Chapter 547: An Old Ox Caring for Its Calves, Entrusting Them with Trust

Although Gu’s sudden fainting caused quite a stir among the nobles and ladies in the room, their shock quickly turned into awe when they saw a young girl rushing over with a medical kit, waking the old lady up after just a few stitches. Though these people were experienced in managing household affairs, they had only heard of women practicing medicine before—never seen it firsthand. As Xiao Wu wiped the sweat from her forehead, still shaken, and carefully questioned Gu while holding her hand, a crowd gathered around her, all with expressions full of curiosity.

These noblewomen were sharp observers. Though it was their first time meeting her, from her attire and speech, it was clear she wasn’t a Zhang family servant. Moreover, Xiao Wu’s clothes were made of top-quality materials, impossible to come from an ordinary clinic. As Gu regained consciousness and took a pill, her face gradually regained its color, prompting some to exclaim in amazement.

“Amazing! Which family’s girl is this? How miraculous are her skills!”
“She’s the sister of Yue Ge’s wife! My husband, Tianci, has a weak constitution—she helped take care of him, and now he’s getting stronger day by day.” Lady Wang and Qiu Shi Du Wan had remained silent since arriving at the room. Now, after taking a deep breath, Lady Wang stepped forward to explain, making sure not to mention Feng Yuanming. Seeing everyone understand, she sat down beside the imperial bed and examined Gu carefully. Instead of asking about her condition, she smiled and said, “Auntie, you really scared everyone this time. Who sent you a dream to make you faint like that?”

“We’re all adults with children—still trying to amuse me!”
Gu glared at Lady Wang angrily before smiling apologetically at the others and continuing to chat. Though the birthday incident had been unsettling, she had fainted before as well, so she didn’t want to dampen the mood. Amidst laughter, the incident that had sent chills down everyone’s spines was forgotten. Meanwhile, Xiao Wu, still uneasy, was surrounded by wealthy ladies who were curious about everything from her birthday to her preferences. In the end, she had to hide behind Qiu Shi, letting her mother handle these relatives on her behalf.

When the Zhang family celebrated their mother’s 60th birthday in Kaifeng, they held festivities for three days in a row. Now, for Lady Gu’s 70th birthday, the scale of the celebration paled in comparison. It wasn’t that the Zhang family no longer had the means; rather, war was underway, and they feared the old lady might not hold up. After discussing it, the family decided to set up several tables at noon just to create a lively atmosphere. By then, the guests in the front had already taken their seats, followed by the women in the back. After dinner, a stage was set up in the garden, adding to the hustle and bustle.

It wasn’t until evening that the guests gradually started to leave. Zhang Xin personally saw them off at the door until the once-packed alley was empty. Only then did he wipe his shiny forehead and let out a long sigh. Just then, Gao Quan rushed up to him and reported in a hushed voice, “Elder Master, I didn’t have time to mention it earlier—Grandma fainted once in the main room earlier. Fortunately, she recovered after quick acupuncture and medication.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

Hearing this, Zhang Xin gasped in shock and snapped angrily. With that, he rushed inside, his steps quick and hurried, filled with regret. He could tell that ever since he returned, his mother seemed to have shed a heavy burden. Though she smiled more often, her health gradually declined. Yet he had been thinking of how grand the celebration had been for her 60th birthday in Kaifeng and wanted to organize a similar event this time, to show that the Zhang family relied not only on the second and third branches but also to make his mother happy. If anything went wrong at this birthday banquet, wouldn’t he be the greatest culprit?

Upon entering the north courtyard, he found it unusually solemn. Even the maids standing outside the main room stood at attention, and there seemed to be little noise inside. Alarmed, he hurried forward, not paying attention to who lifted the curtain or who announced his arrival, and strode into the room. Only when he saw the room filled with people did he realize what was happening. Seeing the younger generations bowing to him, he quickly stepped back and bowed as well.

“How is Mother’s health?”

“On such a joyous occasion, life happens only once—whether it’s good or bad, it has to be endured,” said Lady Gu, lying on the couch as Bai Fang massaged her shoulders. She smiled faintly. “Fortunately, Wan Niang was there and deflected the situation with a few words. Otherwise, who knows how many people might have been gossiping during the banquet. I’ve lived past 70—what more could I possibly want? Miss Xiao Wu, today it’s all thanks to your skillful treatment and your master’s medicine. Come here.”

