Chapter 116: Chapter 102, Bathing Herbal Bag l
Three days after receiving Xiao Yeyang’s letter, Yan Wenxiu, Yan Wentao, and Yan Wenkai, holding the admission notice from the Wangyue Academy, stepped onto the road to the academy, filled with anticipation for their studies.
At the back gate of the Prefectural Governor’s Office, including the elderly Madam Yan, all members of the Yan Family came to see them off. Yan Zhigao, unable to leave the office, entrusted Teacher Xiao to send the three to the academy.
“Wenxiu, you are the eldest brother. When you arrive at the academy, you must take good care of Wentao and Wenkai,” Yan Zhigao instructed Yan Wenxiu.
Yan Wenxiu nodded, “Father, rest assured, I will look after my two brothers.”
Meanwhile, Yan Wentao and Yan Wenkai also immediately expressed they would study diligently at the academy.
Seeing that there was nothing else to instruct, Yan Zhigao waved his hand to signal the three to be on their way.
At that moment, the Zhou Family’s carriage arrived. Soon after, Zhou Chengye stepped down from the carriage, approaching with a smile to greet the elderly Madam Yan, Yan Zhigao, and Madam Li.
“Big Brother Zhou, how come you’re here?” Yan Wenxiu asked with a smile.
Zhou Chengye replied, “I heard that the three younger brothers were reporting to Wangyue Academy today. Coincidentally, I am also studying at the academy.
I thought it would be nice for us to go together, so we could have company on the road.”
Hearing this, Yan Wenxiu felt a surge of joy.
Truth be told, after the initial excitement had passed, he had felt some nervousness and trepidation about life at Wangyue Academy. Unfortunately, as the eldest in the family, it was not appropriate for him to show these emotions.
Now, knowing that there was an acquaintance also studying at the academy brought him considerable relief.
To the side, Daohua quietly pulled Yan Wenkai aside upon seeing Zhou Chengye attracting everyone’s attention, and received a bulging parcel from Wang Manman’s hands.
“What’s this?” Yan Wenkai asked curiously as he opened the parcel, only to find packets of hand – sized herbal poultices.
In a hushed tone, Daohua said, “Aren’t you and third brother going to practice martial arts? Martial arts can cause a lot of damage, including internal injuries, external wounds, and depletion of energy, which can lead to stagnation of Qi and blood stasis, among other hidden injuries. Once these hidden injuries flare up, they can leave many lingering ailments.”
“These are all herbs for activating blood circulation, dispelling stasis, and relieving pain. I have already divided them into individual packets for you. After each martial arts practice session, use these for your bath, and I guarantee you’ll be as lively as a dragon and as vigorous as a tiger the next day.”
Yan Wenkai looked at the parcel in his hands with skepticism, uncertain, “Big sister, these herbal packets can’t be used carelessly, right?” What he really meant was, these things looked pretty unreliable!
Daohua glared, “Fourth brother, this prescription is one I obtained from the Divine Temple in our old home. It’s very effective. You and third brother must soak in it. I haven’t been able to rest properly these past days because I’ve been preparing these medicines for you.”
It should be mentioned that in her previous life, she specialized in traditional Chinese medicine, and had seen ancient formulas for medicinal baths in some ancient books. What she provided today were her own modified formulas, specially tailored for martial artists.
Moreover, the herbs she used were all produced in her space, so their effectiveness was absolutely reliable.
Hearing this, Yan Wenkai had no choice but to take them, albeit reluctantly. However, he thought to himself that even if he took them, he wouldn’t use them. His big sister might have good intentions, but she wasn’t a physician. What if something went wrong from using them?
Without suspecting anything amiss, Daohua continued, “Fourth brother, Xiao Yeyang should also be practicing martial arts. If you encounter him, give him two packets of the medicine as well.”
Yan Wenkai nodded noncommittally; he dared not use them himself, let alone offer them to the Little Prince.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chengye had finished exchanging pleasantries with Yan Zhigao and the others and was ready to depart.
