Chapter 2651 - 2584: Going Back

Manbao picked up a bag, woven with vegetable-colored strings, which contained quite a few medicinal packs. She smelled them, saw writing on them, and upon flipping through, she found they included packs for relieving summer heat, insect repellent, diarrhea prevention, and epidemic treatment, all commonly seen medicinal packs.

They’re not very precious, but they are considerate.

Manbao rolled her eyes and said, "Are they only distributed to those in service? I think we should send a share to the retired physicians as well. After all, the items aren’t expensive; it’s just a gesture of our goodwill."

The items are indeed not costly, and there haven’t been many physicians retired in recent years. There are even fewer still residing in the capital now.

Thus, Imperial Doctor Lu could directly agree, but he didn’t because he was curious, "You usually don’t care about these mundane affairs; why the interest today?"

Manbao replied, "Just a suggestion, it suddenly occurred to me. If you’re not willing, then forget it."

Manbao put down the medicinal pack in her hand, turned, and said, "My share can be taken back by Third Sister later; I have something to do, I’ll leave first."

Imperial Doctor Lu and the others watched her leave, glanced at each other, and understood.

They didn’t ask about the emperor’s summons of Imperial Doctor Tan, knowing that if Zhou Man didn’t voluntarily mention it, it must be confidential, and asking wouldn’t yield any news.

But looking at Zhou Man’s current demeanor and actions, they understood that the emperor should be fine.

Thus, the atmosphere relaxed, and everyone proceeded with their respective tasks.

After some thought, Imperial Doctor Lu said, "Prepare a few extra shares, also send one to Imperial Doctor Tan and Imperial Doctor Ji, those who have retired."

The subordinates consented.

After exiting the palace, Manbao didn’t immediately return home but went to the Western Market to specifically look at spices.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many spices with a calming effect available on the market. Generally, such scents are mostly custom-made by individual families.

The formula for scents isn’t cheap either; ordinary families don’t have it.

However, being prepared, Manbao wasn’t particularly disappointed; she looked at the time and returned home.

The next day, she took Daji and others out of the city to the Summer Palace, and Old Madam Liu had sent someone early to buy back all the food they had ordered yesterday.

Manbao took a heap of items and left.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain of the Summer Palace, from afar, Manbao saw a cart stopped by the roadside. When she got closer, she jumped down and rushed forward, "Big Brother, Sister-in-law!"

Zhou Dalang and Junior Ms.Qian turned, saw her, and were overjoyed, immediately approaching, "We thought we wouldn’t see you; there are so many soldiers here, we dare not get too close."

Manbao held Junior Ms.Qian’s hand and smiled, "I just came from the capital, Sister-in-law, are you hot in Pu Village?"

"Not too bad," Junior Ms.Qian smiled, "In the countryside, with water and trees, it’s not too hot."

Junior Ms.Qian carefully examined Manbao, touched the hair on her forehead, and laughed, "But you, running back and forth, aren’t you hot?"

Manbao shook her head with a smile, first letting Daji take the plaque to announce their arrival, then pulled Junior Ms.Qian and Zhou Dalang to the shade under a tree and joked, "Does the field need watering?"

Zhou Dalang said, "It needs some, but it’s not particularly dry yet. We only watered a few plots that were noticeably lacking water; otherwise, the Chief mentioned that rain might come soon."

Manbao said, "I’ll help ask the Astronomical Bureau later. Sister-in-law, did you make tofu pudding?"

"Yes, made it in the morning. I brought a bucket for you, and the sugar water is also prepared," Junior Ms.Qian pointed at a big wooden bucket and a small wooden bucket on the cart, "You can put them in the well to cool them down, making it more delicious."

Manbao nodded.

Taking out several packs of medicine from the carriage, she said, "This is summer heat relieving herbal tea; you can boil it and drink it as tea later..."

Zhou Dalang accepted, asking, "Do you need us to deliver tofu pudding tomorrow as well?"

Manbao waved her hand, "No need, when I crave something, I’ll have someone send you a message, and at that time, Sister-in-law can make it for me."

Junior Ms.Qian smiled and agreed, "Alright."

Then Manbao had Daji and the others carry the items up. Since there were many purchases, she also carried two bags, with a bundle holding books on her shoulder.

The guards silently watched her.

Manbao was acquainted with them; even in the capital, they often guarded the palace gates, familiar faces even if she couldn’t recall their names.

So Manbao greeted them, "These are my big brother and sister-in-law. If they come looking for me in the future, please inform me, brothers."

Manbao didn’t speak in vain; she offered them a roasted chicken, "It’s almost lunchtime; have some extra dish."

The guards bent their heads to glance at the plump chicken wrapped neatly in lotus leaves, considering the recent meals, they swallowed saliva, glanced at Zhou Dalang and Junior Ms.Qian standing not far, and silently nodded.

Manbao became cheerful. After passing through inspection, she carried the items inside and said to them, "I’ll have some cold tea sent to you later; standing at the gates in such heat, don’t get heatstroke."

Manbao turned back and exuberantly waved to Zhou Dalang and Junior Ms.Qian, then carried the items up the mountain.

After walking a short distance uphill, she met Bai Shan and others.

He immediately dragged Wei Yu and Bai Erlang down, reached out to take items from Manbao’s hands, and asked, "How many things did you buy?"

"Everything listed on the slip, I bought."

Wei Yu and Bai Erlang hurriedly stepped forward too.

Manbao wiped the sweat off her forehead and curiously asked, "Where are you heading?"

"To pick you up, where else?" Bai Erlang said, "He told us last night, after clearing our tasks by lunchtime, we’re coming down to fetch you."

Bai Erlang complained, "Clearly horses and carts could go up, but Lord Yin insists, apart from those delivering documents or on urgent official business, no one can use the official road up the mountain..."

"It’s for the safety of the Summer Palace, save your complaints," Bai Shan said, "Who knows, this talk might end up in Lord Yin’s ear shortly."

Bai Erlang immediately covered his mouth.

Manbao didn’t let them carry the books on her back, climbed the mountain with them, and asked, "Have you had lunch?"

Bai Shan: "No, it’s just lunchtime. Eating at the exact hour isn’t too late."

Wei Yu chuckled, "The princess has ordered dishes to be made. We’re holding a banquet later in our courtyard. Will you join us, Lord Zhou?"

Manbao asked, "Are there many invited?"

Wei Yu laughed, "Just the few of us."

Bai Shan supplemented, "Only Yin Huo as well."

Manbao said, "How about dining by the cool spring, to chill the tofu pudding?"

Bai Shan and Bai Erlang had no objection, even felt it was quite interesting, but Wei Yu thought it seemed a bit extravagant, wondering if his father would find out...

Bai Shan patted his shoulder, "Don’t worry, we’re not extravagant. I know a cold spring place; there’s a long pavilion there with a stone table set and stone chairs, but the space is spacious. We can lay down mats, and have the attendants bring the prepared dishes there; it won’t cost much."