“We’re not bothered by all this constant commotion; we just watch over her every step of the way. But Wei’er’s health is deteriorating day by day. She’s become incredibly thin and often suffers from aches and pains. Lord Qu, in desperation, personally went to fetch a doctor who specializes in treating difficult cases and has miraculous folk remedies to examine Wei’er.”

“The doctor prescribed medicine, and Wei’er drank it for several days. She was able to eat and sleep normally and stopped crying. However, she seemed different from before, as if she had forgotten the deaths of Yuan’er and Wu’er, only asking every day when Yuan’er and Wu’er would return.”

“Lord Qu and I were quite shocked by this. The doctor said that the medicine contains several calming herbs that can soothe the nerves and calm the mind, but it can also cause people to forget things or experience hallucinations. Wei’er is currently like this, most likely because she misses her child too much and is hallucinating that her child is still alive. It’s okay to drink the medicine in the short term, but long-term use will have certain side effects. As for whether to continue drinking the medicine, it’s entirely up to her personal choice.”

“Lord Qu and I hesitated for a long time, considering whether to continue to let Wei’er have these hallucinations and deceive her to keep her alive or to let her clearly know the truth of everything and hope that she can overcome it one day.”

“After weighing the options for many days and seeing that Wei’er no longer contemplates suicide, eats normally, and even her health is improving day by day, Lord Qu and I decided to let Wei’er continue drinking this medicinal soup…”

Even if they kept her in the dark, at least she could be well and live happily for a few years, which was better than her being emaciated and heartbroken every day…

Su Yujin took a deep breath after hearing this.

So that’s how it is.

No wonder Madam Chen was so concerned about the two children studying at the academy, yet she said that Prefect Qu couldn’t disturb the children too much and wouldn’t let them return.

At first, Su Yujin was surprised that Prefect Qu, who seemed so gentle and kind to Madam Chen, could have such a strict father side.

It turned out that Prefect Qu wasn’t being a strict father, but had no choice.

In order to keep his beloved wife alive, to keep her going, he had to make Madam Chen drink this medicinal soup every day, and he had to make everyone cooperate with Madam Chen in putting on a show.

“Even so, if this continues, the toxins in the medicine will accumulate, and Madam’s life will be in danger. We absolutely cannot continue,” Su Yujin said. “Madam Kang, you should tell Lord Qu about this and get Madam treated as soon as possible.”

“Lord Qu and Wei’er have been husband and wife for many years. When they drank this medicine, it required human blood as a catalyst. Lord Qu didn’t hesitate to cut his wrist to draw blood. Moreover, the medicine is expensive, and Lord Qu doesn’t want to use my money, so he has sold off a lot of the land inherited from our ancestors.”

“Wei’er is my wai sheng nü, but she is also Lord Qu’s wife. Given the current situation, it is natural that we should tell him.”

Madam Kang thought for a moment. “However, I don’t want Wei’er to know about this for now. I would appreciate it if Miss Su could tell me a lie later, just say that you want us to stay for dinner. I will send someone to inform Lord Qu right away.”

“Alright,” Su Yujin nodded.

When the two returned to the house, Madam Chen was feeling drowsy due to the medication in her body. “Miss Su, my illness…”

“It’s alright, I’ll give you a few acupuncture treatments and write a prescription. Just follow the prescription. The necessary medicinal herbs have been found and have been prepared. It’s just that it’s getting late, and it’s rare for us to get together, so let’s have lunch here.”

Su Yujin smiled. “It’s a good opportunity for you to try my cooking.”

Madam Chen had been looking forward to Su Yujin’s cooking, so she naturally didn’t refuse.

So, Madam Chen waited in the courtyard while Su Yujin went into the small kitchen to get busy, and Madam Kang took the opportunity to go and inform Qu Zhiwen.

With help from the small kitchen, everyone worked together, and several dishes were quickly served.

Suanrong Douyoupi, Liangban Huanggua Juan, Liangban Shousi Suantai, Koushui Ji, Xiangcai Rousi, and Nenchao Zhugan.

They were all home-style dishes, but made by Su Yujin; each dish was exquisite and delicious.

Madam Chen and Madam Kang ate heartily, praising Su Yujin repeatedly.

Qu Zhiwen didn’t show himself directly upon arrival but instead sent someone to inform them from outside the hanging flower gate.

Su Yujin casually found an excuse to leave the table.

“Lord Qu”, Su Yujin curtsied.

“Miss Su”, Qu Zhiwen returned the greeting with a bow, “Regarding my wife’s matter, my Yimu has already sent someone to explain it to me in detail. My wife’s illness will require your help, Miss Su.”

“Madam has treated me well, and I will naturally do my best to treat her. Please rest assured, Lord Qu.”

Su Yujin paused. “However, I must make it clear to you beforehand that while Madam’s lucidity can be gradually cleared, I cannot guarantee whether she will remember the passing of your young master after the toxins are removed.”

Qu Zhiwen remained silent upon hearing this.

After a moment, he sighed deeply. “Right now, we can’t worry about that anymore.”

Just like when he agreed to let Madam Chen drink the hallucinogenic medicine, the doctor had clearly stated that long-term use of those medicines would have certain side effects, but to pull her back from the clutches of death, he could only save her life first.

Now, saving her life was also the top priority.

“To be frank, Miss Su, if the poison in my wife’s body can be cured, and if she truly remembers these things and wants to go with my son, there’s no stopping her. In that case, I’ll go with her. If she’s cured but doesn’t remember these things, I wouldn’t mind playing along with her for the rest of my life.”

Qu Zhiwen chuckled self-deprecatingly, speaking lightly. “We still have some savings. If we spend them all, we can find a couple of people somewhat similar to my son. It’ll just require a bit more effort to manage everything, but that’s fine.”

Su Yujin felt a mist rise before her eyes, and her nose involuntarily stung.

This, perhaps, was love…

My heart had been full of you, and for the rest of my life, I would only make plans for you alone.

Su Yujin opened her mouth but didn’t know whether to say something comforting or something of praise. In the end, she simply stopped speaking and curtsied to Qu Zhiwen.

Then she turned and went back to the courtyard to examine Madam Chen, who had already finished eating.

She administered acupuncture and prescribed medicine.

In addition to the oral herbal decoction, Su Yujin prepared an extra prescription.

“Drink the herbal decoction three times a day, half an hour after meals. Prepare this prescription according to the instructions, grind it into powder, mix it together, and put it in a pillow or sachet/purse for Madam to carry with her.”

(End of Chapter)

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