"I thank my cousin on their behalf," Lin Bo said.
He had used his cousin's medicine many times before. It was better than any medicine from the pharmacies.
"Fortunately, I listened to you and didn't attend those literary gatherings. Otherwise, I would probably be among the sick ones," Lin Bo said, a shiver of fear running down his spine.
Although the crime had been reported, the physical discomfort would undoubtedly affect his performance in the examination hall. If he failed this time, he would have to wait another three years.
How many three-year periods could a person have in a lifetime? The person who had acted must also be a scholar. He wondered if they felt any remorse after their actions.
"No, you won't," Lin Yan said. With the medicine she had prepared for him, he would absolutely not fall ill. "Don't think about it. Let's go see them together."
The first person Lin Yan and Lin Bo went to see was the one who had come to Lin Bo's small courtyard to find him that day.
Lin Yan remembered his voice and had met him a few times. He was a very cheerful and optimistic person, and he had a good relationship with Lin Bo. He was also very gentle when facing Lin Yan.
But now, he lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, his entire being listless and as if he had lost his soul.
"Brother Yang, I've come to see you," Lin Bo said, feeling heartbroken by his appearance.
"Brother Lin and young brother Lin have arrived," he said slowly, turning his head to greet them.
"Brother Lin, I should have listened to you and stayed indoors before the exam."
He shouldn't have been so eager for a bit of fame and attended that literary gathering. If he hadn't gone, he wouldn't be lying here. He didn't know if he could still participate in tomorrow's provincial examination, or even if he forced himself to, he probably wouldn't be able to endure it.
"Brother Yang, please don't say that. The most important thing now is to take care of your health," Lin Bo said, comforting him. He then took a bottle of medicine from Lin Yan.
"This is some medicine my cousin always keeps on hand. It should alleviate your symptoms. This is my token of goodwill. Whether you choose to use it is up to you. I won't disturb your rest any longer."
After speaking, Lin Bo left with Lin Yan without waiting for his reaction.
He had done his best by offering his goodwill. He hadn't exaggerated by claiming the medicine would definitely cure them and give them hope. In any case, the medicine had been given to him. Whether he chose to take it or not was his decision.
That day, Lin Yan accompanied Lin Bo to visit everyone involved in this incident. All of them had symptoms, and their conditions were quite severe.
Lin Yan understood that they were merely victims in this incident. This made Lin Yan even more impressed by Lin Bo's ability to make friends.
Lin Bo had left medicine for all of them, which was his way of showing his concern. However, some of them looked at Lin Bo with envious eyes, and although they tried to hide it, Lin Bo still noticed.
Lin Bo decided to distance himself from these people later. Such individuals could not be considered friends. However, these people probably wouldn't use the medicine he gave them. This would cause them to miss this provincial examination, and they would drift further apart.
"Young master, it's time for your medicine," the page boy brought a bowl of medicine to Scholar Yang.
Before it even got close, Scholar Yang smelled the bitter aroma that wafted towards him, instantly losing interest.
However, his health was important, so he pinched his nose and drank it down.
After finishing the medicine, he lay back on the bed. But this time, he wasn't staring blankly; instead, he was reciting the Four Books and Five Classics.
He no longer had the strength to get out of bed, but he could still use his mind.
"Young master, is this the medicine bottle sent by young master Lin? Where did you put it?"
Scholar Yang turned his head to look at the medicine bottle in the page boy's hand. He recalled Lin Bo once mentioning that if he ever had a slight fever or cold, he never needed to go to a doctor; he could just get some medicine from his cousin.
A thought struck him. Lin Bo wouldn't have come to deliver medicine for no reason. If it was just a visit, why bring medicine? Since he brought medicine, he must believe that it could cure him.
He trusted Lin Bo's character a great deal. In any case, things couldn't possibly get any worse.
"Bring me that medicine."
"Yes, young master."
Scholar Yang took the medicine, opened it, and found that it contained small pills. He poured two pills into his hand and took them with warm water.
Much of the medicine Lin Bo had given was actually used. However, a portion of people had thrown the medicine away after Lin Bo left.
The next morning, at the entrance of the examination hall, Lin Bo saw some familiar faces. They also smiled gratefully at him, and Lin Bo felt quite happy.
The provincial examination consisted of three rounds, each lasting three days. This meant the provincial examination would last for nine days in total.
Most of the scholars who had fallen ill before the exam almost all came to take it. Except for those who were truly unable to get out of bed, everyone else did not want to miss this opportunity.
Lin Yan, carrying her examination basket, slowly walked into the examination hall. She didn't have many friends and didn't want to exchange pleasantries with anyone, so she was left to herself.
Of course, no one dared to make a noise in front of the examination hall. Lin Bo was ranked behind Lin Yan, but many people behind him wanted to approach Lin Bo. However, due to the soldiers guarding the entrance, they could only restrain themselves.
After an examination session ended, many people came to Lin Bo's small courtyard. They had all taken the medicine he had given them.
While the medicine's effects weren't instantaneous, it was true that by that evening, their symptoms had significantly lessened, allowing them to eat.
The day after taking the medicine, they felt their health had improved, and they all chose to participate in the provincial examination. There was still plenty of medicine left in the bottles, and they had relied on this medicine to get through these days.
However, the medicine had now been consumed significantly and likely wouldn't last until the third round of the examination.
But how could they resign themselves to that? This medicine gave them hope that they could still pass the provincial examination.
So, after the examination, they agreed to go to Lin Bo's house together to ask for more medicine.
"Brother Lin, you must help us."
"Yes, Brother Lin. We are counting on you for this provincial examination."
They showered him with flattery, their words so eloquent that it was difficult to refuse.
"This medicine belongs to my cousin. I don't know if there's any stock left. I'll go and ask for you."
"Thank you, Brother Lin!" everyone said, bowing.
Lin Yan had anticipated this when she was distributing the medicine. After all, this medicine worked as soon as it was taken. It wasn't surprising that they would come seeking more.
Lin Yan's supply of medicine was also insufficient, as she had only prepared it for a few people.
Lin Bo had given out so much at once that she didn't have much left.
However, Lin Yan had another type of medicine that could help them endure the other two examination sessions. The next day, she took those medicines from her room and distributed them to everyone.
"This is all I have. However, there is another type of medicine here that is also suitable," Lin Yan pushed another type of medicine towards them.