Chapter 16: Junfang

  Ni Dafu furrowed his brow, and Wan Niang also weighed it in her heart.

  "What's wrong, isn't it suitable?" asked Wen Niang.

  Ni Dafu sighed.

  Facing Wen Niang's question, Nai Daifu could only say helplessly: "Although Xiwen girl is a yangming fulu, this prescription is too cold. First use Cheng Qi Tang to break her blood, and then add extremely cold rhinoceros horn and gypsum, I'm afraid Xiwen girl can't bear it."

  He thought this prescription was risky and would put Xiwen's life in danger if he wasn't careful.

  Ni Dafu has been a doctor for over thirty years and is known for being steady and composed.

  Chen Jiong this child, today completely overturned the old man's understanding. Now he has also opened such an extremely cold prescription. The old man pondered for a long time and still felt it was not suitable.

  Based on his medical experience, this prescription is not suitable for women to take.

  Chen Jiong's dialectics are indeed stunning, making people mistakenly think he is an experienced old doctor. However, this prescription is too childish, as if a child has piled up all the cold medicines they have memorized together.

  Wan Niang also furrowed her brow and glanced at Chen Jing.

  Chen Jing didn't have much expression, lightly, just like when he came in just now.

  "Why don't you take a look at this doctor?" Ni Daifu handed the prescription to Gong Zhili. He still didn't know Gong Zhili's name until now.

  Gong Zhili was arrogant and had no interest in making friends with Langzhong, and Ni Dafu didn't impress him like Chen Jing did. Gong Zhili smiled, took the prescription from Ni Dafu's hand, and without introducing himself, he lowered his head to take a look.

  After watching, he had the same idea as Dr. Ni.

  This medicine is too risky.

  Not to mention Xiweng girl who has been ill for a long time, even a strong man can't bear it?

  This prescription does indeed look immature.

  "Mr. Chen, this prescription has some drawbacks." Gong Zhili spoke bluntly, "Why not modify it? Since there is rhinoceros horn which is cold in nature, why not remove the gypsum? Or reduce the dosage?"

  "This prescription is flawless." Chen Jing's expression was serious as he guaranteed, "If you don't believe me, you can reduce the dosage or the amount of medicine."

  "This prescription of mine, take two doses, and Miss Xiweng's delirious ravings will be cured. If you modify the prescription, I dare not guarantee its effectiveness. Miss Xiweng's illness can still drag on for some time. If you insist on modifying it, so be it."

  Wen's illness has not yet reached a critical stage.

  It was only when she fell ill that she became delirious and violent, wanting to take her own life and the lives of others, frightening the ignorant doctor and Wen Niang.

  It had been a month of continuous turmoil, and the flood season was still not over. Yuanniang was certain that she was already at the end of her illness and feared that she could no longer be saved.

  Actually, Wen's illness is not serious.

  Chen Jiong felt that he really didn't have any qualifications to ask others to believe him.

  If they don't believe it, change the prescription, and they will know that it has no effect. In the end, they will still take this prescription. It's just a pity for Wenxiang girl, who will suffer more.

  Chen Jiong also did not want the patient's family to suffer more.

  But all of this was beyond his control.

  Even if he jumped up and down saying that it was urgent and he must be believed, it might not work. His age is a factor here, so his medical skills are bound to be questioned.

  It's better to be calm and composed, at least people will think he is profound and unpredictable, maybe after careful consideration, they will even believe him.

  With that said, Chen Jiong didn't say another word.

  Warm yellow light pours in through the window. It's already dusk, and the clouds at the horizon are like layered brocade, gorgeous and dazzling. The window is half open, and the curtains between the pillars flutter in the evening breeze, the soft and smooth curtains rippling like waves.

  The wind is warm and gentle.

  The sky is getting dark.

  "Auntie, Doctor Ni and Doctor Gong, it's getting late, I should head back," Chen Jing said with a smile as he gave them a slight bow. "If I return too late, my family will worry."

  He paused for a moment and then said, "Aunt Wen, don't forget your promise."

  "Whoever heals Xiwen will have the promise of marrying her off to Yuankun Pavilion." This promise could be exchanged for a large sum of silver, thought Chen Jing.

  Wan Niang was shocked.

  Does he really want to marry Xiwen after all?

  Before, Yuanniang didn't think about these things either. She just wanted to cure Xiwén first. As for the Chen family's background, Yuanniang was very clear about it. If Chenxuan insisted on marrying Xiwén, Yuanniang had a way to deal with him.

