A crown princess who doesn't do infrastructure construction isn't a good doctor.

Chapter 16

"Masakazu, the hot water is here."

Liu Yao was strong, carrying a wooden bucket filled with more than half a bucket of water in each hand, followed by Lawson carrying two wooden basins.

"Just leave it here."

After the two placed the wooden buckets and basins in the positions indicated by Qin Suiyou, Liu Yao said, "Zhengjun, please check if these two buckets of water are enough. If not, I will go and get more."

Qin Suiyou instructed Liu Yao to bring a bucket of water that was now steaming, and another bucket of cold water that had just been drawn from the well. They were to use the water to dilute the medicine and soak the flower seeds to disinfect them.

"No need, this is enough. Where's Lu Xi? Is the medicine I asked him to brew ready?"

No sooner had Qin Suiyou finished speaking than Lu Xi’s unreserved voice came from the side: “Here I am, here I am, what’s the rush? The temperature of this medicine can’t be too high or too low, it takes a lot of thought.”

Qin Suiyou remained silent, while the others said: "Even the young city lord hasn't urged us."

After taking the porcelain bowl containing the medicine from Lu Xi, Qin Suiyou placed the small wooden stool that Du Ruo and the others had sat on while picking flower seeds next to the wooden basin, straightened his clothes, and sat down.

"Liu Yao, could you pour some cold water into the basin for me first?"

Although Liu Yao is not very calm, he is strong and skilled in hand techniques.

Liu Yao did as instructed, carrying a bucket to pour water. When the water was only halfway up his finger joint, Qin Suiyou called him to stop.

"Pour in the hot water now, slowly, I need to check the water temperature."

Liu Yao steadily and slowly poured the bowl down, while Qin Suiyou held the bowl in his left hand and dipped his right hand into the basin, shaking it occasionally to help the hot and cold water mix more quickly.

When she indicated that there was enough hot water, Liu Yao acted quickly, not pouring a single drop more.

Immediately afterwards, Qin Suiyou poured the dark green medicinal liquid into the bowl, stirred it a few times with his right hand, and the dark green turned into a clear green.

"Pour in the flower seeds."

Du Ruoli deftly helped pour the selected flower seeds into the pot, then skillfully spread the pile of seeds evenly at the bottom of the pot.

"Alright, let's carry it inside first. The flower seeds need to be soaked in medicine for most of the day. We'll do the rest tomorrow morning."

Not long after everyone entered the house, the sky quickly darkened, and a clap of thunder brought a downpour.

"It's really raining. My sister-in-law was right. It looks like it won't stop anytime soon."

Qin Suiyou gently coaxed Beitang Rui, who had been asleep but was awakened by the thunder. Fortunately, he was probably naturally brave and did not cry, but was a little uneasy.

Beitang Xinyue sat to the side watching, and then said, "It seems that Rui Rui and I really will have to stay overnight tonight."

The little girl spoke with a happy tone. After all, there is a difference between men and women. Even if they were siblings, Beitang Yan had never allowed her to stay overnight when he lived in Wutong Courtyard before. However, this was mostly because Beitang Xinyue rarely came before.

“I’ve already asked Jinzhu to tidy up the west wing. Tonight, you, Granny Ye, and the wet nurse can take Rui Rui to rest there, right across from the door.”

After speaking with Beitang Xinyue, Qin Suiyou instructed, "Luo Xian and Zhu Yi, go to the west wing tonight and help Yun Ying take turns keeping watch. If anything happens, come find me."

Luo Xian is gentle and approachable, while Zhu Yi is more lively but reliable. With the frail baby Bei Tang Rui around, Bei Tang Xin Yue only brought her personal maid Yun Ying with her this time, in addition to Granny Ye and the wet nurse. Qin Sui You then thought of arranging for two suitable people to go and help.

At this moment, Beitang Xinyue said to Yunying, "When you're with the maids in your sister-in-law's courtyard, you should be more careful and learn from them."

Yunying was born into a family and grew up with Beitang Xinyue. However, she was two years younger than the youngest, Lanya, and would be fifteen years old this year after her birthday. Fortunately, she was well-behaved and never caused any trouble, although she was a bit shy.

After Yunying curtsied and replied "Yes," Luoxian said, "Sister Yunying has been in the Prince's mansion since she was a child, so she knows more about the rules than we do. We should be learning from her."

Yunying replied shyly in a low voice, "I am young and not as experienced as you older sisters. I am also not very good at speaking. I should learn from you."

