Chapter 192
Xinxin is now a father. In the third year of her marriage, Chen gave birth to twins, two sons.
The Wen family has many descendants in the next generation.
Wen Shi was very happy about this. He wanted to bring honor to his ancestors, so his family couldn't be too small, and he also had to raise these children well.
Not everyone needs to be successful, but there shouldn't be any spendthrift children in the family.
In the latter half of the night, Yingxiang slept very restlessly and had nightmares, even dreaming that she suddenly vomited blood and died, which was not a good omen.
It was still dark, but she was already conscious, though she didn't get up.
When dawn broke and she went to court, she slowly sat up.
"What path should I take?"
Fate is a mysterious thing; the world is full of wonders. Yingxiang asked in her mind, and the system quickly gave her an answer.
"Host, don't worry, you won't die suddenly. There will be a period of illness, but it won't cause you too much pain."
The system disappeared after it finished speaking. Yingxiang was stunned for a long time before slowly getting out of bed.
She washed up as usual, ate and drank her fill, and exercised in the garden. A gentle breeze was blowing, and as she looked up at the lush green garden, her feelings were quite complicated.
Spring passed and summer came. In mid-June, Leqian and Shenchu took the children back to Beijing.
"grandmother."
Looking at her four well-behaved grandsons standing in a row, Yingxiang smiled and nodded. She looked up at her son and suddenly realized that he really looked like his father.
Whether it's facial features or expression.
Wen Shi was just like that when he was young, with an upright posture and a determined look in his clear black and white eyes.
"Now that our son is back, he can also take care of his parents from now on."
Leqian finished speaking with great joy, and Yingxiang nodded in agreement.
"Go and rest for a while. You've come all this way, so tidy up first."
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she suddenly started coughing. Afterwards, everyone looked at her with some confusion, because there wasn't a single ice basin in her room on a hot summer day.
"Has Mother caught a cold?"
Le Qian asked with some concern.
It should be noted that although Yingxiang is old, she has always been very healthy.
"It's nothing, I probably just didn't pay attention to it the past few days, it'll be fine in a few days."
Yingxiang wasn't in a good mood, but she couldn't tell anyone directly; it was too strange.
In the evening, after the family had dinner, Yingxiang started coughing again. This time, not only Leqian but also Wenshi kept a close eye on his wife.
"Please invite a doctor."
Yingxiang acted this way suddenly, and others didn't know why, but she knew very well what was going on.
The only thing I'll miss is my family here.
A few days ago, Wenling successfully got married. Thinking of her son who had returned from his posting, and her youngest child, Yingxiang unconsciously frowned.
Wen Shi insisted, and he was also worried about his wife.
The doctor repeatedly took Yingxiang's pulse, but his expression looked somewhat strange; he would sometimes frown and sometimes sigh.
He was a renowned physician in the capital, and ordinary families couldn't even get him to come.
"Doctor, how is my mother's health?"
Seeing the doctor put down his hand to take her pulse, Shen Chu asked with some concern.
“It’s normal for an elderly person to feel unwell, as they eat a lot of grains. Her pulse is a bit strange.”
"What do you mean by that?"
Upon hearing this, he immediately pressed for details.
"The old lady's pulse was weak and unstable, like that of someone who was about to die."
Without much hesitation, the doctor spoke to him face to face.
Yingxiang looked alright, but upon closer examination of her pulse, it became clear that something was wrong with her body.
Upon hearing this, Yingxiang instinctively clenched the handkerchief in her hand, her face turning pale instantly.
Upon hearing this, Yingxiang stood up abruptly, while everyone else in the room stared at her in disbelief.
"Impossible. Mother has always been in good health and has never been sick. How could this happen?"
Yingxiang wasn't too surprised to hear this. It was already miraculous that she could diagnose it; it was something that couldn't be stopped by human power. She didn't belong to this world to begin with.
Yingxiang of this world passed away at a very young age; otherwise, she wouldn't have come here.
