CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43: WATCHING OVER (1)

Nanny Fang lowered her eyes and thought for a moment, then quietly suggested in her ear, "Otherwise, let me go and have a look."

Lady waved her hand, "Perhaps it’s just a matter of a night once it gets troublesome. You’re not young anymore, and can’t bear such commotion." If things went wrong, she would bear the blame, usually sending a servant girl or woman who wouldn’t be scrutinized. Even if First Master didn’t say it, he would blame her for not being attentive. Her thoughts brightened suddenly. "Let Sixth Girl go, there’s no need to avoid suspicion at this moment!"

Sixth Girl didn’t understand anything, and it was merely a matter of reputation. Even if something went wrong, First Master couldn’t blame the legitimate mother.

Nanny Fang felt it was inappropriate for the Sixth Miss to go, yet couldn’t think of a better idea. Seventh Young Master lacked capable people around him, ultimately due to Lady’s excessive harshness as the legitimate mother. A thought fluttered in her mind unexpectedly and then vanished. She frowned, why did everything happen so coincidentally? Usually, the First Master, who didn’t care about things, insisted on caring for Seventh Young Master, and Madam Xia’s illness coincided?

She shook her head secretly, feeling her thoughts absurd. Lady arranged this way, which was the most appropriate. As the legitimate mother, she did what was expected; even if First Master returned, there would be no blame!

"Miss, how could Lady agree to let you care for Seventh Young Master?" Siliu followed Xiqiu, walking hastily and panting towards the outer courtyard!

Xiqiu turned a corner, crossed the passage hall, and was very anxious inside. It had been hours since the medicine was taken, yet the fever hadn’t subsided!

Upon reaching Tong Minzhi’s courtyard entrance, she saw the main room brightly illuminated. From afar, she saw Tong Shen Zhi’s tall silhouette standing at the door. She didn’t know what he said to the servant before he turned and entered the main room again. Her steps slightly paused, recalling the conversation with Liufu in the afternoon, "Block Nanny Fang at Zhui Garden for a reply, saying Seventh Young Master caught a cold. Ask her to inform Lady and call the doctor, but say the condition isn’t too serious... If the doctor doesn’t go, First Master will send word to inform Lady, and deliberately show diligence to Autumn Clouds in front of First Master. Once you get the chance, ask him; this courtyard has no person in charge, ask him to stay for one night."

Nanny Fang was always suspicious; without confirming, how could she manage thoroughly? Qiuyun and Chunyu held their noses high; if given the chance to see Tong Shen Zhi, how could they let such an opportunity pass... Once their actions went too out of line, causing First Master’s dissatisfaction, and touched Lady’s bottom line, she would find ways to return First Master... Notify the concubine to feign illness, this way, things would unfold as she wished.

Lady feared something might happen to Tong Minzhi, making Tong Shen Zhi responsible, and feared Qiuyun and Chunyu might play tricks in front of Tong Shen Zhi, hastily finding someone to replace Tong Shen Zhi.

The concubine’s health was weak; if she came, maybe both of them would fall ill. If replaced by other servant girls or women, they certainly wouldn’t be devoted. Only by her doing it could help Tong Minzhi get through the night.

But planning against Tong Shen Zhi made her feel guilty. However, she sighed heavily afterward, thinking if she didn’t do it, who could truly help the siblings?

"Sixth Miss!" With the bowl of water in her hands, Liufu’s tears welled up upon seeing Xiqiu. She followed Sixth Miss’s instructions, but didn’t expect Qiuyun and Chunyu, upon seeing her trying to please First Master, to immediately have her running in circles, and they didn’t care about Seventh Young Master, just guarding First Master. Remembering Qiuyun cozying up to First Master with flirty laughter, saying: "When serving Lady before, she often praised my deft hands and steady strength. Master is tired after a day, let me massage your shoulders..." Thankfully, First Master didn’t even glance at her; otherwise, one couldn’t imagine how Seventh Young Master would’ve been ruined by these two.

She looked at Xiqiu, with a respect in her eyes she wasn’t aware of herself!

"Let’s go in!" Xiqiu nodded towards her and entered the main room. Siliu took the water basin from Liufu’s hands, "You haven’t eaten yet, right? While we are here, take a break."

Liufu greatly relieved herself but shook her head, "I’ll stay inside waiting. The things in the room don’t suit the hands of the sisters; I can lend a hand while I’m here."

Siliu took a deep look at Liufu and said nothing more. Several people entered the main room one after another.

Upon entering, Xiqiu encountered Tong Shen Zhi, who came out hearing the noise, and she bowed to him, "Thank you for your hard work, brother."

Tong Shen Zhi was somewhat surprised to see her here at this time. Knowing Xiqiu’s actions were always prudent, it must’ve been Lady who agreed, so he was relieved and said, "Go in and take a look; he just took medicine and laid down."

Xiqiu said nothing more and quickly entered the bedroom, tears falling uncontrollably.

She saw Tong Minzhi’s chubby face, which had slimmed down in a single afternoon, with a pale complexion and abnormal flushes. His eyelashes trembled slightly, with crystalline droplets hanging. His lips were without color, and whatever dream he had, he continuously made low sobbing sounds from his throat.

This was the first time she saw Tong Minzhi so weak and lifeless.

Sixing placed a stool by the bed, and Xiqiu sat down, touching Tong Minzhi’s forehead. The burning heat seared her palms, yet his hands and feet were cold as water.

"Doctor said we should be vigilant tonight, fearing convulsions and cold turning into tuberculosis." Tong Shen Zhi’s voice appeared behind her, his low voice inexplicably calming her.

Wiping her tears, she nodded, "I’ll stay here; big brother has matters at the institute tomorrow—don’t miss out on your duties." She thought of her calculated use of Tong Shen Zhi and felt reluctant to have him stay up all night with Tong Minzhi.

Tong Shen Zhi considered for a moment, then turned to Liufu, "Ask Yishan to bring my books; I’ll stay here tonight." He then sat down lifting his robe.

Seeing she couldn’t directly make him leave, Xiqiu had nothing to say and could only nod, "Thank you, big brother!"

"Bring me the prescription from the doctor to look at." Since Tong Shen Zhi didn’t leave, she couldn’t insist on chasing him away. Taking the prescription handed by Liufu, she studied it carefully. Though she hadn’t studied Chinese medicine, she had taken it as an elective for a year, understanding the basics.

Perhaps due to Doctor Liu’s old age, the prescription was too mild, and Xiqiu frowned, "Prepare some warm water for me and bring some liquor."

As soon as she spoke, everyone except Sixing was taken aback. Tong Shen Zhi looked at her in confusion, "Liquor?"

Xiqiu couldn’t worry about much and nodded, "Yes!" She looked at the dazed Liufu with raised brow, "Isn’t there any?"

Liufu came around, nodding dumbly, "Yes! Yes! I’ll fetch it right away." She hurriedly stepped outside, coincidentally bumping into Qiuyun carrying a food box with painted double-gold azaleas, who glared, "Courting death, rushing like this."

Liufu didn’t wish to argue here; Sixth Miss had mentioned that whatever Qiuyun did these days, she should pretend not to see and let her be; somebody would clean them up after a few days!