Lian Manman, Wu Lang, Lian Shouxin, and Xiao Qi were all taken aback.
"Why are you here? Did sothing happen at ho?"
The visitor was originally a long-term worker for Lian Manman’s family, who was now promoted to be a steward for the fields. His original na was Da Li, but now everyone called him Steward Feng.
Steward Feng had accompanied Lian Shouxin to the Prefecture City in the past, but this ti he didn’t co along. Instead, he was left at ho. It was February, spring plowing hadn’t started yet, but the winter wheat in the fields needed constant attention.
Now, Steward Feng suddenly arrived in the Prefecture City, looking flustered and travel-worn, so it was no surprise that Lian Shouxin imdiately asked if sothing had happened at ho.
"Sir, the lady asks you to hurry back ho." After greeting Lian Shouxin, Lian Manman, Wu Lang, and Xiao Qi, Steward Feng quickly said, "The Great Grandfather, the Great Grandfather might not make it."
"What?" Lian Shouxin turned pale with shock, standing up abruptly from his chair. "What are you saying? Just a few days ago when I visited, the Old Master was fine. What do you an the Great Grandfather might not make it? Explain clearly."
"Steward Feng, don’t panic, speak slowly." Wu Lang was a bit more composed than Lian Shouxin.
At this mont, it was crucial to remain calm and not panic. Wu Lang noticed Steward Feng’s flustered, dusty appearance and realized he had rushed all the way from Thirty Mile Camp, likely without stopping to rest. Among all the stewards, workers, and servants of the Lian Family, Steward Feng was the best rider. This might be one substantial reason Lady Zhang sent him to the Prefecture City.
Wu Lang arranged a seat for Steward Feng on the side and ordered so tea for him.
Steward Feng thanked him for the seat but didn’t sit down. Instead, he accepted the tea and drank it down without pausing to breathe.
After drinking the tea, Steward Feng seed to have regained so composure and wasn’t as panicked anymore. Only then did Wu Lang ask him to report the situation in detail.
"The Great Grandfather collapsed yesterday evening and went into a stupor in the middle of the night. The old residence was terrified and sent soone to deliver the news to the lady. The lady sent Steward Han Zhong over to have a doctor called to prescribe dicine. The Great Grandfather took one dose, but it didn’t seem to improve much. This morning, Doctor Li prescribed another dose, but the Great Grandfather couldn’t swallow it. According to Doctor Li, it seems the Great Grandfather might not make it. The lady imdiately sent to find the master, asking him to hurry back."
From Steward Feng’s words, it seed that Old Master Lian’s condition was indeed very serious. Everyone stopped asking further and quickly gave orders to prepare luggage and the carriage to return to Thirty Mile Camp.
"Wu Lang and I will go back first; you and Xiao Qi can return tomorrow morning." Lian Shouxin said to Lian Manman and Xiao Qi.
Since it was very late already, Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang needed to travel overnight back to Thirty Mile Camp. With Old Master Lian critically ill, Lian Shouxin, being the biological son, and Wu Lang, the eldest son of that branch who already held academic honors, were considered adults and thus had to rush back imdiately.
However, Lian Manman was a girl, and Xiao Qi was still young. The two of them could afford to delay and return to Thirty Mile Camp a bit later.
Traveling at night was not only exhausting but also unsafe. Lian Manman frowned slightly, thought for a mont, and then whispered a few words with Xiao Qi.
"Dad, we’d better go back with you." Lian Manman said to Lian Shouxin, "In case we’re too late, at least we might still get to see Grandpa one last ti."
From Steward Feng’s account, it really seed that Old Master Lian was in a perilous state this ti. If he managed to recover, all would be well, and Lian Manman and Xiao Qi could return whenever. If Old Master Lian did not pull through... by the rites and countryside customs, no one would bla Lian Manman and Xiao Qi. However, Lian Manman still decided to return with Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang.
Birth, aging, illness, and death are significant matters in life. Besides...
"Really?" Lian Shouxin was both surprised and pleased.
"Really." Lian Manman and Xiao Qi both nodded.
"Good children." Lian Shouxin only said three words, but both Lian Manman and Xiao Qi knew he was very happy and relieved.
By this ti, the night had grown quite deep. The luggage and carriage were all ready. At Lian Manman’s request, both Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang gave up riding mules and sat in the more secure carriage, while Lian Manman took a carriage with two maidservants and Xiao Qi.
During this ti, the kitchen arranged for Steward Feng to have a al. When fully fed, Steward Feng regained his vigor. He was invited by Lian Shouxin into the carriage and recounted the events of Old Master Lian’s illness to Lian Shouxin and Wu Lang along the way.
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