"At this age, every extra day of life a lady can live is a blessing she has accumulated over the years. Some people are like that; they either suffer from constant minor illnesses or suddenly fall ill."
After the doctor finished speaking, he sighed repeatedly.
In his view, Yingxiang was already old; she was simply reaching the end of her life.
"It is summer, but the old lady's hands and feet are very cold. To be honest, she probably has less than a year left to live. I will prescribe some highly nourishing tonics for her. As for when she will live, that is up to fate."
Doctors don't lie, especially not such famous and skilled ones. Standing next to her mother-in-law, Shen Chu subconsciously reached out and took her hand.
Just as the doctor had said, Yingxiang's hands were very cold.
"Let's take the doctor home first, it's so late."
Yingxiang tried her best to remain calm.
"I'm fine, really fine, I don't feel unwell."
She said this while looking at Wen Shi. Wen Shi looked at his wife with a complicated and distressed expression; he didn't want to believe it.
"I will go to see His Majesty after court tomorrow and ask for a royal physician."
Yingxiang didn't refute his words.
That night, most people tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Wen Shi barely slept a wink. The next day, he forced himself to go to court and then went to the Imperial Study to request an audience.
The emperor readily agreed, especially when he saw Wen Shi's earnest expression, which moved him somewhat. He also rewarded Wen Shi with some tonics to take back with him.
The imperial physician Wen Shi brought back was no ordinary physician; he was the head of the Imperial Medical Academy. When they arrived home, Yingxiang stretched out her hand, and the old physician carefully took her pulse, sighing repeatedly.
"Give the old lady more nourishing foods. I won't prescribe any more herbal medicine. Judging from her pulse, no matter how much medicine she drinks, it won't be very effective."
These doctors are indeed bold enough to speak their minds, since there's no risk of losing their lives; they say what they mean.
Yingxiang's illness came on suddenly. This morning, Wen Leqian went to attend to his own business first, and Chen Chu hurriedly sent someone to deliver a message to Xinxin.
She was still somewhat rational; the doctor's diagnosis yesterday might not necessarily be wrong, and Yingxiang was definitely sick—that was beyond doubt.
If that's really the case, then my brother-in-law has to know too; we can't keep it from him, it's a big deal.
The imperial physician was taking Yingxiang's pulse, and she was still standing beside Yingxiang. Wenshi was sitting to the side. When she heard the imperial physician's words, Wenshi subconsciously gripped the corner of the table, and the veins on her hands bulged.
If there was any sliver of relief before, that relief is now completely gone.
"I'm sorry to trouble you so much, sir. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I'll see you out first."
Despite her grief, Shen Chu did not forget etiquette. She walked up to the imperial physician, took out a bag of loose silver from her sleeve, and handed it to him.
"Everyone gets old eventually."
The imperial physician was probably just trying to comfort him; he left after saying that.
After the two left, only Wen Shi and Ying Xiang remained in the hall.
"My husband, please listen to me, I..."
Yingxiang got up and walked to Wenshi, took his hand, and seeing her husband's grief-stricken expression, she thought for a moment and then said, "I guess I'm dying of old age, everyone has to come to this day."
Even someone who knows their lifespan is nearing its end can't laugh.
It was impossible for Yingxiang not to be sad, but she still tried her best to calm Wenshi down. Wenshi held his wife's hand and shook his head repeatedly.
"It can't be like that, it definitely can't be like that."
Subconsciously, he was very clear-headed; the doctor's words couldn't be wrong. But he didn't want to believe it. He was perfectly fine; how could he suddenly turn out like this?
This can't be done, this can't be done.
He immediately ordered the carriage to be set up and headed out. Shen Chu felt extremely distressed when she saw her father-in-law rushing out.
She could understand her father-in-law's feelings, but now that her mother-in-law was here, she quickened her pace and hurried towards the hall.
Hu Family
Hu Yong'an was feeling better than before, and he was taken aback when he saw Wen Shi suddenly visit him.
Upon hearing this, he immediately put down his teacup, but still agreed.
"Go and invite that expert here."
