Madam Song followed out of concern and happened to see Song Zhiyuan and Lin Qing gazing at each other. She paused slightly, then walked over with a smile.
The crowd made way as Madam Song approached Song Ci, bowed slightly, and asked with concern, "Mother, how did you find your first acupuncture session?"
"It hurts," Song Ci replied. "Don’t co any closer, the pain is overwhelming, and I have to force myself to talk to you all—it’s quite exhausting."
Madam Song’s expression grew serious, "Mother."
Song Zhiyuan stood up and said, "It’s our fault as sons for troubling you. Mother, please rest well, we shall leave now. Nanny Gong, take good care of the old madam."
"Yes, Pri Minister."
Song Zhiyuan looked at Madam Song, "Let’s head back to the courtyard."
Madam Song ekly nodded, falling half a step behind as she left with her husband.
Once the two had left, the others rose, and Lin Qing said to Song Ci, "Old Madam, I’ve prepared an herbal bath for you. A soak will help you sleep better."
Song Ci nodded and was helped into the bathroom by her maidservants.
The evening deepened, filled with the sound of insects.
Madam Song gazed at her husband beside her, feeling he was especially quiet today.
"Husband, ever since Mother woke up, it seems she doesn’t enjoy us being around often," Madam Song initiated the conversation herself. "Even when Qi’er went to pay respects during the day, she preferred to sleep and didn’t see him."
Song Zhiyuan frowned, "Lu Courtyard did ntion Mother’s temperant would be unpredictable, and it seems they weren’t wrong."
Madam Song said, "I feel the old madam is more approachable now..." She hesitated, feeling sowhat awkward, and laughed, "That’s what Qi’er and the others say."
"Yes, if the children enjoy spending ti with her, Mother won’t feel too lonely."
Madam Song glanced at him again and said, "Indeed, and now we have Doctor Lin frequently looking after her. When Mother’s health improves, she could even visit her hotown in Yu Hang without much issue."
Song Zhiyuan looked over and said, "As for Doctor Lin, assign a couple more people to attend to her. Whatever dicinal ingredients she requires, ensure the storehouse has them on hand. If the storehouse doesn’t have them, purchase them outside. Do not skimp on silver. Treat her like a guest."
Madam Song’s heart skipped a beat, nearly revealing her expression, and she couldn’t help but glance at him before smiling, "Don’t worry, having secured a female physician Mother likes wasn’t easy, she will naturally be treated as an honored guest."
"Alright."
"What a pity about Doctor Lin, with her skill and age, she’s pledged not to marry. Otherwise, given her character and appearance, countless fine young n would be at her selection." Madam Song feigned a sigh.
Song Zhiyuan raised an eyebrow, glancing at her with a half-smile.
Madam Song’s smile stalled, "What is it?"
"For now, Mother’s health is the most important, let’s not think about anything else." Song Zhiyuan squeezed her hand, "I have matters to attend to, so I won’t be joining you for dinner. I’ll eat in the study."
Madam Song felt her face warm, responding with an "Oh."
Song Zhiyuan chuckled, released her hand, and turned to walk toward the outer courtyard.
Madam Song watched him disappear, pressed a hand against her chest, sighed with a hint of self-mockery. At this age, why do I think more and more—is it because I feel like I’ve grown old and haggard?
She touched her face, then thought of Lin Qing’s fair, delicate face, contemplating.
Back in the study, Song Zhiyuan summoned Qian Yong, leader of the Dark Departnt, and instructed in a calm voice, "Assign two more Hidden Guards to the old madam’s courtyard, and station one at the Bamboo Grove to monitor Doctor Lin. Have soone investigate her background thoroughly and report everything to ."
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