The physician arrived at the Wei residence at the Chen hour, as agreed.

The physician’s surname was originally Ji, a native of Leling Commandery. He had fled to Yuyang years ago to escape the war. With his outstanding medical skills and benevolent heart, he gradually gained fame in the city. People referred to him as the Leling Physician, and his original name gradually faded from use. A few days ago, he was invited to the Wei residence and learned that Madam Xu was unwell, so he carefully diagnosed and treated her.

Madam Xu had originally been in good health. However, given her advanced age, when she encountered this heartbreaking and infuriating situation, the evil fire attacked her heart, and she suddenly collapsed. Fortunately, after several days of treatment, her condition gradually improved.

The Leling Physician now re-examined her, observing, listening, questioning, and taking her pulse. He made some additions and deletions to the previous prescription, instructed them to follow the prescription, and then left. Xiao Qiao personally saw him out, but the Leling Physician hurriedly said he didn’t dare accept such an honor, and asked the lady to stop.

Xiao Qiao walked a few more steps with him, and seeing no servants or maids nearby, she asked him in a low voice about Madam Xu’s condition: “Is there truly no major concern?”

The Leling Physician replied: “The Old Madam’s depressed fire is stagnating in her heart, causing her blood flow to be irregular, which is why she fell ill so suddenly. Although the illness came on fiercely, if she follows my prescription and gradually recuperates, she should be able to fully recover in ten days to half a month. My lady, please rest assured.”

The Leling Physician’s tone was confident, and his attitude was quite sincere, not seeming to be idle talk. Xiao Qiao finally felt somewhat relieved. After expressing her gratitude, she had a servant escort the physician out and then returned to the room. At this time, a maidservant entered, saying that Madam Su, the wife of the Duke of Zuopingyi, had come to visit the Old Madam.

Madam Xu was lying on her pillow. Xiao Qiao saw her close her eyes for a moment, then slowly say: “Tell her I’m asleep and not able to receive guests. Ask her to return!”

The maidservant acknowledged and was about to leave when Madam Xu suddenly opened her eyes and changed her mind: “Tell her to come in!”

After the maidservant left, Madam Xu asked Xiao Qiao to help her sit up. Xiao Qiao supported her and placed a back cushion behind her. Zhong took a bone comb and combed the old lady’s hair, arranging it into a neat bun at the back of her head. Xiao Qiao helped her change into outer garments. When everything was in order, Xiao Qiao was about to retreat, but Madam Xu’s hand rested on one of Xiao Qiao’s, instructing her to sit by the bed, saying: “You stay and keep me company.”

Xiao Qiao obeyed and sat by the bedside. Zhong ordered a maidservant to summon the guest. After a moment, with the sound of light footsteps, a purple figure appeared at the door. Xiao Qiao looked up to see Lady Su enter.

Her attire today was quite simple. She came to Madam Xu’s bedside, knelt, and said: “This great-niece pays respects to Great-Aunt Grandmother and wishes you good health.”

Madam Xu asked her to rise. Su E’huang stood up and said: “After we parted at Lulizhong Tower that day, this great-niece has been uneasy because my nephew Su Xin recklessly offended and injured the lady’s brother. I wanted to come and apologize earlier. However, due to the bumpy journey the next day, my headache recurred, and I had to stay at the post house for a few days. Only today was I able to go out. Just now, I unexpectedly met the Duke on the road, and upon paying my respects, I learned that Great-Aunt Grandmother was unwell. This great-niece was concerned and wanted to come and visit, but feared disturbing Great-Aunt Grandmother’s rest. Fortunately, the Duke allowed it, so I ventured to come. I wonder how Great-Aunt Grandmother’s condition is? Have you consulted a physician and obtained medicine?”

Madam Xu showed a faint smile and said: “I’m fine. You’re thoughtful.”

Su E’huang gazed at Madam Xu with concern for a moment, then let out a sigh of relief and smiled: “I’m relieved that Great-Aunt Grandmother is well.” She then turned her gaze to Xiao Qiao, who had been sitting by Madam Xu’s bedside the whole time. Taking a step forward, she said earnestly: “That day, my nephew Su Xin accidentally injured your brother. He’s extremely remorseful and doesn’t have the face to come in. He’s kneeling outside the main gate with thorns on his back. If you would be so kind as to allow it, I’ll call him in to beg for forgiveness.”

Xiao Qiao said: “Weapons are indiscriminate, and sometimes one can’t stop their hand in time. Accidental injuries do happen. My brother harbored no resentment at the time, and I certainly won’t take it to heart. Madam, you’re being too formal, please don’t worry about it…”

Su E’huang’s gaze fell on Xiao Qiao’s face, pausing briefly, then she smiled and said: “I’m glad you don’t blame him. Otherwise, I truly wouldn’t know how to make amends.”

Xiao Qiao smiled slightly but didn’t speak further.

“Great-Aunt Grandmother, would you allow me to stay and serve you for a few days?”

Su E’huang turned back to Madam Xu: “For many years, this great-niece has been traveling about, willing but unable. This time, returning to Yuyang for the Luli Assembly, I feel deeply moved and hope to be able to show some filial piety to Great-Aunt Grandmother, to fulfill the affection I’ve harbored for many years.”

