"Yunhe, if you're in pain, tell your aunt, don't just bear it, alright?" The child's precocious nature wasn't a good thing. At an age when he should be acting spoiled, he was so composed, suppressing his emotions, which was not beneficial for his recovery.
To the contrary, Feng Yunhe proactively comforted her, "Aunt, don't worry. This medicine is cool and soothing. Nephew doesn't feel any pain or itchiness at all. It's not uncomfortable."
She believed him on this point. After all, it was the divine physician Zhang, and his skills naturally had to be superior to ordinary doctors.
Yin Canwen brought over new medicinal powder and bandages. Standing beside him, divine physician Zhang said, "After changing the dressing today, change it every other day. In about seven to eight days, the poison will be completely expelled. Then, the Feng family will no longer need to be quarantined. This illness will be rooted out with the young master."
Hearing divine physician Zhang's words, everyone was overjoyed.
Although they couldn't have a family reunion on New Year's Eve, as long as there was hope, they wouldn't fear missing out on this New Year's Eve dinner.
Thus, Yin Canwen and Feng Jinyao gently removed the bandages wrapped around him. The black medicinal powder fell off with a touch of the wooden stick. However, the skin that was revealed was red and dark, densely covered with eruptions, a terrifying sight.
It was Feng Yunhe's first time seeing his own rash. Although it had healed and was no longer oozing pus, the appearance was still frightening enough.
He gritted his teeth, refusing to make a sound. He then closed his eyes, preferring not to see it. However, his emotions were quickly noticed by the three of them.
Feng Jinyao comforted him, "Don't worry. These scars look terrifying now, but when they're completely healed, they'll just be faint white marks. Look at Young Master Yin's arm; if you don't pay attention, you won't see them."
Yin Canwen deliberately lifted his sleeve to show him. But anyone with discerning eyes knew that Yin Canwen's few scars were shallow because his smallpox had not been as severe as Feng Yunhe's. For scars on scars, even if he were a man, it would be difficult to achieve a complete recovery in the future.
"Aunt doesn't need to comfort me. A man is a man. A few scars are nothing."
Seeing his resilient demeanor, Feng Jinyao felt even more distressed.
He was only six years old and had to endure so much. Although his life was saved, his current condition was truly regrettable.
Divine physician Zhang raised his eyebrows and glanced at Feng Yunhe. His stubbornness reminded him of events from many years ago. At that time, that brat was also like this, covered in scars from swords and spears, and he was quite proud of them. Unfortunately, he had encountered divine physician Zhang, who wouldn't even allow him to keep scars as mementos.
"Do you two, aunt and nephew, truly not take this old man seriously? Mere scars can't stump me? When he's fully recovered, continue to apply this medicine. Within half a month, I guarantee you'll be smoother than a newborn baby!"
He directly tossed a cyan porcelain bottle over. Upon opening it, a cold, clear fragrance wafted out. Although she didn't know what was inside, Feng Jinyao understood it was definitely something good.
Feng Yunhe's eyes lit up upon hearing his words. Recalling his own brave front just now, he felt a little shy.
Divine physician Zhang had no children and loved to tease children. Seeing him like this, he felt much younger himself.
On the night of the New Year's Eve vigil, under the clear moonlight, fireworks bloomed in the sky, dazzling and brilliant.
Feng Jinyao listened to the lively sounds outside, and her eyes suddenly welled up with tears.
In her previous life, this New Year's Eve had not been a happy one. Her family members were either sick or dead. After a simple meal, they had dispersed, far from the festive cheer of today.
Even though she couldn't see, she knew that the maids and servants must be busy preparing food, with smiles on everyone's faces.
The lights were bright. The Feng family had now overcome a major hurdle. Although their vigilance had not been relaxed, it was still possible for the family to sit together and have a New Year's Eve dinner.
Mama Bai directed the kitchen, using limited ingredients to prepare ten dishes, all with auspicious names for good luck.
Feng Jinlin knew that Ah Yao and Yunhe were not present, making everyone's meal tasteless. So, he volunteered to entertain Yunli. Children were children, and with their naturally boisterous personalities, their antics soon made everyone present laugh.
Feng Jinxu placed a lot of food into Wen Shi's bowl, saying as he served, "You are pregnant now, so you must eat more for the sake of the one in your belly. Don't worry, divine physician Zhang said that in another seven days, we'll be able to see Yunhe. If you're too thin then, won't he feel bad?"
Wen Shi nodded, holding back tears, and slowly chewed and swallowed the food.
Beside her, Madam Feng was worried about both her daughter-in-law and her son, and she chided him.
"You know how to lecture your wife, but why don't you look at yourself? You've lost so much weight. I heard you've been confining yourself to your study these past few days and haven't been eating much."
Feng Jinxu remained silent, as Madam Feng was speaking the truth.
Feng Hai understood his son's inner turmoil. As a father, he couldn't suffer in his son's stead, but he also couldn't be as tearful and unable to eat as his wife.
"Alright, it's all in the past. You two, husband and wife, must be strong. Otherwise, who will take care of Yunhe later? Will it be your mother and me? Or Xiao Er, or Ah Yao?"
As the head of the family, Feng Hai had spoken. Feng Jinxu naturally couldn't argue.
He hadn't eaten much for several days. When he put the chopsticks in his mouth again, he felt a slight nausea, but he forced himself to swallow.
The New Year's Eve dinner was not enjoyed by anyone.
Instead of gathering merrily for the vigil, Feng Hai and his wife had no mood for it, so they dispersed.
However, Feng Er secretly went to Yunhe's courtyard and placed a roasted chicken and some wine from a distance. Feng Jinyao usually didn't like meat, but the aroma made Feng Yunhe on his sickbed salivate. Helplessly, he couldn't sit up and could only watch divine physician Zhang and Yin Canwen feast.
Feng Jinyao was amused by his childish behavior. He was still just a child.
In Prince Ding's mansion, it was also desolate.
Ever since Xiao Tingyi fell gravely ill, there had been no joy here. Day after day, it was as cold as an ice cellar. Even the New Year's Eve dishes bestowed by His Majesty did not add any warmth.
The servants keeping watch did gather for a few tables, but the mansion had strict rules, so they didn't dare to be boisterous. They ate their meals quietly and then returned to their posts.
As the moon climbed above the treetops, in an ordinary residence in Pear Blossom Lane, the kitchen was bustling with activity.
The old woman was preparing New Year's Eve dinner for a sudden visitor.
A plate of sweet and sour carp, symbolizing abundance every year.
A bowl of golden jade soup, making one's mouth water at the sight.
Accompanied by roasted venison leg and a few light vegetable dishes, it seemed rather humble compared to the New Year's Eve feast in the palace, where jade nectar was served.