“All right, set off now. Don’t delay the hour,” urged Yan Zhigao.
After Yan Zhigao spoke, Yan Wenxiu and the other two bid farewell to their family elders and set off with Zhou Chengye in the carriage, embarking on their journey.
“With Wenxiu and the others gone, the gap between them, Wenjie, and Wenbin will only grow larger in the future,” lamented Yan Zhiyuan with a note of sourness.
Everyone, about to turn back to the inner courtyard, paused upon hearing these words.
The elderly Madam Yan glared at Yan Zhiyuan without uttering a word and took Daohua with her as she left.
Madam Li and Mrs. Wu followed, laughing softly.
Yan Zhigao glanced at Yan Wenbin, who looked disheartened, his eyes flickering momentarily. After a brief silence, he said, “In addition to the State School, I will also hire a master at home to help clarify any doubts the two children might have.”
Upon hearing this, Yan Zhiyuan’s face lit up with joy, “That’s great, this way, Wenjie and Wenbin can learn even more solidly.”
With that, the two brothers headed toward the front courtyard.
Behind them, Yan Wenjie and Yan Wenbin quickly exchanged glances, neither face showing much happiness.
Studying at home was nothing compared to attending Wangyue Academy.
In the Academy, one could meet all sorts of people, make like-minded friends, and engage in debates and exchange different points of view, none of which could be done at home.
After Yan Wenxiu and the others left, the Yan Family was a bit quieter, but there weren’t many other changes.
After selling the watermelons from the farm, Daohua began to get busy with buying a shop to open a flower store again.
Madam Li was helping to oversee the shop, and all Daohua had to do was to go to school every day, and in her spare time, transplant the flowers she picked from the garden into pots.
The Old Madam of the Yan Family was someone who couldn’t stay idle, and she also helped Daohua with the transplanting of the flowers.
“These flowers are indeed pretty, but they don’t seem to be famed varieties! I’ve seen some flower shops selling Peonies, tree peonies, orchids, and the like.”
Under Daohua’s occasional mentions, the Old Madam had also learned about many famous flowers.
Daohua: “The collection of flower seeds was small this year; next year I’ll be able to gather all the flowers people like. For now, let’s just make do with what we have!”
The Old Madam didn’t say much more: “These chrysanthemums of yours did bloom well; they should fetch a good price.”
Daohua smiled and nodded, many people liked chrysanthemums, and when she had planted them before, she had intentionally planted more: “Once I have silver, I can buy more farms.”
The Old Madam laughed: “Have you really become so infatuated with wealth? What do you need so many farms for?”
Daohua paused to think for a moment: “I never felt it before, but ever since I came to be with dad and mom, I realized—everything requires silver. It’s always better to have more.”
The most important thing was to have silver in one’s own hands.
Madam Li walked into Daohua Pavilion with a smile.
Upon seeing her, Daohua immediately went to greet her: “Mom, has the shop been bought?”
Madam Li first paid her respects to the Old Madam then turned to Daohua: “What, is all you can think about your shop?”
Daohua quickly shook her head, coaxingly saying, “Of course not! How can the shop compare to you, mom!”
Madam Li shook her head and smiled, pulling out the deed to the shop: “Here, take a look for yourself!”
Daohua hurriedly took it and carefully inspected it, then handed it to the Old Madam to see.
The Old Madam glanced at it briefly before looking away.
Madam Li explained with a smile, “The location is quite good; the front is the shop, and the back is the living quarters.”
The Old Madam nodded: “With you overseeing for this girl, I’m at ease.”
Madam Li then turned to Daohua: “Are you going to find the shop staff yourself, or shall I help you?”
Daohua thought for a moment: “There’s a florist in the farm who knows how to care for flowers, and his sons can work as shop assistants. Mom… just help me find a butler.”
Madam Li nodded: “Right, your birthday is coming up soon. Do you want to invite some young ladies over for a celebration?”
Upon hearing this, Daohua paused, then sighed: “Time flies so fast, I’m another year older!”