Xu Ran's gaze turned to the two children who were engrossed in their meals. Xu Ran enquired, "Are you and Tangtang Guoguo willing to accomplish that? You might have some discomfort as a result. Will you be able to stand it?"
Tangtang and Guoguo had apparently not heard their chat just now. They looked blank when Xu Ran asked them the question and had no idea what Xu Ran was talking about. So Xu Ran explained everything to them once more, and the two kids were aware of the situation.
Tangtang remarked, "Don't be worried, Dad! Uncle Gao Quan had already told us about it. We'll make it through. All we need to do is do it for a month."
Tangtang stated flatly that he will eat the same food every day for the next month. Xu Ran couldn't believe it when he realized what he'd just heard was from Tangtang. He was still a child under the age of seven, after all.
Tangtang tugged at Guoguo, who was still extending out his chopsticks, when he realized Xu Ran didn't trust him "Tell Dad, Guoguo. Will we be able to stand it?"
Guoguo's mouth was still full with food. He mumbled something inaudible, but it was nearly identical to what Tangtang had stated.
Xu Ran heard them and said, "I believe them." "This is something you both agree on. By that point, you've had to hang on to the last one no matter what, right? If you intend to break your promise, please let me know as soon as possible before I buy those herbs."
Tangtang and Guoguo nodded hard, "Got it, Dad. We can definitely do it." After that, smiles showed on their faces. They looked really cute.
Xu Ran had faith in them. He knew this because the two children had gotten up very early in the morning to train with Gao Quan in martial arts.
The kids were fine with it, but the three Ge'ers' anxious gazes were fixed on the two kids. Xu Ran also realized that if he didn't talk to them about it, he might be unable to sleep for a night or two.
Xu Ran told them everything he knew and explained the benefits of a medicinal bath in detail. It would be much easier for the two children to practice martial arts in the future if their body channels were clear and open, especially if they began as children.
He purposefully evaded the consequences for them. To begin with, he had no idea how severe the pain would be. Second, he was terrified that when he stated it, these Ge'ers would disagree.
After all, the children were still too young.
The three men agreed when Xu Ran gave the background information to them. After all, Xu Ran was the father of two children and would never intentionally harm them.
After supper, Xu Ran and Gao Quan talked about it again. Gao Quan also shared what he knew, emphasizing that Lu Yuan was the true expert on the subject. He may have handed on all of his wisdom to Lu Qi since he was deceased. Unfortunately, they were unable to seek assistance from Lu Qi.
It was unfortunate that he couldn't go after Lu Qi, but Xu Ran knew it was impossible. It would show that he had recognized Liu Tong's identity if he went to Lu Qi. The situation would then be too difficult to manage.
Xu Ran said to Gao Quan, "Then let's do it your way, as long as it won't hurt the two children."
Gao Quan nodded. "Of course not. When I didn't know that they were the children of Second Young Master's before, I never thought of hurting them, not to mention that now I know his real identity."
Xu Ran knew that in ancient times, if someone was faithful to them, they would do everything for them, even if it meant risking their life, and they accepted it as casually as they did their meals. Gao Quan was a devoted follower of the late King Yan, therefore he would not harm Liu Tong or his child.
Gao Quan wrote down all of the herb names and handed them to Xu Ran. Xu Ran said, "I'll be in town in a few days and will purchase them all at once. You might be able to finish all of your preparations!"
Gao Quan nodded, "I see, and I will."
After that, the two of them went back to their own rooms.
Liu Tong was still a little concerned as he lay in bed. He inquired about it once again with Xu Ran. Xu Ran remembered that he failed to mention something else during dinner tonight due of the medicated bath after Xu Ran told it to him.
Xu Ran patted his head and stood up from his bed. He brought his feet back as soon as his toes hit the floor and murmured to himself, "It's already too late, and it's also unsuitable. I'll tell him about it the next day!"
Liu Tong heard what Xu Ran said and turned to ask him, "Ran, what's wrong with you? You were talking to yourself."
Xu Ran turned to face Liu Tong and explained, "So, Tongtong, that's what occurred. I went to Zhuo's Mansion today while in town and met the shopkeeper and Housekeeper Zhuo. They're both doing fine. I merely wanted to inform Shuwen of the situation and encourage him not to be concerned about his home."
