"That's right, seeing patients at the Yi Zhuang was a favor from the Prince and a plea for the people. Now that they're seeking treatment at our Hualan Medical Hall, it's a voluntary act, entirely unrelated to official arrangements."
A Jiu smiled with pure innocence, her large eyes sparkling with a pristine light that made it impossible for anyone to suspect her of any ill intent.
"Sister Jiu'er is correct. My whole Liu family strives to serve the people and the nation with all our might. Whether we can establish ourselves in Nanming City now depends on our true skill."
Liu Cai'er had also finished her work. The commotion on this side, separated only by a wooden wall, was clearly within her earshot.
"The medical skills of Hualan Medical Hall truly haven't diminished since yesteryear."
"No, they're even superior to when Old Master Liu was alive."
"Truly, the student surpasses the master. Miss Liu is indeed commendable."
The commotion outside had already erupted. The recent widespread illness had caused such panic that the feudal lord had to pay close attention.
Now, they no longer feared the disease. As long as Hualan Medical Hall provided someone, no one would die.
This news was not only valued by the officials but also relieved a great burden from the hearts of the common people.
"This… Hall Master, we can't possibly be expected to pay out of our own pockets."
The Hall Master's face darkened. "Are you suggesting that patients who are starving and resorting to cannibalism should somehow produce money?"
The Hall Master pulled a fifty-tael silver note from his embrace.
"Let's go!"
He then turned and left the medical hall without looking back.
Several patients, with the help of others, were being helped onto carriages, and the cheers of the crowd followed them.
"Miss Liu, you're amazing."
"Hualan Medical Hall is mighty…"
"Sister-in-law, we have money!" A Jiu happily handed the silver note in her hand to her sister-in-law.
Liu Cai'er's eyes welled up. This was not just the weight of a silver note; it was also a tribute to her father's spirit in heaven.
It didn't matter that he hadn't passed on his medical skills to her; she could learn them herself, not to mention Sister Jiu'er teaching her ear acupuncture.
The sisters-in-law hadn't had their fill of conversation when three to five people rushed in from outside.
"Miss Liu, could you please examine my arm? It's inexplicably swollen so high."
A Jiu and Liu Cai'er both looked. The person had already rolled up his sleeve.
Liu Cai'er immediately became serious. "You didn't fall? You didn't bump it?"
"No, it's very painful inside; I can't even bear to touch it," the person quickly explained.
A Jiu knew how diligently her sister-in-law had studied ear acupuncture. This abscess would be no challenge for her.
A Jiu quietly returned to the back courtyard. The air suddenly grew still, as if they had just fought a battle.
"Grandma?" A Jiu looked up at the roof, recalling that her grandmother wouldn't sit on the roof during the day; it was too conspicuous.
"Why are you looking for your grandma again? Didn't you find someone earlier?"
Cai Lihua was already preparing lunch. Wheat was in the stone mortar, and she was pounding it.
"You shouldn't keep looking for grandma. She's like a ghost; it's good not to see her. When she appears, something bad happens."
A Jiu thought about it and agreed. Grandma was practically living like a transparent person.
She used to follow A Jiu around asking for food. Now, she didn't need to eat, nor did she need to drink the spiritual spring water.
Until evening, A Jiu went out to check several times.
At midnight, A Jiu finally saw her grandmother reappear on the roof.
Business had been good today, and Liu Cai'er was too tired to straighten her back. She had fallen asleep without even eating dinner.
A Jiu climbed onto the roof using the same method as before. "Grandma, where did you go after curing that person? I was looking for you all afternoon."
"Give me the spiritual spring water," Madam Wang said, offering no explanation.
However, her voice sounded exceptionally weak, causing A Jiu's pupils to contract. "Grandma, what's wrong?"
Several pouches of water were already being brought out.
"Leaking air," Madam Wang said faintly.
"Leaking… leaking air?" A Jiu wondered if "leaking air" was another way of saying farting.