After spending several months outside, Xie Yuan had accumulated many matters in Bailong City and the ten villages below. The governor also sent a general to inspect coastal defense, so he was busy from day to night. After being scolded by Ma Shi, he noticed that she remained silent and did not press him to marry his cousin. This allowed him to put the matter to the back of his mind. On a day when things were settled early, he decided to return home sooner to cheer her up. However, as soon as he stepped through the door, he was greeted by Chunfang with a sorrowful face. She said, "Sir, it's not good. Mother has not gotten up today, she's lying there without eating anything. It has been a day, and she hasn't taken any water or food. What should we do?"
Xie Yuan was taken aback and said, "I was fine when I went out this morning. How did this happen?"
Chunfang said, "After you left, she started complaining of discomfort and lay back. Third Sister-in-law asked me to invite the physician. When the physician arrived, he said something about accumulation of liver fire and prescribed medicine. But she refused to take it, saying she didn't want to live, and kept moaning in the room."
Xie Yuan frowned, "Where is the medicine?"
"Just finished brewing, I'll go get it now."
Xie Yuan personally carried the medicine to the east chamber. Upon pushing the door, he saw his mother indeed lying on the couch in her clothes, looking unwell. His cousin was sitting beside her, softly persuading her. Upon seeing him enter, she stood up and said, "Cousin, you're back."
Xie Yuan nodded, too preoccupied to talk to her, and went straight to his mother's bedside. Just as he was about to speak, he saw her turning her face to the side and closing her eyes with an annoyed look. He then sat on the bed where Wenlan had sat before, and urged, "Mother, you're unwell and should take the medicine. I heard from Chunfang that you haven't eaten all day. How can your body handle it? If there's something you want to eat, tell me..."
"I'm at this age and still haven't held a grandson. Even if you bring me dragon liver and phoenix marrow, I won't touch it. What medicine, what food? I'd rather close my eyes earlier and spare myself from being a bother!"
Before he finished speaking, he was already interrupted by Mashi.
Xie Yuan felt disinterested and had no choice but to look at Wenlan. His eyes seemed to say: Cousin, my mother likes you, it's better for you to take charge.
Wenlan suppressed a smile, nodded gently at him, took the medicine from him, and sat back down, pretending to softly persuade, "Aunt, Cousin is right. If your health doesn't improve, Cousin won't be at ease outside. Please take the medicine soon."
Only then did the old lady turn her face, weakly opened her eyes, and said to Wenlan with a weak breath, "Good child, you're thoughtful. Such a charming girl, only someone blessed can marry you. Unfortunately, there's a person who is not as discerning as a blind old lady like me. You can leave. Although your aunt can't see, with someone like that standing in front, I can't swallow."
After receiving cold irony from the old lady, Xie Yuan had no choice but to say to Wenlan, "Cousin, I entrust my mother to you. I'll leave first."
Wenlan nodded.
As Xie Yuan left, Mashi asked, "Has he really gone?"
Wenlan stood up, opened the door, looked around, and then said, "He's really gone."
Mashi immediately sat up from the bed, with no sign of the illness from earlier. She whispered, "I'm starving. Quickly bring the food."
Wenlan hurried into her own room next door and brought out the concealed snack box, helping the old lady sit at the small table.
"Send Chunfang to do anything tomorrow, but don't let her keep hovering around me. It won't be good if she finds out and lets something slip..."
The old lady, who had been hungry for most of the day, stuffed a piece of cake into her mouth, took a sip of water, and then said, "You performed well just now, you're a clever child, that's enough. If your aunt takes a three-day fast lying down again, I'll see if he dares say no."
Wenlan obediently agreed, served her food and drink. After Mashi had eaten and drunk her fill, she cautioned Wenlan to be careful, not to let Xie Yuan find out, and then lay back down.
Wenlan put away the food box and returned to her room. By then, the sunset had disappeared, and the twilight had enveloped, carrying a warm breeze with the lingering fragrance of flowers. Feeling hungry, she went to the kitchen. As she passed by the wellside, she suddenly heard someone call out "Cousin, wait", and looking around, she saw Xie Yuan standing behind the tall mulberry tree at the side of the road. He nodded slightly as she looked at him.