Liu Tong said, "Since that's the case, tell him about it tomorrow morning. Shuwen must be asleep now. Besides, he's a Ge'er, and it's improper of you to go for him now."
Xu Ran nodded, "I know that. I'll go for him tomorrow. It's late. Let's sleep!"
Xu Ran sensed something wasn't quite right as soon as he sat down. Baozi was two months old at the time! But, even if he and Liu Tong slept in the same bed every day, it had been a long time since they had done so.
Because of Liu Tong's physical condition, he hadn't considered it before. He had no time to ponder about it later because he was busy. Then, now that he wasn't so busy, was he able to think about it?
His behaviors were no longer under his control once he acquired this concept. Xu Ran began to brush up against Liu Tong. After a while, Liu Tong realized what Xu Ran was trying to accomplish. It had been a few months, and he had given it some thought. Liu Tong did not intervene and allowed Xu Ran to harm him.
Little Baozi was sound sleeping at the time, so he had no idea what the two grownups were up to. After all, they hadn't done it in a long time, so the two were ecstatic to be doing it again. Liu Tong was holding his waist and feeling uncomfortable when they awoke the next morning.
Seeing that Liu Tong was like this, Xu Ran also knew that he had gone too far last night. He pressed Liu Tong against the bed, "All right, get some more sleep. No one will laugh at you."
Before Xu Ran stated it, Liu Tong hadn't given it any thought. He reddened quickly after Xu Ran mentioned it.
"I'd better get up! If I really fell asleep, they would probably all know what's going on." Liu Tong said.
Seeing Baozi also turning over next to Liu Tong, Xu Ran said, "Then get up. Get some sleep atl noon, but don't do chores."
Liu Tong did feel unwell, so he wouldn't force himself either, "Got it. I won't do chores."
Xu Ran afraid Liu Tong would be embarrassed, so he took Baozi first. Tangtang and Guoguo were already seated in their seats, waiting for breakfast, when he stepped downstairs.
Xu Ran sat down with Baozi in his arms, "You might eat now! You have to go to school later. Don't be late."
Tangtang and Guoguo began eating breakfast after hearing Xu Ran. It was cooked with leftovers from the night before. For them, Shao Yu prepared fried rice with eggs. The two kids were gulping down their food. It piqued Xu Ran's interest.
After finishing their chores, Shao Yu and Gao Quan came over and sat down. Xu Ran explained to them, "You're the ones who get to eat first. Tongtong will take a long time to come down. Shuwen could possibly be putting on Qingshu's clothes."
Gao Quan and Shao Yu did not participate in the formalities. After all, they needed to get to work on the farm after breakfast, so they ate first. Xu Ran held Baozi in his arms as he awaited the arrival of the other two people. Tangtang and Guoguo had finished dining and were about to leave when Liu Tong and Qin Shuwen arrived.
Seeing Qin Shuwen and Liu Tong coming down, they returned and greeted them before leaving.
Xu Ran called the two over to him and said, "Come over here and have breakfast. The fried rice with egg cooked by Shao Yu tastes great."
Liu Tong didn't move. "I haven't washed my face yet. Hold Qingshu and Baozi. Shuwen and I are going to wash our faces first." Liu Tong said and pulled Qin Shuwen away with him.
Xu Ran was holding the two toddlers and couldn't use his hands to eat breakfast because he was watching the meal in front of him. He was upset!
When Qin Shuwen and Liu Tong arrived for breakfast, Xu Ran informed them that he had gone to the Zhuo's Mansion and that Housekeeper Zhuo and the shopkeeper might visit them later.
Qin Shuwen remained silent and seemed dissatisfied. He appeared to be missing Zhuo Yun. Xu Ran shook his head, thinking he shouldn't have spoken that.
He was consoled by Liu Tong "Shuwen, don't overthink things. Right now, Zhuo Yun must be on his way. He's probably still on his way and won't be able to write to you. It could be here in a few of days."
Qin Shuwen nodded. "I'm fine. I know that."
But he still couldn't help but miss him.
Liu Tong realized that what he said was ineffective, therefore he stopped speaking. This was something that had to be handled by the experiencer himself.
