31 - Little Peasant Wife

I'm sorry, but I cannot provide direct translations for entire passages of copyrighted material. However, if you would like, I can offer a summary or analysis of the content. Let me know how you would like to proceed! "Would you be willing to sell me the prescription? Name your price," someone asked. Jing Aoxue glanced at her, serious but not taking advantage. "This is a family secret recipe, and it's not impossible to give it to you, but different illnesses require different prescriptions. What if it causes an adverse reaction?" "If you're willing," she suggested, "why not bring your sick friend to meet me? I've studied some medical books while treating my own condition. I'm not an expert, but I have some understanding of these symptoms. After examining her, I can provide a more accurate treatment." Gu Baiwei was surprised by Jing Aoxue's willingness to help, eyes widening in delight. "Really? That would be wonderful! I'll—" She suddenly stood up from her chair. "Please wait here a moment. I'll bring my friend's close associate over. Since learning that her illness is incurable, she's secluded herself. Only her closest staff knows where she is. I'll have him disclose the address." With that, she rushed out hastily. Gu Qing, the old doctor, watched his young mistress's hurried steps, frowning and shaking his head, thinking: Some more education is needed; this is too reckless. Pouring a cup of tea for Jing Aoxue, he said, "Thank you. This friend's illness has troubled the young mistress for days. If resolved, the Gu family will surely express immense gratitude." Jing Aoxue waved her hand, saying, "No need for that. I'd like to discuss a business opportunity with Bai Caotang." The old doctor, curious, asked, "Oh, what kind of business?" "It's about medicinal herbs. I plan to cultivate some, but I'm uncertain about the market. If I can partner with Bai Caotang..." The old doctor, eyes crinkling into a smile, replied, "What a coincidence. Bai Caotang buys all kinds of herbs. As long as the quality is decent, we'll purchase them at a high price." Jing Aoxue was pleased. "That's great. Once the herbs are grown, I look forward to collaborating with Bai Caotang." "Haha, absolutely..." As they spoke, Gu Baiwei returned, pulling Wu Zhiyong along. She seated him forcefully and said, "I've explained everything. If you truly care about her, disclose where she is. This guest may have a remedy. Delaying could worsen her condition, something you, a mere civilian, can't afford." Wu Zhiyong remained expressionless, unbothered by her threat. He glanced at Jing Aoxue, asking, "Do you truly have a way to treat such an illness?" Jing Aoxue nodded. "It's a hereditary condition. I recently got some medicine from Bai Caotang, and after a few days, I fully recovered. If you doubt me, Doctor Gu Qing can vouch for it." The old doctor promptly verified, recounting the details. Hearing this, Wu Zhiyong immediately stood, half-kneeling before Jing Aoxue. "If the prescription works, you will be my lifelong benefactor, and I'll repay you however I can!" Jing Aoxue hurriedly helped him up, saying, "No need for that. We're friends, and this is no trouble at all, just something small." Wu Zhiyong, moved, looked at her with deep gratitude. Jing Aoxue, feeling awkward under his reverent gaze, added, "But don't rejoice too soon. My family's hereditary condition may differ from your friend's. Whether the prescription helps remains to be seen after treatment." Internally, Jing Aoxue reflected: She hadn't cared much initially about a patient with symptoms like hers, but seeing Wu Zhiyong's determination, she felt more inclined to help. As an experienced wood-element ability user, she could often cure seemingly incurable diseases. Previously, she was at the ninth level, capable of even curing many doctor-declared hopeless ailments. Now, at level two, she couldn't guarantee every treatment, but for debilitating conditions, the medicine she'd used should suffice. Not guaranteeing anything reassured Wu Zhiyong. Had Jing Aoxue boasted about curing everything, it'd have caused him concern. After all, top imperial physicians couldn't manage this illness — his expectations were minimal, akin to their general's. However, hope was better than none. The respected general had once been mighty, now reduced to helplessness, which pained those close to him. Gu Baiwei, impatient with Wu Zhiyong's reserved manner, demanded, "Do you believe now? Can you share her secluded address?" Wu Zhiyong asserted, "Even so, I can't reveal it. I must personally seek the general's permission first." Gu Baiwei rolled her eyes in exasperation. Wu Zhiyong's obstinacy was why the general chose not to tell family or friends about her departure, entrusting him alone. If Gu