Chapter 436 - 437: Making a Special Trip

Chapter 436: Chapter 437: Making a Special Trip

Wang Caiyue had clearly come prepared. Her expression was brazen as she spoke.

Li Cuicui felt dizzy spells wash over her. "Then go discuss it with the other brothers. What are you doing here, coming to Seventh’s wife?

"I’ve told you before. From the moment you split off from the family, you became the master of your own house.

"You’ve already made up your mind, so why are you saying all this now? Aren’t you just hoping that I and Seventh’s wife will make the decision for you?"

Jin Qianqian saw that the old madam’s color was off and hurried over to help calm her down.

"Second Sister-in-law, don’t provoke Mother. If you actually anger her into falling ill, do you think you’ll get anything good out of it?"

A flicker of guilt crossed Wang Caiyue’s eyes, but the thought that she was doing this for her own family made her bold again. "Seventh Sister-in-law, Mother may not want to get involved in our disputes, but you’re the one who provided the secret recipe. If you just say the word, the others will surely listen.

"We’re all brothers here. You can’t play favorites."

Jin Qianqian called for the maids and had them help the old madam to a side room to rest.

"Second Sister-in-law, once an opportunity is missed, it’s gone for good.

"Since Eldest Brother and the others aren’t interested, I can’t very well force them, can I? I’m just their younger sister-in-law.

"To be blunt, I don’t want to get involved, and I won’t. But let me give you a piece of advice: if you cause too much trouble and the Clan Leader has to step in, they won’t be as forgiving as Mother, who just bottles up her anger."

Wang Caiyue wasn’t sure why, but the youngest brother suddenly came to mind. ’If our family causes a scene and ends up like him,’ she thought, ’our fate might be even more miserable!’

"Seventh Sister-in-law, is there any chance the youngest brother can come back?" For some reason, as if compelled by an impulse, she asked the question.

Jin Qianqian replied, "You should ask the Clan Leader about that."

Wang Caiyue said, "...Actually, the youngest has already changed his household registration. He’s not the Lan Family’s live-in son-in-law anymore. Isn’t there any chance for him?"

"The youngest put you up to this, didn’t he?" Jin Qianqian smiled at her. "Second Sister-in-law, did he also promise that once he’s back in the clan, he’ll team up with your family to demand the secret recipe from the other brothers?"

"That’s not true," she denied, but her darting eyes gave her away.

Jin Qianqian said, "For Second Brother’s sake, I’ll give you some advice: you’d best not associate with the youngest. Otherwise, you’ll be the one who suffers in the end."

’It feels useless telling her all this,’ Jin Qianqian thought. She decided she would have Housekeeper Fu make a trip later to have a proper talk with Second Brother about these issues.

’Second Brother is such an honest man. He can’t be ruined by Wang Caiyue and her constant scheming.’

She ignored Wang Caiyue, leaving her in the side hall, and went to the side room with her attendants.

"Has someone gone for the doctor?"

Lidong quickly answered, "Madam, Housekeeper Fu has already sent someone."

Li Cuicui had recovered by then. "There’s no need for a doctor. This dizziness is normal for me. I’ve dealt with it my whole life."

Jin Qianqian knew Li Cuicui was likely referring to anemia, but given her age, she worried there might be other underlying issues.

"Housekeeper Fu has already gone. We should let the doctor take a look anyway, so he doesn’t make the trip for nothing.

"Let’s just treat it as a checkup for peace of mind. We’ll feel more at ease that way."

Li Cuicui sighed and explained to Jin Qianqian, "I didn’t know she would come over and say all that. Don’t you pay her any mind."

Jin Qianqian soothed her. "I know, I won’t. Besides, they’re my elders—brothers and sisters-in-law. How could I possibly interfere?

"It’s even snowing a little today. Is the house stocked with firewood?"

"It’s all stocked. I don’t even have to lift a finger these days. Your sisters-in-law have already bought me a full supply from others in the village. Everyone says I’m so fortunate, but I know this good fortune all comes from you and your husband."

Jin Qianqian said, "Mother, as long as you’re happy and comfortable, my husband can also be more at ease while he’s away. You’re all alone at your house. Why don’t you move in and spend the winter with us? You could keep Luo Luo and the others company."

Li Cuicui was about to refuse, but the thought of her two adorable grandchildren tempted her.

Still, she said, "I’m used to the village. During the winter, I can visit my neighbors and always have someone to talk to.

"When the weather warms up, you can bring the children back to stay for a few days. Let them bond with their cousins. Their generation will need to look out for one another in the future."

Jin Qianqian knew the old madam’s words were filled with kindness. "I will, Mother. Once I’ve finished up things here, I’ll bring them back to the village to stay for a while."

The two of them chatted for a while longer, quieting down only when the doctor arrived.

After taking her pulse and asking a few questions, Huang Zhong’an moved to the side and briskly wrote out a prescription.

"At your age, getting angry is the worst thing for your health. Fortunately, this isn’t a major issue. A few doses of medicine should have you nearly recovered."

Li Cuicui asked, "Doctor Huang, what exactly is my ailment? I’ve had it since I was young, but it’s never caused any pain or discomfort. It can’t be serious enough to need medicine, can it?"

"That’s a different matter entirely. When you were younger, you probably only got dizzy when you stood up or after squatting for a long time, correct?

"This time is different. It’s due to your age, combined with the agitation. It caused a reversal in the flow of your qi and blood. If not managed properly, it could lead to a stroke.

"Fortunately, your symptoms are relatively mild. Just remember to avoid getting angry in the future."

Of that long explanation, the one word Li Cuicui understood was "stroke."

Seeing the old madam’s expression change, Jin Qianqian immediately asked Doctor Huang, "What should someone like my mother be mindful of in her daily life?"

"She should walk more and eat fewer greasy, heavy foods. It’s important to stay relaxed and cheerful, then there won’t be any problems." Doctor Huang finished the prescription. "Will you fill this yourselves, or shall I have my attendant deliver the medicine to you later?"

Jin Qianqian replied, "I’ll have someone go with you."

Housekeeper Fu immediately led Doctor Huang aside to give him the consultation and medicine fees, then found a male servant to accompany the doctor.

"My head isn’t even spinning anymore. Maybe I shouldn’t take the medicine," Li Cuicui said, sitting up straight. She felt perfectly fine now.

Jin Qianqian said, "We have to listen to the doctor. Besides, it’s just a few doses. You can just close your eyes and down it in one gulp."

The exaggerated gesture Jin Qianqian made as she spoke made Li Cuicui laugh. "It’s good medicine meant to heal me, but you make it sound like poison."

Seeing her laugh, Jin Qianqian continued to tease her with a straight face, "Well then, Mother, we could just sip it slowly. I’ll have someone bring back extra candied fruit later. I guarantee you won’t taste any bitterness."

"How flighty would I have to be to treat bitter medicine like some fine delicacy to be savored?" Li Cuicui laughed, rubbing her stomach. "You really are a little rascal."