen Niang was fine, and she didn't bring shame to the Shen family; the doctor's fees and medication were all paid for by Shen Changyu using his birth mother's inheritance, without touching the family's public funds.

  This matter was handled with everyone's satisfaction.

  When leaving, Shen Changyu didn't see off Big Aunt and Shen Nanhua again.

  The old aunt on the carriage was in a very good mood, but Shen Nanhua's mind was elsewhere, lost in thought.