Actually, the lesion inside Fang Tianze’s body was already under control; he just needed to continue taking medication and participate in the medicine bath on schedule. The acupuncture had already ceased, and the frequency of the medicine baths had also decreased—now, once every five days would suffice. He still had to drink the herbal concoctions every day, but Dao Xuzi, the old man, had said that after another three months he could stop taking the medicine altogether. Thereafter, he would simply have to eat and recuperate slowly, and with an appropriate amount of exercise, he could probably be like a normal person in about a year’s time.
As the only legitimate son of the second wife, it was expected that he would have been entertaining the elderly at their knees long ago. However, he couldn’t due to his health conditions.
Fang Tianze certainly knew that he couldn’t refuse to return, but he felt some reluctance. Fortunately, it seemed his mother understood his thoughts, as she also sent an invitation to Yang Ruxin and explicitly stated that she could bring any friends with her, as many as she liked.
In fact, Yang Ruxin understood that the couple of the Fang Family would have preferred to invite Dao Xuzi, but knowing the old man’s temperamental nature, there was no guarantee he would come, so they had indirectly extended the invitation to Yang Ruxin.
"Ruxin sister, come with me," Fang Tianze said with excitement on his face. "Last time you visited the county town, I didn’t have the chance to show you around properly. This time, stay for a few more days. I’ll take you to different places. I know a particularly beautiful spot where you can go boating and listen to music..."
Yang Ruxin just smiled, "Your family’s elder is celebrating his birthday, and all the distinguished local personalities will be there. What would I be doing there? I’ll ask my master. If he wants to go, I’ll accompany him. Otherwise, I’ll pass..."
How smart was Fang Tianze? He understood immediately that Ruxin sister was not willing to go, and his mouth turned into a pout. "Why can’t you go? If it weren’t for you, I might well have died earlier or, if not, would still be suffering..." Saying this, he stepped forward and tugged at Yang Ruxin’s sleeve, "Ruxin sister, please go. Take the little brothers and sisters with you. If you feel uncomfortable staying at my home, I can book you a room in a guesthouse. There’s a nice one not far from the County Governor’s Office, really..."
"Miss Fang, my master and madam have said that they must have the honor of your presence no matter what. Otherwise, our madam will come to fetch you personally..." Liu Guang spoke anxiously, "Moreover, we have already prepared a courtyard for you. Although it is still in the Fang Residence, it’s guaranteed to be tranquil and comfortable..."
Having heard what Liu Guang said, Yang Ruxin found it somewhat difficult to decline.
"Ruxin sister..." Fang Tianze coaxed once again.
"Alright," Yang Ruxin finally nodded, "but I won’t come that early. I’ll be there two days before the birthday banquet..."
Fang Tianze wanted to say more, but after thinking it over, he decided to keep quiet. He knew Ruxin sister’s temperament all too well; her agreement was already fortunate, and he couldn’t push for an earlier arrival. Moreover, there were still some troublesome members back home. Being late was not a problem; as soon as the birthday banquet was over, he planned to return with Ruxin sister.
That very afternoon, Fang Tianze regretfully packed up his things and then left, looking back every three steps.
Liuyun was also unwilling to return because of the freedom he found here. Besides, the food here tasted better than what the official chef prepared. He glanced at Fang Tianze, "Young master, when will we come back?"
Fang Tianze gave his servant a sidelong look and said nothing. Did he not also wish to stay? Although there were always miscellaneous things to deal with here, it gave him a sense of freedom. After all, he had decided, whenever it was, he would stick with Ruxin sister and be her neighbor.