Chapter 9: The Su Family

Once at the table, Su Shi kept piling food onto Ming Wei's plate, eating at a speed that couldn't keep up with her own serving. She didn't eat anything herself, despite the fact that she should have eaten more. Her complexion was pale, clearly showing that she had lost her appetite due to her daughter's long disappearance. She looked thin and frail, and although she seemed lively at the moment, it was clear that her spirits wouldn't last long.

Ming Wei served her mother some fish and said, "Mother, please eat."

Tears welled up in Su Shi's eyes. This was the first time her daughter had served her food since her illness. Even if she had no appetite, she would eat it because her daughter was being so obedient and considerate.

After finishing her meal, Ming Wei continued to serve her mother, and she ended up finishing a whole bowl of rice.

Mrs. Zhao, standing by, was overjoyed. She had been so worried about Mrs. Su not eating properly for so many days.

After Su Shi left, Ming Wei wandered around the house. The antique room was filled with various precious jade and porcelain items. She lost track of time while examining the items, and before she knew it, it was already dark outside.

Having slept too much during the day, she couldn't fall asleep at night. Moreover, Ming Wei had always been a night owl, often performing surgeries at night. She had a restful sleep during the day, but at night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her wrist ached from rubbing it all night, making it a real struggle.

She couldn't remember when she finally fell asleep, and it didn't seem like she had slept for long before she was awakened again. Opening her eyes, she found the room dimly lit by candlelight.

Ming Wei felt like she was dying inside, but she couldn't believe that in ancient times, young ladies had to wake up so early!

Mrs. Zhou instructed Xue Yan to bring clothes and explained to Ming Wei, who looked depressed, "Hurry up, Miss. Mrs. Su is critically ill, and the Su family has sent someone to inform us that they want to see you and Mrs. Su for the last time. We can't delay."

This was truly urgent.

Ming Wei quickly got out of bed. She had seen many younger family members who couldn't make it back in time and missed seeing their loved ones for the last time. The regret would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

In a rush, she got dressed and headed straight to the Youlan Garden. As soon as she arrived at the gate, Mrs. Su, with red eyes, was being helped out by Mrs. Zhao.

Ming Wei had no recollection of Mrs. Su's grandmother. She had discreetly asked Xier and learned that her grandmother was very fond of her, but she was used to the cycle of life and death, making her heart particularly tough. Her eyes couldn't even turn red. Seeing Mrs. Su in distress, Ming Wei finally felt some empathy.

Without delay, they all headed to the Hou Mansion's gate and boarded a carriage to the Su family.

Inside the carriage, Mrs. Su was crying heartbreakingly, and Ming Wei couldn't help but sympathize with her. This woman had been through so much hardship. Her own son had disappeared without a trace, and now her own mother was on the verge of passing away. It was enough to drive her to despair.

The Hou Mansion was quite far from the Su family, but at this hour, there were few people on the streets. The carriage raced all the way, and they arrived at the Su family in less than half an hour.

"Madam is finally back," exclaimed a servant from the Su family.

Once Mrs. Su got off the carriage, she didn't even pay attention to Ming Wei. The maids almost had to support her as she rushed into the mansion. Ming Wei didn't dare to run, as her dress was too long, and she wasn't used to it. She could only quicken her pace and catch up with them as best as she could.

It took a good half hour to get from the main gate to the Autumn Water Courtyard where Mrs. Su's grandmother lived. By then, it was already bright outside, with the sun shining and the courtyard crowded with maids and old women, all wiping away tears.

Inside the house, the sound of crying was incessant.

Ming Wei didn't recognize anyone, but she felt the room was crowded and suffocating. She almost succumbed to her professional instinct to demand silence.

Mrs. Su had already thrown herself into her grandmother's arms. The old lady looked pale, with lifeless eyes, struggling to breathe. On the way there, Ming Wei had learned from Mrs. Su that her grandmother had been ill for two or three months, and her condition had not improved since her disappearance. Several times, she had been on the brink of death, but she had held on because she wanted to see Ming Wei one last time. Mrs. Su had urged her to hold on, assuring her that Ming Wei would come back. The old lady had managed to hold on until today.

Yesterday, Mrs. Su had sent someone to the Hou Mansion in high spirits. Perhaps when she felt relieved, with no more worries in her heart, she couldn't hold on any longer.

Mrs. Su's grandmother couldn't speak, but tears flowed freely. She was weak all over, and a maid had to wipe her tears before she could see Ming Wei clearly. She opened her mouth and, with great effort, managed to call out, "Wei'er..."

Ming Wei approached, holding the old lady's raised hand, calling her grandmother and shedding tears. She also checked her pulse to see if there was any hope left.

She shielded her body so that no one could see, but she furrowed her brow and cursed the incompetent doctor in her heart.

She turned to the others and said, "Please leave. I have a few words to say to my grandmother alone."