Chapter 12: Visiting the Sick 2

Chapter 12: Visiting the Sick (2)

Under the strange gazes of the crowd, Hua Ling led Yue Chun out of the Prime Minister’s residence. Today was her second day in this ancient era, and she was still quite interested in this new environment.

Seeing the bustling crowds on the street, she was a little surprised. There were so many people out so early; it seemed that commerce in this ancient time was quite developed. After leaving the Prime Minister’s residence and turning a corner, she saw a long row of snack stalls. The steam was rising, and the fragrant aroma was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

"How much further is it?" Hua Ling asked Yue Chun, who was by her side.

"Almost there. Just turn the corner ahead and go straight, and we’ll be there," Yue Chun said cautiously.

Seeing her timid and overly careful demeanor, Hua Ling couldn't help but laugh. "I’m not going to eat you. Why are you so reserved? Relax."

"This servant wouldn't dare. I wouldn't dare to be presumptuous in front of you, Madam." Yue Chun didn't understand what Hua Ling meant for a moment and became even more careful.

Hua Ling sighed, knowing that it would be difficult to change her mindset overnight. In any case, as time went on, she would naturally come to understand what kind of person she was, so there was no need to rush the explanation.

Following the route Yue Chun described, they soon arrived at the place where Yun Xiu lived. Upon reaching the door, they heard violent coughing from inside. Hearing this, Hua Ling raised her hand and knocked on the door.

A moment later, the door opened, revealing Yun Xiu’s anxious face. She was startled to see Hua Ling and hurriedly said, "Madam, why are you here? Please, come in and sit. It’s just too shabby; I’ve wronged you." As she spoke, Yun Xiu quickly stepped aside and gave Yue Chun a slight smile.

Hua Ling walked into the room and saw that it was indeed very shabby. Aside from a table, a few stools, a cupboard, and a bed, there was nothing else. The person lying on the bed must have been Yun Xiu’s mother. Hua Ling walked over; the old woman looked very haggard, her hair was already gray, and her eyes had lost their luster, showing how much she had been tormented by illness.

"Elder, are you feeling any better?" Hua Ling asked with a smile.

"Mother, this is the Madam I told you about, the one who gave us the money," Yun Xiu said hurriedly from the side.

Hearing what Yun Xiu said, her mother said excitedly, "Thank you, Madam, for saving my life. *Cough, cough, cough*..." She had only managed to say one sentence before she began coughing incessantly. Seeing this, Hua Ling quickly patted her back gently to ease her suffering.

"Elder, don't get excited. It’s nothing; I’m just glad I could help," Hua Ling said. "Don't talk. Just focus on recovering. If you need anything, just have Yun Xiu tell me."

Yun Xiu’s mother nodded excitedly, tears streaming down her face, unable to speak through her sobs. Seeing this, Hua Ling felt a pang in her heart and quickly turned away so no one would see the tears in her own eyes.

"Yue Chun, give the food we brought to Yun Xiu," Hua Ling said.

Hearing Hua Ling’s words, Yue Chun quickly handed the food box in her hand to Yun Xiu and said, "This was brought specifically for you by Madam. She didn't even touch a single chopstick of it; it’s brand new."

Yun Xiu said gratefully, "Thank you, Madam. How could this servant dare to trouble you to be so concerned?" As she spoke, she shed tears. Servants like them were rarely cared for by anyone; what Hua Ling had done made them feel a gratitude that words could not express.

"Why say such things? Get up quickly and take good care of your mother. If you have any difficulties, tell me. Is the money enough?" Hua Ling helped Yun Xiu up and asked.

"It’s enough. The doctor said that as long as she rests well, there won't be any major problems. My mother’s cough was caused by a cold. The doctor said if we had treated it any later, it might have developed into consumption. Fortunately, it wasn't too late. This is all thanks to your kindness, Madam. If you hadn't given me your jewelry, my mother would have..." Yun Xiu choked up.

"It’s good that she’s alright. Buy more pears for your mother to eat; pears are effective for stopping coughs and moistening the lungs."

"Thank you, Madam, this servant will remember."

"Take good care of your mother, and don't come back until she has recovered. Is this place you're staying at bought or rented?" Hua Ling asked, looking around the small courtyard.