Because Song Chongjin hadn’t returned yet, Wang Yongzhu strictly ordered not to spread the news of his examination success. However, considering that Song Chongjin would likely return in the next few days, preparations were made in advance, so they wouldn’t be caught off guard when many people ca to congratulate them.
Old Granny Zhang was also aware that Song Chongjin hadn’t co back yet, and it wouldn’t be good to boast too much, so she simply stayed indoors to avoid the temptation to brag.
After two difficult days, early one morning, she heard Old Madam Ding’s voice in the courtyard: "Madam, I heard that the scholars who went to take the exam in Changqing Academy are all returning today. They say the boats have already docked—"
Before Wang Yongzhu could speak, Old Granny Zhang rushed out: "Is Chongjin finally coming back?"
Wang Yongzhu quickly supported Old Granny Zhang: "If we calculated correctly, he should be ho by now. If he returned with the others, he might have to visit the academy director first, so he’ll probably be ho around noon, right?"
Feeling anxious, Old Granny Zhang instructed Old Granny Wu to go out and gather information.
While waiting for news, Imperial Doctor Du and Lady Qi also arrived. They had also received the news and, being concerned, decided to co to the Song Family’s residence and wait.
After quite so ti, Old Granny Wu returned joyfully, "Madam, Madam, I saw our master. He was with the people from Changqing Academy, and it was such a grand scene that even the County Magistrate personally went to welco them!"
In this autumn examination, Changqing Academy did exceptionally well, with their scholars taking the first place Jieyuan, as well as third, seventh, and tenth places, claiming four spots in the top ten—an unprecedented achievent in history.
Not to ntion, nearly twenty students from the academy who participated in the autumn examination passed.
Such results make them one of the foremost academies, if not the absolute best.
Magistrate Lv was overjoyed; his evaluation depended on such results for future promotion, so upon seeing such excellent performance, he couldn’t contain himself and decided to personally welco the returning scholars.
With the County Magistrate personally going to welco them, others naturally wouldn’t lag behind. The directors of major academies and officials all went to join the lively scene, catching so festive spirit.
As a result, the dock was tightly packed from early in the morning.
By the ti Old Granny Wu reached there, the scholars had already disembarked. Though eager to return ho, the honor of being greeted by the County Magistrate and directors was too great, so they temporarily set aside their eagerness to return.
Song Chongjin intensely wished he could fly back ho, but he had no choice. Even though he wasn’t the Jieyuan, he still received plenty of attention, especially from Magistrate Lv, who chatted with him for a long ti, making it difficult to excuse himself.
He only had ti to give Yang Zongbao a aningful look, asking him to go ho and relay the news.
Yang Zongbao wanted to rush ho, but the dock was crowded, and there were governnt officials keeping order. He had to patiently wait until Magistrate Lv led the scholars away before squeezing through the crowd and hastily hiring a carriage to hurry ho.
Upon entering the courtyard, he heard the lively noises and laughter coming from inside.
Seeing his return, Old Madam Ding quickly called out to those inside: "The maternal uncle has returned—"
Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang both ca out to greet him.
"Uncle—" Wang Yongzhu glanced behind Yang Zongbao but, not seeing Song Chongjin, felt a bit disappointed.
Yang Zongbao reached out to touch Wang Yongzhu’s hair and used gestures to tell Wang Yongzhu that Song Chongjin had been called by the County Magistrate and might not be able to return soon.
Wang Yongzhu nodded and thanked Yang Zongbao: "These days, you’ve worked hard because of Brother Song. Please co inside—"
Once inside, Old Granny Zhang couldn’t help asking about their situation in Qingzhou Prefecture, and Yang Zongbao gestured for a long ti to give a rough idea.
Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang were used to it, so it was fine, but Imperial Doctor Du and Lady Qi were quite bewildered as they watched.
After finally finishing with his gestures, Yang Zongbao was sweating profusely. Seeing this, Imperial Doctor Du said, "Co over here, let take your pulse!"
Yang Zongbao hesitated but wanted to shake his head.
Wang Yongzhu imdiately pushed him slightly and whispered, "Uncle, please let my teacher check again, maybe there’s another way."
From the beginning, Wang Yongzhu had wanted Imperial Doctor Du to examine Yang Zongbao’s throat after becoming his disciple, but Yang Zongbao was unwilling. He had consulted many famous doctors who all said the sa thing: his voice was not damaged, yet he couldn’t speak. Over the years, he had grown accustod and resigned.
Wang Yongzhu could do nothing but plan to examine him once he had completed his studies.
Today, it was rare for Imperial Doctor Du to offer on his own accord, and this was indeed an opportunity.
Intending to refuse, Yang Zongbao saw Wang Yongzhu’s pleading eyes and reconsidered. Now that his nephew-in-law had beco a Graduate, there would be many social engagents in the future. With only two n in the family, if he couldn’t speak, it wouldn’t be an issue for family affairs, but it wouldn’t do so for outsiders.
Surely, they couldn’t rely on two won to entertain guests?
After such a reflection, his resistance diminished. Hesitating a mont, he stepped forward, sat opposite Imperial Doctor Du, and placed his hand on the table.
Imperial Doctor Du took his pulse, asked Yang Zongbao to open his mouth, and examined his throat in the light before speaking slowly, "You were poisoned before, with high toxicity, harming your throat. And even if the poison cleared over ti, you’ve neglected your body, accumulating much damage. Though the poison has dissipated, these hidden injuries remain."
Wang Yongzhu quickly nodded, "Yes, my uncle consulted many doctors these years; they all said the poison was gone, yet he still couldn’t speak. I thought it was because he hadn’t spoken for so long—"
"That’s part of it, but mainly, the poison did severe damage to his throat here—" as he pressed a spot on Yang Zongbao’s neck.
Yang Zongbao couldn’t help but furrow his brow.
"Does it hurt here? Do dry or cold weather conditions make it uncomfortable?" Imperial Doctor Du asked while applying pressure.
Yang Zongbao nodded.
"I’ll write a prescription for you shortly. Take it for a month and co to for acupuncture daily. Keep warm, drink warm water, not cold or iced. After a month, we’ll reassess." Imperial Doctor Du withdrew his hand.
"Master, does my uncle’s voice still have hope for recovery?" Wang Yongzhu realized sothing.
"Of course! If you’d t years ago, it wouldn’t have been this troubleso; half a month’s dication would suffice. It’s been delayed for too long!" Imperial Doctor Du coldly snorted: "Also, luckily you t now. Another year or so’s delay, and even dicine would be useless; speaking again would be hopeless for life."
Hearing this, Wang Yongzhu quickly tugged at Imperial Doctor Du’s sleeve, "Certainly, how many doctors can compare to your miraculous skills, Master? In my heart, Master, you are like the revival of Hua Tuo or Bian Que! I’d be content if I could learn even a portion of your incredible abilities in my lifeti!"
"Master, you’re simply a miracle worker, renowned like no other! To , you are the greatest, the most remarkable!"
Her constant praise was akin to a continuous stream of complints.
Imperial Doctor Du maintained a composed deanor outwardly, but inwardly, he was imnsely pleased and considered his disciple to have discernnt.
anwhile, Old Granny Zhang quickly asked Gu Yu to fetch paper and ink for Imperial Doctor Du to write the prescription.
Holding the prescription, Yang Zongbao couldn’t help but tremble. Though he had given up hope, this rekindled it. With the prescription in hand, this burly man’s eyes reddened, expressing deep gratitude to Imperial Doctor Du with a bow.
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