  Wan Niang smiled and no longer detained Chen Jing. She called out to the guards outside and had them escort Chen Jing downstairs.

  As soon as Chen Jing left, the two doctors spoke even more bluntly.

  "...this old man presents his ugliness, you can modify this prescription." said Doctor Ni.

  "It's better to change it." Gong Zhili said.

  Wan Niang smiled slightly and didn't reject the two men's good intentions, letting them change the prescription.

  The two old doctors deliberated for a moment, and finally removed the raw gypsum and rhinoceros horn from Chen Cang's prescription, both of which were extremely cold medicines. After removing these two flavors, this prescription was still cold.

  So, Ni Daifu handed over the prescription to Wan Niang: "Take three doses first. After finishing the three doses, please ask the doctor for a re-examination."

  This cold medicine is not suitable for women to take in large quantities.

  Wan Niang expressed her gratitude.

  She called the nurse, and also gave a red envelope to Dr. Ni and Dr. Gong, each containing five one- or two-liang silver ingots. One consultation and she's already spent five liang of silver, what extravagance!

  The two doctors also left, and the second floor became quiet again.

  The sky had darkened, and Wan Niang called out to the maid, saying: "Go downstairs and have the honored guests move forward to drink wine. Tonight's drinks are all on Wanyun Building..."

  She's trying to get rid of everyone.

  Wan Niang took two prescriptions and thought for a long time, but still couldn't make up her mind.

  Which one should I use?

  Chen Gongzi, he's too young, doesn't seem to have any medical skills. But earlier on the street, when he met Xiwén, seeing Xiwén like that, he didn't exclaim like others "Is this girl crazy?" but instead said, "Don't worry, mom, the girl just has a minor illness."

  From this point on, it can be seen that he really understands medicine.

  He spoke in a tone like Lang Zhong's.

  Just now, he clearly hadn't asked about Xiwen's illness or looked at her prescription, yet he was able to accurately identify the medicinal herbs she used. This point left Yuanniang deeply impressed. Now that she thought about it, Yuanniang felt shocked.

  How did he manage to do it?

  The prescription before was written by Dr. Liu. Could it be that Mr. Chen and Dr. Liu are in cahoots?

  Why is Doctor Liu ruining his own future?

  Now that the news has spread, Liu Dafu is also in a difficult situation.

  But it can't be denied that Chen Gongzi and Liu Dafu colluded to cheat more money, which makes more sense.

  Upon second thought, Wan Niang felt that Chen Gongzi was not a swindler.

  Wan Niang didn't understand Chen Gongzi, but she understood Liu Dafu. If Liu Dafu had been acting all along, Wan Niang, who had seen countless people, would have discovered the clues long ago. Wan Niang had interacted with Liu Dafu for four or five years and was very clear about his character, so he couldn't deceive her.

  Moreover, Chen Gongzi did not show any unusual signs either.

  "It can't be a scam..." was the conclusion that Wan Niang finally came to.

  So, should his prescription be used or not?

  Ni Dafu and Gong Zhili, although they looked like two experienced doctors, also agreed with Chen Gongzi's diagnosis. This means that Chen Gongzi's medical skills should be even better.

  Wan Niang did not have those worldly prejudices, she would not think that a matchmaker must be an old person.

  Maybe there will be a genius someday.

  "It's a matter of life and death." Wan Niang thought for half a day, but still couldn't make up her mind. After all, she cared about Xi Wen and was afraid that if she made a wrong decision, Xi Wen would lose his life in vain.

  It's really hard to make this decision.

  Wan Niang sat silently for a while.

  She had rarely encountered such a difficult decision in her life.

  Half a moment later, Wan Niang finally stood up. She took the revised prescriptions of Nai Daifu and Gong Zhi, carefully stacked them together, and put them under the tea cup; while Chen Jing's prescription, she looked at it again.

  She called the nurse and handed over the prescription written by Chen Jing: "Prepare the medicine according to the prescription, two doses will be enough."

  Today these doctors are all talking nonsense when diagnosing, only Chen Jing's words make Ruan Niang convinced. Since that's the case, then believe him.

  If Xiwen was really killed by the doctor, it would also be her fate.

  Wan Niang is also considered a good husband among women, and what she hates most is hesitation.

  The nurse took the prescription and went to get the medicine.