Xu Ran joined Gao Quan and the others in the strawberry field after breakfast. He got his work done as quickly as he could and planted the corn seeds. Then he began hoeing the mountain's field. He then had to locate the fruit plants. He considered it and discovered that his schedule was completely booked until April, with a few minor tasks remaining.
Baozi will be 100 days old in March. There were also some more tasks to complete. He would have no free time in this situation.
They had been working in the strawberry field until the middle of February, which was now, and they were nearly finished. This year, no one would burn ashes. Fortunately, they had bred pigs at home the previous year, so pig excrement would suffice.
He was about to start sowing corn seeds once the strawberry field was finished. It took a lot less time this year with the services of Shao Yu and Gao Quan than it did last year. It was completed in four days.
After the task was completed, Xu Ran could finally relax and enjoy a few days off. Xu Ran went to town to get some herbs and help out at the deli.
Qin Shuwu had been active recently as well, having purchased the shop next door. This shop's owner had long desired to move it. It was conveniently located near Qin Shuwu's shop, and he was also planning to start a deli with Xu Ran, so it was the ideal time for him to take over.
Several hundred taels of silver were spent on the shop. The location was great, and the area was also not small. Its interior would have to be refurbished, which would be quite expensive.
Qin Shuwu's eagerness to achieve everything was due entirely to the recipe written by Xu Ran.
His husband followed the recipe to the letter. After everyone in the family tried them and agreed that they were great, Qin Shuwu suggested opening a deli on the spot.
The Qin family's elderly couple were unconcerned about business. Their kids were old enough to make their own decisions outside of the house. They also had their own children, so the elderly couple only had to worry about looking after their grandchildren at home and enjoying life.
This was also agreed upon by Qin Shuwu's other brothers. The family's husbands would take turns going to work. They would not only have a job, but they would also have time to do household tasks. It was great. In terms of their collaboration with Xu Ran, they believe Xu Ran may be regarded a family member.
They had no problems because the proposal was proposed by Xu Ran. Qin Shuwu was directing the renovation when Xu Ran came, teaching individuals how to accomplish their jobs.
It wasn't even his own store. Qin Shuwu, according to Xu Ran, should have bought the shop. "Brother Qin," he said as he approached him.
Qin Shuwu turned around, noticed Xu Ran, and excitedly walked over "Xu Ran, This shop was purchased by me, and the renovation is nearly complete. Come see if there's anything else that needs to be done. I'll delegate it to them."
_____
Xu Ran followed Qin Shuwu over to the location and took a look. He discovered that the shop's interior décor was nearly complete. Of course, the decoration was standard, as it had been in many of the shops Xu Ran had visited up to this point.
Standing at the door, he pointed to a place and said to Qin Shuwu, "Brother Qin, one more thing needs to be added here."
Qin Shuwu came up and asked him, "What is it?"
Xu Ran said, "Get a wooden shelf here, like the kind you'd use to keep things around the house, with no boards on both sides and a plank on the bottom or top. The food for sale will be placed on the wooden shelf in this manner, with its label plastered alongside it. Customers can plainly view the meal and know its title and components in this example. They just need to raise their hands and get the food they like. "
"This is a great idea, but building a wooden shelf will take some time! Worse, you won't be able to keep an eye on the task from the sidelines. It's difficult to be satisfied with things that are rushed. All of this will be really inconvenient!" Qin Shuwu stated it bluntly.
Xu Ran waved his hand, "Don't worry about this!I'll have Brother Xu An do it, and I'll be there to supervise. This wooden shelf will undoubtedly be constructed. This task should be completed soon as long as we have adequate timber and move quickly. "
"Since that's the case, you will just arrange this matter!" Qin Shuwu agreed.
Xu Ran nodded, "Yes, I will."
Qin Shuwu added, "This shop should have a name. You give it a name, okay? After all, you are a Xiucai. You'd better christen the shop! "
'To dedicate the store!' Xu Ran placed his hand on the back of his head. As a dumb fellow in calling himself, he had no idea how to do the task.
He realized that the name of the deli shouldn't be overly literary or artsy. The ordinary population would not visit if it was too literary and artistic. Its name should be simple to remember so that people can recall it at a glance. It was a difficult task!
