"If the lung source doesn't match, even if you die, you won't be able to save your mother."
Li Yue Shu stated the facts, as even blood relatives could experience rejection.
Mo Lian didn't understand these things and naively asked, "Then how can I match with my mother's... what do you call it, source?"
Li Yue Shu sighed, "It's innate, it cannot be changed. Only through blood tests of both individuals can we know if they match. Even if the surgery is successful, there's still a possibility of rejection."
Mo Lian could roughly understand her meaning and quickly dropped what he was holding, rolling up his sleeves. "Test mine. I'm sure I can do it."
Li Yue Shu looked at the flustered boy before her, her expression indifferent. "I am a doctor. I cannot do something that kills one person to save another."
Mo Lian's eyes reddened. His long-held pretense of strength seemed to crumble at this moment, and tears began to fall one by one.
His mother was his only relative. He hadn't even had a chance to be filial to her yet...
Sensing the heavy aura emanating from the boy, Li Yue Shu sighed silently. "For now, I can only try my best to prolong your mother's life and alleviate her pain. As for the surgery... you still need to be mentally prepared."
Not to mention how difficult it would be to find a lung source in this information-closed world, people here believed in respecting one's body and skin as given by their parents, and placing importance on being buried whole even after death.
Finding a lung source in a short period was as difficult as climbing to heaven.
But Mo Lian's face was filled with determination. "No matter how slim the hope, I will never give up!"
Looking at the seemingly frail yet stubbornly unyielding boy before her, Li Yue Shu's heart stirred slightly.
Ever since she transmigrated into this book, she had been trying to whitewash her image as a wicked stepmother and change the fate of the four children.
But this was, after all, a world within a book, and she was uncertain about the strength of the plot's influence.
Perhaps she could try working from other angles?
With this thought, Li Yue Shu spoke, "Why don't you and your mother move to my place from now on? That way, I can keep an eye on her condition at any time. But I am not a saint. My help comes with conditions."
Mo Lian quickly wiped away his tears. "Please, Madam, tell me."
Li Yue Shu's gaze flickered, her voice calm and strong. "I want you to be A'min's book boy from today onwards. Study with him and prepare for the imperial examinations. No matter what achievements you make in the future, you are forbidden to become his enemy."
As soon as she said this, everyone was stunned.
This request was rather strange, as if she could see through Mo Lian's future.
Shen Yi Min stared blankly at the woman before him, who, despite her plain attire, possessed an unignorable aura. His heart felt as if it had been gently grasped by something.
Just then, Mo Lian suddenly spoke, pulling back his wandering thoughts. "Mo Lian will never betray Madam's promise in this life!"
Li Yue Shu's lips curved into a smile, as if she had accomplished something significant, her joy evident.
Unbeknownst to her, her expression, seen by someone else, seemed to be bathed in a golden glow.
Shen Wei stared dazedly at her profile, his heart fluttering like a startled deer. His beautiful eyes shone with a unique brilliance.
He suddenly felt that all the women he had met in Chongzhou couldn't compare to his wife's charm by even half.
Wait, when had he ever met women from Chongzhou?
And where was Chongzhou?
Shen Wei's sharp brows furrowed, and he tilted his head, lost in thought.
Li Yue Shu, unaware of the situation beside her, gave Mo Lian a few simple instructions before leading the group away.
Shen Yi Min, however, stayed behind.
He was returning to the academy today and naturally wouldn't go back with them. He stayed to help Mo Lian pack his belongings.
Li Yue Shu led the remaining people towards Doctor Chen's medical clinic.
She had things to discuss with Doctor Chen earlier and needed to follow up.
Li Yue Shu walked ahead, carrying Shen Zhi Yu, contemplating future matters. She didn't notice that the twins had been pulled behind by Shen Wei.
When the distance felt right, Shen Wei stopped.
He slightly bent his body and asked in a low voice, "Do you know what Chongzhou is?"
The twins looked confused, not understanding why he was asking this.
"Chongzhou is the capital of our Chengnan Kingdom, where the royal family resides," Shen Ting Yi explained, a flicker in her eyes.
Shen Wei didn't notice her expression and asked again, "Have I been to Chongzhou?"
Shen Ting Wen's eyes widened, and he suddenly grabbed Shen Wei's hand tightly. "Father, have you remembered anything?"
Shen Wei looked at him blankly and shook his head.
Seeing this, the twins felt a little disappointed.
Just as they were about to say something, Li Yue Shu, who was ahead, finally noticed no one was following behind her and called back, "Why are you walking so slowly?"
The three subconsciously quickened their pace, their minds not yet catching up.
Soon, they arrived at Doctor Chen's medical clinic.
Doctor Chen was grinding medicine when he saw Li Yue Shu and immediately dropped what he was doing and walked over.
"Madam wants to ask about the pharmacy, right? Please wait a moment. I'll tidy up and take you there."
Li Yue Shu nodded, not urging him.
A short while later, Doctor Chen emerged, having tidied up, holding a set of keys.
"I've pulled some strings and found a bustling street. It used to be a rouge shop, and the renovation style is very similar to what Madam described. It won't require much alteration," Doctor Chen said as he led them to another block and opened the door of a shop.
The shop wasn't large but had everything it needed. The renovation style was indeed simple and neat, just as Li Yue Shu had said.
She was very satisfied with the shop. "Thank you, Doctor Chen, for helping me find such a good place. May I know how the rent is calculated?"
Doctor Chen did not answer. He took out a paper from his懷 and said, "This is the deed for the shop. Madam, please take a look."
Li Yue Shu was stunned, not understanding his meaning.
Doctor Chen smiled and cupped his hands at her. "If your pharmacy needs a resident doctor, I hope you will consider this old man."
Li Yue Shu was clearly not expecting this request. "What about Doctor Chen's medical clinic?"
Doctor Chen had clearly made arrangements. "There is more than one doctor at the clinic. Madam need not worry."
Hearing this, Li Yue Shu knew he had made up his mind.
Originally, she planned to be the resident doctor herself. However, if Doctor Chen were to join, it would undoubtedly increase the pharmacy's credibility.
Li Yue Shu quickly made a decision. "I will accept this deed. In the future, Doctor Chen can take thirty percent of the pharmacy's profits."
"No, no, no!" Doctor Chen waved his hands. "As long as Madam allows me to get close to those herbs and research them, I will be content."
Li Yue Shu knew he was speaking the truth. "One thing is one thing. If Doctor Chen insists on refusing, I wouldn't dare to entrust the pharmacy to your care."
Hearing the trust in her words, Doctor Chen was pleased and no longer refused.
He looked at the shop and then asked, "Has Madam decided on the name of the pharmacy?"
Li Yue Shu had already decided. She suddenly looked down at Shen Ting Yi beside her.