Chapter 220: Payment for the Medicine

From the strokes on the page, it was clear the child had poured their heart into this. The transitions between brushstrokes had grown more fluid, more rounded.

“Good! Good!” Liang Manshan couldn’t seem to get enough. His eyes lingered fondly on the calligraphy.

Yan Yu: …

Uncle Liang, could you maybe focus on the actual content instead of just admiring the handwriting?

“This ‘Work Points’—” Liang Manshan finally got to the point.

Yan Yu quickly jumped in. “Uncle Liang, at first the villagers just wanted to do their part, going up the mountains each day to forage for herbs. But then my father came back and said the lord was willing to pay silver for it, so we started keeping track of what kinds and how many herbs each household gathered. As for the ‘Work Points,’ those will be calculated separately once the payments are settled.”

This time, Liang Manshan read through the pages with far more attention, no longer focused on the penmanship but on the actual contents.

“Brother Huaiwen said the villagers would go out foraging and then bring the herbs to Physician Cui to process… This batch here—it’s already been done? Incredible, I didn’t expect it. I really didn’t. You all actually pulled it off!” Liang Manshan was genuinely astonished.

Yan Lao’er and Old Yan had said not to tell Master Tian just yet.

So Yan Huaiwen had kept it quiet, only informing Liang Manshan privately.

He hadn’t held out much hope at the time—just figured a few extra herbs might help fill a gap. Their need was urgent, and every bit might save a life.

But now, seeing that they’d really brought several full sacks of medicine, he was overjoyed.

“Starting today, there’ll be more coming in batches. It’s just that we can’t say exactly what herbs or when they’ll arrive—different ones take different amounts of time to gather and process. Physician Cui says he has to judge by the sunlight, the wind, and the color of the medicine as it brews… In any case, as soon as it’s ready, we’ll send it right away. We won’t cause any delay,” Yan Yu said in a quick breath.

“There’s more?!” Liang Manshan was even more shocked.

At this point, Yan Xiangheng finally came back to his senses and added, “The whole village sees this as a priority. Almost all the Village Elders have gotten involved—climbing the mountains by day, building shelters by night, busy every single day. Not a single idle person…

These are just the first batch of finished medicines. Like Xiao Er said, there’s still plenty of unprocessed herbs back in the village. They’ll be sending more every few days.”

Yan Xiangheng thought of the rows of medicine racks that were steadily multiplying at Physician Cui’s.

He gave Liang Manshan a brief description.

The stifling heaviness in Liang Manshan’s chest finally lifted. He felt as if the skies had cleared and the world opened up—everything suddenly easier to breathe.

“You’ve all worked so hard,” he said with heartfelt emotion, eyes misting again.

Just then, Yan Huaiwen returned, with another person following behind—the young attendant of Doctor An.

As soon as the servant arrived, he headed straight for the sacks of herbs, opening and inspecting them one by one.

Yan Yu called for her eldest sister, and the two of them started unpacking items from the basket they’d carried.

“Uncle, this is our family’s dried meat. And this—these are rice balls, good even when cold. This one’s crispy fried fish. Inside the bamboo tube is candied fruit syrup, and here’s goat’s milk. That needs to be drunk quickly—it doesn’t keep. And these are dried apricots—if your mouth feels dry, eat one. They’re really tasty.”

Yan Yu shooed Maomao away, grabbing the little beast and tossing it out of the way. Maomao walked in slow, graceful circles, like he was surveying his new territory.

“This jar’s a treasure—Madam Rong made this toasted flour mix. Just add hot water, and it turns into a thick porridge. Uncle, if you’re too busy to eat a proper meal, just fix yourself a bowl—it’s filling and super convenient!”

Daya helped her unpack item by item, blushing with embarrassment and murmuring, “Dad, all of this was prepared by Xiao Er.”

“It wasn’t me, it was Madam Rong,” Yan Yu said honestly. She didn’t take the credit—she hadn’t made a single thing. She’d only brought them. Madam Rong had done all the cooking.

Yan Xiangheng was a little ashamed as well.

How had he not thought of bringing their father some food from home?

“Haha! And this one—hmm, Uncle, I’m not sure if you’ll like it,” Yan Yu said, a little hesitant. She’d been unsure while packing it, afraid Old Yan wouldn’t take to it. This particular dish had extreme opinions—people either loved it or couldn’t stand it.

“But no worries! If you don’t like it, just give it to someone else. It’s made from pig offal and innards—cleaned super thoroughly.

We’ve got a special stove at home that simmers it gently all day. It’s soaked through with flavor now. The aroma? Oh, once you lift the lid, the smell can drift for miles.

Master Lu and the others love it—more than meat, even. They crave it daily!”

Yan Yu’s thinking was simple. She’d lived in a dorm before. When asked what she missed most, she wasn’t picky about clothes or supplies—just wanted a taste of home. Every time she went back to school, her bags were stuffed full of food.

Old Yan couldn’t return home now, and his work was grueling—surrounded by patients every day. His mood couldn’t possibly be good. Only good food could bring him some comfort.

The young attendant checking the medicine was already staring wide-eyed.

His movements slowed as he kept glancing toward them.

