Chapter 22: Collecting Medicine, Wen Ye’s Bitterness!

“How about this: Third Young Master, could you write another prescription for me? That way, Ye can keep the instructions, and I can take the prescription back to prepare the medicine,” Mu Rong Shu suggested, hoping to avoid any awkwardness.

“Of course. Please go ahead, Miss Mu Rong,” Wen Jing said, pen poised, waiting for her to dictate the prescription.

Mu Rong Shu didn’t hesitate, reciting the prescription clearly. Wen Jing carefully wrote it down, his handwriting even more meticulous and elegant than before.

Quietly, Wen Ye muttered to his wife, “Look at him, he didn’t even put this much effort into his imperial examinations.” His wife shot him a sharp glare in response.

After the prescription was finalized, Mu Rong Shu took her leave, promising to collect the medicine in three days after preparing it at the Rong family’s pharmacy.

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Three days later.

Wen Jing, eager to see Mu Rong Shu again, accompanied his second brother to the General’s residence to collect the medicine.

Wen Ye initially wanted to go with his wife, but their mother scolded him, saying he wasn’t being considerate enough to her. She insisted that Wen Jing accompany him instead.

The matron’s intentions were simple not only would they bring the medicine back for the second daughter-in-law, but it would also give her third son another chance to interact with Miss Mu Rong. Mu Rong Shu, after all, had broken the family’s curse and was the reason Wen Jing was alive. As a mother, she selfishly wished only for her son’s health and happiness.

Wen Ye was sulky throughout the journey, but he kept his complaints to himself.

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When they reached the General’s residence, Wen Ye’s spirits lifted upon encountering Mu Rong Shu’s second uncle, Mu Si, at the gate.

Mu Si had been on his way out when he spotted the Wen family’s carriage and was surprised to see Wen Ye alight.

“Second Young Master Wen, what brings you to my house?” Mu Si asked, puzzled.

“This is the General’s residence. Why shouldn’t I be here? We’re here at the invitation of Fifth Miss. What’s it to you?” Wen Ye retorted.

Though they were at the General’s residence gate, the two were so used to bickering that Wen Ye instinctively started an argument.

“It’s my business because she’s our family’s precious treasure! What if you bully her? Forget going out today, I’ll take the horse back myself,” Mu Si declared.

Mu Si had planned to visit a friend, but he decided to cancel his outing. Wen Ye’s sharp tongue was too much, and he couldn’t risk Mu Rong Shu being bullied in his absence.

“Second Master Mu Rong, greetings!” Wen Jing intervened, bowing politely to diffuse the tension. If he wanted to build rapport with Mu Rong Shu, he needed to get along with her family.

“Oh, Third Young Master is here as well. Shu Er is awake. I’ll take you to her,” Mu Si said cheerfully, his impression of Wen Jing tinted with admiration. After all, he was the youngest top scholar of the Da Sheng dynasty, having achieved top honors in all three imperial exams.

“Many thanks, Second Master Mu Rong,” Wen Jing replied with another bow.

Mu Si, pleased with Wen Jing, especially in contrast to Wen Ye, happily led the way.

Wen Ye, on the other hand, pouted and thought to himself, “Hmph, I’m not here for Mu Si. I’ll let it slide today because Miss Mu Rong treated my wife and me.”

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“Shu Er, you have guests. Second Uncle brought them to see you,” Mu Si called out as he entered Mu Rong Shu’s courtyard with a bright smile.

Xiao Tao, a servant, quickly stepped out to greet them and led the guests to a pavilion in the courtyard. “Second Master, Second Young Master Wen, Third Young Master Wen, please wait a moment. The young lady is currently busy in the pharmacy. I’ll go call her.”

“There’s no need to rush. Let your lady finish her work. We came a bit too early, so we’ll wait here,” Wen Jing said, trying to stop Xiao Tao.

“No need to be polite, Third Young Master. My lady has already instructed us to inform her immediately if guests arrive. Please wait just a moment,” Xiao Tao explained before excusing herself to fetch Mu Rong Shu.

Soon, Mu Rong Shu arrived.

“Second Uncle, Second Young Master Wen, Third Young Master Wen, thank you for waiting,” she greeted them with a bow before taking a seat on a stone stool. Xiao Tao quickly brought her a cup of floral tea.

After taking a sip of the perfectly warm tea, Mu Rong Shu handed over the medicine she had prepared for Wen Ye and his wife.

“All the instructions are written down. Second Young Master and Madam can take the medicine as prescribed,” she said, emphasizing the importance of following the directions.

“Thank you, Miss Mu Rong. We’ll follow the instructions precisely. Is there anything else we should be mindful of?” Wen Ye asked, wanting to ensure he didn’t miss any details his wife might later question him about.

“You can begin taking the medicine today. Five days later, I’ll visit your residence to check the Second Madam’s pulse and perform acupuncture. Please let her know not to make any plans to go out that day,” Mu Rong Shu advised, ensuring there would be no conflicts.

“Miss Mu Rong, rest assured. We won’t go anywhere and will await your visit,” Wen Ye promised quickly, alarmed at the mention of acupuncture.

“Second Young Master, you can carry on with your duties as usual. Only the Second Madam needs to stay home,” Mu Rong Shu added, feeling it unnecessary for him to take leave just for her visit.

“Fine,” Wen Ye relented, though his enthusiasm waned. Watching this exchange, Mu Si couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. “Looks like you’ll have no excuse to shirk work this time.”

“Third Young Master, Second Young Master’s exercise routine and alcohol ban should also start today,” Mu Rong Shu reminded Wen Jing, hoping he would keep his brother on track.

“Rest assured, Miss Mu Rong. Since your last visit, my brother has already started running and avoiding alcohol,” Wen Jing replied earnestly.

“Third Brother! I told you Miss Mu Rong meant to begin those restrictions when the medicine started, but you insisted on starting right away. I even missed Lord Li’s invitation because of you…” Wen Ye protested, clearly bitter.

Wen Ye was feeling extremely wronged, one was his beloved younger brother, the other his wife, and neither were people he could afford to offend. He kept his grievances to himself, silently sulking.

Hearing the dejected tone in Wen Ye’s voice, Mu Rong Shu felt amused but maintained her composure. With a light cough, she explained, “Starting alcohol abstinence and exercise early will enhance the effects of the medication.”

Her words instantly pacified Wen Ye. Without her reassurance, he wouldn’t have known where to vent his frustration after enduring such hardships over the past few days.

Wen Jing, observing how easily his second brother was comforted by Mu Rong Shu’s single remark, couldn’t help but smile. To ensure his brother’s cooperation, Wen Jing added with a grin, “If Second Brother perseveres, I’ll give you that rare book from the previous dynasty you’ve always wanted.”

“Really? Are you serious about giving me that rare book from the previous dynasty?”

Wen Ye’s mood shifted dramatically. He had asked his younger brother for that book multiple times, but Wen Jing had always been unwilling to part with it. Now, it seemed so easily within reach! Forget abstaining from alcohol and exercising, even skipping meals daily would be worth it.

“Of course. When have I ever lied to my elder brother?”

“It’s a deal, then! Miss Mu Rong, is there anything else I need to pay attention to? I can handle it all!” Wen Ye exclaimed enthusiastically, his grievances forgotten.

“There’s nothing new to add. If Second Young Master can stick to these, that will be enough,” Mu Rong Shu replied, her tone reassuring.

From that moment on, Wen Ye’s mood soared, and he left the General’s residence feeling utterly elated.