Chapter 5: A Stroll in the Market and the First Display of Medical Skills!

The mother and daughter were chatting when a maid entered to report that the second lady had arrived. The pair immediately felt a bit guilty, they had just been talking about the second uncle and second aunt, and now the second aunt was here.

Rong Qing entered with a smile and said, “I sent someone to the Gui Ning Courtyard, and they said Shu Er was here with the eldest sister-in-law, so I came directly over. I hope I’m not interrupting your conversation with Shu Er!”

“We were just reminiscing about your husband’s youthful days, and here you are!” Song Wei joked, standing up to welcome Rong Qing. She invited her in and had the maid serve fresh tea and peach blossom pastries.

“If Mother hears about my husband’s wild antics, she’ll be angry again. Sister-in-law, don’t teach bad habits to our Shu Er, or Mother will definitely fall out with us,” Rong Qing teased.

“Sister-in-law, if your husband hears this, he might make a fuss with you,” Song Wei said, imagining how Mu Si usually behaved in front of Rong Qing. The two women laughed in unison.

“We’re saying this in secret, how would he ever know!” Rong Qing playfully winked at her sister-in-law.

“But I think Second Uncle is so cool! The most impressive thing he did was to marry someone as gentle, virtuous, beautiful, and gracious as Second Aunt!” said Mu Rong Shu, clearly flattering her.

Flattery always works, and Mu Rong Shu’s words successfully pleased Rong Qing.

“Big Sister-in-law, look at Shu Er’s eloquence! Isn’t she just like her Second Uncle?” Rong Qing joked, complimenting her little niece.

“What’s wrong with being like Second Uncle? He’s talented in both academics and martial arts, humorous, and a loving husband,” Mu Rong Shu responded without hesitation, lavishing praise on her Second Uncle.

“You cheeky girl, it’s fine to say this secretly, but if your Second Uncle hears about it, the whole capital will know by tomorrow that you praised him,” Rong Qing said, making Song Wei laugh aloud.

“Eldest Sister-in-law, Shu Er is just too adorable. I came over to ask if you’d like to go shopping. Some new fabrics have arrived in the shops. Let’s go take a look and pick some for Shu Er,” Rong Qing finally got to the point of her visit, discussing it with her sister-in-law.

“I was just about to have Nanny Li ask if you were free today so we could shop together. You have such a good eye for things, come with me to pick out some of the latest popular clothing and accessories for Shu Er here in the capital,” Song Wei agreed readily.

Song Wei gratefully took Rong Qing’s hand as she spoke. The two sisters-in-law had always gotten along well. Song Wei, the youngest daughter of the Duke of Song, had grown up pampered with two elder brothers. After marrying Mu Shi, she had no troublesome in-laws to deal with, and her life had been incredibly peaceful.

“That’s great! Today, let’s take Shu Er out for a stroll. Shu Er, if you see anything you like, just tell your Second Aunt. Our shop has everything!” Rong Qing said confidently, watching her niece happily eating snacks.

“Second Uncle must have accumulated eight lifetimes of blessings to marry such a wonderful Second Aunt. Since Second Aunt is so generous, I’ll definitely hold on tightly to her support from now on!”

Hearing that her Second Aunt and mother were taking her shopping, Mu Rong Shu was thrilled. She had never explored an ancient market before, and now she could fully enjoy the experience especially with her mother and Second Aunt footing the bill. She could hardly contain her excitement.

“Elder Sister-in-law, listen to our little Shu Er! If we don’t take her out today, we might just end up as bad mothers and aunts,” Rong Qing teased.

“I’m just too excited! I want to see the bustling capital!” Mu Rong Shu said, knowing her Second Aunt was joking with her.

“Alright then, let’s get ready and leave soon so we can return in time for dinner,” Song Wei said, calculating the time. It was just right to head out now.

“Ah, can’t we eat outside?” Mu Rong Shu asked hopefully. Seeing her daughter’s eager expression, Song Wei explained:

“Next time, dear. You’ve just returned today. If we eat outside, your father, Second Uncle, and your brothers will all cry their hearts out.”

“Alright, next time then!” Mu Rong Shu said, shuddering a little at the thought of those grown men bawling in front of her.

The group soon finished their preparations and happily set off.

Mu Rong Shu’s eyes lit up as she saw the legendary ancient streets for the first time. The capital, as the center of power, was extraordinarily lively and prosperous. Tea houses, taverns, pawnshops, and workshops lined both sides of the road, with vendors filling the open spaces.

When their carriage stopped in front of the largest shop in the capital, Yin Feng Lou, a shop assistant immediately came forward to greet them. “The young lady has arrived!”

“Send all the latest goods to my private room,” Rong Qing instructed Manager Wang, who had come out to greet them.

“Young Lady, please escort the General’s wife and this young lady inside to rest. Your instructions will be delivered shortly,” Manager Wang said respectfully, guiding them inside.

When the three reached Rong Qing’s exclusive room, Manager Wang reminded her, “Young Lady, the Second Young Master is here today!”

Rong Qing was surprised and asked, “Why is my younger brother here today?”

“The Second Young Master came to inspect the accounts,” the manager answered honestly.

“How long has he been here? My younger brother’s health isn’t good. Make sure to take good care of him. You may leave now, I’ll check on him personally in a moment,” Rong Qing said.

Though happy to know her younger brother was around, she couldn’t help but worry about his health. Every spring, his condition worsened, even with regular treatment. Knowing he rarely left home during this season, she realized this trip must have been unavoidable.

“Qing Er, if you’re worried, go check on him. Shu Er and I will browse the jewelry here slowly. Your brother’s health comes first,” Song Wei said, sensing her sister-in-law’s concern and reassuring her not to worry about them.

“Yes, Second Aunt, you go ahead. I’ll stay with Mother,” Mu Rong Shu added.

“Alright then. Take your time browsing. If it’s not enough, have the manager send more over. Shu Er, don’t hold back pick whatever you like!” Rong Qing said sincerely, eager to pamper her niece.

“Thank you, Second Aunt! Mother, you have to help me pick the best ones!” Mu Rong Shu said, playfully clinging to Song Wei.

“You greedy girl! Have I ever deprived you of food or clothing?” Song Wei joked, gently tapping her daughter’s forehead.

Mu Rong Shu stuck out her tongue playfully and urged her Second Aunt to hurry. Just as Rong Qing was about to leave the room, an anxious voice rang out, “Young Lady, something’s wrong! The Second Young Master has fallen ill!”

Rong Qing’s face paled, and she staggered slightly, but Mu Rong Shu quickly supported her. A group of people rushed toward the Second Young Master’s room.

“Fetch a physician immediately and send someone to notify Father back at the manor!” Rong Qing ordered as she hurried toward her brother’s room.

When they arrived, they saw the Second Young Master gasping desperately, on the verge of suffocation. Everyone was panicked.

Mu Rong Shu followed Rong Qing into the room and carefully observed the patient’s condition. She quickly determined it was asthma. Noting the severity of the situation, she gave instructions with a serious tone:

“Second Aunt, quickly prop Uncle up so he can breathe more easily!”

“The rest of you, don’t crowd in here. Open the windows immediately to allow fresh air!”