Chapter 8, Seeking a Prescription

The old doctor stroked his beard and pondered for a moment, then picked up his pen to write a prescription. Ding Hao leaned over to take a look and hesitantly asked, "Old sir, will this prescription... be effective?"

The patient did not come

Where are you going? Make sure you are back before the master and young master return

Ding Hao untied the paper string, folded the two prescriptions neatly, and placed them upright, deliberately arranging the names of the two prescriptions in a couplet-like manner in the center. He then re-tied the bundle and walked gracefully towards Baifeng Building with the medicine package in hand

The person has not arrived; how can I prescribe a remedy?

"Yes, yes, yes, thank you, sir, thank you, sir," Ding Hao squeezed into the crowd with the prescription in hand, pretending to approach the counter to buy medicine, yet appearing timid and reluctant to show the prescription. The old doctor, seeing his pathetic demeanor, disdainfully turned his head away.

The upper floors are much quieter and more elegant, in stark contrast to the bustling atmosphere below. The level of decor is vastly different from that of the first and second floors, and the courtesans and lowly entertainers do not have the privilege to come upstairs. Those dining here are wealthy merchants or local officials and gentry, all of whom appreciate a refined ambiance.

The old doctor lifted his eyelids and glanced at him, elongating his voice as he said, "Where is the patient?"

Ding Hao replied, "Young Master, the Master is in Room Tianzi on the fourth floor"

Having grown up in an orphanage, he had long understood the principle that good people are often taken advantage of, just as gentle horses are often ridden. His unique living environment taught him that when it is necessary to retaliate, one must retaliate; when it is time to endure, one must endure; and when one cannot match strength, one must never act recklessly.

Sigh, this child has grown up without a father; it is my sister who has spoiled her. Li Yuchang now truly regrets taking on this matter; being a matchmaker is not an easy task

The old doctor probably let something slip, and hurriedly lowered his head to write, neatly inscribing the four beautiful characters "Ling Gui Zhan Shi" in regular script on the prescription to cover up his embarrassment

Ding Hao wandered around the shop for two laps and slowly strolled over to the seasoned old doctor who was savoring a cup of hot tea. This old doctor smiled gently as he watched several middle-aged men take the patients' pulses and prescribe remedies, rarely intervening himself, indicating that he was likely a master in his field

At that moment, the Ding family's carriage stopped at the foot of Baifeng Building. Xue Liang lowered the footboard, and Ding Chengye tightened his fur coat, stepping slowly out of the carriage. He stood still and turned his head to ask: "Which room is the old master in?"

Isn't Old Master Ding, Ding Tingxun, and Gentleman Ding not someone who cares about face? This method completely strips him and his son of their dignity. A blind date? Let his in-laws see what kind of character this precious son of his possesses, and give them a resounding slap in the face.

That scoundrel bullied others at the community morning market and was fined by Director Niu, after which he sought revenge on Director Niu. During that period, Director Niu truly suffered; his face was scratched by his wife, resembling a calico cat. He could not find peace at home or in his reading, and at work, he could not hold his head high. Whether encountering colleagues or the public, he always felt embarrassed and avoided eye contact. It was not until two months later, when that scoundrel boasted about the incident while drunk, that the truth came to light, and Director Niu was vindicated. By that time, Director Niu, who originally had a waist measurement of 34 inches, had shrunk to 26 inches, and there was a trend towards an even slimmer waist.

On the stage, the juggler Xu Duoqi is performing his craft, tossing more than twenty large bowls into the air like shooting stars, leaving the audience dazzled. On both sides of the corridor, there are heavily made-up women waiting for the attention of the patrons, posing and gesturing alluringly. Additionally, a singing woman, accompanied by a man playing the stringed instrument, is slowly ascending the stairs to the private rooms above to solicit business.

After a while, taking advantage of the old doctor checking the patient's pulse, Ding Hao quietly left the pharmacy. He hurried to a secluded corner and took out a packet of medicine from his pocket. It contained the medicinal materials for dispelling cold and treating fever, which he had left over due to his sudden recovery, and it was still neatly wrapped in paper.

Hmm. Ding Chengye looked up at the magnificent and imposing large restaurant, curled his lips and said, "You all wait here." After saying this, he stepped forward and walked into the building

Hehe, effective, effective, of course it is effective. I have practiced medicine for decades, and I have this much confidence. This prescription is called 'Spirit Turtle Unfolding Power.' You can take it and prepare the medicine according to the prescription, and I guarantee that after three doses, you will feel invigorated and proud, with a strong spirit. Even if the book is like a limp, droopy snail, it can be transformed into a Vajra pestle that subdues demons and eliminates evil. In my years of practice in Jiangnan Spring, I have been sitting in consultation for twenty years; do you still not trust me?