Madam Xu’s single eye fell on Su E’huang’s face, quietly observing her for a moment.

From the moment Su E’huang entered, Madam Xu had worn a faint smile. Now, as she looked at her this way, that trace of a smile began to gradually disappear from her face.

“I’m doing well here, and there’s no shortage of people to serve me. I appreciate your filial thoughts. Yuyang doesn’t have much scenery worth lingering over. Located in the north, as the season enters severe winter, once snow falls, the roads will be blocked. I remember the last time I went to Zhongshan, your mother also came to see me. I saw that her health was weak too. You’d better return to your home in Zhongshan soon. If you stay here idly, your family might worry.”

Madam Xu finally said slowly.

Her voice was still gentle, but it carried a subtle, compelling force.

Su E’huang lowered her eyes: “Thank you for your advice, Great-Aunt Grandmother. This great-niece will remember it.”

Madam Xu nodded.

Xiao Qiao saw that she seemed about to lie down, so she quickly leaned forward to support her shoulder and arm, helping her slowly lie down.

Once Madam Xu lay down, she closed her eyes.

Su E’huang said: “I dare not disturb Great-Aunt Grandmother’s rest any further. This great-niece will take her leave now.” She bowed respectfully to take her leave, just as she had when she arrived.

Madam Xu, with her eyes closed, said: “Zhong, see her out.”

Su E’huang stood up, her gaze finally sweeping over Madam Xu and Xiao Qiao one last time. She smiled, turned around, and was escorted out by Zhong. A moment later, Zhong returned, and Madam Xu opened her eyes and asked: “Has she left?”

“She said she was going to pay respects to Madam as well.”

Madam Xu said: “She’s always been thorough with etiquette.” Her tone was indifferent. Then she asked: “What has the east room been doing these past two days?”

Zhong said: “Madam has been bedridden in her room these past few days. She sent Jiang to say that she fears passing on her illness to the Old Madam and doesn’t dare come to serve you.”

Madam Xu was lost in thought for a moment, then said: “Since she’s bedridden, I fear she can’t attend to all the household affairs properly. Go and convey my words, tell her to delegate some tasks to my granddaughter-in-law to handle. As for the clan’s sacrificial fields and agricultural matters, tell the accountant to inform my granddaughter-in-law as well.”

Xiao Qiao was slightly startled. She hurriedly stood up, about to speak and decline, when Madam Xu looked at her with a smile and said: “You’ve been here for nearly a year now, and have gradually become familiar with everything. It’s not like I’m asking you to take over everything now. There’s a pile of confused accounts in the house that I’m too old to manage. Your mother-in-law lacks energy, so it’s only right that you help her a bit. If there’s anything you don’t understand, just ask Zhong.”

Xiao Qiao could only say: “I will do my utmost and dare not disappoint Grandmother’s great kindness.” She then thanked Zhong: “I’m young and inexperienced, there will be many areas where I fall short. Please don’t hesitate to guide me, Elder Sister.”

Zhong nodded with a smile: “My lady is too kind. This servant will certainly do her best.”

…

Su E’huang arrived at the east room and stood quietly outside. After waiting for a moment, Jiang, accompanied by a maidservant, came out from inside and coldly said: “Madam doesn’t wish to see you. She tells you to leave quickly. This is not a place for you to linger.”

Su E’huang said: “Thank you, Elder Sister, for conveying the message. I will remember Madam’s teachings word for word, and dare not forget.” With that, she turned and left, just as unhurriedly as when she had come. As she exited the Wei residence’s main gate, Su Xin, who had been waiting, rushed over and asked: “Aunt, did you see her? What did she say?”

The smile that had been on Su E’huang’s face finally disappeared, and she said coldly: “I had hoped you would stand out at the Luli Assembly, but you ended up embarrassing me! What do you think the people inside would say?”

Su Xin looked ashamed and hung his head, not daring to respond.

Su E’huang glanced at him, her expression softening slightly, and said: “Enough! What’s done is done, blaming you further is useless. I just had to swallow my pride and put in a good word for you, apologizing on your behalf. Fortunately, there’s still some old friendship, so the matter is settled. You needn’t worry anymore.”

Su Xin hadn’t known at the time that the young man in white robes who was his opponent was Wei Shao’s brother-in-law. He had been anxious these past few days. Suddenly hearing her say this, thinking the matter must indeed be settled, he was overjoyed and hurriedly bowed with a smile: “Thank you, Aunt. I knew you’ve always cared for me. From now on, your nephew will never be so rash again.”

Su E’huang’s face finally showed a hint of a smile, and she snorted: “It’s good that you know your aunt cares for you. Let’s go.”

Su Xin quickly ordered the carriage to be brought. He led Su E’huang to the carriage and raised the light gauze curtain for her: “Please get in, Aunt.”

Before boarding the carriage, Su E’huang turned her head and cast a final glance at the tightly closed main gate of the Wei residence behind her. When she turned back, her expression was calm and unruffled. She bent down and sat in the carriage. With the pleasant tinkling of bells, the carriage gradually departed.

