Near November, Mr. Sheng, who lived in the ancestral home in Youyang, fell ill and lay in bed for three days. The eldest wife of the Sheng family's first wife hurriedly sent an expedited letter to the capital, which traveled 800 miles. Within two days, the second wife of the Sheng family in the capital received the news.
Xu Wen, the eldest wife of the Sheng family's second wife, returned to Youyang first. Sheng Huairen, due to official business, would not leave the capital for another three days. The boat journey was quite hectic, and Xu Wen, who was not prone to seasickness, vomited for two days. It was not until Qiu Ling found a way to buy sour plums that her discomfort was alleviated.
After getting off the boat, Sheng Huaifeng, the third son of the Sheng family, came to pick her up. After a few pleasantries, Xu Wen got on a carriage and rode at top speed to the Sheng family's ancestral home.
"Father, your daughter-in-law is late." Xu Wen was led by Sheng Huaifeng into the inner room of the main courtyard of Shoukangyuan. As soon as she entered, Xu Wen hurried forward to pay her respects.
Li Yuxin, who was serving Mr. Sheng, put down the medicine bowl in her hand, and the third wife wiped the corner of Mr. Sheng's mouth. Mr. Sheng looked very unwell, and there was a hint of death on his pale face. He waved his hand to signal Xu Wen not to be so polite.
Xu Wen, Li Yuxin, and the Third House's eldest wife exchanged greetings and said, "Father, the Second Master will be back for a few days due to official business. Shu'er, accompanied by his wife, will arrive two days later. Please take good care of yourself."
Old Master Sheng had just finished his medicine and waved his hand listlessly. Li Yuxin led his two sisters-in-law out to the inner room. Sheng Huaizhong lay on his side on the couch in the hall, while Sheng Huaifeng sat on a large, reclining mahogany chair. Upon seeing Xu Wen emerge, Sheng Huaizhong was helped to sit upright, and Xu Wen stepped forward to greet him.
After paying his respects, Xu Wen asked with concern, "Master, what's wrong? Do you want to call a doctor?"
Li Yuxin, who was sitting with him, smiled slightly without saying anything. Sheng Huai coughed lightly and replied, "It's nothing serious. It will be fine after some rest. It's just an old problem."
Xu Wen knew what was going on. Li Yuxin had already mentioned it in her previous letter, and now it was just a formality.
Xu Wen then asked about Mr. Sheng's condition. Sheng Huaifeng, the third wife, and Li Yuxin all looked at Sheng Huaizhong. Seeing that everyone was counting on him to speak, Sheng Huaizhong simply said, "Daughter-in-law Huairen, I'm afraid father needs to prepare for his funeral."
The situation was so serious that Xu Wen thought of the He family in Baishitan. It was close to Yuyang, and if she hurried, she might get some good news. Xu Wen thought about it and said, "I have a good friend who married into the He family in Baishitan. The He family has been practicing medicine for generations, so they have some secret prescriptions that might be helpful..."
After listening to this, Sheng Huaizhong, who was sitting in discomfort, patted his thigh and said, "I think it's okay. Regardless of whether there is a cure or not, it would be good to ask someone to come and check on my father." The others also nodded repeatedly.
Li Yuxin led Xu Wen to the study. Xu Wen wrote a letter and instructed the messenger to deliver the letter to the eldest lady of the He family's main house.
Then Li Yuxin and Xu Wen sat on the small couch in the study and started talking. Li Yuxin asked curiously, "What's the current situation in Beijing?"
Xu Wen leaned against the corner of the couch and said listlessly, "There's been a great deal of turmoil in the capital palace right now. I'm sure you've heard about it in Youyang. The Emperor has already punished several dukes and earls, and it's no exaggeration to say that everyone is in danger." "I think you know most of the rest. I only know a little more than you."
Li Yuxin, who was standing close to Xu Wen, asked with a burning gaze, "Could you tell me something about that?"
Xu Wen narrowed her eyes in annoyance and said, "That won't work, unless I can eat the taro pastry you made tonight."
Li Yuxin reached out to massage Xu Wen's shoulders and nodded repeatedly, and then the two began to talk in private.
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