As noon approached, the place was already bustling with voices. The first floor featured scattered tables, where groups of guests were exchanging drinks. Bartenders, tea specialists, and small agents moved among them, peddling their snacks, beverages, side dishes, and dried fruits

"Ahem! Sir, I... I would like to ask you to prescribe a remedy..." Ding Hao said deliberately in a timid voice.

"It's nothing, I just need to find a place to take care of something." Ding Hao waved to him and ran into a small alley.

Upon hearing that they were sending Ding Chengye to Baifeng Building for a blind date, Ding Hao began to contemplate how to deal with this arrogant and overbearing young scion, seeking to vent his own frustrations. He actually came up with a method, which was inspired by a rogue from the community where he worked.

At this moment, in the private room on the fourth floor, Ding Tingxun and his friend Li Yuchang both appeared somewhat awkward. In order to avoid making the meeting between their children seem too abrupt, the two elders had specially invited many prominent figures from Bazhou City to join them for drinks, so that when the two younger ones met, it would appear more natural.

This illness... he does not need anyone. Ding Hao suddenly leaned down and whispered a few words in the old doctor's ear. The old doctor listened, smiled knowingly, and cast a sympathetic glance at him, thinking: "Look at your sneaky appearance; the old man has eaten more salt with the *Tushu* than you have eaten rice, and you still think you can deceive me? What do you mean your friend has erectile dysfunction? It’s probably you yourself. You’re not very old, but it’s quite pitiful; a man with this problem really can’t hold his head up high." What do you mean your friend has erectile dysfunction? It’s probably you yourself. You’re not very old, but it’s quite pitiful; a man with this problem really can’t hold his head up high.

Jiangnan Spring | Pharmacy? This one is good, this is it. "Ding Hao looked up at the sign of 'Jiangnan Spring | Pharmacy', pressed his tattered hat down a bit, and wrapped his scarf tightly around his face, leaving only his eyes exposed, then swaggered into the pharmacy.

Unexpectedly, after three rounds of drinks, Ding Chengye still had not made an appearance. Ding Tingxun could no longer maintain his composure and was secretly cursing his ungrateful son. On the other hand, Li Yuchang felt a sense of relief upon realizing that Ding Chengye had not arrived. He too had his own troubles; this morning, in a moment of indiscretion, he had mentioned the matchmaking event to his niece. To his surprise, that headstrong girl, who had initially agreed to attend the banquet, insisted on not coming once she learned it was for her matchmaking, leaving her uncle feeling quite embarrassed.

The weather is cold, and there are many passersby dressed like him, so the shop assistants paid no attention at all. Due to the cold weather during this period, many people have caught colds and developed fevers, which has made the business in the pharmacy particularly prosperous. The assistants are busily weighing and grinding medicine for the customers, and the sound of coughing from patients consulting the doctor can be heard from time to time, creating a very noisy atmosphere

The old doctor immediately darkened his expression upon hearing this. After pondering for a moment, he sternly picked up his pen and swiftly wrote a prescription titled "Willow Shadows and Flower Mists." Then, with a serious face, he said, "Young man, you must cherish your body. If you continue to indulge recklessly, even a body of iron cannot withstand it."

"That... could Mr. ... give me another prescription for treating the flowers... um, that willow... cough cough... ?" Ding Hao said, fidgeting.

Baifeng Building is the largest hotel in Bazhou City, standing five stories tall, adorned with intricately carved beams and painted rafters. In front of the building, there is a colorful archway, exuding an air of opulence and grandeur. This establishment features a stage for performances, integrating dining and entertainment, making it extremely popular among guests

In the community, the service targets' tempers are something he cannot control; he is not a narrow-minded person. One cannot always lose one's temper with those who are mentally unstable. However, Ding Ershao is different. The current Ding Hao is no longer the submissive servant born into a wealthy family. He knows that he cannot confront this young master directly, but whenever an opportunity arises, he still vents his frustrations. Yet, who in the Ding family courtyard can discern this subtle malice?

As he watched him enter the building, Ding Hao immediately said to Xue Liang: "Piglet, you keep an eye on the carriage, I will step away for a moment"

There are waiters who can recite the menu without the need for paper and pen, yet they can remember the various dishes ordered by each table of guests. They can report dozens of dishes to the kitchen in one breath, their tones rising and falling like a song, never annoying anyone. Each time the waiter brings dishes from the kitchen, he balances over a dozen plates steadily from his shoulders to the tips of his fingers, running up and down the stairs without spilling a single drop of sauce.