Chapter 37

Concubine Gui noticed the Doctor’s expression change and coughed twice before asking, “Doctor, what illness do I have? I caught a chill before the New Year and haven’t felt well since. I saw a doctor a few days ago who said it was a cold, but I haven’t improved after taking several doses of medicine. My cough worsens, and it feels like my heart is about to cough out.”

After speaking for a while, Concubine Gui started coughing again, this time more severely. She covered her mouth with a handkerchief, and when she removed it, there were spots of blood on it.

Seeing the blood on the handkerchief, the Old Doctor began to sweat profusely.

Concubine Gui, however, wasn’t too alarmed by the blood. Her daughter had warned her that using the ointment would cause these symptoms, including slight bleeding from the gums, and assured her it was normal. She was told not to worry and that once she returned to the Pei family and stopped using the ointment, the symptoms would disappear after some rest. So, the blood on the handkerchief was actually from her gums.

This plan was devised by Yuniang and approved by Xuan Ge’er. It involved making Concubine Gui appear to have tuberculosis. To fake the illness convincingly, she needed to exhibit real symptoms, which the ointment provided when applied under her arms.

“Doctor?” Concubine Gui asked, holding the handkerchief with a frightened look. “Why am I coughing up blood?”

“This… this…” The Old Doctor stammered, sweating. “I need to speak with your family head first and see what medicine to prescribe.”

The Old Doctor hurried out with his medical box, his face pale. In the courtyard, he explained to Concubine Bai that Concubine Gui’s symptoms were identical to tuberculosis, a highly contagious disease feared by doctors.

Concubine Bai, hearing this, turned pale as well.

When the Old Doctor went to inform Old Master Wen, Concubine Bai rushed to the side room. Seeing Concubine Gui lying on the bed, pale and sickly, her eyes filled with tears.

That’s tuberculosis! Old Master Wen and Old Madam Wen probably won’t care at all. They might even throw Concubine Gui out. If the Pei family also rejects her, what will happen to her?

Bai Yiniang hadn’t interacted much with the Pei family, so she naturally didn’t believe they would take in someone with tuberculosis.

Seeing Concubine Bai’s expression, Concubine Gui knew she had already learned about her illness from the Doctor, but she still came in.

Concubine Gui’s eyes reddened as she looked firmly at Concubine Bai. “Sister, don’t worry, I’m fine.”

Concubine Bai was wise and understood her meaning. Though she couldn’t say it outright, she was reassuring her not to worry about her.

At that moment, Concubine Bai vaguely understood. They had been together for over thirty years, closer than many biological sisters, supporting each other through thick and thin. She roughly grasped Concubine Gui’s intention; she knew what to do even if she hadn’t fully figured out the key details.

Concubine Bai said, “No matter what, you should rest well. I’ll go check the front courtyard.”

Concubine Gui nodded.

As Concubine Bai left, she slowly walked along the winding corridor towards the main courtyard.

Old Master Wen and Old Madam Wen were both present in the main courtyard. Their faces were unpleasant and filled with shock, anger, and frustration. They must have already learned about Concubine Gui’s condition from the Old Doctor.

Seeing Concubine Bai, Old Master Wen immediately asked, “Have you seen Concubine Gui? How is she?”

Concubine Bai stammered, “Old Master, the Doctor said my sister has tuberculosis. I didn’t dare enter the side room, so I just stood outside and asked a few questions. She kept coughing and couldn’t say much, so I came here.” She added, “Don’t worry, I haven’t visited her these past few days,” implying she wouldn’t be infected.

Due to Concubine Gui’s severe coughing, Old Master Wen didn’t allow her to enter the kitchen, fearing she might cough into the food. She was confined to the side room, guarding the main gate.

Old Master Wen was irritated by Concubine Bai’s words. He couldn’t help but ask the Doctor, “Is it really tuberculosis?”

The Old Doctor nodded, “The symptoms and pulse are almost certain. If you’re still worried, you can consult another doctor. I’ll prescribe some medicine for now.”

Old Madam Wen couldn’t hold back, “If it’s tuberculosis, what’s the use of medicine? It might spread to the whole household.” She turned to Old Master Wen, “What should we do if it’s really tuberculosis?”

Old Master Wen didn’t respond. After sending the Doctor away, he called another doctor to examine Concubine Gui.

The second Doctor also confirmed the diagnosis of tuberculosis, with similar symptoms and pulse.