…

Xiao Qiao went to the east room accompanied by Zhong.

Madam Zhu had been in her room disparaging Su E’huang, who she had just driven away, with Jiang. Suddenly hearing that the two of them had come, she hurriedly got into bed, pulled the covers up to her neck, and lay motionless facing the wall. After Xiao Qiao came forward to greet her, she turned her head weakly and asked what the matter was. Zhong then explained Madam Xu’s intentions. Madam Zhu was greatly shocked and suddenly sat up in bed. After a while, she reluctantly agreed.

As soon as Xiao Qiao and Zhong left, Madam Zhu could no longer control herself. Angry and ashamed, she swept all the utensils on the table and desk onto the floor.

Seeing her outburst, with the constant clattering in the room, all the maidservants didn’t dare to approach. Finally, Jiang came in and persuaded her repeatedly. Madam Zhu slowly calmed down, supporting her forehead with her hand, and said with a pale face: “That old woman not only married my son to the enemy’s daughter, but now she seems to only have eyes for the Qiao girl. With her here, I fear there will be no place for me in the Wei family in the future!”

…

That day, Xiao Qiao became busy. She received the keys and accounts for the food and clothing storerooms. After a brief tour accompanied by the managing servants, she asked for the accounts to be sent to her room first.

What she was most concerned about was still Madam Xu’s health. Towards evening, she went to the north room again. After serving Madam Xu her meal, she went to the small kitchen to check on the medicine.

Guo, who was decocting the medicine, hurriedly welcomed her. Before Xiao Qiao could speak, she said: “The medicine is almost ready. My lady, don’t worry, I’ve been watching the fire personally, not leaving for a moment.”

This Guo was also an old servant who had served Madam Xu for many years and was very loyal. Because she had received special instructions from Xiao Qiao before, and Chun Niang had also given her some reward money on behalf of the lady for her hard work, she was even more attentive. After the medicine was ready, she brought it to the room. Madam Xu took the medicine, sat for a while, and as the effects of the medicine set in, she lay down and fell into a deep sleep.

As it was getting dark, Xiao Qiao returned to the west room. Wei Shao hadn’t returned yet.

It had been quite a busy day. She was now hungry, so she went to eat by herself. Returning to her room, she sat down and started going through the incoming and outgoing accounts of the storerooms.

Paper had already been invented by this time. However, its quality was rough and not durable, so scholars writing books or ordinary people keeping accounts still mostly used bamboo or wooden slips. Just for the food storeroom, the accounts for three months piled up to almost a basketful.

As Xiao Qiao flipped through the stacks of slips, she thought that if there was a chance in the future, she should find craftsmen to make some durable, good-quality paper to replace these slips for keeping accounts. It would be better than needing several people to carry them just to move them.

Wei Shao returned a bit later than usual. As soon as he entered the room, he saw Xiao Qiao sitting behind the desk, busy, her head almost hidden by the piles of slips in front of her. He was slightly taken aback. He approached and glanced at them.

Madam Zhu wasn’t very literate. Madam Xu had long since stopped concerning herself with these trivial matters in recent years. The accounts in the storerooms below were inevitably messy. Xiao Qiao was having some difficulty reading them. Suddenly, Wei Shao returned, and she looked up to see him standing in front of the desk looking at her. She put down her brush and stood up to welcome him.

While helping Wei Shao change his outer garments, Xiao Qiao casually mentioned that during the day, Madam Xu had asked her to help Madam Zhu share some household duties.

“I didn’t have this intention. It’s just that the elder gave the order, so I had no choice but to comply. After a while, when Mother-in-law’s health improves, I’ll follow her instructions.”

Wei Shao made a sound of acknowledgment: “Since Grandmother has instructed, you should do it.”

Xiao Qiao smiled and, noticing he hadn’t eaten yet, turned to get him some food. In the dining hall, she remained by his side, serving him.

Her mind was still preoccupied with the confusing matters from earlier, leaving her gaze somewhat vacant and her attention elsewhere.

After a few bites, Wei Shao glanced at her. Suddenly, he said, “You should eat too; there’s no need to wait.”

Xiao Qiao came back to her senses and slowly replied, “You go ahead, my lord. I was hungry earlier and have already eaten.”

Wei Shao gave her another look but said nothing more. He finished his meal in silence and headed back to his room, claiming he was going to the study.

Xiao Qiao accompanied him to the door.

Since the incident with the box last time, she hadn’t set foot in his study at all.

As Wei Shao stepped over the threshold, he seemed to recall something and turned back to ask, “Has anyone visited the house today?”

Xiao Qiao leaned slightly against the doorframe, meeting his gaze.

Lanterns had already been lit in the corridor, and a gentle evening breeze flowed in, brushing against the dim red light above. Underneath Wei Shao’s gaze, a shadow of uncertainty seemed to linger. His eyes fixed on her without blinking.

Xiao Qiao’s lips curled slightly, “I’m not sure who you’re asking about, my lord. Quite a few people have visited today.”