Li Xiangru returned to her boudoir, and without a moment's rest, she quickly penned a letter. She summoned her trusted maid, Huai'er. "Huai'er, have someone deliver this letter to Tongmu County immediately. Make sure no one discovers it."
Huai'er solemnly accepted the letter. "Miss, rest assured, this servant understands."
Following that, Huai'er cautiously exited, slipping out through the small gate by which she had entered.
In the shadows, a tall and slender figure stood for a long time.
The man was clad in armor, his handsome features bearing an air of heroism. His demeanor was one of youthful vigor, as if he had grown up on the battlefield.
Watching Huai'er disappear through the small gate, the man turned his gaze back towards Li Xiangru's room and sighed softly.
Was this letter, yet again, for the Crown Prince?
The Gu family's generations of stability would, after all, not last.
...
Many things had transpired that night, but for Li Yue Shu, who was far away in Tongmu County, it had been an exceptionally peaceful one. She even woke up later than usual the next day and personally went to the kitchen to steam some small buns for A Yu.
However, before the buns were even out of the steamer, Shen Wei burst in from outside in a rush.
Li Yue Shu frowned, about to speak, when Shen Wei urgently said, "Aunt Mo is in trouble!"
Li Yue Shu sprang to her feet, "What happened?"
Shen Wei shook his head, his expression grave. "We're not sure. This morning, she and Aunt Liu were making breakfast in the kitchen when she suddenly fainted. Her face was deathly pale."
Li Yue Shu had no time to think. She quickly handed Shen Zhi Yu over to Hong Dai, gave a few instructions, and hurried out.
As Shen Wei followed, he saw that she had already detached the carriage box and was mounting a horse.
Li Yue Shu's movements were swift and fluid, her clothes swirling in an elegant arc.
But as she raised her hand to grip the reins, she froze.
Li Yue Shu: "..."
She would definitely learn to ride a horse when she had the time!
Li Yue Shu turned back, glaring at Shen Wei, who was still standing there, "What are you waiting for? Get on the horse!"
Shen Wei blinked, remembering then that she didn't know how to ride a horse. A hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
Hadn't he guided her last time? She still couldn't do it?
Shen Wei's face remained expressionless. He took the reins from Li Yue Shu's hand and mounted the horse directly.
Holding the reins with both hands, he pulled Li Yue Shu into his embrace, making her appear exceptionally delicate.
Li Yue Shu's body stiffened, and as she felt the man's presence enveloping her, a wave of heat rushed to her cheeks.
The next moment, a steady, magnetic voice suddenly sounded in her ear, "Hold on tight."
With that, he urged the horse forward with a tap of his foot. "Giddy up!"
Li Yue Shu instinctively tightened her grip on the reins, and the horse beneath her immediately took off.
The clip-clop of hooves echoed on the road. Li Yue Shu felt the wind whipping against her face and a faint smile curved her lips.
After riding twice, she realized she quite enjoyed the feeling.
At this moment, Li Yue Shu suddenly recalled her last experience riding a horse.
It seemed that on the way back, Shen Wei had intentionally or unintentionally guided her in riding.
Was he teaching her then?
Li Yue Shu's heart skipped a beat, as if something had flown with the wind and struck her chest, unsettling her thoughts.
Before Li Yue Shu could clear her mind, Shen Wei's voice suddenly came from behind her, "Whoa—"
She snapped back to attention, realizing they had already arrived.
Li Yue Shu quickly composed herself and was about to dismount when a hand suddenly wrapped around her waist.
The next moment, she was lifted into the air. By the time she regained her senses, she was standing on the ground, and the hand around her waist had withdrawn.
Li Yue Shu instinctively looked up at the man beside her, who appeared calm and composed, as if he knew nothing.
"Madam, you're finally back!" Mo Lian's anxious voice instantly brought her back to reality. "Please go and take a look at my mother! Young Master Bai has stabilized her condition, but for some reason, she's still in great discomfort."
Li Yue Shu collected herself and hurried over.
Shen Wei watched her retreating back, then looked down at his palm, the fingertips seemingly still retaining the warmth from before.
He clenched his hand slightly, a myriad of emotions flashing in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Li Yue Shu rushed into Mo Mu's room and saw Mo Mu lying on the bed, her face pale, sweating profusely, and gasping for breath, appearing in great pain.
Ji Mo Bai was sitting by the bed, administering acupuncture, but Mo Mu's condition showed no signs of improvement.
Li Yue Shu recognized Ji Mo Bai's technique at a glance, her expression growing even more serious.
If even this couldn't alleviate her suffering, then Aunt Mo's condition...
"Everyone, leave. Close the door!" Li Yue Shu commanded sternly and hurriedly.
Seeing her, everyone seemed to see a glimmer of hope and didn't dare to delay, quickly complying.
As soon as the door was closed, Li Yue Shu directly brought Mo Mu into her space.
She had just turned on the machine beside her and was preparing to examine Mo Mu when she discovered that the Mo Mu, who had been in pain moments ago, had miraculously calmed down. Only her breathing was still somewhat rapid.
Li Yue Shu was momentarily stunned. As Mo Mu was about to open her eyes, she quickly knocked her unconscious.
Strange, she had never encountered such a situation before.
Li Yue Shu, puzzled, conducted a comprehensive examination of Mo Mu.
However, after all the tests were completed, Mo Mu showed no problems whatsoever. She was merely experiencing some dehydration due to excessive sweating.
Looking at the examination results before her, Li Yue Shu fell into doubt.
Was the machine broken, or was her medical skill insufficient?
Li Yue Shu set the report aside, checked the machine, and after confirming there were no issues, she performed another examination on Mo Mu.
But the results were the same as before; Mo Mu was in good health.
Li Yue Shu was also confused.
Finally, with no other recourse, she temporarily gave up and brought Mo Mu out of her space.
After settling Mo Mu, Li Yue Shu finally left the room.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw everyone gathered at the entrance, waiting.
Mo Lian quickly ran over, his face etched with worry, "Madam, how is my mother?"
Li Yue Shu smiled faintly, her expression relaxed, "Don't worry, she's fine now. Just let her rest well."
With those words, everyone's hearts instantly settled.
However, Shen Wei noticed the momentary worry and seriousness on her face after her smile faded.
After a moment's thought, he patted Shen Ting Yi beside him and gestured with his chin.
Shen Ting Yi understood and quickly stepped forward, taking Li Yue Shu's sleeve. "Mother, since you're back, can you stay at home?"
Li Yue Shu looked down at her, remaining silent, seemingly hesitating.
Seeing this, Shen Yi Min, as if thinking of something, glanced at Mo Lian beside him.
They had known each other for so long and were usually inseparable; a single look was enough to understand each other's intentions.
Mo Lian pondered for a moment before speaking, "Madam, I'll have to trouble you to continue looking after my mother."
Li Yue Shu knew he was speaking on behalf of someone, but Mo Mu's condition was indeed very strange. She wouldn't feel at ease if she didn't keep a close eye on her.
With that in mind, Li Yue Shu pursed her lips and agreed, "I'll sleep in Aunt Mo's room tonight so I can respond immediately if anything happens."
Upon hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Ji Mo Bai, unaware of the family's affairs, saw that Li Yue Shu was free and inquired about Mo Mu's condition.
Having practiced medicine for many years, it was the first time he had encountered such a situation.