"These days, Madam has suffered. When spring comes next year, I will take leave and take you and A'yao to Jiangnan again. I saw you were quite happy last time."
"Really?" Madam Feng looked at him happily, her face showing much excitement.
"Madam, rest assured, I will never go back on my word!"
These words made Madam Feng happier than any delicacy!
She couldn't help but recall the scenery of Jiangnan a few years ago, and with a touch of sweetness, she drifted off to sleep.
Feng Hai looked at the sleeping woman beside him, recalling the past twenty to thirty years, his heart filled with emotion, and soon fell asleep as well.
Early the next morning, Feng Jin Yao came to have breakfast with them.
As soon as she entered the courtyard, she heard footsteps behind her. Without looking back, she knew it must be her second brother, Feng Jin Lin.
"A'yao, are you also here to accompany Mother for breakfast?"
"Yes, Second Brother, are you too?"
"Yes, Mother sent someone to call me early this morning."
This was a bit strange. Logically speaking, with Father and Eldest Brother around, Second Brother would not usually come, for fear of being lectured with those ear-splitting platitudes. Why was he so happy to come today?
Lifting the curtain and entering, Bai Mama had already instructed people to prepare a table of breakfast, all their favorites, hence the wide variety.
"Greetings to Father, greetings to Mother."
The siblings bowed as they entered, very respectfully.
Madam Feng doted on her youngest son and daughter, so she naturally told them to get up quickly. Feng Hai, however, was not stern today and seemed to be in a good mood.
"I also asked someone to call your Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law. We'll wait for them."
"Mother, is there something good to discuss today? Why have you called everyone here?" Feng Er was the first to speak, asking curiously.
Madam Feng tapped his forehead, "Your father and son can only gather at home for these few days of the year. It's usually difficult to get everyone to the same table for a reunion meal. Since everyone is here today, naturally we should eat together."
"So that's how it is. I thought Mother had some good news to announce, so I rushed over."
"You child, can't I have you accompany me for breakfast just because there's nothing else?" Madam Feng teased.
Feng Hai's gaze towards Feng Jin Lin held a hint of coldness. How dare he talk back to his own wife? He must have been taught a lesson. Just as he was about to speak, he heard someone outside.
Yue Gui walked in, with no one behind her.
"Where are Ah Xu and the others?"
"Reporting to Madam, Eldest Young Master was feeling unwell this morning. Eldest Mistress is busy taking care of him, and Eldest Master fears he might catch it, so he sent me to inform Master and Madam that he will not be joining you for breakfast today."
"Yun He is ill? What's wrong? Is it serious?"
Madam Feng cherished her eldest grandson the most. Hearing that he was ill, she lost her appetite and anxiously asked.
Yue Gui chuckled, "It's nothing serious. Eldest Young Master has a slight fever and is not very energetic, but the household physician has examined him and said it might be due to kicking off the covers at night and catching a chill. Two doses of medicine will cure him."
"How old is he to still kick off his covers? How can the servants below be so careless and not watch him attentively?"
Madam Feng was concerned about her grandson, so she naturally had to say a few more words. Feng Hai waved Yue Gui away, signaling her to leave.
He then turned to his wife and said, "The child has caught a slight chill, it's nothing serious. If you're worried, I'll accompany you to see him after breakfast. It's also been a few days since I've seen Yun He and Yun Li."
"Master, your concubine has no appetite. Why don't we go and see him?"
Madam Feng was too anxious to eat. Feng Hai naturally had to accompany her. Feng Jin Yao had woken up early and wasn't hungry either. Feng Jin Lin, however, was a little displeased and said in a low voice, "Mother, your son came early this morning and hasn't even had a cup of hot tea. Let's eat a few bites before we go. Otherwise, won't all this food be wasted?"
Madam Feng glanced at him and knew he had a point, but her earlier happiness was gone. She reluctantly sat down, "Eat, eat. We'll go after we're done."
Feng Jin Lin smiled in response, helped Madam Feng to sit down, and handed her a bowl of soy milk, trying to appease her.
Seeing her son like this, Madam Feng's mood lifted a bit.
Feng Jin Yao, on the other hand, felt a little uneasy while eating. Yun He was fine yesterday, so why was he sick today?
Thinking of her previous life, she couldn't help but worry. This illness might not be simple, and it was best to be more vigilant.
Soon, they finished breakfast and left the courtyard, heading straight for the eldest branch's residence.
On the way, Feng Jin Yao whispered a few words to Yun Xu.
"Quick, take this token to Guiyuan Hall and make sure to invite Divine Doctor Zhang!"
Yun Xu was a little surprised. Why would they go to Divine Doctor Zhang at this time? Wasn't Eldest Young Master's illness minor?
However, seeing Feng Jin Yao's serious expression, Yun Xu dared not delay and immediately replied, "Yes," and ran towards Ning'an Courtyard.
Elder Brother's room was filled with people.
He was leaning on the bed with a slightly flushed face, appearing weak but in good spirits. He said to Madam Feng, "Why has Grandmother come? Your grandson was planning to pay his respects to you later."
"What respects do you need to pay? As long as you are safe and sound, Grandmother will be happier than eating immortal peaches."
She held his small hand, her eyes full of worry.
"Mother-in-law, please don't worry. The household physician has examined him and said there's no major issue," Wen Shi said to Madam Feng while wiping Yun He's forehead and hands.
"The child was fine yesterday... I think, after the New Year, you and I should go to Fahua Temple and ask for some peace talismans. Otherwise, with two children falling into the water and catching a chill, I'm worried."
Feng Hai paid no mind to Madam Feng's words.
He had never believed much in gods and Buddhas. Whether one was safe or not could not be guaranteed by a piece of paper. However, since his wife liked it, he naturally would not argue.
"Alright, I'll listen to Mother-in-law." Wen Shi was also particularly concerned about the two children's matters, and she had already had this thought. It was just right that Madam Feng brought it up.
There were too many people in the room, making it crowded. After confirming that Yun He was not seriously ill, Feng Jin Xu took Feng Hai and Feng Jin Lin to the study. He had not yet informed his father about what Feng Jin Yao had mentioned last time.
After the three of them left, the room became much more spacious.
Madam Feng meticulously instructed Wen Shi to take good care of Yun He. Feng Jin Yao watched from the side, her unease growing.
Yun Xu was swift. The carriage soon appeared before Guiyuan Hall. It was still early, and the medical clinic had just opened. Coincidentally, Divine Doctor Zhang was there today.
The clinic's attendant had not yet spoken when she saw the unfamiliar face and called out loudly, "I'm looking for Divine Doctor Zhang!"
Her expression was anxious, but her tone was steady. Her attire indicated she was a maid from a prominent family, so they dared not neglect her.
"Miss, what is it? Our doctor has not arrived yet. Could you wait a moment?" the attendant said, stepping forward.
There were several renowned doctors stationed at this clinic. Divine Doctor Zhang and others would not easily reveal themselves, so even if they were in the clinic, the attendant lied and said they were not present.