Two skilled doctors made diagnoses, which were not significantly different. However, Wen Shi and Ying Xiang were a loving couple and had not taken any concubines all these years.
If that's really the case, Hu Yong'an put himself in Wen Shi's shoes and could understand. He had been in the same situation when he was sick before. Seeing a doctor was one thing, but asking someone else for advice was definitely better.
Yingxiang thought she would suddenly fall ill and die at the last moment, and that she still had time. However, she did not expect that she would experience unwell symptoms in less than half the time. According to this, she should not be able to leave the capital.
"Did you write a letter to Xinxin?"
If I really have to leave this world, I still want to see my child before I die, so that I don't leave him with any regrets.
“My daughter-in-law got up early and had someone send a message to my second brother and the others by fast horse.”
That's good.
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she started coughing again.
After the expert came out, Wen Shi immediately gave Yingxiang's birth date and time. The expert sat to the side, holding a whisk. It was unclear whether he was truly powerful or a fraud.
But right now, Wen Shi can't worry about that.
Deep down, he couldn't accept it.
But the imperial physician's diagnosis is unlikely to be wrong.
Hu Yong'an stood to the side, his expression also somewhat serious.
After a long while, the expert, who was also a Taoist priest, suddenly stood up and looked at Wen Shi with a strange expression.
“If the birth date and time given by the adults are true, then she shouldn’t have lived this long; she should have gone to see Buddha many years ago.”
Wen Shi's expression turned even uglier upon hearing this.
The birth dates and times are naturally correct. This was obtained by Liu from Yingxiang's father when they got married. She even had the two of them calculated, and there was no conflict.
"Immortal, is this true?"
"Judging from her birth chart, she is indeed not a long-lived person."
"This, this..."
Hu Yong'an immediately looked at Wen Shi. Wen Shi had never believed in these things before, but now he was rushing over in such a hurry. Fortunately, he had spent money to keep this expert here, so he still believed in this.
He personally felt that some things were quite accurate.
“Brother Wen, this person’s lifespan has come to an end, and fate cannot be changed. Now your two sons are both successful, and your family has quite a few descendants. I think even if your wife is about to leave, she will have no regrets.”
Before Hu Yong'an could finish speaking, Wen Shi got up and left. He had never been so out of control in his life, and Hu Yong'an didn't hold it against him.
At this point, all of that is meaningless.
Wen rushed home and saw Yingxiang inside.
He closed his eyes in pain and went to his study first.
The emperor was certain that the imperial physician would come to examine him, and after the resignation was quickly submitted, the emperor approved it immediately, taking into account the physician's age.
Not only that, but he was also rewarded with five thousand taels of silver so that he could use it to support himself when he returned to his hometown in his old age, which was considered a great favor.
Over the years, Wen Shi has worked diligently and conscientiously, and the late emperor praised and promoted him. The current emperor also has a very good impression of Wen Shi.
All of this was done in just two days.
When Le Qian found out, he remained silent for a long time, but he couldn't let his job be delayed.
After the doctor's examination, Yingxiang's health deteriorated day by day.
After Wen Shi resigned from his official post, he stayed by her side every day, taking care of her without ever relying on anyone else.
Yingxiang would comfort him, telling him not to be sad, saying that she was of advanced age and had no regrets. Xiao Wu's family would also visit her often.
This includes Wen Ling, who had recently gotten married.
During that time, Yingxiang ate a lot of ginseng soup and various tonics, but to be honest, they didn't have much effect.
After the Shen and Chen families found out, they both came several times. After all, their children were in-laws, so they were relatives.
Wen Shi resigned from his post under the pretext of his wife's serious illness. Yingxiang was his wife who had shared his hardships, and everyone knew that. As a result, he was praised for his loyalty and affection.
But right now, he doesn't need these empty titles.
If he could, he would want to give his lifespan to his wife; he would rather leave this world first.
By the time Xinxin hurriedly returned with Chen Shi and their two sons, it was already the beginning of autumn. He couldn't wait to go see his mother.
His mother was seriously ill, so he immediately took a long leave of absence.
