Time passed neither too fast nor too slow, from the first month to the fifteenth, and from the fifteenth to the second month.
All told, Young Master Xu Mo of the Green Bamboo has been in bed for more than three months, but there is still no improvement.
With the imperial examination fast approaching, some were happy while others were sad, some were relieved while others were worried.
When the imperial court announced the exact date of the imperial examination—February 15th—this emotion reached its peak. It was said that Zhao Yuan secretly shed many tears, crying and pleading to take Xu's place in being sick.
Later, his mother beat him with a stick, and he really got sick.
When the news reached the second courtyard, Xu Mo felt deeply guilty. "After the imperial examination, I will have to personally go and apologize."
Almost all the relatives and friends who came to visit him left gold, silver and medicine. Even An Jun personally copied down the examination notes of the Imperial Academy and sent them over.
Every little thing he did was an expression of affection, and also an apology he would have to make in the future.
That was bad enough, but as the date of the imperial examination drew closer, the Fang family became restless again. Unfamiliar men, mostly dressed in black, frequently appeared around the courtyard, acting suspiciously as if they were afraid no one would discover their ulterior motives.
“I think their ulterior motives are just a pretense; they really want to scare our elder brother into thinking his condition is worsening,” Changyan said incisively. “At the same time, they can also find out whether our elder brother is really sick.”
Xu Mo's physique was not particularly strong, but it was by no means weak either. Falling into the cold pond in winter would have injured his body, but it wouldn't have kept him out of bed for three months.
Perhaps they went too far in faking illness.
But recovering at this critical juncture is more dangerous than arousing suspicion.
“It seems we should go out for a walk.” Xu Mo said thoughtfully. “We’ll have a good talk when Xiao Si comes back from the clinic and Lao Er and his sister come back from the workshop.”
To earn money, to survive, and for the joy and pursuit in their hearts, everyone is busy with their own things during the day.
As darkness fell and night enveloped the earth, Aunt Zhang closed the gates of Jiuzhenfang and returned to cook. The aroma of meat filled the air, and the quiet courtyard regained its lively atmosphere.
The food was gradually placed on the table, and all the doors and windows were tightly closed, allowing Xu Mo's feet to touch the ground and walk freely.
“Brother, you don’t need to be so serious. When someone is sick, they have to lie down and can’t even take two steps.” Zheng Ruqian shouted. “Luckily, the imperial examination is coming up soon. If you lie down for a few more months, I think your legs will turn into tails.”
Jiang Sheng was sipping her meat porridge when she heard this and almost spat it out.
Wen Zhiyun carefully handed over a handkerchief, and only after watching her sister wipe herself clean did she say softly, "Three months is indeed a bit long for an illness; anyone with even a little medical knowledge would be suspicious."
It's often said that people who live together for a long time develop a tacit understanding, and that's absolutely true.
The things they discussed during the day were brought up by Zheng Ruqian and Wen Zhiyun that evening, with Jiang Sheng nodding in agreement.
Xu Mo smiled and said frankly, "I want to go out for a walk and show everyone the truth."
It's like a gourd; the more you keep it hidden, the more curious others become. But once you cut it open and see the inside, it's nothing special.
“That works too.” Zheng Ruqian picked up a piece of pork knuckle skin with his chopsticks. “It’s not right for someone to be sick for so long. They need to show some improvement so that others will believe it.”
That's the skill of lying. True masters of lies know that it's easier to make people believe something when it's seven parts truth and three parts falsehood. A mixture of truth and falsehood is the most effective way to deceive the enemy.
"Perhaps we can even set a trap for the Fang family." Chang Yan finally spoke, raising an eyebrow and a slight smile playing on his lips. "They just can't stand to see our eldest brother doing well, can they?"
No further explanation is needed; as brothers for many years, we almost understand each other implicitly.
Only Wen Zhiyun sighed quietly.
He quietly raised his head, glanced at his second brother who was eating meat heartily, then at his fifth brother who was always strategizing, and at his eldest brother who was as calm as still water.
Having such capable brothers has the advantage of not having to rack his brains, but the disadvantage is that he is rarely needed.
Even when it came to his elder brother faking illness, he only contributed some medical skills and medicine, without offering any truly useful advice.
But he clearly thought of it too, he considered it all.
Wen Zhiyun lowered her slender neck, her heart filled with complex emotions, a mixture of joy and helplessness.
"Then tomorrow, I'll have Xiao Si take me there." Xu Mo suddenly spoke up at the dinner table, "Zhiyun, are you going to visit her tomorrow?"
He was a little flustered when he was suddenly called on. "No, I'm very free tomorrow."
"That's good. Think of a good illness that can fool everyone and make the Fang family suffer a great loss." Xu Mo put down his chopsticks. "I'm full. I'm going to read a book now."
He walked away so casually that the others didn't even look up, continuing to eat, drink, laugh, and chat.
No one exchanged knowing glances or whispered secrets, no one offered him any comfort or reassurance, and no one even paid special attention to his despondency.
Wen Zhiyun breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled again, remembering Xu Mo's instructions.
After he laughed, his brothers, sisters, and brothers all laughed too.
Under the oil lamp, Xu Mo opened a book and gently curled the corners of his mouth.
The next day.
February has already passed, and the weather in Fengjing retains some of the chill of winter while also carrying the warmth of spring, which has stirred the hearts of the young men and women who have been confined for a long time, and they have all gone out for a spring outing.
It was at this moment that Jiang San appeared, carrying the sick and weak Xu Mo. He was pale-faced, wearing a padded jacket, and holding a warm hot water bottle in his hand. Occasionally, when he saw his energetic peers, he couldn't help but show envy.
I'm genuinely envious.
He hasn't left his house for three months.
"Don't be sad, brother, things will get better." Changyan patted his hand, his voice tinged with a sigh.
Jiang San was driving the carriage outside when he heard this and barely managed to suppress his laughter, afraid of giving himself away.
"I think so," Xu Mo said listlessly, his voice unreadable.
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