Chapter 124: It Seems the Rumors Aren’t Entirely True!

Chapter 124: It Seems the Rumors Aren’t Entirely True!

Steward Zhao was known for his efficiency. By dinner, Tang Shuyi received his report: "General Wuwei's father caught a chill at the onset of winter and hasn't fully recovered. He has been bedridden ever since."

Tang Shuyi frowned upon hearing this; she was no physician and was truly helpless in such matters. After a moment of silence, she asked, "Is there a shortage of any medicine?"

"Alas," sighed Steward Zhao, "the physician treating General Wuwei's father mentioned a lack of a particular medicinal primer. The General's mansion didn't have it, and his father was too reluctant to spend the money for it, leading to his current state. However, even if one were to purchase it, that medicine isn't easily obtainable."

"What medicine?" inquired Tang Shuyi.

Steward Zhao replied, "A ginseng root over a hundred years old. Such aged ginseng is rarely found in pharmacies, and even families that possess it wouldn't part with it easily; after all, it can be life-saving."

After pondering for a while, Tang Shuyi asked, "Don’t we have a century-old ginseng root in our storeroom?"

Steward Zhao, startled by her suggestion, protested, "Madam, that's inadvisable! Our mansion has only one such root. What if we need it later? Besides, General Wuwei and our marquis's mansion aren't that closely related."

Tang Shuyi understood his concerns for the Everlasting Marquis Mansion and gently explained, "A century-old ginseng is indeed precious, but it's an inanimate object. Compared to Yuming's future, it's trivial."

Comprehension dawned on Steward Zhao’s face as Tang Shuyi continued, "It's easy to add flowers to the brocade, but difficult to send charcoal in the snow. Yet, it's the latter gesture that's truly precious. I intend to make General Wuwei indebted to us."

Steward Zhao nodded in understanding. "I see, but General Wuwei's father wouldn't need an entire root. Just giving them a portion should suffice."

"Agreed," said Tang Shuyi.

Life-saving remedies naturally needed to be kept on hand.

"Let's send it over now," she pondered for a moment before instructing further, "and have Yuming accompany you."

It was crucial for Xiao Yuming to make an appearance at General Wuwei's mansion at such a time. Moreover, the earlier the elder could use it, the sooner he might recover. Although sending the ginseng involved some calculation, she genuinely hoped for the elderly gentleman’s recovery.

Receiving his instructions, Steward Zhao hastened to the storeroom to retrieve the century-old ginseng treasured by the marquis’s mansion for many years. He gingerly opened the iron box containing the ginseng, examined it repeatedly, and, with a pained expression, sliced off a piece from the tail end. Then, he immediately closed the iron box and carefully put it away.

After carefully wrapping the small piece of ginseng she had cut, Tang Shuyi went to Xiao Yuming’s courtyard to find someone. Fortunately, Xiao Yuming was home, and Steward Zhao recounted to him the whole story about the ginseng for the Wuwei General’s family, adding, "Second Young Master, the lady has gone to great lengths for you and your siblings."

A trace of emotion played across Xiao Yuming's face as he said, "I understand, let's go."

Seeing him in his training attire, Butler Zhao remarked, "Second Young Master, please go change your clothes."

Xiao Yuming glanced down at his clothing, acknowledging it was indeed inappropriate for a visit, and returned to his bedroom. He changed into a dark blue robe with subtle patterns, draping a black, gold-embroidered cloak over his shoulders, which made him look dignified and spirited.

Butler Zhao looked at him and chuckled, "That looks good."

Xiao Yuming, unconcerned, strode out saying, "Let's hurry, I must return for dinner."

Butler Zhao sighed with an 'ai', quickly following behind him.

Xiao Yuming generally did not use a carriage when going out, preferring to ride a horse. Accompanied by Butler Zhao, they each mounted a horse and clattered towards the residence of the Martial Valor General. Upon arrival, Butler Zhao presented the visiting card from the Marquis of Yongning's household. The gatekeeper immediately went to report, meanwhile inviting the two into the hall.

In a short while, Wu Kang, brother of the Martial Valor General, walked in with large strides and paused upon seeing Xiao Yuming. He was aware of the Second Young Master's reputation from the Marquis of Yongning's household: an unambitious playboy. But the man before him seemed to contradict the rumors.

Though this thought crossed his mind, Wu Kang, with a smile after the formal greetings, asked, "May I know what brings the Second Young Master here today?"

While the Martial Valor General had good relations with Xiao Huai in the northwest, there wasn't much interaction in the capital. He couldn't guess why this reputed playboy from the Marquis of Yongning's household would visit them.

"Today, my mother received an invitation and learned that the Martial Valor General's wife has returned to the capital," Xiao Yuming explained. "Upon inquiring, she discovered that the elder has fallen ill. My father often spoke of his rapport with the Martial Valor General and regarded him highly. Learning of the elder's illness, my mother was quite concerned, and thus sent me to deliver some precious century-old ginseng from our family's collection, hoping it may be of help."

"Really, century-old ginseng?" Wu Kang stood up excitedly and asked.

"Yes," Xiao Yuming affirmed, taking out the ginseng and handing it over. Wu Kang's hands trembled as he accepted it.

His reaction was not surprising. The Martial Valor General came from humble beginnings; before the martial examinations, his family had been farmers scrabbling in the earth, sometimes even facing starvation during hard years.

As the Martial Valor General's rank rose, so did the family's fortunes, but some ingrained habits persisted, such as thrift and a sense of intimidation in the presence of the nobility, among others.

This time, the General's father's illness started as a minor ailment that progressed due to neglect. Initially, it was just a cold; he thought to cure it with hot water and bed rest rather than consulting a physician. When rest didn't cure him, he simply tried to sleep it off longer.

After three or four days of no improvement, he finally summoned a doctor. By then, the illness had become serious. The doctor prescribed medicine, but the father insisted on cheaper alternatives, boasting that he had never needed medicine while farming in his youth and that inexpensive remedies should suffice now.

Half a month later, with no improvement and his condition worsening, he was bedridden. His advanced age made the situation critical; it was no longer possible to risk using the cheap prescriptions. The doctor then prescribed the hard-to-obtain century-old ginseng.

This news sent the Wu family into a frenzy. The pharmacies had none, and while the doctor suggested that some noble households in the capital might stock it, those who could afford to hoard such an expensive remedy were not ordinary. Although the Wu family resided in the General's mansion, they rarely mingled with others and felt uncomfortable seeking favors from the elite, leaving them unsure of where to turn.

Wu Kang had once suggested visiting the Marquis of Yongning's residence, but Old Master Wu said his life wasn't worth such an expensive ginseng and refused to let Wu Kang go, even if it killed him. In the end, the illness progressed to the point where almost all remedies were ineffective.

At this juncture, how could Wu Kang not be thrilled upon seeing the century-old wild ginseng?