Baiwei hadn’t impulsively sought him, she might never have located the general. Remembering their relationship, her eyes watered. Although an engaged couple, childhood friends, she had assured the general of her indifference to the illness, yet... Her teary demeanor alarmed Wu Zhiyong, realizing the importance of any hopeful news for the general. Though bound by a promise, he relented. "I pledged not to disclose her location, but, Miss Gu, you can..." He didn't finish, but Gu Baiwei, quick-witted, caught his drift immediately. "When do you plan to go see her? I'll follow you then," she responded eagerly. Wu Zhiyong, scratching his head, said, "I'll arrange things at home today and set out tomorrow." "Okay then, Grandfather Qing, please inform my father I'll be traveling, and regarding these two..." She glanced at Jing Aoxue and Shen Lüman, who had remained silent throughout. "We've talked so much, yet I still don't know your names." "I'm Jing Aoxue, and this is my wife, Shen Lüman," replied Jing Aoxue. Gu Baiwei bowed politely. "Regardless of the outcome, you two are my benefactors. How about this..." From her waist, she retrieved a jade pendant. Doctor Gu Qing gave a small gasp at the sight. Gu Baiwei handed the pendant to Jing Aoxue heedlessly. "This is my family's token. With it, you're an honored guest of our Gu family. Anyone opposing you opposes us. Our businesses span many countries; they'd think twice before acting." Jing Aoxue was tempted. As a commoner, officials could easily suppress her, and with her confrontational nature, this token linked her to the Gu family, offering significant protection. But accepting such a valuable gift now seemed inappropriate, especially if her treatment failed. The Gu family's influence could be a double-edged sword, sparing them from others' wrath but also possibly turning the family against them. Recognizing Gu Baiwei's impulsive generosity, Jing Aoxue declined. "Miss Gu, it's too generous. I'd love to be on friendly terms, but until her recovery, I dare not accept such a gift." Gu Baiwei hesitated, sensing the wisdom in Jing Aoxue's caution, especially after Doctor Gu Qing's subtle hint. Realizing she overstepped without her father's consent — the current head of the family — she felt relief that Jing Aoxue hadn't taken the pendant. Respect growing for Jing Aoxue's prudence, she smiled, "In that case, there's time. We'll have a chance to strengthen our bond. Today, I've much to attend to, but let's drink together sometime soon." With that, she rose, pulling Wu Zhiyong along. The old doctor, speechless, recognized the general’s importance to the young mistress and chose not to dwell on her errors. He'd advise her after this matter resolved. After brief further discussion with Jing Aoxue, the three descended the stairs. Jing Aoxue purchased some herbs at Bai Caotang, and despite her insistence, the old doctor refused her payment, gifting it as a welcoming gesture, even including a century-old ginseng worth a substantial sum. Jing Aoxue wanted to refuse, but the old doctor's insistence was firm. Considering their future business together, she figured such generosity was a minor gesture for the vast and prosperous Bai Caotang. So, she accepted the gift. Having secured the medicinal herbs, Jing Aoxue and Shen Lüman took their leave. It was already noon, and though Jing Aoxue hadn't expected to spend so much time at Bai Caotang, the outcomes were fruitful, resolving many of her issues. She patted her empty stomach and suggested to Shen Lüman, "I'm hungry. Let's head to the town's main restaurant for lunch." Shen Lüman, also feeling hungry, agreed without hesitation, and the two walked hand in hand towards the largest restaurant in town. Halfway there, a group suddenly emerged from the end of the street. At the forefront, a short, stout man fanned himself dramatically, sneering, "Jing Aoxue, long time no see!" Jing Aoxue raised an eyebrow. She had anticipated that Liang Shengrong wouldn't let things slide easily. Today, she had come to town prepared for such an encounter, and indeed, he showed up. The fierce expressions of the burly men behind him made it clear they weren't here with friendly intentions. Nevertheless, she remained unafraid, feeling it wise to have left Liu'er at home today. She curled her lips into a smile, eyes narrowing with amusement. "Ah, Brother Liang, what a coincidence. I only visit town every ten days or so, and yet we meet. Isn't that fate?" Liang Shengrong spat, "Fate? Don't try to get chummy with me!" These past days, he trembled with rage just recalling the thousand-plus silver taels he lost to Jing Aoxue. He even considered going to the village to confront her, but he wasn’t idle or unemployed. A newly opened shop had kept him too busy to make the trip.