Chapter 106: Arrangements

The nurse brought a half bowl of millet porridge, feeding it to Heng Ge’er. Madam Zheng then asked Nurse He to bring over a medicinal decoction. Heng Ge’er immediately furrowed his little brows and buried his face in Meinang’s arms. Meinang lifted his small face and, sensing that his breathing was still a bit warm, noticed his lips had regained a healthy pink hue rather than the previous intense red. He seemed to have improved in spirit. Since medicine can be somewhat harmful, especially the bitter black herbal decoction, it was best to avoid it if possible for such a small child.

She said to Madam Zheng, “Let’s set the medicine aside for now. His fever has subsided, though I worry it might return during the night. Perhaps I should take Heng Ge’er with me for a few days, until he’s fully recovered?”

Madam Zheng glanced at Xu Jun Ying, her expression stern. “It’s just a bit of a fever, he’s already had one dose of medicine. Do you think I don’t know how to care for a child better than you? Heng Ge’er is very close to me now, and he only sleeps if he can touch my ear. What are you trying to do by coming here again? Leave him with me, and there’s no need for you two to stay around. It’s late, you should return to rest.”

Heng Ge’er stayed quietly nestled in Meinang’s arms, not making a sound or moving, his tiny finger gently scratching the embroidered patterns on her dress. Meinang’s heart ached, and she held him a bit closer. Turning to Xu Jun Ying, she hoped he might say something to persuade Madam Zheng to allow Heng Ge’er to stay with her for a few days.

However, Xu Jun Ying averted his gaze, saying, “Once Heng Ge’er falls asleep, leave him here with Mother. The medicine is prepared, and all his clothes and belongings are here. Rest assured, Mother can care for him better than you.”

Disappointed, Meinang lowered her gaze. Madam Zheng’s expression softened as she instructed Zheng Mei Yu, “The tea has cooled. Get a fresh, hot cup for your cousin. Are there any walnuts left that the fifth daughter in law gave us the other day? Bring some over. Your cousin in law can entertain Heng Ge’er while you crack some walnuts together, he’s never been one for sweets or fruits, only enjoying the hard-shelled nuts.”

Zheng Mei Yu rose gracefully, like a butterfly, and personally brought over a hot cup of tea, taking a plate of walnuts from Qiu Hong and placing it on the table. Dong Mei brought a beautifully crafted iron cracker, setting it on a sturdy, decorative stone slab. Zheng Mei Yu gingerly took the iron cracker but couldn’t open a walnut and had to ask Xu Jun Ying for help. As he cracked four or five walnuts for her, she peeled the shells and chuckled, “I remember, Cousin, how when you used to eat walnuts with our cousin Lan in the old lady’s courtyard, you’d always bring a few back for me.”

Xu Jun Ying replied, “Really? I don’t recall that.”

“Cousin, you’re a man of great responsibilities, how could you remember these small things?”

She picked the largest walnut and handed it to him. “This one must have a big kernel, crack it open and see.”

Meanwhile, Meinang, cradling Heng Ge’er, gently patted and coaxed him to sleep. She gave instructions to the nurse, speaking loud enough for Madam Zheng to hear: “Heng Ge’er had half a bowl of water and porridge, so he’ll need to get up in the night. Keep him warm, and if he sweats, change his clothes right away. Heng Ge’er tends to wear too many layers, which can make him susceptible to colds. When children are feverish, bundling them up too tightly can restrict their breathing… The weather is warming, and Heng Ge’er, being active and learning to walk, doesn’t need to wear two cotton layers. An inner jacket, cotton vest, and a light cotton coat are enough. Make sure he drinks plenty of water, washes his hands regularly, and don’t avoid giving him a bath every day, even if it’s a bit chilly.”

After Heng Ge’er fell asleep, Madam Zheng instructed the nurse to take him back to his room. Zheng Mei Yu then cheerfully called out to Meinang, “Cousin in law, come have a walnut. They’re fragrant and sweet, and Cousin cracked them for me.”

Meinang, unimpressed by her smug demeanor, took advantage of Madam Zheng’s attention being elsewhere to caution Zheng Mei Yu: “I’ve long grown tired of walnuts. Be careful, though they’re warm in nature, and eating too many might give you acne. It’s best you drink a few cups of cold water tonight so you don’t wake up with a blemish. They say that even after acne clears up, the marks can linger for months, and no amount of makeup can hide them.”

Zheng Mei Yu, mid-bite of a walnut, appeared caught, unable to swallow or spit it out, her expression rather ridiculous. Satisfied with the reaction she wanted, Meinang managed a slight smile. Just then, seeing Madam Zheng approaching, she quickly curtsied and said, “Mother, you’ve worked hard tonight. I thought Heng Ge’er might wake several times during the night, needing water and medicine. Perhaps I could stay to help care for him?”

Madam Zheng waved her hand dismissively. “You and Jun Ying should go rest. I took a long nap this afternoon and have plenty of energy. Even if Heng Ge’er wakes a few times, I can manage just fine. Besides, He Mama, Chun Yue, and Xia Lian are all here. They know his temperament well, you can be at ease.”

With no other options, Meinang had to leave with Xu Jun Ying.

They walked in silence, Meinang’s mind occupied with concern for Heng Ge’er, as well as planning her schedule for the next day, she’d visit Heng Ge’er in the morning, possibly staying with him for a while, which meant she’d have to skip her visit to the old lady. After dealing with affairs at Zi Yun Hall, she’d head out of the residence to see Lin Ru Nan and Prince Qi, and let Cui Xi check on Xian Ke. She’d need to return by dinnertime to either Jinhua Hall or Qui Hua Court. It was a lot to keep track of, and without noticing the surroundings, she followed closely behind Xu Jun Ying. The smooth, polished path made it easy to walk without looking down. After some time, Xu Jun Ying stopped, and Meinang, realizing she was at Qing Hua Court, asked in surprise, “Why did you stop? Do you need to go somewhere?”

Cui Si whispered beside her, “Young Madam, we’re back in the courtyard.”

Meinang looked around, blushing at her distraction. Xu Jun Ying said in an even tone, “It’s late. Rest well. Tomorrow morning, after checking on Heng Ge’er, you should visit Jinhua Hall. Yu Rong and Jing Yu might not be there, so you’ll need to assist the old lady.”

Meinang kept her head lowered and replied, “The fourth and fifth sisters in law often visit as well.”

“All should fulfill their duties of filial piety. We’ll dine together at Jinhua Hall tomorrow night. I’ll return early, and after dinner, I’ll accompany you to Qui Hua Court to see Heng Ge’er.”

Meinang blinked in surprise. Could it be? Xu Jun Ying was willing to make plans to accompany her to see Heng Ge’er tomorrow night?