Old Master Wen was convinced that Concubine Gui had tuberculosis, likely due to the hardships of exile and lack of proper rest.

Old Madam Wen was anxious, “Old Master, what should we do? We should send Concubine Gui away quickly.”

“We can’t let the whole household get infected.”

“Nonsense,” Old Master Wen retorted. “We can’t just throw her out. What would people think of us?”

Old Madam Wen persisted, causing Old Master Wen a headache. Finally, he shouted, “Call Second Sister back and have her take Concubine Gui to the Pei family for a while.”

Second Sister referred to Madam Wen, who was the second daughter of Old Master Wen.

Old Madam Wen spat on the ground, “Second Sister is heartless. She hasn’t visited in days. She used to come often to wash clothes and see her mother. Since learning about her mother’s illness, she’s come less frequently. Truly, there’s no filial child in front of a long illness.” She turned to Concubine Bai, “Keep your mouth shut. When Second Sister returns, don’t tell her about her tuberculosis.”

Concubine Bai nodded timidly.

Old Madam Wen didn’t want anyone from the first or second branches to go to Osmanthus Alley, so she sent Wen Shuncheng, the illegitimate grandson from the third branch, to run the errand.

Wen Shuncheng didn’t want to go, but his grandfather insisted. He asked why he needed to fetch his aunt, but his grandfather didn’t explain; he just told him to hurry and bring her back.

The Wen family knew the Second Sister lived with the Pei family in Osmanthus Alley.

Wen Shuncheng ran to Osmanthus Alley. He didn’t know the exact location of his aunt’s house, but when he asked around, the neighbors warmly directed him, “Head towards the end of the alley. The courtyard with the steam and the best smell is the one.”

It was afternoon, and Xu Qinyu was cooking fish balls in the courtyard. Hearing a knock, she went to the door and saw a young boy. She recognized him as being from the third branch of the Wen family but didn’t know his name.

“Are you from the Wen family?” Xu Qinyu asked.

Wen Shuncheng, smelling the delicious aroma, couldn’t help but swallow. “I’m Cheng Ge’er from the third branch. Grandfather sent me to fetch Second Aunt. It seems Concubine Gui is ill.”

He was thirteen, a growing boy. Although the food at home was unappetizing, he ate a lot to fill his stomach, but it lacked nutrition, leaving him hungry soon after. The other two branches could often find better food, but the third branch had no money. Occasionally, his concubine-grandmother would secretly give him some silver, but not often, likely fearing his grandparents would find out. So, he was often hungry. Since arriving at the border, he had never smelled such delicious food. He controlled himself from looking at the large pot in the courtyard.

Xu Qinyu understood that Concubine Gui’s symptoms had likely manifested, and the Wen family, thinking she had tuberculosis, didn’t want her to stay with them anymore. However, it seemed they didn’t want to write a release letter and wanted Madam Wen to take Concubine Gui back first.

These were scenarios she had anticipated and discussed with Madam Wen.

“Mother, someone from the Wen family is here.” Xu Qinyu called towards the west room.

Madam Wen came out, having been sorting fur and fabric scraps. The last time she and Ning Jie’er made bags, they sold the next day for one or two silver each, despite the materials costing only a few wen. Their needlework was excellent, with stitches so tight that the seams were barely visible. The inner lining of the fabric bags was made from large pieces of gauze scraps. The two fur bags were indeed beautifully made. When finished, even Ning Jie’er and Xu Qinyu couldn’t put them down.

They had worked meticulously for a few days to make those bags. Now, they were planning to make a second design. Each bag was unique, as Xu Qinyu had advised Madam Wen and Ning Jie’er to ensure. This time, Ning Jie’er came up with the design, and Xu Qinyu found it very cute.

Madam Wen saw Wen Shuncheng and said, “Cheng Ge’er, why are you here?”

Wen Shuncheng explained briefly, and Madam Wen frowned, “I have work to do. Alright, I’ll go with you to check.”

Madam Wen appeared anxious at the Wen family home, “Father, Mother, why did you call me back? I have a lot of work at home and need to return quickly.”

Old Master Wen coughed, “It’s like this, Second Sister. Your mother isn’t feeling well and misses you. I thought you could take her to your place for a while.”

Madam Wen frowned, “But our house is small, with six people crowded in. Where would Mother stay? And what’s wrong with Mother? She seemed to have a cough before the New Year. Did you call a doctor? What did the Doctor say?”

