Xue Niang harbored a strong possessiveness towards Xiao Shan.
She had realized this herself long ago. She didn't know if Xiao Shan had noticed, which plunged her into deep thought.
Was she a little pathological?
It was just a painting.
Yet, the thought of Xiao Shan looking at others, even if they weren't real people, made her uncomfortable, sad, and breathless.
Xiao Shan burned all the books in one go, then carefully appeased her again.
The little woman was jealous, and he relished it. It meant she cared about him!
"Xiao Shan," she called out, but didn't know what to say. She just wanted to call him.
"Hmm? What should we eat for lunch? How about stewing a chicken? I see it's getting cold, and they aren't laying eggs anymore. We can buy a brood in the spring."
He was clearly a formidable person, yet he always revolved around her, eating and eating. She truly wished to spend her whole life with him!
Xue Niang didn't tell Xiao Shan that she had been having dreams every night recently. She dreamt of a snow avalanche in the north, of the imperial palace, the Phoenix Palace, Eunuch Bai Xi, Consort Yi Niang, Ling Xi, and… the dignified and graceful Empress Dowager.
She felt that the peaceful days were probably coming to an end.
"If one day I disappear, Xiao Shan, please remarry. Don't marry someone beautiful; marry someone who can manage the household."
If she was beautiful, she feared Xiao Shan would forget her too quickly.
"I told you, I really didn't read that book. Why don't you believe me!" Xiao Shan was furious. "Are you still thinking about the pretty boy in the book? You can die, but you can't go anywhere as long as I'm alive."
He was utterly angry. While he could throw tantrums, saying such heart-wrenching words meant he would truly discipline her.
Seeing his displeasure, Xue Niang said no more.
The words felt like knives cutting into her own heart, and she didn't know who she was tormenting.
That night, Yuan Bu Fei arrived. He said something to Xiao Shan, and all Xue Niang heard was Xiao Shan curse, "You damn bastard!"
Then, the next day, Xiao Shan gave her instructions and left.
Xue Niang lazily got up, feeling utterly exhausted. In the past, after late-night revelries, she would only feel languid if she hadn't rested enough, never so dispirited.
What was happening?
She went into the kitchen and opened the pot lid. Inside was a basin of chicken, which Xiao Shan had kept simmering on the stove all night. It was tender, falling off the bone, and its aroma was intoxicating.
"Ugh—"
Xue Niang couldn't help but gag. Her stomach was empty, so naturally, nothing came out.
But she couldn't control it. The smell of the meat was just too cloying. She could only hold her breath and leave the kitchen.
"Sister Xue, open the door! I brought you something delicious."
Outside the door, Yu Tou was holding a package. His nose was red from the cold, and his little shadow, Yan Zi, followed behind him.
"Why are you two running around in such cold weather?" Xue Niang tucked her hands in, having not gone out for a long time.
"It's not cold, not cold," Yan Zi's cheeks were flushed, but she was excited.
The two children entered, and Xue Niang immediately took them to the room to warm themselves by the fire. Yu Tou took out the contents of his package.
The moment Xue Niang saw it, her pores stood on end.
Had Yu Tou spent all his money? Why was he bringing such disgusting insects to eat?
"Ugh—" Xue Niang gagged again, her face pale.
"Sister Xue, what's wrong with you? You're not even afraid of frogs, yet you're afraid of these bean worms? They're delicious, roasted until they're crispy. Try some?"
"Take—it—away!" Xue Niang weakly slapped his hand away. She was unsteady and almost fell onto the stove.
After all, a girl was more considerate than a boy. Even though Yan Zi was young, she could tell something was wrong with Xue Niang.
"You idiot, Auntie isn't feeling well. Can't you see?"
Huh? Yu Tou looked closer. Indeed, Sister Xue's vomiting was abnormal, as if she couldn't control it, and her complexion was terrible. She must be sick!
Brother Xiao had instructed him to look after Sister Xue. Now, just as he left, she got sick.
"I'll go to the city to find a doctor!"
Xue Niang had some suspicions and couldn't help but touch her lower abdomen. However, the feeling of weakness was truly unbearable, and she was afraid something might happen. So, she instructed Yu Tou, "Go to Shen Shui Lane and find Doctor Qu."
"Got it."
"Wait, let's go together!" Xue Niang thought of Ling Long's already large belly. She might be close to giving birth, so it was better not to trouble her.
"Can you make it? Wear more clothes. I'll go call Cai Lai." Yu Tou waved to Yan Zi. "You go home first."
Yan Zi pouted, "Call me when you need me, then chase me away when you don't."
But she knew the seriousness of the matter and obediently returned home.
Xue Niang put on a thick cotton cloak and took a ox cart to the city.
As they entered Shen Shui Lane, Yu Tou helped her down. The tightly shut medical clinic door opened at that moment, and a tall figure walked out.
"Du Ling?"
Du Ling frowned. Seeing it was Madam Xiao, he knew his master had gone out of the city with Strongman Xiao that day. He became concerned and asked, "Madam Xiao, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
"Yes, I'm a bit weak. I came to see Ling Long."
Xue Niang was momentarily puzzled. It was cold, and she was afraid of the chill, so she didn't say much more and entered the clinic.
Du Ling scanned his surroundings, frowning again. He felt that something was indeed amiss. If someone were truly lurking here, he should be able to find them, unless that person's skills surpassed his.
Xue Niang entered the inner room, while Su Mian stood outside the door, staring at the spirited Yu Tou with his thick eyebrows and big eyes.
"What are you looking at?" Yu Tou was impatient. This woman was so shameless. Was it appropriate to stare at a man like that?
Su Mian just found it strange. How could Strongman Xiao feel at ease letting another man get close to Madam Xiao? Wasn't that man the most petty?
"Kid, a reminder: you were supporting Madam Xiao just now, right? Be careful, Strongman Xiao might see and chop off your claws."
Yu Tou: "...Disgusting! She's my sister!"
Tch~ Not a real sister, anyway, he had warned him.
The door opened, and Xue Niang walked out, her eyes shining, looking much more energetic than before.
"Su Mian, quickly go in and take care of Ling Long. She seems unwell. I'm leaving now."
"Alright, Madam Xiao. Please be careful." Su Mian hurried into the room.
Upon entering, she saw her young lady was fine and didn't look unwell. Her worried heart relaxed. "Miss, is your stomach uncomfortable?"
"No, I deliberately said that." Qu Ling Long frowned. "Su Mian, I still feel something is wrong. Did Constable Du not find anyone just now?"
"No! Miss, are you overthinking? Don't be too nervous; your health is important."
Qu Ling Long shook her head, her delicate face filled with unease.
Xue Niang was immersed in joy. The ox cart swayed as it entered the village.
"Doctor Qu's medical skills are indeed excellent. She said I'll be fine after treatment," Yu Tou praised.
Xue Niang smiled and nodded.
No one noticed the ghostly figure following behind them.
"I didn't expect the person my master has been searching for in the portrait to know Miss Qu. Heh heh, it's effortless to get what I want. Now, I'll get promoted!"