Chapter 314 The Old Village Chief's Thoughts
Ye Shengsong lifted the gift box. Inside lay a pair of perfectly matched jade lockets, carved with their names. It was truly a thoughtful gift.
"Thank you, Young Master Shang. I like it very much."
She genuinely liked it. The material and the carvings—to have completed it in the three days she was away must have taken considerable effort.
At this moment, Shang Shaoyan felt a little less heartache. He still wasn't sure about his feelings for Ye Shengsong—was she a benefactor, someone he liked, or could he accept her falling into someone else's arms?
"I'm glad you like it. I wish you both a harmonious and blissful life together."
Ming Hui, standing beside him, felt a pang of sympathy for his young master. To be able to say such words must have been incredibly painful.
Zi Yisheng also looked at Shang Shaoyan with newfound respect. This man possessed an inherent nobility; few people received his blessings, and he even looked down on many within the Shang family.
Seeing his daughter so happy, Father Ye waved his hand and invited Shang Shaoyan and Ming Hui to stay for dinner.
Shang Shaoyan's heart leaped with joy. Gaining the approval of Elder Ye had not been easy; he knew he had to seize this opportunity.
"Shengsong, could you examine the poison in my body again? I might have to endure some hardship in a few days, and I'm not sure if it will have any impact."
Ye Shengsong only understood poisons; whether it would affect his body required her masters' expertise.
"Masters, I have a task for you! Hurry and help me."
The two elders, disliking the liveliness of the younger generation, had already retired to their room to play chess. Hearing their youngest disciple's call, they threw down their chess pieces and walked out.
Ye Shengsong had already taken Shang Shaoyan's pulse. The readings indicated a steady improvement.
"Your condition will be completely detoxified in another month. Tell me, what hardship are you facing?"
The two elders, each placing a hand on Shang Shaoyan's wrist, listened to their conversation.
"The poison in my body was actually administered by my grandfather's concubine. She had been hiding very well within the Shang family, earning high praise both inside and outside the household, and was greatly trusted by the elder.
She wouldn't have revealed herself if she hadn't intended to kill me. Especially upon learning that I had already detoxified half of it, thus saving my life, she became even more desperate. Therefore, she will act again soon."
Ye Shengsong inwardly tutted. Another tale of family drama in a wealthy household. Her own Ye family was so much better; in her past life, her brothers had always been united against outsiders.
Even after transmigrating, her father had cut ties with the Ye family, Zi Yisheng had no family, and the Bai family was unbelievably harmonious. She had never experienced such familial strife.
"Will it be another poisoning? I'm not sure I can guarantee it won't worsen the poison in your body."
Shang Shaoyan pondered for a moment and looked at the two elders beside him.
"What do the two elders think?"
Elder Fan, well-versed in family disputes, did not advocate for actions detrimental to one's health.
"Young Master Shang's body is actually quite weak. Even after detoxification, it will take two years of careful nurturing to be on par with his peers. If he is poisoned again, it will only disrupt the detoxification process, forcing a restart and prolonging it beyond a month."
"Indeed. Young Master Shang should not waste Shengsong's efforts. After all, you are her first patient, and curing you must be her deepest wish."
Elder Dang withdrew his hand and chimed in with his persuasion. He couldn't let anyone discourage his youngest disciple's newfound ambition.
Ming Hui, also worried, cast aside any hesitation about speaking out of turn and blurted,
"Dr. Xu will be arriving soon, carrying the poison given by Old Madam Yu. Young Master Shang wants to expose her true colors before Grandfather Shang and Third Master Shang, but if it affects Young Master Shang's health, we cannot let him proceed recklessly."
Ye Shengsong understood. He was willing to wager his own health. She couldn't believe Shang Shaoyan, who didn't seem foolish, would come up with such a foolish plan.
Shang Shaoyan felt a headache coming on under Ye Shengsong's somewhat disdainful gaze. Had he really done something foolish?
"Then, is there a medicine that can simulate poisoning symptoms without affecting my body?"
This time, Ye Shengsong rolled her eyes directly, a blatant and uninhibited roll. Beside her, Zi Yisheng chuckled and gently patted her head.
"At least give him some face. Life is not easy within the Shang family."
Tsk, tsk, tsk. So troublesome.
"I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, so I can't help you much. As for a medicine that doesn't harm your body but mimics poisoning, I'll need two days. By then, you can have someone test it. Is there enough time?"
"There's enough time, there's enough time. I'll find someone to stall Dr. Xu for a few days. It's just that Grandfather Shang and Third Master Shang will both be arriving in two days."
As Ming Hui spoke, Shang Shaoyan received stern glares from Zi Yisheng and Father Ye. How many people were they planning to bring to the Bai Rong Brigade?
Shang Shaoyan suddenly thought of Zi Yisheng's and the Ye family's situation and felt a bit ashamed, rubbing his nose.
"I apologize. My family heard I was recuperating here and wanted to visit. I didn't think it through."
"Hmph, they can come, but don't bring them to our home, and don't mention us."
Father Ye's words were quite impolite, even to the point of regretting inviting Shang Shaoyan to dinner.
"But my grandfather might want to see Shengsong, as she is helping me with my detoxification."
Even Zi Yisheng was displeased. Without giving Shang Shaoyan a chance to speak further, he retorted,
"Absolutely not. Shengsong is a doctor for the first time. If she hadn't met you on the mountain, she wouldn't be treating anyone. You'll have to resolve this yourself."
Shang Shaoyan glanced at the impassive Ye Shengsong and lowered his head. He hadn't considered the external circumstances, only focusing on his own matters.
"Alright, I will handle it myself. No one will discover your whereabouts here."
It was Shang Shaoyan's good attitude that saved him from losing the chance to enjoy a meal at the Ye family's home.
Ye Shengsong remained in deep thought, repeatedly pondering the prescriptions she had memorized. Among the poison formulas she had memorized, there was indeed the medicine Shang Shaoyan needed, but she had never made it before.
Previously, she felt she wouldn't need it; such a poison offered no self-defense. So, she had never bothered. This time, it was a perfect opportunity to try it out.
In the following days, Shang Shaoyan and Ming Hui dedicated their time to ingratiating themselves with the Ye and Bai families. They had no chance to speak more with Ye Shengsong, so they might as well spend their time with others. Once they became familiar, they could gain entry.
That day, the Ye family's kitchen was a scene of everyone showcasing their culinary skills. Even Grandma Bai, who rarely cooked, prepared a sweet and sour ribbonfish, inspiring the already skilled women to put their best efforts forward.
Ye Shengsong's train of thought was interrupted by the fragrant aromas from the kitchen, her mouth watering. Seeing her pitiful expression, Zi Yisheng quickly went to the kitchen and brought out some freshly cooked dishes to sate her ravenous appetite.
Ye Shengsong looked at the sizzling, oily spicy squid and half a spicy crab. She dug in immediately. The first bite told her that the seafood she had eaten at the old village chief's house these past two days paled in comparison.
Stir-fried seafood was far more flavorful. Elder Dang peeked into his youngest disciple's bowl and shook his head helplessly.
"Shengsong, have you been eating these things these past few days?"
Ye Shengsong paused and smiled ingratiatingly at Elder Dang.
"Master, I've only eaten boiled seafood these past two days. I haven't had anything this heavily seasoned. This is the first time, the very first time."
"Many types of seafood are cooling in nature. Today's preparation can help neutralize that, but you shouldn't eat them for the next few days. Even if you crave them, don't eat too much. Don't forget you're still taking medicine."
Zi Yisheng remembered this more clearly than Ye Shengsong. He had been responsible for ensuring she took her medicine during their travels.
"Elder Dang, how much longer does Shengsong need to take her pills?"
Elder Dang extended one finger without hesitation.
"One year. If there are no unforeseen circumstances, so everyone needs to supervise her well. Don't let all the suffering go to waste."
Ye Shengsong took his words to heart. She had always been obedient. For nearly half a year, she had diligently remembered her daily acupuncture appointments, more so than her masters. She desperately wanted a healthy body.
"Don't worry, Master. After today, I'll only eat seafood once a week. Once I'm completely recovered, I'll indulge properly."
"Hahahaha, you've always been very obedient. These past few days were an exceptional circumstance. Just be mindful from now on."
Hearing this conversation, Shang Shaoyan was also very happy for Ye Shengsong. So, her body could be healed. That was wonderful!
That evening, Ming Hui sat with Asen and the others, completely at ease, devouring the dishes with gusto. The Ye family's cooking was simply too delicious.
Shang Shaoyan, who was never one to prioritize food, was also unusually happy. It was difficult to find fresh seafood in Ming City, and this was his first time experiencing such a diverse seafood feast.
Furthermore, he had truly experienced the family atmosphere of the Ye and Bai families today. They were so harmonious and happy, it even evoked a sense of longing in him.
Meanwhile, Min Xing, hearing all this, gazed wistfully in the direction of the Ye family's house from his own yard.
"Shang Shaoyan even got invited to dinner. I haven't eaten a meal at the Ye family's house once."
Min De, gnawing on a chicken leg, had a look of contentment on his face. Was it that easy to get a meal at the Ye family's? Not only would Zi Shao object, but even the two gatekeepers, Ye Huaijin and Ye Mu'en, wouldn't give their young master much of a chance. It was better to enjoy a chicken leg at home.
Ye Shengsong indeed slept in late that night. After the family gathering dispersed, she closed her door and entered her spatial dimension. Since she had promised Shang Shaoyan, she would fulfill her commitment.
Over the next two days, Ye Shengsong was only called out for meals, spending the rest of her time diligently working.
Zi Yisheng couldn't see his little lass, so he went out to busy himself.
The village chief's home was also lively. Gong Wentao had received some dried seafood as well. The Gong family men were all skilled cooks, so the women and children of the household ate until they were full.
After a satisfying meal, the village chief looked at the seafood shells on the table and asked.
"Wentao, was all this brought from beyond the mountain?"
"Yes, the Ye family brought quite a bit."
Gong Wentao now categorized Zi Yisheng as part of the Ye family, treating him like a live-in son-in-law, almost wishing he could live at the Ye family's house.
"Our village people have to buy these seafood at the supply and marketing cooperative, and they need ration coupons. If we were to buy more from beyond the mountain, we could provide more dishes for everyone."