Chapter 11: This body is beyond your saving power

"Lang Jiuchuan's body won't last long."

The physician's words sent a shudder through everyone who had entered the room.

Lang Zhengping stepped past Lady Cui and approached, frowning as he asked, "How can her body be this weak? Physician Chen, tell us how to recuperate her. Just write a prescription; whatever medicinal ingredients are needed, I will have Manager Ding procure them."

This was the only precious sprout of the Second Branch; nothing could be allowed to happen to her, otherwise, how could he face his younger brother?

Having received his authorization, Physician Chen rose and bowed to him. "Young Lord, then this old man shall withdraw to contemplate the treatment."

"Go ahead."

"Don't trouble yourself," Lang Jiuchuan said with a half-smile. "This body... you people cannot save it."

Everyone was stunned.

"Nonsense," Lang Zhengping said, his face darkening. "You were just talking nonsense in the memorial hall, not only cursing the guests but also disturbing your grandfather's spirit. I am sparing you punishment because you are young and have just returned home. But your health is no joke; you cannot simply indulge your whims and act so recklessly."

Lang Jiuchuan laughed and retorted, "Indulging whims—isn't that the Lang family tradition?"

"You!" Lang Zhengping was incensed.

"Ninth Miss, do you still remember this old servant? The Old Madam has been thinking of you constantly. Knowing you have returned, she has been clamoring to see you." Nanny Wang stepped forward, looking closely at Lang Jiuchuan. "You have grown, but why have you become even thinner? Regardless, it is good that you are back. If you take care of yourself, you will get better."

Looking at the gentle old servant before her, certain images suddenly flashed through Lang Jiuchuan's mind: this person, smiling warmly, handing her a small sugar figurine.

Was this a remnant memory of her original self?

With this memory, Lang Jiuchuan became much more tolerant toward the old servant. She retracted her metaphorical thorns, stood up, and said, "Then I shall go with Nanny Wang to see the Old Madam."

"Ah, yes, alright." Nanny Wang looked toward Lang Zhengping.

Lang Zhengping then said, "Since your health is poor, you shall stay in Mother's courtyard to keep her company and talk with her. There is no need to go to the memorial hall."

That wouldn't do. Before she could amass great merit, she still had to absorb the merit and luck of this ancestor, otherwise, this body would fall apart.

"I must still fulfill my filial duties." Lang Jiuchuan walked to Nanny Wang's side and said, "Let's go."

As she passed by, Lady Cui spoke up: "Stop. I will assign a nanny to your side to teach you the rules. I hope that from now on, you will be cautious in your words and actions, and not lose your sense of propriety again, lest you invite disaster upon yourself and implicate the family."

Lang Zhengping and Lady Wu both frowned instinctively.

Lang Jiuchuan looked at her and asked, "Madam wishes to teach me rules? Don't you think it's a bit too late?"

Lady Cui pursed her lips, looking at the five finger marks on her face with eyes full of suppressed emotion.

Lang Jiuchuan gave her a deep look and turned to leave. *Where were you before? The original owner of this body is already dead.*

Lady Cui felt a surge of indignation stuck in her throat, leaning uncomfortably against the doorframe.

Lady Wu stepped forward to support her, advising, "Second Aunt, Ninth Sister has just returned home and is not yet familiar with things. She will improve with time."

"That is true. She resembles you somewhat, but her temperament follows my younger brother; that rebellious streak is exactly the same..." Lang Zhengping's words caught in his throat when Lady Cui looked up at him. He said dryly, "There is no such thing as a grudge between mother and daughter that lasts overnight. My brother has been gone for many years; Sister-in-law, you should also let it go. Lady Wu, please take extra care to arrange a courtyard for Ninth Sister and assign two clever maidservants to attend to her."

"Yes, Father."

Lang Zhengping walked away quickly.

Lady Wu felt a bit of a headache. She wanted to ask Lady Cui where to arrange the courtyard, but seeing that the latter looked as if she had lost her soul, she kept her mouth shut.

Being a daughter-in-law is so hard!

(End of Chapter)