Chapter 41: A Scolding

After returning home, Imperial Physician Sun pondered over Xiao Yao’s request, seriously considering its feasibility. Although he had made small amounts of pill-based medicine before, decoctions were generally more widely accepted. Since the little girl had sought his help, he thought about how to proceed.

Xiao Yao assumed that asking Imperial Physician Sun for help would mean she could avoid drinking bitter herbal decoctions. Yet, after two or three days of enduring the dark, bitter medicine, her savior had yet to appear. She figured that perhaps the physician was too busy or had forgotten, resigning herself to her fate of daily herbal doses.

General Xiao, having been invited by the Wen family to supervise the construction of a martial arts training ground, had been busy for over ten days. Finally, he made time to spend with his granddaughter. Holding her in his arms, her light weight made his dissatisfaction evident.

There were plenty of women in the household, and while the grandsons were well cared for, why was no one paying more attention to his granddaughter? What were they all busy with?

After holding his granddaughter for a moment, General Xiao noticed a faint smell of herbal medicine on her. Alarmed, he called for Qiao Yue to inquire about it.

“Is your young lady ill? Why does she smell of herbal medicine?”

Under General Xiao’s piercing gaze, Qiao Yue tried her best to appear calm and replied, “The mistress had someone prescribe a tonic to strengthen her health. The young lady is just taking it for nourishment.”

“Is that so? But the smell is odd—more like medicine than a tonic. Have you been deceived? Bring me the prescription; I’ll have someone examine it. If the formula is wrong, no wonder she hasn’t gained any weight.”

Having no idea how to handle this situation, Qiao Yue hedged, “The prescription is with the mistress. I heard it was written by a renowned physician. Should I ask her about it now?”

“I’ll ask her myself at dinner. You’re dismissed.”

After the servants left, General Xiao turned to his granddaughter. “Ping’an, do you feel pain or discomfort anywhere?”

“No, Grandfather,” Xiao Yao replied. Even if she did, she wouldn’t dare say so. If her grandfather learned she was injured, her parents would face his wrath first, and her fifth brother and Ah Qi would surely be punished. Xiao Yao had never wanted her family to suffer on her account, so she firmly defended them.

“If you feel unwell, you must tell Grandfather, understood?”

“Yes, Grandfather… Thank you.” Xiao Yao thought to herself that her grandfather was the best in the world, caring for her as much as—if not more than—her parents.

“You silly child, why so polite with your grandfather?” He pretended to scold her, but his heart swelled with pride. Look at his well-behaved granddaughter! Someday, when she’s older, he’ll parade her in front of those old codgers to make them green with envy. Then again, what if their grandsons start eyeing his precious girl? No, better to keep her close to home.

After an enjoyable afternoon with his granddaughter, General Xiao brought up the topic of the “tonic” during dinner. Since Qiao Yue had warned her in advance, Tong Mingyu, Xiao Yao’s mother, responded calmly, “The prescription was written by Physician Sun at your eldest son’s request. Since it’s for a child, the dosage is lighter, and the effects slower. Rest assured, there’s no issue with the formula.”

Hearing this, General Xiao, familiar with Physician Sun’s reputation, decided not to press further. Instead, he turned his attention to Xiao Yao’s daily diet.

“Eldest daughter-in-law, don’t just focus on managing the household; pay more attention to Ping’an. Look at Ah Jun and Ah Qi, then look at Ping’an. Anyone unfamiliar with our family might think we’re a bunch of neglectful grandparents, parents, and uncles!”

Everyone mentioned hastily assured him they would be more attentive in the future. After all, if they weren’t careful, who knew what other accusations might follow?

“And you boys! Don’t spend all your time studying or playing. Instead of wasting time on trivial pursuits, spend more time with your sister. She’s the only little girl in the family; how can you not care for her as brothers should?”

It was a blanket scolding, and no one escaped unscathed.

Feeling sorry, Xiao Yao gave everyone an apologetic smile. She hadn’t expected her grandfather to react so strongly, scolding everyone in the family. Perhaps she truly had the potential to cause “calamities”!

Xiao Jingyan, one of her uncles, opened his mouth, wanting to defend himself. But realizing that any attempt to argue might backfire and result in further personal reprimand, he swallowed his words.

Lately, Xiao Jingyan had been frequently out of the house. Now that he decided to stay put, he resolved to spend more time with his niece, hoping to shed the label of “negligent uncle” as soon as possible.

Dinner concluded amid this scolding. Though everyone was reproached, no one dared reveal the truth of Xiao Yao’s condition. They all thought it fortunate that the old general didn’t know the full story. Otherwise, things would not have ended with just a few reprimands.

Back in their quarters, Xiao Jingkang and his wife were soon joined by Xiao Yi, who apologized profusely, “Father, Mother, I’m sorry. It’s my fault for neglecting Ping’an. Grandfather’s criticism is entirely justified. From now on, I’ll change.”

“There’s no need to blame yourself. Everyone, aside from your grandfather, understands that Ping’an’s frailty stems partly from being born weak and partly from her injuries. You don’t have to shoulder all the responsibility,” Tong Mingyu reassured him.

Tong Mingyu had always been proud of her eldest son—handsome, intelligent, and socially adept. However, his lack of interest in academics was a headache. When not practicing martial arts, he was either out with friends or obsessively fiddling with the family’s weapon collection.

“I’ll make more time for Ping’an in the future. Grandfather dotes on her so much; as her brother, I can’t lag behind.”

“If you have time, of course, I’d love for you to spend more with your sister. But don’t feel burdened; your father and I will take good care of her,” Tong Mingyu said warmly.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yang appeared, his steps light and deliberate. Compared to his brothers, who practiced martial arts, Xiao Yang was leaner but carried a distinct scholarly air. Serious and disciplined, he sometimes made others feel uneasy.

“Father, Mother,” Xiao Yang greeted them politely.

“It’s late. Why are you here?” Tong Mingyu fussed over him, checking his hands and face for coldness. Satisfied that he wasn’t too chilled, she handed him a warm pouch and had him sit.

“Where’s Ping’an? Has she gone to bed?”

“Your mother found her a maid with a lovely voice to read to her. She’s probably fallen asleep by now,” Xiao Jingkang chuckled. He admired his wife’s clever solution, though he couldn’t help but laugh at the sight of their daughter nodding off to the readings.

“What’s being read?” Xiao Yang asked eagerly, ready to contribute his own books if necessary.

Tong Mingyu explained, “The ‘Three Character Classic,’ the ‘Thousand Character Text,’ and the ‘Hundred Family Surnames.’”

Xiao Yi smirked, understanding why his sister always dozed off. Xiao Yang, however, nodded approvingly, though he couldn’t help but feel his sister might be too young for so much study. Still, he respected his mother’s decision and silently resolved to balance his concern for her with his natural strictness.