In front of Yingxiang, everyone comforted her, saying that the doctor's previous words were inaccurate, but Yingxiang knew perfectly well the true state of her body.
Later, they consulted many other doctors and famous physicians, but none of them made a decision in front of Yingxiang.
Knowing that they meant well, Yingxiang didn't ask any questions afterward, simply assuming that she was in good health.
Right now, she is bedridden and has no strength left.
Even when hot meals are served, she can barely eat a few bites, even when Wen Shi feeds her personally.
Everyone knew that her time was drawing near.
“My father-in-law takes such good care of my mother-in-law, but he is getting old.”
Outside, Chen Chu looked at Chen Shi, her words filled with concern for her elder. The two were dressed very simply.
Logically, the two of them should be serving him, but Yingxiang never wanted to. As Wenshi got older, Yingxiang was even less likely to want him to serve her.
When Ke Wen said that he would not leave, he refused to go.
In the end, she had no choice but to go with him.
Madam Chen sighed, “My husband once told me that my father and mother had a very good relationship, and it seems that they are truly a loving couple now.”
“It’s cold. I heard from the steward that my father-in-law is going to the temple on the mountain tomorrow.”
"Let my elder brother and husband go with them."
"That's how it should be."
After Chen Chu finished speaking, she subconsciously glanced at the main room.
The next morning, Wen Shi sat in the carriage, with Xin Xin and Le Qian sitting beside him. The atmosphere in the carriage was heavy. Ever since Ying Xiang fell ill, Wen Shi had never missed the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, going to the temple regardless of wind or rain.
The weather is bad right now, gloomy and overcast, but he still persists.
When he arrived at the temple, he sincerely prayed to Heaven, even risking his own life for what he asked for; he had been doing this for days.
But will the gods and Buddhas really protect him?
It's hard to say.
That evening, after returning home, Wen Shi locked himself in his study, pricked his finger with a silver needle, squeezed out the blood, and watched as the blood dripped into the ink. After a long time, he stopped.
The bright red blood mingled with the black ink as he picked up the brush and solemnly began copying the scriptures.
He stayed up all night, trembling as he copied a Buddhist scripture. The next morning, his eyes were covered in dark circles.
They then had it rushed to the temple to be burned. Since Yingxiang fell ill, he had stopped eating any meat and only ate vegetarian food, all in order to pray for divine protection.
He ate only plain porridge and side dishes every day, so he didn't feel bored. But as time went on, his body became visibly thinner.
He only hoped that his wife would recover soon and that a miracle would happen.
That night, Yingxiang suddenly developed a high fever. She had never felt so unwell before. While she was still somewhat conscious, she quickly logged into the system and saw the last time.
Two lines of clear tears streamed down her cheeks. In the pitch-black room, Wen Shi seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep.
During this time, he had been working terribly, and Yingxiang couldn't bear to wake him. She hadn't forgotten a single detail of his suffering.
But she felt her consciousness becoming increasingly blurred, and if she really was going to leave, she couldn't just disappear without a trace.
"My husband."
Her voice was very soft, but he immediately opened his eyes upon hearing it. He lit the candle by the bedside in a few quick movements. Perhaps due to his age, his movements were inevitably slow. He looked up at the person inside and immediately wanted to find a doctor.
Yingxiang grabbed him, and perhaps with her last bit of strength, Wen Shi was held so tightly that he couldn't move. He didn't dare to shake her off forcefully and could only hold his wife's hand.
She could probably imagine that something was wrong with her at that moment, but she didn't have time to think about it.
"My husband, after I'm gone, you must live well, eat well, take good care of yourself, live a long and healthy life."
"Tell the children to be well from now on."
Yingxiang's voice was a little hoarse, but she had used all her strength.
After she finished speaking, she slowly released Wen Shi's hand, gently closed her eyes, and no matter how Wen Shi called her, she did not respond.
In the middle of the night, the Wen family's house was brightly lit.
When Wen Shi looked at his deceased wife in his arms, he could no longer hold back his tears.
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