Because she didn't want to face the young lady, Xiangbei led him to the small kitchen in the courtyard, preparing various dishes—salty, sweet, meaty, and vegetarian.
As they cooked, they chatted. His taste was heavy, favoring sweetness and saltiness, and he enjoyed eating meat heartily, maintaining an elegant demeanor. It reminded Xiangbei of the descendants of the Mongolian nobility who hosted her during her exploration of the grasslands.
Yes, it was that kind of feeling. Since he didn't speak and had a dignified appearance that didn't seem naturally foolish, what kind of illness could he have? Could it be a melodramatic case of amnesia?
Old Doctor and Tong Xi came in just as Xiangbei was questioning him. "Big Fool, can you tell sister if you know how to ride a horse? Did you come from a very distant grassland? What are you doing here?"
"Big Fool can ride a horse, Big Fool likes the grassland. Big Fool came here, came here, uh, Big Fool is looking for his little brother, looking for his little brother, little brother, little brother, ah, ah—" He kept muttering "little brother" and suddenly hugged his head in agony.
"Quick, Xi'er, help support him to the room. Disobedience, bring a hot water pot." Tong Xi assisted him onto the bed in Big Fool's room and circled his hands around him.
Old Doctor quickly inserted needles into several acupuncture points on his head and manipulated the needles to stimulate blood flow.
Xiangbei brought in hot water, and Tong Xi adeptly used a warm cloth to apply heat to his neck and hands until he gradually calmed down and fell asleep.
"When you left that day, we went to the hunting ground to clean up and prepare to fill traps to lure deer and sheep. However, we found him lying unconscious in the trap to the north. Fortunately, we had already removed those sharp bamboo spikes soaked in medicine; otherwise, his life might have been in danger.
After carrying him back, we examined his body and found no major injuries—just some minor abrasions and scratches, likely from wandering in the mountains. The master quickly revived him, but upon waking, he was confused, complained of headaches, and although medication helps, he keeps mentioning his younger brother in his dreams. During the day, his behavior seems normal, but his intellect is that of a young child."
"Grandfather, do you think his mental impairment started in childhood or was it caused by external forces in adulthood? Is there a chance to cure him?"Xiangbei recalled the countless essential skills of time-traveling experts she had read about in novels from her past life, one of which was amnesia.
"He has a small blood clot in his brain, likely from a heavy blow a few months ago. I can use acupuncture to disperse the clot, and with a few rare herbs, we might be able to eliminate it.
The issue isn't severe, but there seems to be a lurking poison in his body. I can't determine when he was poisoned, and perhaps this toxin is one of the reasons for his current mental condition."
"Which herbs are still missing? Tomorrow, Young Master Qiao will go down the mountain to visit a few pharmacies. If needed, he can check at Fuhai Tang", Xiangbei thought that she might have some in her Jade space, but currently, it's limited to these southern mountains.
Unlocking a broader territory would provide access to a wider variety of herbs. Regardless of whom she marries, the priority is to swiftly break free from Miss Huo's confinement.
"In the town, Tong Chen has inquired at several pharmacies these days, but there are still a few missing. Checking with Fuhai Tang might be possible; after all, it's under Lord Dong Bin's jurisdiction. I'll write down the list for you, and please ask Young Master Qiao to deliver it tomorrow." Old Medicine Master Tong wrote down the names of several herbs on paper and handed it to Xiangbei.
After a moment of contemplation, he added a few more words, "Xiaobei, Grandfather knows these years haven't been easy for you. Taking on the responsibilities of the household at such a young age, Grandfather feels for you. If your mother returns, and your father wakes up, and they can handle things, let go if you can. It's for your own good; after all, with adults in the Tong family, there's no reason to burden a young girl like you with the family's future."
"Grandfather, the business collaboration with Young Master Qiao and Fuhai Pavilion was initiated by me. Once started, it cannot be halted. Even as a young woman, I must uphold my promises. Furthermore, even if the Tong family can live a good life relying on my mother's dowry, Bei wants the hunters in these mountains to also have a better life.
Grandfather, Young Master Qiao is a good person. I don't know if we will have a marital bond in the future, but our cooperation has just begun. I am not ready to enter the days of a wealthy lady in a grand mansion.
I don't have time to learn the manners and etiquette of a high-born lady. Please talk to my mother and give me a year. Once a few businesses are on the right track, I will start learning the affectations of those young ladies."