“It’s just a cold, combined with some emotional distress, so she hasn’t recovered. She probably misses you too much,” Old Master Wen said, avoiding eye contact.

Old Master Wen had only informed the legitimate sons of the first and second branches about Concubine Gui’s tuberculosis. The third branch was still unaware, and Concubine Bai had been warned not to tell anyone, including Concubine Gui.

Madam Wen said, “I’ll go check on Mother.” She headed towards the side room.

Currently, Old Master Wen and the others use the side door instead of the main entrance.

On the way, Madam Wen thought about finding an excuse to know about Concubine Gui’s tuberculosis and expressed concern about it spreading to her family, making her reluctant to take her back.

Before reaching the second branch, Madam Wen encountered Concubine Bai.

Concubine Bai had already figured out that if Concubine Gui didn’t have tuberculosis, this was all an act. But who was the act for? It was for the Wen family.

This meant the act wasn’t simple. It indicated that Concubine Gui and the Pei family had planned this together, showing that the Pei family didn’t reject Concubine Gui and wanted to take her away. They wanted Old Master Wen to write a release letter for her.

So, Concubine Bai must help with this plan. She also hoped the Pei family would rescue Concubine Gui from her suffering soon. Concubine Gui’s situation in the Wen family was much worse than hers.

Concubine Bai gave Madam Wen a meaningful look.

Madam Wen understood and approached, saying, “Concubine Bai, what are you doing here? My mother has been ill, and I haven’t visited her in a while. How is she? What illness does she have? Father and Mother (Old Madam Wen) said it’s an emotional illness.”

Concubine Bai stammered, “No, I wasn’t going to the side room. I was just passing by. I don’t know what illness your mother has. No, no, it seems like a cold. She should recover after some rest.”

“Then come with me to see her. I remember my mother likes talking to you,” Madam Wen insisted.

Concubine Bai’s face changed, “No, I have something to do. I won’t go to the side room.”

Madam Wen found it suspicious and grabbed her, “Why did your face change?”

After some struggle, Madam Wen sensed something was wrong and pressed Concubine Bai, insisting on taking her to the side room.

Concubine Bai, frightened, finally shouted, “Tuberculosis! Your mother has tuberculosis.”

Madam Wen naturally didn’t go to the side room and angrily returned to the main courtyard. She couldn’t directly scold the Wen elders, so she cried and blamed them for hiding Concubine Gui’s illness. She said, “Even if I wanted to take Mother back, I can’t. The house is full of children. What if the illness spreads to them? Besides, Xuan Ge’er is in charge, and I can’t make this decision.”

After speaking, Madam Wen left through the side door. Even though she was worried about Concubine Gui, she knew she had to endure for now.

Old Master Wen and Old Madam Wen didn’t know how Madam Wen discovered Concubine Gui’s tuberculosis. Seeing Concubine Bai hesitating outside, they called her in and questioned her. It turned out she had revealed it.

Concubine Bai cried, “Second Sister insisted on taking me to the side room. Old Master and Old Madam didn’t dare go, so how could I?”

Old Madam Wen was furious, “How can your life compare to ours? If we don’t send Concubine Gui away, you’ll serve her every day!”

Concubine Bai sobbed, “No matter what, Concubine Gui is Second Sister’s mother. Tuberculosis is terrifying. The longer she stays here, the more likely it is to spread. It’s better to write a release letter and send her to the Pei family.”

Old Master Wen hesitated but didn’t speak.

For now, there was no solution. No one in the household wanted to go to the side room.

Madam Wen returned home and explained the situation to her family, her heart pounding. “Luckily, Concubine Bai helped me. She must know my mother is pretending to be ill, but she doesn’t know the details.”

Seeing everyone silent, she reassured them, “Don’t worry, Yuniang and Xuan Ge’er. Concubine Bai and my mother have a good relationship. Old Master and Old Madam don’t know about their private interactions.” When she was young, Concubine Bai treated her well.

It seemed Concubine Bai from the Wen family had helped them. Madam Wen briefly explained the situation to the third branch, hoping they could separate from the Wen family in the future.

Pei Weixuan calmly said, “We can only wait. The Wen family will be desperate soon.”

Xu Qinyu nodded in agreement. “We just need to wait. Once Old Master Wen writes the release letter, everything will be easier. Even if they change their minds later, it won’t matter.”

…

The Wen family was in chaos. That evening, the third branch had a hard time eating.

