Daiyu nodded and took her leave, returning to her room.

She stood by the window, her heart filled with longing.

I hope that Baoyu and Baochai can return safely.

The next morning, Lin Ruhai ordered his men to prepare an official boat and specially invited a skilled doctor from the city to accompany him.

After everything was arranged, he sent someone to the Jia family to inform Jia Zheng.

Upon hearing the news, Jia Zheng felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and immediately reported the good news to Lady Wang.

Madam Wang clasped her hands together and said repeatedly, "Amitabha, it is truly the Bodhisattva's blessing!"

Yuan Chun breathed a sigh of relief and said softly, "With Uncle Lin's help, Bao Yu will surely return safely."

Madam Wang held Yuan Chun's hand, tears welling in her eyes: "This time, I owe you so much. If you hadn't reminded me to go find your uncle, I really wouldn't know what to do."

Yuan Chun smiled slightly: "Mother, you are too kind. If something happens to Bao Yu, I'm afraid the old lady will not be able to bear it."

"Mother, you must hang in there these days."

"Yes, yes, Baoyu will definitely return safely." Madam Wang tried her best to calm her anxiety and not let others see anything amiss.

A few days later, the official ship departed from Nanjing and headed south to Guangzhou.

The servants found Baoyu and Baochai at an inn; both of them were so thin they were almost unrecognizable.

The servants who came out with Baoyu were also either sick or injured.

The servants hurriedly carried the person onto the boat, and the boat headed north along the waterway.

Although Baoyu's face was pale after the doctor's treatment, his spirits were much better than before.

Baochai didn't have anything serious to do; she was just tired.

Now that servants are taking care of Baoyu, she can rest and recuperate in peace.

The boat moved swiftly like an arrow, with verdant mountains on both banks and the surging river reflecting the sky and clouds, resembling a silver ribbon winding forward.

That day.

Baoyu lay in the cabin, gazing at the scenery outside the window, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He had hoped to broaden his horizons on his journey south, but he fell ill due to the change in environment. If it weren't for Baochai's meticulous care, he would likely have met with dire consequences.

Baochai sat to the side, holding a bowl of freshly brewed medicine in her hands, and said softly, "Baoyu, it's time to drink your medicine."

Baoyu took the medicine bowl, his brows furrowed slightly, but he still drank it down in one gulp.

The bitter medicine slid down his throat, and he couldn't help but cough a few times.

Baochai quickly handed her a cup of warm water, her eyes full of concern: "Drink slowly, don't choke."

Baoyu forced a smile: "Sister Bao, you've had a hard time these past few days."

Baochai shook her head and said gently, "Why say such things between us?"

Baoyu was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Only after this trip did I realize how useless I am. If it weren't for your care throughout the journey, I'm afraid I would have..."

Baochai interrupted him: "Don't say that. You're just having trouble adjusting to the new environment; anyone would feel the same way."

Baoyu sighed, looked out at the river, and murmured, "I wonder how things are at home."

Baochai comforted her, saying, "With Uncle Lin's official boat, we'll be home soon."

Baoyu nodded, a hint of melancholy flashing in his eyes: "Yes, we'll be able to go back soon."

He held a scroll of poems tightly in his hand, every word and phrase of which expressed his untold feelings.

——————

Upon learning of Baoyu's impending return, everyone in the Jia household busied themselves with preparations.

Lady Wang ordered her servants to clean Baoyu's room again and prepared his favorite snacks.

Grandmother Jia also talked about it every day, hoping that her grandson would come home soon.