Xiqiu stood up from the edge of the bed, unsure if it was because she had sat for too long or hadn’t slept all night, but suddenly her vision went dark, and her body swayed uncontrollably...
Xu Tianqing’s heart tightened, and he took a few steps forward, reaching out to support her. However, Xiqiu steadied herself by gripping the bedpost, leaving him awkwardly extending his hand, forgetting to withdraw it.
Once Xiqiu regained her composure, she noticed his movement, and looking at him gratefully, she curtsied slightly: "Thank you, cousin." Turning around, she placed a teacup on the table: "Is there something you needed, cousin?"
Xu Tianqing felt a pang of regret, realizing he had been too forward tonight, acting without considering the consequences, and couldn’t help but feel guilty. He didn’t pay much attention to Xiqiu’s words, but outside the door, Qiuyun’s face flashed momentarily, causing Xiqiu to frown internally...
After a brief silence, Xu Tianqing suddenly remembered something and said: "Sixth Sister asked me to inquire about matters at the Wujin Bo Mansion. I’ve found out..." He detailed the affairs of Count Wujin to her.
Outside, Chunyu led a group of women with a playful smile, following behind Nanny Qian: "I only heard from people that someone like Seventh Young Master, perhaps frightened during the day, can’t be cured by ordinary methods. Only a seasoned nanny calling back the soul can ensure the fever breaks by morning. It must be heaven’s blessing on Seventh Young Master, I thought to call in the dark, even if I bumped my head to bring the nanny, but what fortune she came to patrol."
How astute Nanny Qian was, these little tricks could never escape her eyes. This was the outer courtyard, with Sixth Miss here tonight, what could possibly be happening? She dared not think too deeply about it.
In her nature, even if there was a fire in the yard, she would at most carry a bucket of water for appearance’s sake, self-preservation was the priority, avoiding trouble if possible, otherwise, she wouldn’t have served several Madams in the mansion all these years. Even someone as capable as Laiwang’s wife was moved to the outer court after Lady took power, yet she still served by her side.
However, when she saw Chunyu, she inexplicably stopped her.
With no way out now, she could only bite the bullet and push forward. In a flash of thought, she laughed: "The girl is considerate of her master. How could I not contribute when I can? But calling the soul needs some materials, I’ll trouble the girl to prepare them." Her voice was loud, especially clear in the quiet night.
Chunyu frowned almost imperceptibly, concealing her impatience with a forced smile: "Whatever the nanny needs, just instruct me, I will prepare immediately." Nanny Qian replied: "Bring some unopened embroidery needles, and half a bowl of clear water."
Chunyu nodded: "I’ll prepare it right away." She assisted Nanny Qian, saying: "It’s cold outside, why don’t the nannies come inside to warm up." She said as she led the way inside.
Nanny Qian nodded with a smile: "Good!" and led a group of servants and maids into the courtyard and up to the main room.
As Chunyu entered, she happened to see Liufu nodding off on a chair, kicking her awake: "Always half-asleep, utterly useless." Seeing Liufu startled awake, she scolded: "Didn’t you see the nannies arrived? Go serve tea."
Liufu came to her senses, puzzled why Nanny Qian suddenly appeared in the middle of the night. Could it be that Lady was not at ease about Seventh Young Master and sent Nanny Qian to check? Pleasantly surprised, she didn’t bicker with Chunyu, curtseyed and replied: "I’ll go immediately." She hurriedly left the room to prepare tea.
Chunyu turned back to lead Nanny Qian into the left bedroom. Maid Siliu, who was woken earlier, draped in an overcoat, came out to greet them with a frown, whispering: "What’s going on, making such a noise, don’t you know Seventh Young Master is sick?" Pausing, she saw Nanny Qian and others, and asked in surprise: "Why is the nanny here? Did Lady say anything?"
Nanny Qian’s heart fluttered, realizing the truth. Chunyu had acted on her own without informing Sixth Miss.
With her motives now apparent, Nanny Qian looked at Chunyu with a meaningful smile and said: "Maid Chunyu said Seventh Young Master has a high fever, delirious and crying, so she asked me to come to call back his soul." She leisurely sat on a chair outside: "Maid Siliu, is Seventh Young Master feeling better?!"
Siliu narrowed her eyes, as if trying to bore a hole in Chunyu: "Maid Chunyu has been outside all night, perhaps she doesn’t know the situation inside. Seventh Young Master’s fever broke early in the night, he took medicine and is resting now. Since Nanny is here, please check on him, although be cautious not to catch anything!"
The expression on the servants changed drastically.
When their master was ill, seeing doctors and taking medicine was expected, but if they fell ill, they’d have to continue working and keep it quiet. If Lady found out, they might be sent to the village to recover, possibly losing their position, and might never return.
Fearful, they glanced at Nanny Qian’s expression.
Nanny Qian laughed: "Since the fever’s broken, there’s no need to make more trouble. Medicine is the right path for illness, and old methods aren’t always necessary." She appeared unwilling to linger, intending to leave: "Maid, give my regards to Sixth Miss!"
Chunyu panicked, searching everywhere for Qiuyun, but couldn’t find her. She secretly gritted her teeth and tried to stop Nanny Qian: "Since Nanny’s here, might as well take a look inside, so if Lady asks tomorrow, you can report back."
Nanny Qian was about to speak when at that moment, the inner room door was pulled open from the inside.
Xiqiu stood at the doorway with a cold expression, her eyes piercing like deep pools of ice, as she glanced over everyone...
The people outside involuntarily shrank back, lowering their heads in unison and curtsying: "Sixth Miss."
The atmosphere became tense, and Chunyu lowered her head guiltily. Suddenly, Xiqiu smiled, looking at Nanny Qian: "Nanny is here." She approached: "Please, sit. If you came personally, is there a message from mother?"
Nanny Qian did not sit as usual, but stood to the side with bowed head: "To answer Sixth Miss, Lady had no message. I was on night duty and just came by to check if there’s anything you’d need from the servants."
Chunyu’s face changed: this old hag, how quickly she changes her tune.
Xiqiu took the tea Siliu offered and personally handed it to Nanny Qian: "That’s good, while Seventh Young Master’s condition stabilized, he hasn’t woken yet. I dare not take it lightly. Once he’s awake, I’ll report to mother, if she asks, please help explain for me, thank you."
Nanny Qian was momentarily stunned, hastily accepted the tea, and bowed repeatedly: "Sixth Miss worked hard all night, my small effort is my fortune, I don’t deserve thanks." Her gaze shifted and she smiled: "Besides, you are here under Lady’s orders to care for Seventh Young Master, which Lady knows may cause some inconveniences."