Chapter Twelve: Visiting the Sick 2
Under the strange gazes of everyone around her, Hua Ling left the Chancellor’s Estate with Yuechun. This was only her second day since arriving in ancient times, and she was still rather interested in this new environment.
Seeing the bustling crowds on the street, she was a little surprised. There were already so many people this early in the morning; it seemed commerce in ancient times was quite developed after all. After leaving the Chancellor’s Estate and turning a corner at the street, she saw a long row of snack stalls. Steam curled up, and rich aromas filled the air, instantly making one’s mouth water.
“How much farther?” Hua Ling asked Yuechun beside her.
“Almost there. Turn the corner up ahead, then walk straight and we’ll arrive,” Yuechun said cautiously.
Seeing her timid and careful manner, Hua Ling could not help laughing. “I’m not going to eat you. Why are you so restrained? Relax.”
“This servant wouldn’t dare. In front of Madam, this servant dares not behave improperly.” Yuechun could not understand what Hua Ling meant for a moment, and became even more careful.
Hua Ling sighed, knowing it would be difficult to change her way of thinking in such a short time. In any case, as time passed, she would naturally come to know what sort of person Hua Ling was. There was no need to rush to explain.
Following the route Yuechun had described, they soon arrived at the place where Yunxiu lived. As soon as they reached the door, they heard violent coughing from inside. Hearing it, Hua Ling raised her hand and knocked on the door.
Before long, the door opened, revealing Yunxiu’s anxious face. When she saw Hua Ling, she was startled and hurriedly said, “Madam, why have you come? Please come in and sit. It’s just too shabby here; I’ve made you suffer.” As Yunxiu spoke, she quickly stepped aside. Seeing Yuechun, she gave her a slight smile.
Hua Ling walked into the room and saw that it truly was very poor and simple. Apart from a table and a few stools, there was a cupboard, and then a bed—there was nothing else at all. The person lying on the bed at this moment must be Yunxiu’s mother. Hua Ling walked forward. The old woman was extremely haggard, her hair already streaked with gray, and her eyes had lost their light. It was clear she had suffered greatly from illness.
“Elder, are you feeling any better?” Hua Ling asked with a smile.
“Mother, this is the Madam I told you about, the one who gave us money,” Yunxiu hurriedly said from the side.
When Yunxiu’s mother heard what Yunxiu said, she said excitedly, “Thank you, Madam, for saving my life. Cough, cough, cough...” She had only said one sentence before she began coughing nonstop. Seeing this, Hua Ling quickly patted her back gently to ease her suffering.
“Elder, don’t get worked up. It was nothing. I’m glad I could help,” Hua Ling said. “Don’t speak. Just focus on recovering. If you need anything, have Yunxiu tell me.”
Yunxiu’s mother nodded excitedly, tears streaming down her face. She was so choked up she could not say anything. Seeing this, Hua Ling’s heart ached, and she quickly turned away so no one would see the tears in her eyes.
“Yuechun, give the food we brought to Yunxiu,” Hua Ling said.
Hearing Hua Ling’s words, Yuechun quickly handed the food box in her hands to Yunxiu and said, “Madam specially brought this for you. Even Madam herself didn’t touch a single bite. It’s completely fresh.”
Yunxiu said gratefully, “Thank you, Madam. How could this servant dare trouble you to keep thinking of us like this?” As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes. People like them, servants and maids, had always had no one to care about them. What Hua Ling had done truly made them so grateful that their feelings could not be expressed in words.
“Why say such things? Get up quickly. Take good care of your mother, and if you have any difficulties, tell me. Is the money enough?” Hua Ling helped Yunxiu up and asked.
“It’s enough. The doctor said that as long as she rests and recuperates properly, there won’t be any major problem. My mother’s cough was caused by catching a chill. The doctor said that if treatment had been delayed any longer, it might have developed into consumption. Fortunately, it wasn’t too late. This is all thanks to Madam’s kindness. If you hadn’t given me your jewelry, my mother would have...” Yunxiu said, choking with sobs.
“As long as she’s all right, that’s what matters. Buy more pears for your mother to eat. Pears relieve coughs and moisten the lungs; they’re very effective.”
“Thank you, Madam. This servant will remember.”
“Take good care of your mother, and come back after she has recovered. Is this place you’re living in bought or rented?” Hua Ling looked around the small courtyard and asked.
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