On her wedding night, she went into exile with her pharmacy arsenal

Chapter 2227 Hearing the Music Again

Yan Ruyu went to see Madam Cao.

"Your Highness, Madam Cao woke up early this morning and even drank half a bowl of bird's nest porridge. She seems to be in much better spirits now." The maid leading the way smiled and spoke with gratitude in her voice.

This maid was sent by Governor Cao. Madam Cao was used to using her in the mansion and was too embarrassed to trouble the Prince's mansion with everything.

Madam Cao leaned against the headboard, covered with a thin quilt. Although her face was still somewhat pale, it was no longer ashen as before, and her eyes were much brighter. She was being served by a maid who was combing her hair.

"The Princess Consort has arrived." Madam Cao's face immediately lit up with a smile when she saw her.

Yan Ruyu nodded: "How are you feeling, Madam?"

Madam Cao breathed a sigh of relief: "Much better."

Yan Ruyu walked to the bedside, placed her hand on Madam Cao's pulse, felt the steady pulse with her fingertips, and a relieved smile appeared on her face.

"Madam's pulse is better than yesterday. With a few more days of treatment, she will be fully recovered."

"Thanks to you, if it weren't for you, I probably would have lost my life long ago." Madam Cao took her hand, her palm slightly warm, her tone full of genuine gratitude. "These days, you've been working day and night for the patients in the city, and you still think of me. You've really worked hard."

“Madam, you flatter me. Treating the sick and saving lives is my duty.” Yan Ruyu gently squeezed her hand back. “If you can get better, Governor Cao can rest assured.”

How's your appetite today? Is there anything you'd like to eat?

As the two were talking, a steady footstep sounded outside the courtyard gate, accompanied by a maid's respectful announcement: "Madam, the Prefect has arrived!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Governor Cao strode in, his temples dusty with dust, but his eagerness and joy were still evident in his eyes.

Seeing Madam Cao lying on the bed looking so energetic, he was taken aback for a moment, then quickly stepped forward, his eyes slightly red: "Madam, you're finally feeling better!"

"Master, you've arrived." Madam Cao looked at him, her smile widening.

Governor Cao grasped his wife's hand, then turned to Yan Ruyu and bowed deeply: "Your Highness, I cannot express my gratitude enough! You not only saved my wife, but also so many people in Youcheng. I, Cao, will never forget this kindness."

If you ever need me in the future, Your Highness, please don't hesitate to ask. I will do my utmost, even at the cost of my life!

Yan Ruyu helped him up and said gently, "Your Excellency, there's no need for such formalities. I was just doing what I was supposed to do."

Youcheng is under the jurisdiction of the adults, and the people live in peace and contentment, which is what the prince most wants to see.

Now that Madam has just recovered, she needs to rest and recuperate. You should spend more time with her, say some comforting words; it will help her recovery.

"Yes, thank you for the reminder, Your Highness." Governor Cao nodded repeatedly, his gaze falling on Madam Cao with tenderness. "These days I have been busy dealing with the affairs of the sick in the city and have not been able to spend enough time with you, Madam. You have suffered."

Seeing this, Yan Ruyu quietly retreated to the door and instructed the maid beside her, "Take good care of the madam, let the master and the madam have a good talk, and remember not to let anyone disturb them. Come in to serve her again in half an hour, and let the madam rest early."

The maidservant respectfully agreed, and Yan Ruyu turned and left the courtyard.

Stepping out of the Cao residence, there were far fewer pedestrians on the street than in the previous days. Although the disease had not endangered the entire city, it still made people uneasy and inevitably fearful.

Yan Ruyu walked slowly along the street, her heart growing heavier as she recalled the past liveliness.

The mastermind is still lurking in the shadows; this crisis is far from over.

As she walked, a faint aroma of medicine wafted over. Yan Ruyu looked up and saw it was Yishengtang, the medicinal food shop that had been doing brisk business before.

The shop was rather deserted today. The signboard hung at the door, swaying gently in the wind. There were only a few people inside, and most of the seats were empty. The shop assistant was idly wiping the tables and chairs, a far cry from the usual bustling activity.

Yan Ruyu stopped and scanned the shop floor with her eyes.

In the past few days, she had her whistles secretly spread the word among the people, implying that the medicinal cuisine at this shop was related to the epidemic that had broken out in the city.

Although it wasn't explicitly stated, many timid people had already stopped visiting due to the fear of the epidemic.

This move was both to test the reaction of the person behind the scenes and to temporarily cut off the possible source of the poison.

After all, the mushrooms found in the fresh produce shop were related to the outbreak of the epidemic, and there must be some connection between this medicinal cuisine shop and the fresh produce shop.

She stood on the street corner for a moment, and seeing that no one was buying anything from the shop, she looked away and continued walking forward.

Just then, a melodious piano tune suddenly entered my ears.

The clear and melodious sound of the zither, like the murmuring of flowing water or the chirping of mountain birds, stood out in the bustling streets, instantly calming the restlessness in people's hearts.

Yan Ruyu's mind stirred slightly, and she involuntarily stopped, looking in the direction of the zither music.

Not far away, at a street corner, stood an antique-style building with a gilded plaque hanging under the eaves, bearing the three large characters "Miaoyinfang".

The building is decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, and the windows are covered with plain paper, through which you can vaguely see various musical instruments placed inside.

The music was coming from inside the building, sometimes soothing, sometimes lively, captivating the listener.

Just then, an elderly woman carrying a vegetable basket walked past Yan Ruyu. She stepped forward and asked gently, "Excuse me, ma'am, when did this Miaoyinfang open?"

I've passed by here before, and I don't think I've seen this place before.

The old woman stopped and replied with a smile, "This Miaoyinfang has been open for two months. Don't underestimate it because it hasn't been open for long; it's quite famous."

The place not only sells and repairs musical instruments, but the staff are also very talented, proficient in playing various instruments and singing.

Occasionally, they would also accept invitations to perform at private gatherings, playing music to entertain wealthy families. It's said that many ladies and young women loved to invite them.

"I see." Yan Ruyu nodded, secretly noting it down in her mind.

She wasn't particularly knowledgeable about music, but after listening to the piano for a while, she found it quite charming and beautiful.

She leaned against an old locust tree by the street, listening intently.

As the music flowed, it seemed to make people forget the troubles of the world, and even the noise of the street seemed to fade away.

Just as she was engrossed in listening, she suddenly noticed a light footstep approaching quietly behind her. The footsteps were so light that they would almost be drowned out by the music and the noise of the street if one did not pay close attention.

Yan Ruyu did not turn around, but her mind focused slightly, and her aura quietly subsided.

When the figure got very close to her, and a hand seemed to be about to pat her shoulder, she flipped her wrist and grabbed the other person's wrist.

"Ouch!" A crisp cry of pain rang out, tinged with a touch of coquettishness.

Yan Ruyu slowly turned around, and what came into view was a pretty face with a smile on it, which was Su Shengsheng.

She quickly let go, a look of amusement and exasperation on her face: "Miss Su, it's you? Did I hurt you just now?"