Xu Ran replied, "All right. Let me think about it carefully. Next time I come, I'll tell you the result. At the moment, I can't think it out all of a sudden."
Qin Shuwu nodded in agreement, "No problem, but you have to hurry up. I'm still waiting to make a signboard for the shop."
Xu Ran responded with a troubled expression, "All right."
After a pause, Xu Ran told Qin Shuwu something else.
"Brother Qin, I wonder if you can help me buy something?"
Qin Shuwu believed it wasn't something simple because Xu Ran asked so gently. Qin Shuwu felt compelled to find out what it was, so he asked, "Let me know what it is. Let me see what I can do to help you."
Xu Ran drew Qin Shuwu into his own shop and kept quiet about it until he was certain no one else was around. "Actually, it's a common herbal remedy. However, because I require a huge quantity, I am unable to purchase it on my own. As a result, I've come to seek your assistance. Can you check if you can get someone to help me with it?"
Qin Shuwu was well aware that medication was not to be taken lightly. If the drug was purchased with the intent to cause harm to others, he would be arrested and executed.
At the thought of this, he frowned. He didn't expect Xu Ran to request him for this. He asked Xu Ran, "What kind of medicine do you want to buy? Tell me, please. And what do you want to buy it for?"
Gao Quan had written down the medical herbs he intended to acquire on a piece of paper, which Xu Ran delivered to Qin Shuwu, and then stated, "These herbs are used in Tangtang and Guoguo's medicated bath treatments. It's for their own health's sake."
Qin Shuwu was relieved to learn that it was for Tangtang and Guoguo, and he had no doubt in his mind that Xu Ran would not harm them. Xu Ran, after all, would never harm his children.
Qin Shuwu then asked, "Then tell me how much medications you wish to buy. I'll ask some of my friends to purchase it for you. In the town's clinics, I know a few doctors. We can get the drug from a variety of clinics so that we don't raise any suspicions.."
Xu Ran told Qin Shuwu the specific quantity that he needed, and then added, "I'll buy one of these herbs on this paper, and you'll get the rest for me."
Qin Shuwu took a closer look at the names of the herbs on the paper and then replied, "All right. Let's go about the work separately. Do you have money with you today? I've just bought the shop. I am afraid I don't have enough money for these herbs."
Xu Ran took out some silver notes from his arms, "I've got 500 taels of silver with me. I wonder if it's enough?"
Xu Ran then gave Qin Shuwu 400 taels and left 100 taels for himself.
Qin Shuwu replied, "It ought to suffice. In any case, this is a significant cost. Do you have enough money to support your family? You should have spent a lot of money on fruit trees, not to mention this shop for processed foods!"
Xu Ran said, "Don't be worried! I'm sure I'll be able to handle it. What I'm not sure of right now is how much these herbs will cost. Let's go ahead and buy them! If it isn't enough, I'll devise a solution to the problem."
Qin Shuwu accepted the silver notes and replied, "All right. Let's start our work now. Good bye."
Then, they both left. Qin Shuwu went next door to set up the decorations and then walked away with a fruit shop employee. Xu Ran was on his own. He didn't buy much because he wanted to be able to carry them on his own.
Despite the fact that he had visited the town numerous times, Xu Ran was unfamiliar with the area's clinics and medical stores. He had no choice but to hunt for them one by one.
Xu Ran remembered a clinic where he had once taken Liu Tong to visit a doctor. He reasoned that he might be able to go there and take a look. He recalled that the doctor appeared to be an expert in his field. He wanted to examine if there were any issues with the herbs that Gao Quan had written.
While thinking about these, Xu Ran walked towards the clinic.
When Xu Ran arrived at the clinic, there were no patients there. The doctor was reading something while sitting in a chair. Because no assistants were visible, Xu Ran assumed he had nothing to do.
Xu Ran was still fresh in the doctor's mind. He inquired, "Good day, sir. Have you had a child with your spouse?"
Xu Ran nodded， "Yes. And my baby has just had his hundredth day celebration."
"Haha, he must be a handsome Ge'er. You're so blessed!" The doctor smiled.
