“I see.” He Yanxiu nodded. “Elder Brother was actually afraid of rats and even tripped and fell because of them.”

“I originally thought that since Elder Brother has been working in the Ministry of Works for so long, and his martial arts skills haven’t waned, he shouldn’t be like this. It seems that Elder Brother has been slacking off and restless these days, which is why he’s like this.”

“Speaking of rats, it’s strange that there are rats in a perfectly good restaurant. It’s obviously not a good place. Elder Brother should avoid going to such places in the future, lest he be frightened and trip again.”

This was a warning.

He Yande gritted his teeth.

He had barely slept all night. One piece of bad news after another fell into his ears.

Although neither Qiao Gan nor Third Wei had revealed his master and even took the blame for the Hedong Prefecture Mint mine, He Yanxiu’s men had destroyed every courtyard and stronghold Third Wei had passed through.

Everyone was arrested, and almost all the places were razed to the ground.

Only the courtyard where he had settled Bu Jin was left intact.

This was clearly a message: from now on, he could indulge in eating, drinking, and pleasure, keep mistresses, and enjoy beautiful women, but he absolutely could not cause trouble, especially not trouble with him.

One night, He Yande smashed five sets of teacups in anger.

But amidst his anger, He Yande also understood a principle—he couldn’t defeat He Yanxiu at this moment.

Fortune changes every thirty years; nothing in this world is immutable. He would naturally have a day when he could defeat He Yanxiu.

He needed to endure humiliation and wait for the right opportunity…

He Yande suppressed his anger, took a deep breath, and said, “Second brother is absolutely right. It was just a few insignificant people who insisted on dragging me to drink. I won’t go to such restaurants again.”

Was he really going to give in so easily?

He Yanxiu’s probing gaze swept across He Yande’s face, catching the obvious hatred in his lowered eyes. He then slowly replied, “Elder brother is a few years older than me, and he is usually the most prudent and discreet in his actions. I suppose my elder brother knows how to manage his affairs. I was just saying a few words; Elder Brother need not take them to heart.”

“Second brother is joking,” He Yande replied with a forced smile and took his seat with Fang Shi.

The three people—Old Madam He, He Chengye, and Madam Lu—exchanged glances without making a sound.

They could see the tension between He Yande and He Yanxiu, but they did not intend to ask any further questions.

They knew the temperaments of the two men very well, and although they were often at home, they were not entirely unaware of their recent actions.

Seeing that the two hadn’t completely broken off relations, the three elders naturally didn’t want to cause trouble. They simply instructed their servants to serve the dishes and, as if nothing had happened, began to enjoy their breakfast.

“Yesterday, Yan Xiu returned to the capital and brought back many things from Hedong. He sent them all to my courtyard. I saw there was some Zhuyeqing Fenjiu and such. We women don’t need it, so I’ll have someone deliver it to you two later,” said Old Madam He.

“But although the wine is good, you must know how to drink in moderation and keep your temper in check. Don’t overindulge, and don’t cause trouble afterward.”

He Chengye and He Yande quickly replied, “Yes, Mother/wài zǔmǔ, don’t worry.”

“And those red dates, dried tofu, and other snacks, I reckon you won’t want them. I’m an old woman with a sweet tooth, so I’ve kept them all for myself. You’re not allowed to take them. But those Lu silks, I think the colors are very bright. They’d be suitable for making winter coats, cloaks, and the like,” said Old Madam He. “You two can each pick out two bolts from my courtyard later.”

“Yes,” replied Madam Lu and Madam Fang in turn.

“My second brother is so thoughtful and considerate. Even on his trip, he remembers to be filial to Grandmother. I, as the eldest saozi, am even benefiting from his kindness,” Madam Fang said with a smile. “No wonder wài zǔmǔ dotes on him. How could anyone not like someone so filial and sensible?”

“Speaking of which, my second brother was injured on his official business in Hedong. Has he fully recovered? Should we invite a good doctor to come to the manor to give him a proper check-up?”

“Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. I’m much better now,” He Yanxiu said with a smile. “But speaking of the injury, I’ve already submitted a memorial to the Emperor regarding the Hedong matter, and the relevant matters have been dealt with. This morning, I asked the Emperor for a few more days off so I can rest properly and avoid making the injury a chronic condition.”

“Hmm.” Old Madam He nodded. “You should rest properly for a few days. Why don’t we submit a request to the palace to invite an imperial physician to come and take a look?”

“No need,” He Yanxiu said. “I recently heard of a wonderful doctor whose skills are even better than those of the imperial physicians. I’ll go find her later and have her give me a proper examination.”

He Yanxiu added, “It’ll also be good for me to rest these next few days.”

The old lady nodded.

Having gone through so much, He Yanxiu was naturally exhausted.

Especially his heart; it must have been heavy with worry.

It was understandable that he wanted to leave the capital for a few days to adjust his mood.

“In that case, let’s do as Yanxiu says and have that doctor examine him. You two prepare Yanxiu’s things and also prepare some generous gifts for the doctor.”

Since the doctor’s skills were comparable to those of the imperial physicians, her medical expertise must be outstanding, and she must also be somewhat arrogant.

Such a person should be treated with respect and proper etiquette so that she can focus on treating He Yanxiu properly.

“Mother, don’t worry, I will take care of it,” Madam Lu replied, giving He Yanxiu a meaningful look.

“Are you really going to see a doctor?”

“Of course.” Mother and son exchanged a knowing glance, and after breakfast, as Madam Lu was helping He Yanxiu pack his things as instructed by Old Madam He, she suddenly asked, “How many days are you going this time?”

“Depending on the injuries and treatment, at least ten days, at most half a month.”

“That’s not a long time.” Madam Lu nodded, then narrowed her eyes. “Speaking of which, Qinghe County isn’t far, and the weather is similar, so you don’t need to bring too many clothes. As for the generous gift your grandmother mentioned for the doctor, I don’t know what to prepare. I think you know how to cater to his tastes, so why don’t you decide what to bring?”

“If I don’t have anything good myself, why don’t we go to my storeroom to choose?”

Go to his mother’s storeroom to choose a generous gift for Su Yujin?

He Yanxiu’s eyes lit up immediately. “Mother, do you have any cash?”

“Yes, silver notes, gold bars, gold leaves, etc., are all acceptable.”

Madam Lu, “…”

Her son’s mistress outside was actually greedy?

And so blatantly greedy?

Author’s Little Theatre:

He Yanxiu: The author was dragged off to play mahjong today.

Su Yujin: That’s hard to believe. The author is still writing and updating.

He Yanxiu: It’s true, I saw the author writing on a laptop next to the mahjong table with my own eyes.

Su Yujin: I hope the author wins money so they can write more. It’s my turn to appear next~

He Yanxiu: I hope the author wins money so they can write more sweet stories for me (burning incense)

(End of Chapter)

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