Chapter 284: The Invitation

On the second day, at the end of the chen hour (close to 9:00 am)^[1]“the end of the chen hour,” it means close to 9:00 AM. The chen hour (辰时) refers to a specific time period in the traditional Chinese system of timekeeping, which divides the day … Continue reading, the Defender Duke’s residence received Su Wan’s reply and arranged for someone to escort her to the estate.

Zhao Wei stood waiting in the front hall. When he saw Su Wan approaching, dressed in a light red long gown, she stood out strikingly amidst the fresh greenery of the garden, parting the flowers and brushing past the willows as she walked toward him.

In his impression, Su Wan seemed to have a fondness for red, but not the kind of dazzling crimson. Instead, she preferred a light and delicate shade, one that was fresh and elegant, exuding an ethereal charm that effortlessly drew people’s gaze.

It had been more than half a year since they last met, and Su Wan seemed even thinner.

“General Zhao, it has been a long time.” Su Wan stood a few steps away from Zhao Wei. After hearing from the servants that he had been waiting here for her for two full quarters of an hour, she showed a faint smile and said, “There was no need for you to wait personally. You could have simply arranged for a maid to take me to the Old Madam Zhao’s residence.”

“I have something to say to you.” Zhao Wei nodded toward the bluestone path, signaling Su Wan to follow. “The 100,000 bottles of wound medicine we ordered from you have all been delivered. I heard before that you were working on developing a special remedy for typhoid fever, one that doesn’t require decoction but is made into pills—very convenient for soldiers to carry during military campaigns. If they suffer from headaches or fevers, they can take it with ease. Have you managed to develop it?”

Su Wan’s trip to Xiliang had disrupted all her plans. Now that Zhao Wei asked, she gave him a timeframe. “Give me three to five days. Once I’ve developed it, I’ll have someone deliver it to you.”

“Much appreciated.” Zhao Wei lowered his gaze, taking in her slender figure—she looked as fragile as willow branches swaying by the water’s edge. His brows furrowed slightly. “There’s no rush. Take your time.”

Su Wan gave him a slight smile but did not respond further.

The two of them arrived at Rong’an Hall.

The maidservants standing at the entrance bowed respectfully and greeted them, “Fourth Master, Divine Doctor Su.”

Then, they lifted the curtain, allowing the two to enter.

Zhao Wei walked in ahead, with Su Wan following behind him.

The windows in the room were open, and a faint fragrance of incense lingered in the air, subtly mixed with the scent of medicine.

Old Madam Zhao sat at the head of the heated brick bed. Her silver-white hair was meticulously combed, and on her forehead, she wore an embroidered forehead band adorned with longevity patterns and inlaid with a ruby. Her wrinkled face was exceedingly kind, but her eyelids drooped slightly, making her appear weary and lacking in energy.

Madam Rong, who was standing nearby, quickly bowed upon seeing Zhao Wei and Su Wan enter. “Fourth Master, Divine Doctor Su, you have arrived.”

Hearing this, the Old Madam Zhao lifted her eyelids. Her kindly gaze swept past Zhao Wei and landed directly on Su Wan.

Seeing her dressed in a light red long gown, with strikingly beautiful features and a pair of clear, bright eyes full of spirit, she exuded an air of elegance like a figure beneath the forest shade. Compared to when she had last seen Su Wan before her marriage, she now appeared even more radiant and refined.

“Su girl, come here, come closer to me.” Old Madam Zhao smiled, with her eyes fixed intently on Su Wan. She had always had a fondness for all things beautiful, especially strikingly attractive people. Just looking at them made her feel invigorated, filling her with energy. “It has already been more than a year since I last saw you.”

Su Wan stepped closer to Old Madam Zhao, who immediately took her hand and let out a soft exclamation, “Ah! Why are your hands so cold?”

“The spring air is still chilly. You must dress warmer—don’t neglect your health just because you’re young.”

She then reached out to feel Su Wan’s clothing. Noticing that she was wearing two layers and that the outer one had some thickness, she felt slightly reassured.

Su Wan was quite surprised by Old Madam Zhao’s attitude toward her, but she quickly composed herself. “I was ill not long ago and haven’t fully recovered yet.”

While smiling warmly, she gently held the old madam’s hand. “Let me take your pulse first.”

“Good, good, good.” Old Madam Zhao pulled up her sleeve.

Su Wan took the Old Madam Zhao’s pulse, then glanced at Zhao Wei before withdrawing her hand. “You’ve suffered a fright, but it’s nothing serious. I’ll prescribe a few doses of calming medicine for you.”

“I’ll leave it to you. The whole capital speaks of your excellent medical skills.” Old Madam Zhao watched as Su Wan finished writing the prescription, and said with a warm tone. “It’s been a long time since I last saw your grandmother. In a few days, it will be my birthday—come with her to celebrate.”

Madam Rong handed the invitation beside her to Su Wan.

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Translator’s Note:

Hey guys! This is Avrora, long time no see! 😭 I’m really sorry for vanishing on you all. Real life kidnapped me for a while and threw a lot at me, so I couldn’t keep up with translations. But I’m finally free and back now!

To make it up to you, here are 7 chapters as a peace offering! 🕊️💖 Thank you all for waiting and not giving up on me. You guys are the best! 🥺💕 Hope you enjoy, and thanks for sticking around! 🎉✨