  A moment later, the nurse returned with the medicine and handed it to Wan Niang. She then said: "The doctor who prescribed the medicine asked me who this prescription was for. He said that using such a drastic cold medicine would be unbearable if the person's body is weak. I told him it was for my young mistress, but the doctor kept saying it wasn't suitable. Auntie Wan, do we really need to decoct the medicine?"

  "Get out!" Yuanniang's voice was firm and decisive.

  She will never hesitate twice on the same thing.

  Since she had made up her mind, Wan Niang would not hesitate again.

  The housekeeper was worried and said a few words, then turned around and let the little maid go decoct the medicine.

  Lying inside, a shrill cry suddenly came from outside.

  Xiwén's illness has relapsed again.

  Wan Niang's face was overcast with dark clouds.

  She got up and went into the inner chamber. Only to see Xi Wen holding a pillow, trying to hit her own head with it. The maid wouldn't let her do so, so she hit the little maid instead.

  That jade pillow, bought for a thousand taels of silver, didn't even hit the little maid, but instead fell to the ground with a loud crash and shattered into powder.

  Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were bloodshot, as if she wanted to devour someone.

  In the past, Wenwen was so gentle and quiet, but now she's become ill like this...

  Wan Niang didn't mind the cost. The noble guests who came to Wan Jun Ge were all lavish spenders. Wan Niang only pitied Wen Xiu. Ten years ago, Wan Niang picked up this little girl who was fleeing in distress and treated her as a companion, raising her until today.

  When Wen is a money tree, this is true; also love Wen, this feeling is real.

  Wan Niang is such a person, rationality and emotions can be skillfully integrated together, never only talking about emotions, nor only discussing business.

  "Qing er." Wan Niang stepped forward and hugged Xi Wen tightly.

  Xīwén's nickname was Qīngér, and she used to serve at Wǎnniáng's side. It wasn't until Wǎnniáng opened this Wǎnjūn Gé that she gave Qīngér the new name Xīwén.

  "My poor son." Wan Niang sighed, "If you can't get better, I'd rather you left. To suffer like this, how can a mother bear it?"

  Regretfully, I don't understand, struggling desperately.

  Wan Niang could no longer hold her and had to call someone to tie her up.

  The more times I was tied up, the more scars were left on Wen's arm and body.

  After about half an hour, the medicine was finally cooked.

  The little maid brought over the medicine.

  She struggled for half a day, but gradually lost her strength and lay softly on the bed. Yuanniang fed her medicine, she didn't know to open her mouth, and when speaking, she seemed not to hear.

  "Come on, open her mouth." Wan Niang had no choice but to force-feed her.

  Two attendants came forward and pried open Xiwen's mouth.

  Unfortunately, Wen was choked and coughed violently.

  After a long struggle, he finally managed to gulp down a bowl of medicine.

  Looking at her dull eyes and limp body, Yuanniang knew that her madness had passed, and she wouldn't have an episode for the time being, so she let someone untie the ropes.

  Regretfully, Wen was stupid and allowed others to bully him.

  Wan Niang helped her lie down and covered her with a quilt.

  Regrettably, he soon fell fast asleep with his eyes closed.

  Wan Niang also breathed a sigh of relief.

  All day long, Wan Niang didn't eat a single grain of rice, and now she feels empty in her stomach.

  She went downstairs to have dinner.

  At night, she rested in the attic of Qionglou House to accompany Xiwén, lest she have another episode at night. During this period, Yuanniang had been taking care of Xiwén without undressing.

  By the next day's Mao Shi time, Wan Niang woke up.

  She got up and washed her face, wearing a cheongsam and sitting in front of the dressing table, with a little maid helping her tie her hair.

  The hair was still not tied up when there were hurried footsteps of a young maid rushing in.

  Wan Niang's heart skipped a beat: Was it because Wenwen was not good?

  Her heart sank.

  But then Xi Wen's little maid came in with a smile all over her face, and knelt down to Wen Niang: "Mom, the young lady woke up, said she wants to go to the bathroom, and asked where mom is..."

  Wan Niang quickly got up and rushed to Xi Wen's room.

  Ever since Xiwen fell ill, she has been dazed and confused all day long, and sometimes even talks wildly. When she is not having an episode, she also does not speak a word, although her mind is clear, but she has never spoken a complete sentence.

  This is still the first time Xi Wen has spoken since falling ill.

  It's about time you spoke up.

  Wan Niang was overjoyed and her eyes became moist.

  Is this okay?

  That Mr. Chen, what kind of sacred being is he?