Seeing Lady Gu waving at her, Xiao Wu hesitated. She glanced up at her mother, Lady Qiu, who was left behind, and noticed that Du Wan, sitting beside her, was also giving her subtle signals. Reluctantly, she stepped forward. Though she wasn’t afraid of anything, she was somewhat intimidated by this kind but perceptive old lady. When Lady Gu forced her to sit down beside her, she became even more uneasy.

“Miss Xiao Wu, let me ask you the truth. You always told me this illness wasn’t a problem, but now that it’s occurring more frequently, I have my doubts. Tell me honestly—how much longer can you hold on?”

“Well… of course, the old lady will live a long life,” Xiao Wu blurted out without thinking. Seeing Lady Gu’s disbelieving gaze, she felt even more distressed. As everyone in the room shook their heads slightly, and the old lady held her hand tightly, she broke into sweat, her anxiety unbearable. “Ancestor, I’m not Hua Tuo or Bian Que. I’ve only learned some folk remedies and emergency methods from my master. Please don’t force me…”

Lady Gu let out a soft sigh and then said slowly, “I’ve already taken care of everything related to funerals and arrangements after death. But every day counts. I want to know if I can wait until my second son returns victorious, if I can wait for Brother Yue to come back, and if I can see my fourth son succeed in the provincial exams and get married. Miss Xiao Wu, do you really have the heart to hide this from me, leaving me to go with regrets?”

Madam Wang also stayed after the banquet ended. Hearing Lady Gu speak so bluntly, without any hesitation, she felt extremely distressed and stepped forward quickly, saying, “Auntie, why think like that? Even if Dr. Feng is helpless, there are still imperial physicians in the palace. I can try to ask for their help…”

“Your family’s Tianci was also weak back then, and they still consulted imperial physicians. What was the result?” Seeing Madam Wang speechless, Lady Gu patted her hand gently before turning back to Xiao Wu. “Miss Xiao Wu, I know illness is unpredictable. Your master said that with proper care, you’d be fine at least until the end of the year. I just want to know if you can really make it that long.”

Since today is Lady Gu’s birthday, the Dongfang family, who had been fasting and praying for most of the year, is also here. Hearing this, they were shocked. Even more astonished were Mr. and Mrs. Zhang Xinfeng—they never expected that the truth, spoken right in front of them by Feng Yuanming, and kept secret by the Du Wan sisters, could somehow reach Lady Gu’s ears.

“The master says it’s possible, well… maybe…” Stammering for a while, Xiao Wu was forced by the old lady’s sharp gaze to finally speak up bravely, “Madam, the worst thing for your illness is extreme joy or sorrow. Too many things have happened over the past year, and your health has already been severely strained. My medical skills are only mediocre; I dare not make wild claims. But even if we can’t hold on until the end of the year, we can at least make it to September or October…”

“Good child, thank you. I understand.”

Hearing this answer, Lady Gu sighed inwardly. She unconsciously stroked her chest before glancing at everyone in the room. Whether they were sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren, aside from shock, they seemed to have other expressions as well. She looked up at the bright lantern hanging from the ceiling, filled with mixed feelings.

If she passed away, all three of her sons would be required to observe mourning. Zhang You, as the commander, would surely remain in his post, but Zhang Xin and Zhang Zhuo definitely didn’t have the right to override this rule. Three years… if the family could avoid potential future troubles by delaying things for a while, it wouldn’t be too bad to sacrifice some short-term prospects. But Zhang Jiu’s marriage couldn’t be delayed any longer.

“Eldest son, and your wife too,” she said softly after regaining her composure. When the two stepped forward, she gave orders in an unyielding tone, “I wanted to delay Jiu’s marriage until after he passed the provincial exams, but many people have already inquired, so we can’t delay any longer. I’ve discussed this with the wife of the Marquis of Wu’an next door—her youngest daughter is also of marriageable age. Our families live close to each other, and our relationship is good. Let’s arrange the marriage as soon as possible.”

