The steward shook his head, "Madam did not instruct me to prepare gifts."

Zhu Xian clenched his fingers slightly. The Shi brothers, Shi Yunbai and Shi Yunsong, were both Jinshi graduates. Shi Yunsong inherited the Earl's Mansion and took on a sinecure. Shi Yunsong had always served as an official outside the capital and had never returned to the capital. But strangely, his official rank kept rising.

Zhu Xian's heart sank. People who receive such treatment must either be extremely favored by the emperor or have connections in the court.

Such a person is not someone he, who appears to be in a high position but is actually just sitting idly by, can afford to offend.

Zhu Xian solemnly ordered people to prepare generous gifts and sent a message to Madam Qian, instructing her to go to the Ningyuan Earl's residence to apologize first thing tomorrow morning.

Because she was in a bad mood, Qian only ate half a bowl of bamboo shoot soup before stopping. Now she felt a tightness in her stomach, and the message from the visitor made her even more depressed. She felt so irritated that she vomited.

Granny Ruan was startled and quickly brought tea to help Madam Qian rinse her mouth. She then ordered someone to clean up the mess on the floor and gently patted Madam Qian's chest.

Ms. Qian vomited two more mouthfuls of sour water and slumped listlessly on the stool, panting.

Granny Ruan soothed her breathing, carefully observed her pale face, and asked, "Does Madam still feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

Ms. Qian shook her head, looking dejected.

After pondering for a moment, Granny Ruan said, "Why don't we ask a doctor to take a look?"

Madam Qian turned to look at her, and Granny Ruan met her gaze.

Qian's eyes slowly brightened, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily turned up. Could it be that the hope she had been waiting for for more than ten years had finally arrived?

As Qian recalled the night Zhu Xian had stayed here a few days ago, an unnatural blush rose on her cheeks.

"Quickly, go and fetch a doctor."

Granny Ruan accepted the order with a smile and quickly left.

Yi Hong brought over some tea, but Qian Shi, contrary to her usual tastes, gave her a cold look and rolled her eyes, saying, "You heartless thing, why don't you change it to plain water?"

Yi Hong had served by Qian's side for a long time and was highly valued by her. She had never heard such a harsh scolding before, and her face immediately turned pale. She quickly took the teacup out.