Chapter 30: Bubbles of Happiness

As Sun Sichen wrote the prescription, Ping’an noticed ingredients like ox bile, turmeric, realgar, and musk. It was clearly a variation of the famous An Gong Niu Huang Pill, with just a few minor differences in the herbs.

These slight differences made it somewhat inferior to the An Gong Niu Huang Pill, but it also had its advantages.

“Master, are you giving this prescription to them?”

Sun Sichen smiled. “Ordinary prescriptions are fine, but these won’t be given to just anyone. I’ll have Ruyi take someone to get the medicine. Ruyi has a good grasp of medicine; you’ll need someone like that in the future.”

Outside the room, Magistrate Huang and his wife rushed over.

Sun Sichen handed the prescription to Ruyi. “Take someone to get ten doses of medicine according to this prescription.”

Ruyi and the steward hurried off. Having the steward pay ensured that Sun Sichen didn’t have to handle the money. The doctor would also carefully explain how to prepare the medicine; different herbs have different methods, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Sun Sichen then turned to Magistrate Huang. “Mr. Huang, I’ve done my best and temporarily saved your father’s life. But if you don’t pay attention, even the gods won’t be able to help.”

Magistrate Huang was overjoyed. “Thank you, Young Master. We won’t be careless again. Can we go see my father now?”

Sun Sichen nodded. “Of course. He’s still unconscious. Once he wakes up, administer the medicine immediately—one dose a day, three times a day. I’ll come again tomorrow to give him acupuncture. I was supposed to leave for the prefecture this morning, but all my plans are messed up, sigh.”

Magistrate Huang thanked him repeatedly. “This is all thanks to you. Please stay a few more days; I don’t trust any other doctor.”

“Your father’s condition is serious, and I used a secret technique for the acupuncture, which will take at least five days. I must stay.  I’ll leave instructions with Doctor Sun; he’ll visit regularly, and I’ll leave the prescription with him as well.”

“Young Master, I don’t know how to express my gratitude. Your life-saving grace is greater than heaven. If there’s anything I can do for you in the future, just command me.”

Madam Huang quickly gave each of them a red envelope, including a small one for Ruyi.

“This ornament is quite nice, obtained by my father a few years ago. Young Master, please accept it.”

Sun Sichen quickly shook his head. “There’s really no need for such extravagance, Madam Huang. Please keep it.”

After some polite refusal, it ended up in Ruyi’s hands.

Ping’an followed his master, a smile playing on his lips. Who said being an official was always good? Even the county magistrate was careful in front of his master.

Of course, to receive such treatment, one must have superb medical skills and great ability.

The feeling of receiving red envelopes was quite good.

Sun Sichen sent Ping’an back to the inn, informing his parents that they couldn’t leave yet. He then stayed at Baicaotang; there was plenty to do.

Ping’an returned to the room, where his parents and Erqiang were waiting.

“Mom and Dad, we probably won’t be able to leave for four or five days. Old Master Huang knocked over his medicine last night, and he almost passed away.”

He didn’t mention the other reckless actions.

His parents gasped. They had consulted a doctor, but the old master didn’t take his medicine. Wasn’t that playing with his life?

Ping’an took a sip of water. “Rest well these few days. You can go for a walk in the city. I’m going to read in my room.”

“It’s alright. I’ll buy some cloth to make clothes for you.”

“Erqiang, learn from Jixiang. You can go read.”

Ping’an returned to his room, taking out his small red envelope. Five taels yesterday, and now double today. Were rich people so generous?

Fifteen taels could do a lot, like building a decent house in the countryside.

He had given yesterday’s red envelope to his mother; he would keep this one. He probably would receive another one on the last day.

Two hundred and forty-seven taels—a considerable amount. He was a very rich child, wasn’t he?

Bubbles of happiness filled his heart. Money could indeed make people happy. At least, it made him happy.

He carefully hid two hundred and forty taels; he wouldn’t use it for now. He kept the remaining seven taels in his pouch. He didn’t want to suffer any longer.

In his past life, he had been a generous person. Now, he was being secretive with his mother. He had kept today’s red envelope a secret.

He hoped this stepfather would continue to treat them well, and he would be filial to him in return, treating him like a real father.

The incompleteness of his original family was a knot in his heart.

The next day at breakfast, Sun Sichen personally informed Wan Changsheng and his wife that they would be staying for four or five days.

The Wan couple already knew this and were prepared.

Wan Changsheng said, “Young Master, please attend to your business. It’s fine if we leave a day earlier or later. There’s no need to worry about us during meals; everything is convenient at the inn.”

After the meal, Sun Sichen took Ping’an to the medical hall. He would go to the Huang residence later. Erqiang was left with Jixiang and Ruyi.

Meiniang took out some cloth to make clothes and backpacks. She didn’t need to buy fabric for now. She was in a good mood, her eyes smiling.

Wan Changsheng said, “Wife, you both have things to do. I might as well go to the outskirts and gather some herbs. It doesn’t matter how much I earn; I need something to do.”

“You can’t stay idle. Why don’t you go to my family home, bring Erqiang’s reward back, and let him stay there? That child is too lively; it’s not good for the neighbors to know.”

Wan Changsheng agreed. “Alright. I’ll also help them gather some herbs and buy more meat. Give me a few hundred wen.”

Meiniang put a tael into his pouch. Ping’an had given her fifteen taels, and with what remained, she had about seventy taels.

“Buy some more buns and take some of Ping’an’s pastries to my parents. Should I go with you? I can tell Young Master at the medical hall.”

“Alright, wife. Some things here can’t be told to the family; it’s not good to cause trouble for Young Master.”

Meiniang glanced at him. “Am I that clueless?”

Especially concerning the Magistrate’s family matter.

Wan Changsheng smiled, holding his wife’s hand. “In that case, pack quickly. We’ll go today and return the day after tomorrow afternoon. When we reach the prefecture, we likely won’t be able to return in autumn. I’ll bring Ping’an’s herbal collection and teach them about commonly used autumn herbs. Some are already on the mountain, but not yet ready.”

The couple hurried to the medical hall, where Sun Sichen was about to take Ping’an to the Huang residence.

Hearing Wan Changsheng’s proposal, he said it was alright and that Erqiang could stay at his home for two days since they might not have time to return home by the end of the year.

Wan Changsheng glanced at Erqiang, who was looking at them expectantly. He decided to give him some advice on the road.

Sun Sichen took out six taels of silver. “Erqiang, I’m giving you your yearly stipend in advance; you can take it home.”

Erqiang happily accepted it and bowed. “Thank you, Young Master.”

He would be taking seventeen taels home. Which child his age could bring that much money home at once?

Not even his uncle.

Sun Sichen took out thirty taels in bank notes and gave them to Wan Changsheng. “Wan Xiong, here’s your yearly stipend in advance. You can make arrangements. I was careless.”

Wan Changsheng quickly said there was no need.

“Wan Xiong, it’s your money; it doesn’t matter if it’s early or late, does it?”