At these words, Zhang Jiu’s expression changed instantly. Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi, having experienced this before, found it nothing strange. Mr. and Mrs. Zhang Xinfeng exchanged a look—first surprise, then overwhelming joy. You see, although Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi were also marrying into noble families, the status of the Marquis of Wu’an’s family far surpassed that of ordinary nobles. They were well aware of the situation in the neighboring family—even if the girl wasn’t the legitimate daughter, she was born to the most favored concubine, Lady Zhang, meaning the two families would soon be officially related by marriage.

“Don’t worry, Madam. I’ll go to the Marquis of Wu’an’s residence in person tomorrow.”

Lady Gu had always trusted her eldest daughter-in-law to handle matters properly. Without even looking at Lady Dong, she turned directly to her two grandsons, Zhang Chao and Zhang Qi, and said, “I know you’re both upset about not being able to go on the northern expedition. Remember, as real men, opportunities don’t come around often—it depends on whether you can seize them! Don’t keep dwelling on the past; such people will never achieve anything! Your father worked hard to earn this title, which is now on the verge of becoming hereditary—don’t ruin it through your actions.”

Lady Wang, who had seen the old lady’s authority before, felt only respect and admiration. But Lady Qiu felt she could never learn to speak in such a way and thought it inappropriate to stay, yet since Lady Gu insisted she stay, she could only sit there uncomfortably. After the old lady scolded and sent away her son, daughter-in-law, grandsons, and granddaughters one by one, only a few people remained in the room. She quickly stood up to take her leave.

“Please don’t rush to leave, my dear daughter-in-law. I still have a few words for you,” said Lady Gu, sitting up straight with a smile on her face. “I embarrassed you just now, not because I wanted to show off my authority as an elder, but because there are so many people in a large household, and everyone’s motives vary. I now have six grandsons, among whom Brother Yue is the most promising—not in terms of his official position, but in terms of his character. He owes everything he has to Lord Du, and I’ve always been grateful.”

Seeing Lord Du stand up, she spoke slowly and carefully, “There have been some rumors about what happened earlier—just nonsense spoken by ignorant people. In my opinion, Brother Yue owes everything to Lord Du, so whatever he does to repay him is only right. One must never forget their roots. With so many elders and relatives, Brother Yue’s wife has already done very well. Still, living in such a large household, she must face some hardships. I hope you, my dear daughter-in-law, can be understanding.”

Lady Qiu was surprised and moved by the old lady’s words and didn’t know what to say for a moment. A married daughter was like water that had been poured out—her family could do little. All she could hope for was that her husband would treat the in-laws kindly, and it was already fortunate for her daughter to have such elders in this large household.

After Qiu said a few words, she took Du Wan, whose eyes were reddened, by one hand and Xiao Wu, who was at a loss, by the other, and led them out. Only a few maids remained in the room. Lady Wang, who had been sitting by the soft couch, finally sighed and said, “Auntie, to be blunt, it’s not certain that your life is coming to an end. Why act as if you’re arranging your funeral right now?”
Gu, who looked deeply troubled, did not reply immediately. After a while, she ordered the maids to leave. Looking at Lady Wang and recalling her own life-threatening childbirth, she sighed softly and said, “That girl Xiao Wu didn’t tell the truth. Her master clearly said that my illness is unpredictable. If I have an attack and no one is around to give me medicine in time, I might die immediately. I don’t know whether it will be tonight or tomorrow. If I don’t speak now, I fear I won’t have another chance. If I had known this, I wouldn’t have delayed. Now, I can only hope that heaven will have mercy on me and allow me to see my fourth son get married.”
At these words, she grabbed Lady Wang’s hand, her tone suddenly becoming extremely firm. “Lady Wan, the reason I kept you here until the end is because I have a request. If I leave, those three brothers might not be able to get along as harmoniously as before. With each of them having their own plans, they will likely split up and live separately. If that day comes, I beg you to keep a close eye on A Fu. As long as the second son secures a title, his two sons will be secure. The third son has such a good son as Yue Ge, so he will surely do well. But it’s only the eldest branch, my own legitimate sons and grandchildren, who truly worry me…”
Seeing this woman, who had always been as strong as iron, shed tears and reveal such personal concerns, Lady Wang felt a pang in her heart. She couldn’t utter any comforting words and could only nod firmly.