She slept all the way through to evening.
After getting up, Song Yaoyao went to the Plum Garden to check on the two children...
Both children were doing well, with no serious problems.
Three more days passed in the blink of an eye. That day, just as Song Yaoyao returned from duty, the gatekeeper reported:
"Second Young Miss, Ying Mingkang is here."
"Let him in."
"Yes."
As soon as Ying Mingkang arrived, he paid his respects:
"Greetings, Master."
"You may rise."
"Master, I've bought the houses.
"You told me what you intended to use them for, so I bought houses near the Medical College His Majesty bestowed on you.
"All three have four courtyards. Two were already up for sale, and their prices were fairly reasonable.
"But the third was occupied. When the residents heard we wanted to buy it, they asked a somewhat higher price. After much consideration, I bought it anyway."
"Good, good.
"A higher price is fine, as long as you managed to buy it!"
"The basins, beds, and other things have all been purchased. Since we ordered so much bedding, it won't arrive for another seven days."
"Good."
"The servants and cooks are all in place, too."
"Well done."
Ying Mingkang took out a stack of silver notes and said:
"Master, these are the remaining silver notes."
Song Yaoyao looked them over. There were still tens of thousands of taels left.
Song Yaoyao took out five thousand taels and handed them over, saying:
"If the houses need anything else, purchase it as you see fit."
Song Yaoyao took out another five thousand taels in silver notes and handed them to Ying Mingkang:
"These are for you.
"I was away for over a year, and you managed the shops well. This is your reward.
"Take it!"