Zhu Yi walked to Yun Ying's side, took her arm, and said, "Then let's learn from each other. Since we're both in the Prince's Mansion, we'll have to visit each other more often. We'll have plenty of time to spend together."

Yun Ying didn't say anything more, and nodded, saying, "I'll listen to you all."

The girls chatted and laughed, gradually becoming acquainted. Granny Ye watched this unfold, and her gaze towards Qin Suiyou was also filled with a smile.

After Qin Suiyou coaxed Beitang Rui to sleep, he handed him over to Granny Ye and asked her to take him to the side room to rest.

Then, Qin Suiyou summoned Jinwen and instructed her, "Go and tell your mother that the heavy rain has been pouring down and the princess and the little prince cannot return for the time being. They will stay at the Wutong Courtyard tonight."

After receiving the order, Jinwen took an umbrella and left the courtyard.

Just before dinner, Jinwen returned, bringing with him a bundle.

"These are some clothes for the little prince and a swaddle blanket that the princess brought, saying that they can be changed if they get dirty."

Luo Xian took it and delivered it to Granny Ye.

Afterwards, Jinwen and Zhuyi withdrew. When there was nothing to do, Qin Suiyou did not like too many people around him. He had told several people this before, and they had kept it in mind. Besides, it was time for dinner. Qin Suiyou was very punctual for meals. In the past few days, they had become much more accurate in their timing.

At this moment, besides Yun Ying, there were only Qin Suiyou and Beitang Xinyue in the room. Even Lu Xi, who always followed Qin Suiyou, had been fiddling with the things they brought back today with Lu Yu and Du Heng since returning to the mansion and had not come to the front hall.

Seeing that there were few people around, Beitang Xinyue twisted the handkerchief in her hands and hesitated before saying, "Sister-in-law, um... I..."

Qin Suiyou looked up and met Beitang Xinyue's gaze, signaling her to continue.

Seeing this, Beitang Xinyue mustered her courage and subconsciously straightened her back, saying, "Sister-in-law, actually I wanted to ask you, before you married my brother, did you ever have... someone you loved?"

As she spoke, whether out of shyness or something else, her voice grew softer and softer, and the last few words were almost swallowed. If Qin Suiyou hadn't had good hearing, he probably wouldn't have been able to hear what she was saying at all.

Qin Suiyou was initially taken aback, not expecting Beitang Xinyue to ask this, but he still answered.

"Never has it."

"Really?! Sister-in-law, you mustn't hide it from me."

Beitang Xinyue got so excited that she couldn't stop talking, but she didn't do anything to Qin Suiyou, though she did startle Yun Ying.

Yun Ying patted Beitang Xinyue's shoulder and gently reminded her, "Miss."

Realizing that she had overreacted, she calmed down and realized that she had asked a question that was somewhat intrusive on her privacy, and felt a little embarrassed.

After calming herself down, Beitang Xinyue said, "Sister-in-law, I didn't mean anything by it, I was just curious."

However, recalling Qin Suiyou's answer just now, she couldn't help but ask, "You said you've never had a sweetheart, so marrying my brother... was it your own choice?"

Qin Suiyou smiled gently and said, "Of course it's voluntary. I said that the day I served tea to my father and mother."

Seeing that Qin Suiyou didn't seem to be in a bad mood, Beitang Xinyue felt relieved. However, as if remembering something, she lowered her eyes and moved awkwardly, her lips trembling a few times before she finally spoke.

Seeing the little girl acting awkwardly, Qin Suiyou couldn't stand it and decided it was best to have someone say what was going on.

"Just say what you have to say, I'm not going to eat you."

Beitang Xinyue raised her eyes, making sure Qin Suiyou wasn't displeased before saying, "Sister Du Ruo, she is..."

Before anyone could finish speaking, Qin Suiyou knew what Beitang Xinyue was trying to say. After figuring it out, he was both amused and exasperated, wondering what this young girl was thinking and why she would think of such things.

"Du Ruo is a very talented woman. Like her brother Du Heng, she is one of my capable subordinates. But she is not only a subordinate, but also a very important friend. Moreover, Du Ruo has a kindred spirit."

Knowing that Qin Suiyou was aware of her thoughts, Beitang Xinyue felt somewhat embarrassed.

"That's it."

After Beitang Xinyue finished speaking, she smiled at Qin Suiyou.

"Alright, let's go have our meal."