Upon hearing this, Xia An understood the implication of their young master’s words.
Thus, he no longer hesitated and spoke directly.
"Is the young master referring to the Emperor’s favor towards the third young master?"
"Yes, if I were unaware, I naturally wouldn’t care or inquire. But now that I’m aware, it’s hard to ignore it. Yet, if I were to return the gift, what would be appropriate to give to Your Majesty?"
"The young master is overthinking this. Of all the things in the world, what hasn’t the Emperor seen? Since the young master wishes to return the favor, it shouldn’t be with expensive items, as nothing is more precious than what the Emperor holds. It would be better to give what the Emperor would like."
"For example, clothes the young master sewed? Or food prepared by Chunqi? Or something else?"
Xia An’s words awakened Lin Wanyi from a dream.
Do not choose valuable items in return, only offer what the Emperor likes.
But she knew very well what the Emperor liked. Could she really offer her true heart?
If she offered it and it was no longer liked, what should she do?
For a moment, many questions once again troubled Lin Wanyi.
Meanwhile, the entire Dong Family, who delivered the message to the palace, were currently discussing the matter.
The men were discussing in the front hall, while Mrs. Dong fed the still-difficult-to-eat Lin Muzhi spoonfuls of red sugar millet porridge.
In fact, Lin Muzhi began to regain consciousness gradually the night before last.
However, due to the severe injuries, he was unable to speak or move for a while.
By the time his consciousness mostly returned, it was nearly dawn.
During these nights, Xin Fei and Zhang Qing took turns watching over him.
Thus, early the next morning, Zhang Qing, seeing Lin Muzhi open his eyes, joyfully delivered the news to the First Madam’s courtyard.
The entire courtyard was soon in an uproar.
After Second Madam Mrs. Yun carefully examined him and confirmed that his awakening was true and not a mirage, everyone finally relaxed.
Mr. Lin and his wife naturally hugged their son, weeping in relief, while the other members of the Dong Family were overjoyed by his recovery.
It took quite some time for him to gradually learn about everything that had happened since he fell into a coma.
Needless to say, it was indeed quite astonishing.
However, being able to move out of the Prime Minister’s Mansion is a good thing.
Otherwise, after this incident, he really wouldn’t know how to deal with the people from the Second House.
With the porridge bowl empty, Mrs. Dong hurriedly wiped his lips with a handkerchief.
Then she asked with eyes full of concern.
"Are you full, dear? Do you want some more?"
Lin Muzhi mustered a somewhat weak smile and replied slowly.
"Don’t worry, Mother, I’m full."
Having just woken up, he naturally couldn’t eat much.
Thus, he mainly consumed liquid food.
However, such food made him hungry quickly, turning the typical three meals a day into six or seven meals for him.
No matter when he was hungry, food would be served to him promptly.
Even the porridge was varied in style and presented to him.
Such thoughtful care was undoubtedly the Dong Family’s heartfelt intention.
For this, he was extremely grateful.
Especially to his second aunt, Mrs. Yun!
If it were not for her miraculous Golden Needle technique, he might have met King Yan by now.
For now, he needed to rest quietly and stay in bed.
Otherwise, he would have properly kowtowed to his elders to thank them for the immense help they provided.
"Your second aunt suggests resting for another half month. Once your dizziness subsides, you can sit up. But you must continue to recuperate properly. If you feel any discomfort, you must report it immediately, understand?"
Mrs. Dong was now truly worried.
She was afraid her son might have hidden ailments they hadn’t detected, which would be problematic.
Upon hearing this, Lin Muzhi smiled slightly and could only blink gently.
His head could hardly nod now; even slight movements made him feel very dizzy.
Even if he wanted to get out of bed and walk at this moment, it wouldn’t be possible.
"Yes, I will definitely take good care of myself and not let everyone worry."
Looking at her sensible and obedient son, Mrs. Dong couldn’t help but give a knowing smile.
She hoped that this ordeal would be his last and that the future would be bright for him.
In the front hall, Old Master Dong sat upright, with Mr. Dong, the Second Master, and Mr. Lin seated to either side.
The four gathered here, naturally to discuss important matters.
Eldest Master Dong was the first to speak, explaining some of the situations he had encountered after visiting various places these past few days.
"The house my brother-in-law asked me to find has a lead."
"Oh? Where is the place you mentioned, elder brother?"
"At Xuanbei Square in the north of East Market, there’s a two-courtyard house. It’s not big, but the feng shui is excellent. Three generations of successful and long-lived residents have lived there. If not for their entire relocation back to their ancestral home, they might not have wanted to sell it."
Hearing this, Mr. Lin showed some interest.
But wouldn’t a two-courtyard house be a bit small?
He immediately voiced his concern.
Eldest Master Dong smiled and said.
"Don’t worry, I’ve inquired, and the two adjacent residences are also up for sale. I’ve taken masons to inspect them closely. Connecting all three would make for a perfect abode."
"Both Xingzhi and Muzhi are grown, and they’ll have families in the future. This arrangement would be just right for the brothers!"
Eldest Master Dong handled matters efficiently, and since he said so, it undoubtedly meant it was suitable.
"Since elder brother has given his approval, let’s settle it. The renovations will take some time, and once Muzhi’s injuries heal sufficiently, we’ll move there!"
Mr. Lin wanted to move not because he felt uncomfortable at the Dong residence.
In the Capital City, except for live-in sons-in-law, even the poorest would not reside with their wives’ families.
Although the Dong Family had no objections to Mr. Lin staying with them.
But outsiders might not see it the same way.
The reputation of staying too long at one’s maternal home was not favorable, especially as he held an official position.
Reputation needed careful consideration.
With this in mind, Mr. Lin took out the silver notes he received during the family’s property division and handed them to Eldest Master Dong.
Seeing the amount, Eldest Master Dong was slightly taken aback.
"How did my brother-in-law come into possession of such a large sum?"
"During the division, the Second House offered these as an apology. Though nothing compared to the expenses my wife incurred over the years, it should suffice for leasing property."
He had accepted these silver notes precisely because he foresaw the substantial expense leasing a residence would entail.
If he continued relying solely on the Dong Family, he would feel uncomfortable with himself.
Thus, when the money was laid out, the Dong Family members instantly understood his intentions.
"More than enough, more than enough. The house, though not large, is in a prime location and thus, commands a high price. I intended to negotiate the price down and make an offer in a few days. Now that we have sufficient funds, it would be prudent to secure it quickly, to prevent any unforeseen issues."