Wufu entered the back courtyard and saw Madam Zhou being served medicine by Hongyu. Her eyes brightened at the sight of Wufu.
"Mother," Wufu stepped forward and gave a curtsey, "How has your health been these past few days? Have you felt any better?"
Although Madam Zhou’s complexion was still pale, she looked much improved from the beginning and smiled, saying "I feel much better. I haven’t seen you for a couple of days. Have you just returned now?"
"Yes. I went back to the town and spoke with Shopkeeper Lin and the shopkeeper of the Embroidery Workshop as well—we’ve moved to the county, and I let them know they shouldn’t send people to look for us without a proper reason." Wufu used a handkerchief to wipe the corners of her mouth.
Madam Zhou looked as if she wanted to say something but ultimately did not ask.
Wufu didn’t offer any more information since Madam Zhou didn’t ask. She inquired about Madam Zhou’s health with Hongyu, saying, "Mother’s health isn’t great to begin with, so let’s take this opportunity to really take care of her. Hongyu, be sure to stew a bowl of bird’s nest that Ninth Master sent every day for Madam to eat."
Madam Zhou had heard about the generous gifts from Ninth Master and hurriedly said, "Wufu, those gifts are too valuable. Ninth Master isn’t related to us in any way. Do you think we should return them?"
Madam Zhou had only ever heard of bird’s nest and had never tasted such an expensive supplement herself. She was just a woman from a modest background and could not afford such luxuries. Even hearing about them made her worry about the cost.
Madam Zhou was accustomed to living frugally and lacked vanity. All she thought about was that they did not have abundant resources, so it wasn’t good to spend money recklessly.
"It’s fine; debts of gratitude can always be repaid later. Just eat in peace," Wufu reassured her.
"Mother, why don’t you listen to me? Once you’re better, take control of the household again. That way, I can free up my hands to work and earn a living for us," Wufu said with a smile.
Madam Zhou’s heart ached, feeling useless for letting her daughter suffer.
"Alright, I’ll get better quickly."
She knew that the house had cost them dearly, and with the new servants they had bought, in addition to many other expenses like household necessities, all cost silver.
Madam Zhou couldn’t change Wufu’s mind and could only agree, so she wouldn’t hold her back anymore.
Seeing Madam Zhou’s compliance made Wufu quite satisfied. "Mother, you rest here, and I’ll go check on the front. If you can’t lie still, you can have Hongyu help you for a walk in the small garden. The sun is nice right now, and it’ll help you relax. Have you been to our little garden yet?"
Madam Zhou shook her head.
"Then I’ll join you for a walk there after I’ve finished my work," Wufu stood up, glanced at Hongyu, who nodded almost imperceptibly.
As she left the main house, Wufu stood under the jujube tree, gazing through the branches at the sky while soft footsteps sounded behind her.
"Mistress," Hongyu approached.
"How has Madam been in these past few days?"
"She either lies down all day, or, if she sits up, she cries, and she cries at night too," Hongyu reported carefully.
It appeared her mother was still troubled deep inside and needed to keep busy to avoid dwelling on her concerns. However, the most crucial thing for now was to ensure her full recovery; otherwise, all plans were futile.
"Has Madam met with anyone?" Wufu asked again, "Are you aware of the new servants in the household?"
"Yes, Master Li bought them; it’s a whole family. Sister Ji is in the kitchen helping out," Hongyu answered, "Master Li arranged for Uncle Ji to be the gatekeeper, said it was for the gatehouse. Mistress, what’s a gatehouse?"
Wufu’s mouth twitched slightly, asking her, a person from a supposed ancient time, was also beyond her knowledge. She simply said, "It should be for guarding the gate. If we have visitors knocking, it’s good to have someone there to answer, isn’t it? Otherwise, with a residence this size, unlike our former small courtyard, how would anyone hear?"
Hongyu nodded, not fully understanding.