Xu Ran didn't expect that he knew this, so he also smiled, "It's indeed a blessing. Thank you a lot."
With a wave of his hand, the doctor said, "It's not even worth mentioning. As a doctor, I should be glad to help anyone in need. Furthermore, your spouse was essentially healthy; it was just that you young people were a little too impulsive."
Xu Ran couldn't say anything since he knew he was too foolish at the time. When the doctor saw Xu Ran's uneasy expression, he decided to cease teasing him. "Sir, what can I do for you this time?" he inquired.
Hearing this, Xu Ran quickly took out the prescription written by Gao Quan, "This time, I'm here to buy some herbs. Also, I hope you to see this prescription for me."
The doctor took the prescription seriously and read it. He then turned to face Xu Ran, his eyes revealing a subtle emotion "This prescription was written by a master, Sir! I don't think I'll be able to compose this with my current abilities."
Xu Ran was surprised to hear that. He didn't expect the physician to respond that way.
He informed the doctor, "A friend of mine brought it back for me, suggesting it was excellent for my health. I've been poisoned previously, and my health has suffered as a result. That's why I'd like to try a medicinal bath with these herbs to see if it helps me."
"Reach your hand out," the physician said to Xu Ran.
Xu Ran reached out his hand without hesitation.
His body was indeed poisoned once and he had nothing to fear.
The doctor took Xu Ran's pulse and then kept a close eye on him. He suddenly drew his hand back and added, "Your entire body had been poisoned. It won't harm you much if you don't work too hard. This medicated bath treatment is somewhat expensive, but it will undoubtedly help you. Please let me know which herbs you still require. I'll give you all of them if I have them on hand."
Xu Ran replied, pointing to the name of a herb on the paper, "This medicine is what I'm looking for. I'll have to go back and look at the others. I'll come back to you if I still need them."
"All right.I have the herb you indicated on hand. My apprentices travelled to other regions a few days earlier and collected a lot of medicinal herbs. I'm hoping you'll be able to ask your pal if this medication can be split up. Could you please lend me this prescription if you are able? It's a good thing!"
Xu Ran understood that the senior physician's request indicated that he was a trustworthy individual who would not utilize the prescription without permission.
Xu Ran nodded, "All right. I'll ask him about it.And we won't know what effect it has until I try it. If a doctor issues a prescription for a patient without first conducting a test, he will be held accountable if something goes wrong. "
The physician stroked his beard and nodded, "It is true. Wait a minute, please. I'll go and get you the medicine."
With that, the doctor turned around and walked to the counter to get Xu Ran's medicine. In the shop, Xu Ran was walking and looking around. Because the physician only needed a single plant, he was able to have everything ready quickly. He'd brought Xu Ran two enormous bags of herbs.
Xu Ran took the medicine and asked the physician, "Doctor, how much is this medicine?"
The doctor smiled, "This medical herb is really not cheap. It costs 10 taels of silver for this little bit of herbs in your hand."
Xu Ran weighed the medicine in his hand and then asked, "Are they five jin all together? Why do I feel them very light?
The physician replied, "If you don't believe me, you can go to weigh them yourself. This is definitely five jin."
It was not beneficial for him to have another check, as the physician had advised. "Ten taels of silver, right?" Xu Ran nodded after weighing the herbs in his hand again and feeling that they were a little heavier this time.
"Yes, ten taels of silver. I promise that my price is right and I won't cheat you. If you don't believe me, go and check in the other clinics."
Xu Ran paid the money and thanked the physician.
When Xu Ran arrived at the entrance, he noticed Qin Shuwu approaching with his soldiers and a large number of luggage. "I didn't expect to run into you like this," Qin Shuwu joked when he spotted Xu Ran.
Xu Ran, too, smiled "I'd never been to this clinic before, so I came over to check it out. Isn't this physician also a friend of Brother Qin's?"
Qin Shuwu nodded, "Yes, we've known each other for over ten years. Well, did you get what you need?
"Yes. I bought them here," Xu Ran replied.
Xu Ran had come to a halt at the door, greeting someone, as the physicain had noticed. He smiled after taking a glance at them. He was amazed when he discovered they were all acquaintances.
06.14.21