The sky slowly darkened, and the maidservant entered the room to light the candles.

A moment later, Feng Jiu’er removed the last silver needle from Qiaomu’s body.

Feng Jiang raised his eyes and looked at her. “Jiu’er.”

“Now it all depends on her own fortitude.” Feng Jiu’er had her back to Feng Jiang as she tidied the things on the table.

From time to time she raised her head, holding back the tears threatening to well up.

After a while, Feng Jiu’er patted the closed medicine chest and looked up toward the window.

She took a deep breath, and when she turned around, there was a faint smile on her face.

“Third Imperial Brother, Qiaomu’s will to live is very strong. There’s still a good chance.”

“I’ll keep working on her nutrition — you should talk with her properly.”

Feng Jiu’er glanced at the situation on the bed, then stepped toward the door.

“I’ll go get a clean blanket to change out, and you should take the chance to rest a while too.”

Feng Jiu’er checked on little Xiao Xiao Jiang in the outer hall, then pushed open the door and walked out.

The number of people outside was beyond what she had expected.

“Jiu’er, how is Qiaomu?” Tang Xiaohua was still in full armor, not yet having had the chance to change.

“Jiu’er, is Sister Qiaomu all right? We’ve seen little Xiao Xiao Jiang — he’s very cute.” Yue Qinchun took hold of Feng Jiu’er’s hand.

“It’s all my fault! If I hadn’t taken everyone away…”

“Now isn’t the time for self-blame. Let’s hope Qiaomu can pull through this crisis.” Feng Jiu’er gently patted Yue Qinchun’s shoulder, then looked toward Tang Xiaohua.

“Qiaomu lost too much blood — she likely won’t wake for a while yet.”

“Brother Yue, Sister Hua, take the troops out of town first and rest for a bit. If there’s any news, I’ll have someone notify you right away.”

The royal army had withdrawn — the battle for Fenglai City was theirs. They had won.

But the royal army had only just withdrawn today; there were surely remnants still within the city. If they weren’t cleared out in time, their brothers’ safety could be endangered at any moment.

“I’m not leaving.” Tang Xiaohua sat down on a chair the men had carried out.

“Today, by marching in with such a show of force, we’ve already given away Qiaomu’s location. We’re staying to protect mother and child.”

“Right, Jiu’er, our whole unit isn’t leaving either — unless Sister Qiaomu can leave with us too.” Yue Qinchun nodded firmly.

“Don’t worry, we’ll be right outside. Just focus on taking care of Qiaomu.” Tang Xiaohua waved her hand.

Soldiers brought over several crates and opened them.

“There’s cotton bedding, padded jackets, and clothes for the infant — I had people prepare all of this beforehand.”

“Take it inside, use whatever can be used.”

Tang Xiaohua turned back, frowning slightly. “Hasn’t my tonic arrived yet?”

“Madam, it’s here.” Two soldiers carried over a wooden chest.

The chest was opened, revealing ginseng, lingzhi, deer antler, and other items — all of top quality.

Seeing the urgently needed supplies, Feng Jiu’er’s confidence surged.

She went over, took out a piece of lingzhi, and looked up. “Sister Hua, you came prepared for battle with quite the arsenal!”

Qiaomu was currently very weak and couldn’t handle strong tonics, but Feng Jiu’er had other methods to let her absorb them little by little.

Earlier, when Feng Jiu’er had come outside, she’d also been thinking about finding whatever good supplies she could — and if there were none, she’d have gone out to dig them up from the mountains herself if necessary.

Now, everything was fine — not only were there supplies on hand, but they were all fine goods too.

“I’m young and beautiful — why would I need to carry all this around myself?” Tang Xiaohua raised an eyebrow.

“It’s all been kept aside for Qiaomu — saved up over several months. Use whatever can be used; there’s more to come.”

“Thank you, Sister Hua.” Feng Jiu’er hugged Tang Xiaohua’s head and gave her a peck.

“Once Qiaomu recovers, I’ll have her son call you Godmother.”