At Crouching Tiger, they didn’t have to worry about meals. The Government Office took good care of them. But… the food lacked flavor.

It was always the same few dishes. He hadn’t thought much of it before, but at times like this, even just having enough to eat was lucky. Still—comparison was a cruel thing. Look at Scholar Yan’s family, how thoroughly they’d prepared.

The envy in the servant’s eyes was unmistakable.

Yan Yu noticed—but pretended she hadn’t.

They could only bring so much. If Old Yan and Uncle Liang shared, there still wouldn’t be that much to go around. It was just meant to offer a change in taste from time to time.

Yan Huaiwen was deeply moved.

The food itself didn’t matter as much—it was the thought behind it, the fact that his family remembered him.

As for Heng’er and Qian Chu forgetting such things, he wasn’t surprised. Children like Xiao Er were rare. Her older siblings were more like normal kids.

Like her father—he’d known how to win hearts since he was young.

While her uncle and the others were busy, Yan Yu tugged on her eldest sister’s sleeve.

“Eldest Sister, where’s the thing you sewed for Uncle? Why haven’t you taken it out?” She’d seen it many times—her sister constantly sewing, always asking Granny Rong for tips.

Daya blushed and murmured, “My needlework still isn’t good enough. I need more time.”

“How is it not good? I think it looks great! Just take it out and let Uncle have a look—it’ll make him happy! It’s not like he’s picky. We’re not the kind of family that nitpicks stuff like that,” Yan Yu encouraged.

Daya thought about it, then finally summoned the courage to step forward a little and softly called out, “Father…”

Yan Huaiwen turned his head at the sound of his daughter’s voice and walked over.

“Father! My needlework is clumsy, but if it still pleases you even a little, then… then give me some time. Let me keep practicing, and I’ll sew something better for you.” She didn’t dare lift her head, carefully placing the item in her hands through the wooden fence.

Yan Huaiwen picked it up and looked it over.

It was a brush pouch.

Never mind how delighted Yan Huaiwen was as a father—off to the side, Yan Xiangheng looked like his soul had left him.

First there was Xiao Er, now Daya.

They were both so thoughtful!

And him?

Why was he so dense?!

Yan Huaiwen noticed his son’s frequent dazed looks and chuckled inwardly.

Girls were more attentive by nature—boys couldn’t quite compare.

Still, Heng’er did need some tempering.

“You’ve done well managing things at home in your Second Uncle’s and my absence,” Yan Huaiwen said gently. “Don’t be rash in the face of trouble, and don’t panic when hardships come. Take things one step at a time. Listen well to good advice. Even if you make mistakes now and then, it’s all right. Everything past becomes experience. Hold it in your heart, and reflect carefully afterward.”

“Yes, I will remember your teachings,” Yan Xiangheng said solemnly, committing every word to memory.

Yan Huaiwen then turned his gaze to his little niece.

Yan Yu looked at him eagerly, her smile bright and sincere. “Uncle, would you like to take a look at the Fengnian Records ledger too?”

At that, Liang Manshan handed over the booklet in his hands.

The moment Yan Huaiwen flipped through a few pages, he understood his niece’s intention.

A faint smile flickered in his eyes.

“This method of record-keeping is very good. When it comes time to calculate the conversion between Work Points and silver, it’ll require close attention. Make sure to double- and triple-check.”

“Don’t worry, Uncle! I’ll be meticulous,” Yan Yu promised cheerfully.

Meanwhile, the young attendant had finished inspecting the herbs and called someone over to help carry them off.

“Man Shan,” Yan Huaiwen said, “I’ll trouble you to draft a record to officially log this batch of medicinal herbs into storage.”

Liang Manshan agreed and turned to leave.

“Is there anything else?” Yan Huaiwen asked.

Yan Xiangheng took the opportunity to explain the matter of buying grain. Luo Da and Hu Da looked at each other, hesitating, and then mentioned preparations for warming the pots for a celebratory feast.

“Buying grain…” Yan Huaiwen mused. “It would be best to go a bit farther afield. As far as I know, Guanzhou doesn’t have much of a surplus. Some of the relief grain Magistrate Tian distributed came from Prefectural City supplies. The rest he gathered himself.

It’s the same story in most places. Because of the need to resettle refugees, Guanzhou has already purchased grain from Xizhou and Linhai several times. Even so, the shortage hasn’t been fully covered.”

Sure enough, Guanzhou didn’t have enough grain.

Yan Yu clenched her little fists, her mind whirring.

How to buy grain? Where to buy it?

They had to get enough!

“Normally, we’d follow village tradition,” Yan Huaiwen continued. “But since we’re new to Guanzhou and not yet firmly rooted, I suggest we simplify things and consult with the Village Elders. No need to rush. Three years from now, once we’ve secured the land deeds and truly have a foothold here, then we can celebrate properly.”

Just as Yan Yu expected—Old Yan was clear-headed and pragmatic.

This wasn’t the time to go from house to house throwing banquets.

What family foundation? They didn’t have the means!

Liang Manshan soon returned with the official paperwork. Yan Huaiwen scanned it quickly, then looked over at him.