By now, the Wen family knew about Concubine Gui’s tuberculosis. Wen Yuling frowned, knowing Wen Shuncheng had visited the Pei family in the afternoon. She asked him, “Did you see what Fourth Sister-in-law was doing?” She found the situation strange.

“Nothing much,” Wen Shuncheng pretended to be clueless. “She was cooking fish in a big pot. The courtyard was full of fish guts, and it smelled bad.” He didn’t want to tell the Wen family how delicious the food was.

Hearing this, Wen Yuling lost her appetite.

While eating, they suddenly heard coughing outside, followed by Concubine Gui’s weak voice, “Old Master, Old Madam, I’m so hungry. Cough, cough…”

The Wen family was shocked. Old Madam Wen screamed, “How did she get here?”

Concubine Bai weakly replied, “No one brought her food. Concubine Gui hasn’t eaten all day.”

“Why didn’t you bring her food?” Old Madam Wen was furious.

Concubine Bai remained silent.

Old Master Wen’s face turned pale. He told Concubine Bai, “Quickly bring her some food.”

He shouted outside, “Don’t come in. Wait outside.”

Concubine Gui didn’t enter, standing outside.

Concubine Bai packed some food and placed it under the eaves, letting Concubine Gui take it herself.

Concubine Gui took the food box, hunched over, and coughed as she returned to the side room.

This continued for several days, with Concubine Bai bringing food to Concubine Gui, as Old Master Wen insisted. Concubine Bai didn’t dare go too close, leaving the food under the eaves and quickly returning.

This wasn’t a sustainable solution, and Old Master Wen and Old Madam Wen were worried.

Old Madam Wen even suggested sending Concubine Gui to the Pei family directly.

Old Master Wen glared at her, “Who will take her? You? Or the third branch? No one will be willing. Even if we send her, will the Pei family accept her? She’s still my concubine. If she goes to the authorities, it will be my disgrace.”

Old Madam Wen was distressed, “Then what should we do?”

Tuberculosis was highly contagious and could take years to kill.

Concubine Bai suggested, “Old Master, Old Madam, why not tell Concubine Gui about her illness and let her choose? If she stays, everyone will fear her. If we give her a release letter and some money, she might prefer to go to the Pei family, where her daughter and grandson can care for her. If she wants to stay, even if the Pei family complains, it won’t matter.”

With a release letter, Concubine Gui would have no ties to them.

Old Madam Wen agreed, “Yes, let’s do that. If she knows she has tuberculosis, she might choose to leave.”

Old Master Wen decided to speak to Concubine Gui himself. He stood at a distance and told her about her illness, offering money and a release letter if she chose to leave.

Concubine Gui cried but didn’t immediately agree, asking for a night to think.

Old Master Wen and Old Lady Wen were anxious.

Old Madam Wen even scolded Concubine Gui in her sleep.

The next morning, Concubine Gui told Concubine Bai she was willing to leave with the money and release letter.

Old Master Wen wrote two release letters, stamped them, and gave twenty taels of silver. Concubine Bai took them to Concubine Gui.

Seeing the silver, Concubine Bai felt a bit resentful. They had taken so much from Madam Wen when she was an empress.

But Concubine Gui could finally leave.

Concubine Bai stood far away and called Concubine Gui.

Concubine Gui came out, looking frail. Concubine Bai placed the release letters and silver on the ground, letting her stamp them and take one copy.

Concubine Bai stepped back, and Concubine Gui stamped the letters, took one, and the silver, and left the Wen family.

As she left, Concubine Gui looked at Concubine Bai with tears in her eyes.

Concubine Bai also teared up, relieved that Concubine Gui could finally leave this miserable place. She hoped the third branch could separate from the Wen family someday.

…

In Osmanthus Alley, after breakfast, Xu Qinyu was cleaning intestines. Before breakfast, Butcher Tian delivered three sets of intestines and took the braised intestines to sell at his wife’s stall.

The braised intestines sold well, with three sets weighing about seventeen or eighteen jin, selling out daily. Xu Qinyu didn’t plan to sell more, preferring to leave customers wanting more.

Uncle He also delivered fish. Now, she didn’t need to go to Butcher Tian or Uncle He for intestines and fish; they delivered directly to Osmanthus Alley, saving her effort.

She was cleaning intestines by the well with Fourth Brother when she saw him look towards the courtyard gate and say, “Grandmother is back.”

Xu Qinyu was delighted and wiped her hands before opening the gate. She saw a frail figure slowly approaching.