Guangji Temple
The First Round Table Conference
Song Qingchao sat between Lin Tingwan, who was meticulously picking through herbs, and Xiang Yunling, who was grinding medicine. Opposite them sat Bai You'an, looking as if he were enjoying a show.
Clearing her throat, she extended her arm to the left. "Allow me to reintroduce, this is the renowned Medical Ghost, living legend, Miss Lin Tingwan."
She then gestured to the right. "As for this gentleman, I needn't introduce him."
Just as Song Qingchao's hand was about to reach for Bai You'an, he spoke up himself, "Bai You'an of the South Pharmacy in Changan City."
After the introductions were complete, Song Qingchao, seeing their indifferent expressions, grew anxious. "Everyone, do you think we can safely overcome this calamity?"
Xiang Yunling's hands, busy with the herbs, paused. He remained silent for a moment. Bai You'an, however, affirmed, "Yes." He naturally poured himself some water and tea, even offering a cup to Song Qingchao and Lin Tingwan.
Lin Tingwan, still picking at her herbs, declared, "We absolutely must."
Xiang Yunling finally put down his tools. His eyes fixed on the three who were leisurely sipping tea. "One of you is eager for the prescription, another claims it can definitely be developed, and yet another insists it must be cured, yet all you do is drink tea without lifting a finger."
Song Qingchao quickly pushed the blame onto Bai You'an. "He's talking about you."
Bai You'an put down his tea and sighed. "Aren't you also talking about me?" He gestured towards Song Qingchao's eight guards moving back and forth outside. "Let them help Young Master Xiang."
Song Qingchao yanked his hand down. "They are mere warriors. Do you want someone to die by having them help Young Master Xiang?"
"Why can't warriors help?" he grinned impishly, giving Xiang Yunling a meaningful look. "Right, Miss Lin?"
Lin Tingwan ignored him, still feeling embarrassed.
Song Qingchao thought, *I'm giving you too much face.* Her expression gradually darkened. "Mr. Bai, please don't jest. This illness is not something we can easily overcome."
Bai You'an, for once, regained his composure. "I know."
Song Qingchao spoke solemnly, "Based on the principle of seeking truth from facts, we must cooperate wholeheartedly, maintain friendly relations, and not allow individual emotions to affect the research progress."
Xiang Yunling offered no further comment. "As long as the prescription can be developed, I don't mind." He had been researching the prescription all along, but his individual effort was limited. More help would indeed boost his energy.
Bai You'an agreed as well.
Lin Tingwan nodded. "I may not be able to contribute directly to the development, but I am adept at epidemic prevention."
Song Qingchao was pleased with everyone's attitude. "Then I shall trouble you all." She smiled, her eyes crinkling. "I will do my utmost to ensure a steady supply of medical resources to meet your needs. If there is anything you require assistance with, my eight guards and I will do our best."
Bai You'an's previously subdued spirits were reignited by Song Qingchao's words. He narrowed his eyes, his tone laced with danger. "Say that again?"
Song Qingchao stood up and took a step back, cupping her hands around her mouth like a small megaphone. "I said, my eight guards and I will do our best!" With that, she slipped away, snatching Bai You'an's fan as she left.
Bai You'an turned his head to watch her disappear, his anger erupting as he slammed his hand onto the table.
Xiang Yunling's cool voice cut through the air. "This table is made of rosewood. Smashing it will cost money."
Bai You'an was speechless. He turned to Xiang Yunling. "I wonder about Young Master Xiang's progress?"
Xiang Yunling calmly handed over his latest developed prescription. "This prescription has already been tested on the temple's attendants by the young boys in the courtyard. It shows some effect, but it hasn't fully taken hold yet. What about Mr. Bai's progress?"
Bai You'an also drew a prescription from his sleeve. He spread it out on the table and pointed to the names of several herbs. "I have previously tried different combinations of medicinal ingredients and consulted various ancient texts. These herbs are currently effective against the epidemic, but further testing is still required." He withdrew his hand. "The illness within Feng County is more severe than outside. I suspect the initial symptoms were not taken seriously, and it has worsened over time."
Xiang Yunling nodded, not denying Bai You'an's words. The two then turned to Lin Tingwan. Although her knowledge was limited, she had books provided by Song Qingchao. She directly flipped open several recipes that she recalled as useful and laid them on the table. "These are all useful. I haven't tested them, but I am confident that the direction of these prescriptions is correct."
Xiang Yunling tapped on several of the prescriptions, his gaze sweeping back and forth across various herbs. "The direction is indeed correct." He pointed to a few. "These herbs have appeared in our different prescriptions. By seeking common ground while respecting differences, we can certainly formulate the prescription."
Bai You'an also nodded in agreement. "What you say makes sense, but I believe this particular herb is also useful."
"Mine is absolutely correct. Follow mine," Lin Tingwan vowed, patting her chest.
The three engaged in a passionate discussion for half an hour. It ultimately ended in a displeased parting.
The First Round Table Conference at Guangji Temple concluded in failure.
However, at this moment, Song Qingchao truly believed their assurances of wholehearted cooperation. She went to the courtyard to find Song Qingmu.
Fearing she might contract the illness, she meticulously fumigated herself from head to toe with mugwort. In the end, the smoke was so intense that her eyes couldn't bear it.
As she went to find Song Qingmu with red eyes, Song Qingmu immediately dropped the firewood he was holding and lunged towards the house in the backyard. Song Qingchao quickly grabbed him. "What's wrong, Mumu?"
Song Qingmu pursed his lips, but eventually uttered, "Did he make you cry?"
Song Qingchao was speechless. "No," she quickly explained, pointing to her eyes. "The smoke stung my eyes." She pulled Song Qingmu to a safe distance, then pressed a handkerchief to her eyes. "Are you alright? Were there any accidents while I was gone?"
"No," Song Qingmu still did not believe her. "Did you find the samples?"
Song Qingmu nodded. "A total of fifty people, men, women, old, and young. Young Master Xiang has assigned them residences based on the severity of their illness. Each room can accommodate ten people, making it convenient for us to prepare medicine and provide care." He spoke more than he usually did.
However, Song Qingchao could tell that her brother's mind was elsewhere; he likely wanted to fight Bai You'an. Thus, after much persuasion, she managed to dissuade him from that notion.
She then introduced the handsome man she had brought back to Song Qingmu. Her intention was simple: primarily to ensure Mumu's safety. Among the eight guards, Zhou Zhengxi accompanying her was sufficient.
Zhou Zhengxi said Zhou Yi was steady and Zhou Ri was lively, so Song Qingchao decided to have both of them follow Song Qingmu from now on. Zhou Er was practical and Zhou San was gentle, making it easier to care for Liu Zhe'er. As for the remaining four, five, and six...
Song Qingchao pondered for a moment, finally deciding to keep them mobile for now. After everyone had dispersed, Zhou Si, Zhou Wu, and Zhou Liu stood in place as if petrified.
It was Zhou Si who spoke first. "Do you guys know what mobile means?" Zhou Wu shook his head. Zhou Liu, however, was the quickest. "I know what 'four, five, six' means."
Zhou Si was exasperated. *Perhaps I should just get rid of this brother.*