Su Xin and Su Yue were overjoyed, arranging a bright guest room for her that was close to the main house.
In the afternoon, Zeng Guangyi sat up and ate his meal.
Su Xin was even happier. "Before, Master couldn't even sit up. This is all Eldest Miss's doing. Master is happy to see Eldest Miss."
Lu Nianfu didn't suspect a thing.
While it was called attending to the sick, feeding, administering medicine, and cleaning were all done by the maids. She only showed her face occasionally to talk for a bit. If this could make her father more comfortable, she naturally wouldn't refuse.
However, she was a little puzzled. "What about Madam and Second Miss?"
Wouldn't they be the ones who should be attending to the sick?
Su Xin sighed. "Eldest Miss doesn't know when she's not in the manor. Madam has been eating vegetarian and chanting Buddhist scriptures for years and rarely leaves the Buddhist hall. As for Second Miss, her health is such that she's fortunate to take care of herself. How could we dare let her come over? If she were to catch the illness, she would inevitably fall gravely ill again."
Her half-sister, whom she hadn't seen in years, had turned into a porcelain doll. Her parents' relationship also seemed rather strained. Lu Nianfu glanced at the brilliantly decorated Earl's manor, yet she couldn't help but sense a hint of impending collapse.
Su Xin added, "Eldest Miss, why don't you go take a nap? Master has just taken his medicine and won't wake up so easily."
Lu Nianfu nodded.
She beckoned Qingya back to the guest room.
She had thought she wouldn't be able to sleep, but to her surprise, after lying on the bed for just the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, she fell asleep. Qingya yawned and also fell asleep on the couch.
Su Xin happily drew another bowl of her blood, still carefully wiping away any traces from her fingers.
After waking up, Lu Nianfu felt like she hadn't slept enough. Qingya, however, woke up feeling refreshed. "Miss, it turns out that afternoon naps are so effective! I was feeling dizzy from the smell of medicine before, but now I feel much more energetic."
"But the more I sleep, the more I want to sleep."
"You've been tired these past two days. You are not allowed to look at the account books tonight."
"Looking at account books is a minor issue. The main problem is those servants from the Imperial Household Department who are difficult to handle." She had specifically sent charcoal over earlier to remind those people not to think she was easily fooled.
The effect was there.
The false accounts they submitted were no longer so blatant; much of the embezzlement was disguised with a more appealing facade. But how could this fool Lu Nianfu, who had dealt with account books in two lifetimes?
The thought of those troublesome matters made her not even want to move into the Prince Rui's manor.
Although the house on Hulu Street was a bit small, it felt comfortable to live in.
After dinner, Lu Nianfu still wanted to stay to look after Zeng Guangyi, but Zeng Guangyi refused. Su Xin understood him best and advised, "Eldest Miss, you are now a daughter-in-law of the royal family. It is not appropriate to stay at your maiden home. Earl Uncle certainly does not wish for you to be gossiped about. You should return home and come again tomorrow during the day."
Lu Nianfu was touched and followed his arrangement.
Gu Yanchen was in a bad mood today. Hearing that his father-in-law was seriously ill, he was surprised. "Why didn't you say so earlier? Should I have Ji Jin go take a look?"
"Father is the Director of the Imperial Hospital himself. The people treating him are certainly skilled. It would be good for Young Master Ji to go, but if it were known, Father might feel that his medical skills are being doubted."
"That's true." Although Gu Yanchen had confidence in his own brother, he also knew that compared to illnesses, Ji Jin had more expertise in external injuries and poisons. He then gave up the idea of burdening him.
After discussing for a while, Gu Yanchen generously offered to let her take more valuable medicinal herbs.
"You go first tomorrow. I'll go find you after I've attended to matters at Dali Temple."
"Won't that delay your important business?"
"The most important business lately is that case involving the Meng family. It's a pity that although we've captured the person, we can't get them to talk. Who knows what background that fourth concubine has. It's been so many days, and despite all sorts of torture, she still refuses to confess."
Lu Nianfu advised, "It's alright, take your time. Perhaps there will be new progress tomorrow."
Gu Yanchen didn't want to take his time, but some cases couldn't be rushed. He lay down on the bed. "Let's sleep first. I'll go question her again later when it's late."