After chatting for a while, seeing the Old Madam showing signs of fatigue, Qi Zhenzhen helped her lie down. Once the Old Madam was asleep, she took Fang Momo to the outer room.
"Grandmother isn't just suffering from a cold, is she?" Qi Zhenzhen asked calmly.
Fang Momo hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Her temperament has changed somewhat, and she's become forgetful. She often talks about her youth, and some of her actions are quite baffling to this old servant."
"What did the physicians from the Hall of Hundred Herbs say?"
"They prescribed medicine, saying it could temporarily slow the progression of the illness but not cure it. The longer it goes on, the worse the Old Madam's condition will become, to the point where she might not recognize people." Fang Momo relayed the physician's words.
Indeed, this must be a common ailment of the elderly in the previous life, Alzheimer's disease. For this condition, some people experience a slow progression, and although they forget many things, the overall impact on their lives is not significant. Others may become unable to care for themselves.
"Physician Luo is not here at the moment. When she returns, ask her to examine Grandmother," Qi Zhenzhen said. "Fang Momo, don't worry too much. The Old Madam seems fine for now. Has Father been informed?"
"This old servant has not yet spoken to the Marquis."
"Hasn't Father noticed anything amiss?"
"The Marquis only came to pay his respects and didn't say much. Besides, men are generally less observant. Madam Yun, however, did notice something was wrong and privately asked this old servant, but I didn't tell her the truth." Fang Momo replied.
"Let's not spread the word for now. We'll wait until Physician Luo has examined her," Qi Zhenzhen mused. "In a few days, I will accompany my mother-in-law to Taihe Temple. Feixu will remain at the estate. If anything arises, Momo, you can have someone notify Feixu."
"Second Miss, please rest assured. This old servant will take good care of the Old Madam," Fang Momo said resolutely.
"Thank you for your hard work, Momo."
Leaving Chaohui Hall, Qi Zhenzhen headed towards Tinglan Courtyard. Midway, she ran into Madam Yun. "Mother."
Madam Yun took Qi Zhenzhen's hand. "Are you well at the Duke's mansion? Is your mother-in-law easy to get along with? Has the Old Madam caused you any trouble?"
"Mother can tell from my complexion," Qi Zhenzhen said, turning a circle in front of Madam Yun.
"You're already married, why are you still so uninhibited?" Madam Yun chided her, and seeing her radiant complexion, looking even a bit more plump than before her marriage, she knew Qi Zhenzhen was doing well at the Duke's mansion and felt relieved.
The mother and daughter walked together, chatting as they made their way to Tinglan Courtyard.
As soon as they sat down, Madam Yun dismissed her attendants and spoke with a serious expression about the Old Madam's condition.
"When Sister Wanqing comes to the capital in a few days, ask her to examine Grandmother. Mother, don't worry. It's common for the elderly to have health issues as they age. If she's well cared for, there won't be any major problems," Qi Zhenzhen comforted her. "I spoke with Grandmother just now, and her spirits are quite good."
Hearing Qi Zhenzhen's words, Madam Yun breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. The Old Madam has treated us, mother and children, so well. Mother hopes she lives a long and healthy life." After a pause, Madam Yun changed the subject. "There's something I forgot to tell you. Huzai has gone back."
"Why did he leave?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, somewhat surprised. She still remembered when Physician Luo Wanqing treated him, and wondered if the young man had come to terms with things.
"Brother Yi told me in private that he is better," Madam Yun said. "He probably didn't want your aunt to worry, so he went back."
This was truly good news. For psychological issues like this, coming to terms with them could be both easy and difficult. Qi Zhenzhen had initially thought that even if Luo Wanqing had spoken frankly, Lin Hu might not have been able to resolve his issues in such a short time. It turned out the young man hadn't disappointed her after all.
"I'll write a letter to Aunt later and invite them to stay with us for a while when they have time," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile.