Chapter 65: Speak If You Have Business, Otherwise Get Lost
Jiang Ruanxi did not know about everything that happened in Zhenguo Marquis Manor, nor did she have the thought to care, because a few days after they returned, the plague began to rage in the Capital.
Madam Zhou hurried in anxiously, “Don’t go out these few days. I heard this illness comes on fiercely, half the people in the Capital are infected, even the Imperial Palace is not spared.”
Madam He frowned, “Mother, His Majesty has not sent any message yet, don’t speak nonsense.”
“Aiyo, how would I dare to speak carelessly? I heard Crown Prince returned from Guangming Temple and then fell ill, with red spots all over his body, coughing nonstop. Several Imperial Physicians went to see him, and all diagnosed it as the plague.”
Jiang Ruanxi’s heart sank. It seemed she was indeed right that day; those refugees were carriers of the infectious disease.
“Mother, what do we do? We also went to Guangming Temple. Could we have been infected too?” Lin Tingting said anxiously.
“Elder Sister-in-law is right. His Majesty has not made a statement yet. If we discuss or spread rumors here, and this matter gets known by others, if His Majesty investigates, Dingning Marquis Manor will not be able to bear it.”
Being told this by Jiang Ruanxi, Lin Tingting shrank back in fear and did not dare to say another word.
Madam Zhou was also frightened into a pale face and anxiously asked Jiang Ruanxi, “Then what do we do now?”
“Wait and see. Before there is a conclusion on the matter, it’s best we all don’t go out, otherwise if we really get infected, at least it won’t spread to others.”
Lin Tingting had none of her usual arrogance and obediently listened to Jiang Ruanxi’s words.
“Second Sister-in-law is right. For this period, we all shouldn’t go out. I’ll head back to my room first.”
Madam Zhou also knew the severity of the matter, “Then I’ll go back first too.”
Jiang Ruanxi knew they were worried about infection and did not mind, but seeing Madam He had not left, she was a bit curious, “Elder Sister-in-law, aren’t you going back?”
“If we really got infected at Guangming Temple, what’s the use of avoiding now?” Madam He touched her belly, “I only hope the child in my belly is fine.”
“Elder Sister-in-law went to pray to Bodhisattva this time. Surely Bodhisattva heard Elder Sister-in-law’s prayers; you and the child will both be fine.”
Hearing Jiang Ruanxi’s comfort, Madam He’s mood improved greatly.
But thinking of what happened to Jiang Ruanxi, after pondering, she still spoke up.
“Younger Brother’s Wife, Second Brother did those things out of foolishness, but now he knows his mistake and can change. Why not give him a chance?”
Jiang Ruanxi smiled, “We don’t know yet if he has really changed. As for opportunities, they have never been given by others. Isn’t that right, Elder Sister-in-law?”
Thinking of the filthy and disgusting things Lin Ningkun had done, Madam He understood Jiang Ruanxi’s thought and did not say more.
After she left, Jiang Ruanxi returned to her room.
“Madam, as you expected, the Jiang Family is now fully scraping up medicinal herbs in the Capital. It looks like they have already found the prescription.”
Jiang Ruanxi nodded, not surprised.
In the previous life, when the plague broke out, it was also the Jiang Family that found the prescription, bought lots of medicinal herbs, and helped the court through this crisis.
The court valued them even more, and their prestige in the hearts of the people grew higher.
But this time, she would not give them the opportunity.
“But Madam, rest assured. The medicinal herbs in the Capital and even nearby have all been hoarded by He Kui long ago. Even if Second Master scrapes the entire Capital, he won’t find any.”
Hong Ye now truly admired Jiang Ruanxi. It was as if she had known about the plague early on. No wonder Jiang Ruanxi had often made her urge He Kui about medicinal herbs recently, and even had her brew medicinal herbs for no reason.
She just did not know why Jiang Ruanxi, having medicinal herbs, did not give them to the Jiang Family.
The previous Jiang Ruanxi had always responded to every request from the Jiang Family. When the Jiang Family had difficulties, even if it meant wronging herself sometimes, she would help the Jiang Family.
“Go tell He Kui to spread the news of the Jiang Family scraping up medicinal herbs, and conveniently say that the Jiang Family is the source of infection.”
Hong Ye was shocked, “Madam, what if His Majesty investigates?”
Jiang Ruanxi fiddled with the teacup lid, “Rest assured, it’s good if he investigates. I’m just worried he won’t.”
“Right, give this package of medicinal herbs to He Kui and have him find a way to send it to Crown Prince’s Manor, best not to let anyone discover it.”
Jiang Ruanxi went into the inner room and took out a wrapped package of medicinal herbs, containing about five small packets.
“Yes, Madam.”
Hong Ye knew this was life-saving medicinal herbs and received it very solemnly.
After Hong Ye left, Jiang Ruanxi looked at the newly planted plum tree outside the window.
Although it had only been planted not long ago, it was already starting to bud.
Even in a difficult situation, it could eventually grow new branches and buds.
**
“Hong Ye, serve me to rest.”
Jiang Ruanxi had looked at account books all day and was already exhausted. She stretched out her hands for Hong Ye to help her undress.
But the moment the hand behind her touched her, she felt something wrong and quickly pulled back her hand.
“Who?”
Jiang Ruanxi turned back and splashed the tea from the table over, “Who gave you such courage to enter my room?”
But upon seeing the face clearly, Jiang Ruanxi was startled by the scene before her.
These many days, she had always had Hong Ye block him, but she did not expect he could come in.
“Marquis, how is it you?” Jiang Ruanxi looked at Lin Ningkun, whose face was splashed and had a few tea leaves hanging, finding it a bit funny but pretending to be surprised on the surface.
If it were before, Lin Ningkun would have stormed off, but thinking that he was now making amends to Jiang Ruanxi, he endured the anger in his heart. Lin Ningkun kept a cold face, raised his hand to remove the tea leaves from his face, and brushed off the tea stains on his clothes.
Jiang Ruanxi held back her laughter and called outside, “Hong Ye, bring a clean towel in.”
Lin Ningkun had been angry these past few days, but seeing Jiang Ruanxi care so much for him, both old and new grievances dissipated.
“No need.” When Hong Ye came in, Lin Ningkun waved his hand, “I am your husband after all. You come serve me.”
“Marquis, Madam does not know how to serve people. Let this servant do it.”
“I told you to get out. Don’t you know who is the master of the Marquis Manor?”
Lin Ningkun’s long-suppressed temper finally erupted.
He could endure Jiang Ruanxi, but he would not indulge a servant.
Hong Ye was frightened by his words and involuntarily shrank back, looking at Jiang Ruanxi aggrievedly and not daring to say a word.
Jiang Ruanxi’s face also fell.
One still looks at the master when beating a dog.
Lin Ningkun bullying her people in her place—she would not indulge him.
Taking the towel, Jiang Ruanxi gave Hong Ye a look to have her leave first.
“Marquis has such a big temper today, even venting it on my maidservant. If you can’t stand me, no need to come here. Marquis, if you have something today, just say it. I’m tired and want to sleep.”
The implied meaning was: if you have business, speak it; if not, get out.
