Chapter 28: Zhou Chenhu

Five days passed in the blink of an eye. Since today was not a market day, there were generally no ox carts. Early in the morning, Lin Nuo went to the village to hire a cart from Uncle Li for 30 wen for the day.

Upon arriving in town, Lin Nuo went alone to the county office.

Unfortunately, today Lord Zhou was on duty, and only Madam Zhou was at home. Their young master had caught a cold and had not eaten for two days; he refused to drink medicine and wouldn’t eat anything. At that moment, everyone in the household was extremely anxious, and Madam Zhou was so worried that her lips had developed blisters.

When the servant reported that Lin Nuo had arrived, Madam Zhou felt like she had found a savior, considering Lin Nuo’s medical skills; she hoped she might have a good solution.

She personally went to welcome her in.

Seeing Madam Zhou at that moment, her hairpin was slightly askew, her eyes were a bit red, and there were dark circles under her eyes. She hurriedly approached Lin Nuo. Lin Nuo quickly went to meet her.

Lin Nuo was the first to speak, “Sister-in-law, what happened? You look so haggard.”

Madam Zhou grabbed Lin Nuo’s hand and said anxiously, “Child is sick. He has been ill for several days, and he refuses to take the bitter medicine or eat anything. His condition isn’t improving, and he is getting thinner by the day. I’m really worried. Can you please help Child?” Madam Zhou looked at Lin Nuo with hope.

“Of course, he is my nephew. Quickly take me to see him.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Madam Zhou pulled her into the backyard.

As they reached the door, they heard the sounds of a child crying and the servants trying to comfort him.

“I don’t want to drink this bitter medicine! I don’t want to drink it! I won’t eat anything, just take it away! It makes me want to vomit. Wuwuwu, Grandma, I feel so uncomfortable! Where is my mom? I want my mom! Wuwuwu.”

“Young master, just take a small sip of the medicine. Grandma has some candied fruit for you. If you take the medicine, you can have the candied fruit right after, and it won’t be bitter anymore. If you keep this up, you won’t get better, and Grandma will be heartbroken.”

The words were choked with emotion.

“Forgive me for laughing, but the Child has always been afraid of taking medicine since he was little; I’ve spoiled him.”

Madam Zhou wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her sleeve, looking embarrassedly at Lin Nuo.

“It’s nothing, sister-in-law, let’s go take a look first.”

Lin Nuo gave Madam Zhou a reassuring look.

As soon as Zhou Chenhu saw his mother come in, he cried even louder.

“Mom, mom, I feel so uncomfortable,” he said, trying to get out of bed and lunge towards Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou hurriedly went over and picked him up. At only four or five years old, he had been sick for several days and now lay feebly in her arms like a little kitten.

“Child, don’t be afraid. Look, this is your Aunt Lin. She is very skilled; let her help you, and you will feel better.”

He looked at this aunt and thought she was really beautiful, like a fairy.

He nodded unconsciously.

This made everyone very happy.

Since she needed to use the thermometer and check for cold symptoms, it was inconvenient for everyone to be present, so she asked them to step outside.

Lin Nuo stepped forward and took a lollipop out of her sleeve to coax him. She unwrapped it and handed the lollipop to Zhou Chenhu.

The lollipop was shaped like a little child, and he cherished it dearly.

“Little Child, quickly try it and see if it’s sweet,” she said, gently touching his little nose.

Zhou Chenhu put the lollipop in his mouth and licked it, his eyes sparkling with a big smile.

“Aunt Lin, Aunt Lin, it’s so sweet and delicious!” After saying this, he rolled into Lin Nuo’s arms.

The lollipop indeed had an effect; no matter the era, children could never resist the temptation of candy.

“If it’s delicious, then enjoy it. In the future, Aunt Lin will bring you more, okay?”

As she spoke, Lin Nuo radiated warmth and kindness, her gentle demeanor perhaps influenced by her pregnancy.

“Mm, okay, thank you, Aunt Lin. I will be good. Thank you, Aunt Lin.”

Lin Nuo took a thermometer from her space and placed it on his forehead. After a moment, she saw it was good that he didn’t have a high fever.

She then checked some other areas and found no major issues.

Next, she took out some children’s cold medicine from her space, removed the packaging, and wrapped the daily dosage in paper.

Since children are afraid of bitterness, she decided to give him pills instead. He could just swallow them.

First, she poured some water and gave Zhou Chenhu his medicine. Then she asked,

“Child, how about we eat something first? Children who don’t eat will not grow tall and will always be little snotty kids.”

After saying that, she took out another lollipop, saying it was a reward for eating.