Chapter 70: Just for this blasted weed

No. Mu Nan Zhao flatly denied, "You're overthinking it."

However, you did remind me—these prescriptions can't be just taken by you.

He said, making a move to reach out and take it back.

Meng Chengping frightened, hid the prescription behind his back, "Brother Mu, let's talk!"

He thought quickly, "Right, Brother Mu, state any conditions you have—I'll agree to whatever I can!"

Mu Nan Zhao asked, "Any conditions are fine?"

"The plague is the biggest matter now," Meng Chengping nodded decisively, "Even if I can't do it myself due to limited ability, I'll still help you present it to the Great General!"

Mu Nan Zhao said lightly, "No need for all that trouble, it's just a small matter."

He glanced at Meng Chengping, "I want you to conceal the origin of the plague remedy; the old man likes tranquility, dislikes worldly disturbances—don't give anyone a chance to investigate his information."

These words were actually the result of Mu Nan Zhao and Gu Xixi's discussion.

First, the background of Old Doctor Lang is still unclear; it should continue to be kept as a deep secret.

Second, Old Doctor Lang refuses to deal with people from the Imperial Court; if we promote the divine doctor's name this time, we fear various fame and profit troubles, threats and lures will come one after another.

Meng Chengping let out a big sigh of relief, smiling, "I thought it was something else—just this? Leave it to me."

"Wait." Mu Nan Zhao's eyes flashed, "I haven't finished yet."

"These things weren't easy to come by; the rat extermination plan was Gu Xixi's idea—do you really think you can just take it for free?"

Meng Chengping stared at him, dazed for a moment, then suddenly realized, "I get it!"

"Brother Mu, rest assured, I'll go back and immediately request from the Great General the rewards and commendations for your sister-in-law."

"I guarantee that once this method is spread and proves effective, I'll immediately fulfill it—how about that?"

Mu Nan Zhao walked away with his hands behind his back, "Forget the commendation; she prefers something practical."

Ten days passed; walking through Shitou Village, one no longer sees the sight of rats running all over the ground.

The bonfires for burning rats have dwindled to just two.

What's more gratifying is that the plague patient in Zhao Si's household has recovered, and in the past ten days the village hasn't seen a second case.

The Government Office requested two doctors to come examine the village, deciding to lift the blockade at the village entrance after noon today.

Under the big elm tree on the hillside, they were busy packing up their belongings.

Village Chief Zhao led an ox cart over, repeatedly urging Old Doctor Lang, "Old Divine Doctor, in the past we were blind and neglected you; Shitou Village has no local doctor—if you don't hold past grudges, could you stay?"

Gu Xixi glared at Village Chief Zhao, "My great-uncle has already agreed to come home with me to retire; for you to snatch him now isn't right, is it?"

Village Chief Zhao quickly apologized, "No, no, I'm just expressing my reluctance to part with the divine doctor."

"Of course, if Miss Gu can relocate her whole family, we'd welcome it wholeheartedly."

Gu Xixi placed a large bundle on the cart bed, "Your abacus beads are about to snap reaching Flower Pool Ford Village."

"My fields and my house are over there—how am I supposed to move?"

"Besides, Flower Pool Ford Village doesn't have a doctor either."

Village Chief Zhao gave an embarrassed laugh, not angry at all; since everyone present were benefactors, he liked hearing whatever they said.

Old Doctor Lang chuckled, "Xixi is just joking with you."

"The two villages aren't far apart; from now on, whoever needs medical help can just come find me."

"Good, good, with your words I can rest easy." Village Chief Zhao nodded and bowed, deeply grateful.

Mu Nan Zhao came over carrying a large jar.

Gu Xixi couldn't help but glance sideways at him twice.

Usually he appears as an immaculate immortal, but now he rolled up his sleeves, earnestly moving heavy objects, which added a touch of… humanity.

Just then Mu Nan Zhao looked up; their eyes met, and Gu Xixi calmly extended her right hand.

"What about the things you asked me to bring from home?"

A moment later.

Gu Xixi squatted under the wooden shed, carefully digging the soil.

Mu Nan Zhao watched from behind with a dark face.

"So you had me make a special detour back that day just for…"

As he went on he almost gritted his teeth, "This blasted weed."

"This isn't a weed at all." Gu Xixi said without looking up, "Maybe it's a good herb that can feed more people."

She dug bit by bit, finally pulling up the wild millet grass roots and all.

She poured some powder from the small bottle, mixing it with a little clear water.

The roots were somewhat damaged; she needed to soak them in rooting water quickly before transplanting into the small wooden pot.

While it was soaking, Gu Xixi grabbed the calico cat from the ground and shoved it straight into Mu Nan Zhao's arms.

"And it has to come along too."

"You go ahead; I'll finish planting soon and catch up."

Suddenly Mu Nan Zhao felt a soft, fuzzy mass in his arms.

His body stiffened; he lowered his head in shock and met a pair of green eyes.

"Meow~!"

"Gu Xixi!!!"

Riding out of the village on the ox cart, Mu Nan Zhao sneezed from time to time.

Old Doctor Lang sighed, "This is due to nefarious qi; depending on one's constitution, contact with a certain specific sensitizing substance causes skin rashes and an itchy throat and nose."

"For mild symptoms, no medicine is needed; just avoid touching it and it'll pass soon."

Gu Xixi held Xiao Hua, apologetically saying, "Sorry, I didn't know you couldn't touch cats."

Mu Nan Zhao's eyes were sharp as knives, "Stay away from me."

The blockade at the village entrance had been lifted, Shitou Village was reborn, as lively as during New Year.

The main road leading to the village entrance was crowded with people.

As the ox cart passed, the crowds on both sides suddenly stopped, smiling at the people on the cart.

"Thank you, Lao Shenyi!!"

"Thank you, Miss Gu!!"

Everyone shouted in unison, then laughter rang out.

Next, vegetables, fruits, and eggs were shoved onto the cart, hand by hand.

In the chaos, Gu Xixi couldn't tell at all which item was placed by whom.

"Village Chief Zhao, this is……"

Village Chief Zhao turned back and smiled, saying, "You all insist on seeing us off; this little thing is far from enough to express our gratitude, so don't refuse it, just accept it."

Lao Langzhong nodded and said, "Gu Xixi, it's their goodwill, don't decline."

The cart was about to leave the village entrance when several more people rushed out and knelt in the middle of the road.

"Thank you, Divine Doctor, for saving our lives!"

Gu Xixi looked closely and said to Lao Langzhong, "It's the Zhao family's fourth household, and also that boy you treated."

Lao Langzhong stopped the cart, got off, walked up to those people, bent down to help them up, and told them to rise.

"I've said it's my duty; you don't need to be like this."

While they were talking, Gu Xixi said to Mu Nan Zhao, "My master once suffered cold treatment and scorn here."

"Now it's all over; his spirit must be pleased."

Mu Nan Zhao's gaze was cold and aloof, out of place amid the surrounding bustle.

"What's there to be happy about? People use you when they need you and discard you when they don't—that's just worldly hearts."

Huachi Du Cun, from afar Zhang Shen and Lao Qian were seen standing at the village entrance.

Gu Xixi exclaimed in surprise, "How did they know we're back?"