Liang Manshan smiled faintly. “The lord magistrate has already affixed his seal.”

Yan Yu’s curiosity lit up.

What’s written on it?

She really wanted to take a look!

And soon enough, she knew.

Old Yan left for a short while, and when he came back—he was handing out silver!

Cold, hard cash!

He actually settled payment on the spot?!

So when Uncle Liang said the magistrate had used his seal, that’s what he meant? A stamp of approval to pay?

Master Tian was awesome!

Yan Yu eagerly spread out the cloth she’d prepared in advance, practically glowing with anticipation as she waited for her uncle to place the silver on it.

Under her intense gaze, Yan Huaiwen set the silver down and stepped back.

And off she went—scampering over, wrapping up the money lightning-fast, weighing it in her hands, beaming so hard her eyes turned into crescents.

Little money grubber!

Liang Manshan had only brought the herbs personally out of goodwill. Since it was his family involved, it was best to avoid suspicion from other colleagues.

Still… in truth, he didn’t care much about such things. This Crouching Tiger City posting, even Magistrate Tian knew it was only temporary. Their departure was only a matter of time.

Now that they had the money, the little niece sprang to life again.

Smiling sweetly, she asked, “Uncle, is there much grain in Crouching Tiger City? Could we maybe buy some from them?”

She was even eyeing that now!

Yan Huaiwen fixed his eyes on her. “And how did you come up with buying grain from Crouching Tiger?”

“Hehe! Master Tian distributed rations to us so readily, and he clearly planned to resettle disaster victims from Gufeng. He must have stockpiled a fair amount of grain, right?”

Yan Yu lowered her voice, “Uncle, now that no more refugees are coming from Gufeng, and the people who can stay in Crouching Tiger are already here, maybe there’s extra grain? Just sitting there. Why not sell some to us? Then when the autumn harvest comes, the magistrate can use the silver to buy fresh grain.”

“You’re quick-witted, I’ll give you that,” Yan Huaiwen said mildly.

Sensing a sliver of hope, Yan Yu’s face bloomed like a flower, her voice turning sweet as honey. “Uncle, maybe you could mention it to the magistrate? We’ll pay, or—um—we could even trade herbs for it!”

“This isn’t something to rush. I know what to do.”

Then Yan Huaiwen suddenly asked, “Has your father returned home? Do you know where he went?”

“Most likely to Longxing,” Yan Yu replied. “Father said if he couldn’t find grain in the nearby towns, he’d go past Yongning to Longxing.”

Yan Huaiwen nodded, his tone quiet, with a hint of meaning. “If he’s gone once, it will be easier to go again…”

Yan Yu blinked. Then blinked again.

She tested the waters: “Uncle, I heard that Fengming City is even farther. Could we maybe take a look there too? See if there’s any… medicine to be had?”

And maybe grain!

“It’s worth a try,” Yan Huaiwen said, though a slight furrow crept between his brows. Still uneasy, he added, “It’s a long journey—unless absolutely necessary, don’t go too far.”

He still had official matters to attend to, so he couldn’t keep them.

The group climbed into the carts and set off.

On the way back, Yan Xiangheng held his tongue for a long while before finally asking,
“Xiao Er, why didn’t you remind me to bring something for Father?”

Yan Yu chuckled. “Big Brother, didn’t I say I wanted to go with you? Why didn’t you take me?”

Yan Xiangheng: …

So you did it on purpose, and now you’re blaming me for not bringing you?

“But… you ended up coming anyway, didn’t you?”

“That’s only because Eldest Sister and I had already gotten in the cart, and you couldn’t scold us in front of outsiders, so you let us tag along,” Yan Yu said, puffing her cheeks.

Yan Xiangheng felt wronged. “There are so many sick people over there, and you’re still a child. I was just worried you might catch something…”

“I know you meant well, Big Brother. But I really wanted to go!” Yan Yu lifted the small cloth bundle in her hands and declared solemnly, “It’s fine if the payment for the herbs comes later, but this time, we had to bring the silver back. When folks see the money, it’s different than just hearing about it.”

“There are some things you big ones can’t say, but I’m not afraid. I can say them. And I’m still young—if I say something wrong and the Magistrate gets upset, he won’t hold it against a little girl like me.”

Hu Da, who had been sitting in front listening the whole time, finally turned back curiously. “Why does it matter so much to bring the money back this time? That magistrate in Crouching Tiger City looks like a good official—he wouldn’t short us. Besides, the villagers went into the mountains to dig herbs not for the silver in the first place.”

And that’s exactly why such golden-hearted goodwill deserved to be respected.

“If everyone knows the herbs they dig can really be exchanged for silver, they’ll work harder. And when they need to buy something later, they won’t always be counting every penny, reluctant to buy this or that.”

The two mule carts rode side by side.

Luo Da and Qi Da had been listening closely too.

Qi Da didn’t think much of it, but Luo Da was deeply moved.

Without realizing it, he spoke up. “Once there’s income, there’s hope. Life starts to look up.”

Yan Yu clapped her hands and cried out, “Uncle Luo put it perfectly! That’s exactly what I meant.”

(End of chapter)