When she opened her eyes again, it was already bright daylight and the rain had stopped. She instinctively went to check on the child, but her stiff neck twisted, causing her to grimace in pain. After a long pause, she reached out to touch the child's forehead. The fever had subsided. The child was still asleep, his expression peaceful, and she figured he'd sleep for a while longer.

She got up, changed her clothes, washed up, fed the donkey, and then lit a fire to cook a pot of corn porridge. She ate two bowls herself and fed the child one before going to the front hall to open the shop. Outside, fallen leaves were scattered on the ground. She relaxed her tense muscles, then found a broom and swept the front door. As soon as she finished, Uncle Cao arrived, carrying a jar of wine.

"Why did you deliver it yourself? Where are Brother Xu San and Ah Xiao?"

"They're still drunk. They won't wake up for two days."

Xu Jiang smiled knowingly; she knew the aftereffects of this potato wine best. She took the jar of wine and invited Uncle Cao into the shop. After putting the things away, she said to him, "Uncle Cao, I'm afraid I have to trouble you with something."

"Master, please speak."

"I can't leave my place without help. Uncle Cao, please go get a doctor for me."

Uncle Cao's expression grew serious upon hearing this. He glanced at Xu Jiang from head to toe and asked worriedly, "Is the master ill? Is it safe to fight him?"

Xu Jiang quickly shook his head and denied it, "It's not me."

Uncle Cao was puzzled. "It's not the boss? Then what is it?"

"Come with me."

Xu Jiang led Uncle Cao to the bedroom in the backyard. When Uncle Cao entered the room, he saw a child lying on the couch and asked in surprise, "Master, where did this child come from?"

"I found him outside the house last night. He was very sick and had injuries. He was almost killed by the rain."

Uncle Cao took a look at the child's condition and immediately went outside. "I'll go get a doctor right away."