With only Yan Daopo and Lady Zhang left, Yan Daopo’s words became more plentiful, and her voice grew softer.

Lady Zhang became more absorbed as she listened.

"The last time I told you about my sister-in-law’s case, I can guarantee you this, she is absolutely kind-hearted, without a hint of malice. She even avoids stepping on ants when she sees them on the road. She has only one daughter now and hasn’t conceived for many years. If you give her a share of your Immortal Elixir, she’ll benefit, and I won’t treat you unfairly," Lady Zhang said in a low voice.

"As the Bodhisattva said, how could I not believe? Listening to the Bodhisattva, it truly seems she is destined to have a son soon. But without seeing her in person and knowing her appearance, I’m still not entirely sure," Yan Daopo said with some difficulty.

"It’s almost New Year, every household has things to entrust to me, and the daily rituals from morning to night are very busy. At the year’s end, we have to hold a lamp festival dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility, with each household contributing their incense oil..."

"However many pounds should be offered, note it down for me. I’ll take a big one, and also make a note for my sister-in-law. It will all come from me," said Lady Zhang.

Lady Zhang was always willing to spend money on religious rituals and spreading good will.

Yan Daopo immediately beamed with joy.

"If madam wants to make a big offering, then... five... twenty pounds, including her sister-in-law’s share, I’ll note forty pounds for madam and light the two largest ritual lamps. Should I take care of it today or come again tomorrow?"

"You don’t need to go to the finance office, just take the money directly from me," Lady Zhang thought for a moment and said.

Just as Yan Daopo didn’t dare to ask for too much, Lady Zhang thought it over and chose not to have Yan Daopo go to the finance office for the money but decided to pay from her private funds. Both were cautious about upsetting Lian Manman.

When Yan Daopo heard it was coming from Lady Zhang’s private funds, her eyes flickered, secretly regretting that she hadn’t asked for fifty pounds directly. Lady Zhang would surely have been able to provide it.

Lady Zhang, being sincere, stood up immediately, took out her money box, and counted out Two Strings of Money for Yan Daopo.

Seeing Lady Zhang being generous, Yan Daopo expressed her gratitude politely before carefully tucking the money away. Once Lady Zhang sat down again, Yan Daopo looked even more genuine.

"Madam is kind-hearted, willing to do this for her sister-in-law. Even an old woman like me is moved by madam’s generosity. How about this? Let your sister-in-law take the first dose of the Immortal Elixir and no matter what, I, an old woman, will bear the responsibility," Yan Daopo said cautiously, as she took out a cloth bag from her person, and extracted a wrapped paper package, claiming it was the Immortal Elixir for childbearing. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Then, Yan Daopo whispered to Lady Zhang about how to offer the medicine, listing many taboos, emphasizing that even the slightest mistake could affect its efficacy.

Lady Zhang paid close attention and made sure to note everything down.

"Speaking of which, Landlord Liu’s wife and I have known each other for a long time. If she had believed me earlier, she wouldn’t have had to wait until today. Alas," Yan Daopo sighed, "Madam Liu’s household ... alas, each one more troublesome than the next..."

"Madam is blessed, having accumulated virtue in past lives and this one, living in harmony with her husband and having a united family. In this Prefecture City, how many can compare to madam? In my view, not a single one. Especially where having no concubines is concerned, no one can match madam,"

"Landlord Liu and Madam Liu were childhood sweethearts, their relationship once as sweet as honey. But because Madam Liu was childless for so long, concubine after concubine was brought in. Now that Madam Liu has a son, those concubines can’t be removed... Madam, if you only knew..."

Yan Daopo leaned in and spoke about the turmoil and unrest caused by the concubines in Landlord Liu’s household.

"Madam Liu shed many tears because of this. If it weren’t for me, risking everything to safeguard her, who knows how many times her pregnancy would have been troubled..." Yan Daopo vividly described how the concubines plotted against Madam Liu.

Lady Zhang listened, her face turning pale.

"Poison, even!"

"Madam has been fortunate not to witness such things. In these households in the Prefecture City, such matters are all too common," said Yan Daopo, "I believe your daughter also has a blessed life ahead of her, the same as madam, with no worries of concubines, haha."

Lady Zhang remained silent, pondering deeply.

"...Landlord Liu’s first wife, I’ve known since before her marriage.... When Landlord Liu was young, he was both talented and handsome, his family wealthy, with numerous suitors offering dowries, caring little for the bride price... He settled with Madam Liu. Madam Liu’s mother was the kindest and most virtuous of women, treating me better than others ever did."

"I’ve always wanted to repay her kindness. Seeing how dearly she loved Madam Liu, I wanted to help Madam Liu, too. So, after much prayer and searching, I found my teacher and obtained an Immortal Elixir for her."

"A medicine for childbearing?" Lady Zhang, having listened attentively, asked.

"It’s much rarer than just a medicine for childbearing," Yan Daopo lowered her voice, looking mysterious, "It is..."

...

Begging for a pink ticket. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to go to Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read on m.qidian.com.)