The young master ordered that as soon as the medicine was decocted, it had to be sent to the young mistress immediately. The doctor mentioned that it must be drunk while hot.
But looking at her now... had the three of them had an argument again?
Seeing the young mistress in such a pitiable state, the maid braved her nerves to break the awkward silence.
"Young Master, the medicine for the young mistress is ready."
Just now, the young master was still absorbed in his own thoughts, contemplating how to phrase his words.
Miss Du had not yet expressed any intention to hold Concubine Du accountable, which made it difficult for him to broach the subject.
Now, this tactful maid had relieved him from the awkward position, which he truly appreciated.
He heaved a sigh of relief, softened his voice, and said, "Give it to her to drink, you may leave."
After putting down the medicine, the maid ran off as if escaping.
The young master’s gaze returned to Miss Du and saw that she had not drunk the medicine, so he reminded her, "The doctor said the medicine must be drunk while hot."
Upon seeing the medicine, Miss Du became lost in thought.
So, was he really out early in the morning to collect medicine?
The young master noticed Miss Du was still not drinking and said again, "Since we’ve agreed on a divorce, I certainly wouldn’t harm you at this moment. You might not care for your life, but the Jie Residence still cares for its reputation. Rest assured and drink, it’s not poisoned."
Indeed, they had always been wary of each other.
Miss Du truly feared that the young master would give her a bowl of poisoned medicine for Concubine Du’s sake.
In their presence, she drank it down.
Seeing the empty medicine bowl, the young master added, "After you’ve recovered, we’ll get a divorce. I’ll provide you with some compensation that will be sufficient for you to start anew with your embroidery business in Jinxiu City. From then on, we owe nothing to each other. Regarding Aqing’s matter, I hope you won’t pursue it further, otherwise..."
He didn’t finish his sentence, but she knew what he wanted to say.
Miss Du swallowed back the tears that were about to spill, along with the bitter medicine that she hadn’t managed to gulp down in time, and said, "I’m tired, I’ll go back first. When Lord Jie returns, have someone call me, and we’ll proceed with the divorce."
Without another glance at the two of them, Miss Du stood up and walked away.
Cuiya was waiting outside the door, and when she saw Miss Du coming out, she quickly supported her.
Seeing her , the young master felt a heaviness in his heart.
Pushing away Concubine Du who was lurking behind him, clutching at his sleeve, he followed the frail figure to the doorway and said, "There’s no rush, let’s talk about it when you’re feeling better."
No rush? Miss Du was taken aback. The sudden shock had made her so dizzy that she could barely move her feet.
Perhaps it was her apparent illness that had elicited a flicker of pity from him.
For him to utter the words "no rush," didn’t he want her out of his sight every second?
Cuiya, seeing her mistress’s abnormal condition, became anxious. Why wasn’t she moving?
Miss Du bit her own tongue tip to clear her head a bit. She couldn’t faint here and now; she had to make it to that desolate courtyard no matter what.
Otherwise, that man and woman would think she was plotting something.
"Cui... Cuiya, quickly help... me out!" Miss Du said weakly.
"Miss, what’s wrong with you?" Miss Du’s body felt powerless, almost collapsing her entire weight onto Cuiya.
As frail as Miss Du, Cuiya found it difficult to support her. Seeing her mistress in such a state, she became even more worried.
"Miss, Miss..." Cuiya cried out to her with a quivering voice.
"Shush, don’t... don’t speak, quickly take me away."
From behind the hall, as the young master of the Jie Residence looked at Miss Du and her maid beside a tree of apricot blossoms, he finally sensed that something was amiss.