Chapter 121: Infectious Disease
Su Yaoguang smiled and said, "Actually, it’s not that much. Compared to cold, hard silver, what Student Xiao needs more is family concern. Aren’t your feelings for him very strong? Why don’t you visit the academy to see him, take care of him while he’s seriously ill? If he gets touched and happy, he might just recover without medicine. I plan to visit Wang Shu; do you want to join me for the trip?"
Jiang Yihuan chuckled awkwardly, "The academy is a serious place; they probably won’t let people in, right?"
"Not really. As long as you don’t wander around inside, the academy won’t stop you from caring for your family. I usually see how kind you are, so concerned about Xiao Ci, I assumed you’d be worried about his safety too."
Weren’t they all lovey-dovey in their past lives? This time, she’s playing the matchmaker early to help them achieve a happy ending. She really wants to see what kind of spark the two will create in this life without any obstacles.
Su Yaoguang would never admit to her mischievous delight.
Jiang Yihuan, this hypocritical woman, is the most selfish and self-centered. If Xiao Yanci, who is filthy and stinky from the illness, can still be wooed by Jiang Yihuan, she would never manage to feign care.
"Oh dear, you don’t want to? If Xiao Yanci finds out, he’ll probably feel very hurt! If he gets upset and really becomes the top scholar, and someone else steals this golden husband, someone might just lose all hope then!"
Jiang Yihuan hesitated.
If she goes to care for Xiao Yanci, he would definitely feel even more moved and become more devoted to her.
However, at this moment, she didn’t realize the true terrors of the illness. If she knew, she wouldn’t have such naïve thoughts.
"Alright, I’ll go too," Jiang Yihuan said, "Please wait a moment, young man; I’ll pack some things and come out."
Su Yaoguang achieved her purpose and swiftly ran back to Taoyao Square.
Zhang Zhaodi was waiting for her, and upon seeing her return, she pinched Su Yaoguang’s ear and scolded, "Well, well, your wings have grown hard. You dare make such risky decisions without consulting us."
"Mother, mother, I have confidence. It will definitely be fine. Think of Wang Shu, how pitiful he is alone at the academy, and he’s also sick. So many are sick at the academy; he’s not a significant figure there. Do you think they’ll really care for him?"
"Since you prepared the herbs in advance, didn’t you bring some for Wang Shu?" Zhang Zhaodi released Su Yaoguang’s ear.
"Strange as it is, I did prepare herbs for him, and I told him to brew a dose if he felt unwell. So how did he still fall sick?" Su Yaoguang felt puzzled.
While the mother and daughter conversed, Zhang Pandi and others finished packing and brought out the large bundles and packs of items.
"This rain has lasted so long; I wonder if the quilts and clothes are enough for Wang Shu. We’ve prepared new quilts and clothes to bring to him."
"Here are the herbs, various types. Based on the symptoms you mentioned before, I’ve listed everything according to different scenarios. Each bag is labeled with its use," Jiang Jing explained.
"These here are all food items. Apart from preserves, dried fruits, and dried fish slices, there are also some sauces I’ve made and fresh pastries from today. Bring them all to help Wang Shu strengthen his body."
Zhang Yingdi whispered, "These two bags are filled with grains. With the academy’s current situation, I’m worried that even if Wang Shu recovers, you might not be able to leave for a while. I’ve brought extra so you can cook meals."
"Last time, Wang Shu took a stove for boiling tea. Give them some charcoal too; it’s pointless to have a stove and pot without charcoal," Zhang Zhaodi reminded, "You truly care for that kid. If he ever wrongs you, I’ll cut him down."
The Su Family was busy checking everything.
The entire family loaded the items onto the ox cart.
As the Su Family finished loading, Jiang Yihuan came out with a small bundle.
Her family didn’t have extra grains; Xiao Yanci’s clothes had already been taken to the academy, so there wasn’t much to pack. She only brought her spare clothes, unsure of what else to take.
She carried ten taels of silver, the highest amount Zhong Lanhua would agree to. Although Zhong Lanhua usually listened to Jiang Yihuan’s suggestions, whenever it involved money, she became very shrewd.
"I asked you to go not to take care of Xiao Ci but to check on your brother. The academy didn’t clarify things; they only told you to see Xiao Ci, no word about your brother’s condition."
"Mom, I understand," Jiang Yihuan said, "Since the little scholar didn’t mention my brother, it means my brother isn’t sick!"
"That’s true. My son’s health has always been good, unlike that worthless fellow," Zhong Lanhua disdainfully dismissed Xiao Yanci’s health.
If not for the academy elevating him so highly, she would never allow that worthless fellow to live like a lord in their home. The idea of a slave climbing over the master’s head was utterly unacceptable.
Jiang Yihuan left with her bundle, seeing the Su Family taking the ox cart to the academy, feeling increasingly agitated.
Pretenders!
They were just visiting a patient, yet packed so much stuff; anyone would think they were moving house!
Jiang Jing drove the ox cart to the academy. On ordinary days, the academy wouldn’t allow anyone in, let alone during such a special time. Su Yaoguang told Jiang Jing to head back, as she would handle the ox cart inside the academy herself.
As Su Yaoguang drove the ox cart into the academy, the scholars peered out of their rooms.
Today, Su Yaoguang was dressed in a purple dress, with only a simple magnolia hairpin, her grooming neat and tasteful, resembling the vibrant girl-next-door, full of youthful energy.
The present Su Yaoguang was no longer the little dark girl. Her skin was smooth and tender, and her figure fuller than before. As she drove the ox cart to Zhou Wangshu’s door, she swiftly jumped off the cart and tied up the ox.
The attendant student who informed her earlier rushed over upon hearing she had entered the academy with an ox cart. Upon seeing the large packages on the cart, his expression turned peculiar.
"Isn’t this a bit much?" the attendant asked.
Su Yaoguang replied, "These are all for me. Didn’t you say that once inside, we can’t leave the academy easily? I have a lot of things as a girl; I can’t summon help from nowhere, right?"
The items were already inside; it was useless to argue further, so the attendant said no more.
"By the way, Jiang Yihuan, Student Xiao’s family member, should be arriving at the entrance soon. Could you please welcome her? It’s her first time at the academy, and she doesn’t know where Xiao Ci resides."
"Thank you for the reminder," the attendant promptly hurried to greet her.
He had just heard on his way back about three more falling ill today. The academy’s number of patients was increasing, and they truly couldn’t handle it all. If family members were willing to help, many affairs would be simplified.
Su Yaoguang was eager to check on Zhou Wangshu’s condition, moving those large bundles into the room.