The place was not in the center of Yushu County City but rather off to the side. As Cai Wei arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard, she noticed no one was around. Stealthily, she brought Sanchun out of the space, propped up the still unconscious girl, and knocked on the main door.
Zhao Di was the one who answered the door. When she saw Cai Wei supporting Sanchun, she was first taken aback, then exclaimed with alarm, "Noble sister, what’s happened to my sister?"
Cai Wei shushed her: "Let’s speak inside."
In the room, Lady Yin, who was lying on the kang, caught sight of her unconscious daughter right away. She struggled to sit up, her mind in complete chaos, and heartbrokenly exclaimed, "What happened? What’s wrong with Sanchun? Sanchun, wake up, Sanchun... "
Cai Wei helped Gao Sanchun onto the kang and sat down on the edge of it.
She had already prepared what to tell the mother and daughter on the way over. Therefore, as soon as she saw Lady Yin burst out, she said softly, "Auntie, please do not shout. If someone hears us, Sanchun might be sent back to Li mansion!"
Cai Wei’s words were more effective than any royal edict. Lady Yin, who had been shouting and about to sob heartbreakingly, suddenly went silent at the mention of sending her daughter away. Zhao Di also covered her mouth and shook her head, gesturing that she wouldn’t make a sound.
Cai Wei let out a sigh, her tone heavy beyond compare.
"Sister Sanchun fainted in the Li mansion last night. The Li family thought she was dead, so they sent servants to take her away. They planned to send her to a temple for a simple burial. Luckily, I ran into them. Noticing that Sister Sanchun was still breathing, I gave the servants a few taels of silver and brought her back here..."
Upon seeing her daughter’s closed eyes, pale face, and injuries scattered about her frail body, Lady Yin was heartbroken and sobbed silently, unable to utter a single word...
Zhao Di’er, from the edge of the kang, used a wet handkerchief to moisten Sanchun’s lips. The big, dark eyes brimmed with tears.
"Aunt Yin, Zhao Di, it’s not safe here anymore. You should leave as soon as possible to prevent the Li family from finding out!"
"Yes, yes, Miss Cai Wei, you’re right..."
Tearing up, Lady Yin said, "We’re leaving, I’ll go hire a carriage!" With that saying, she attempted to stand up.
Cai Wei gently stopped her. "Don’t rush, Auntie. The street is still far from here, and you’re not well enough for physical exertion. Let me hire the carriage for you later. For now, let’s discuss where you’ll be going. There’ll be plenty of time for renting a carriage later!"
Zhao Di, her little face streaked with tears, sniffled, "Sister, aren’t we going to our uncle in the Capital?"
Cai Wei gently stroked her soft hair and sighed, "Your mother is unwell and should avoid long journeys. Sister Sanchun is injured, and the trials of travel wouldn’t be good for her recovery. So, I think we should put off going to the Capital for now. Find a safe place to lay low for a while. When Aunt Yin and Sister Sanchun are both fully recovered, it wouldn’t be too late to go to the Capital."
"Indeed, Cai Wei has considered everything. We will listen to you, Auntie,"
Midway through blowing her nose with a handkerchief, Lady Yin, her voice heavy with congestion, nodded fervently.
"Since Aunt Yin agrees, why don’t you tell me where you plan on going? I can help with arrangements."
"Ah, I don’t really have any place in mind. We’ll figure it out as we go!"
After some thought, Cai Wei suggested, "In that case, why not go to Qing County? I have a friend there. I can write her a letter of introduction. When you arrive, she can look after you!"