Chapter 70: Lady Song’s Probing

Madam Song, unable to set her mind at ease, followed along and entered just in time to see Song Zhiyuan and Lin Qing exchanging glances. She paused slightly, then approached with a gentle smile.

The others stepped aside as Madam Song moved before Matron Song, bowing respectfully and asking with concern, “Mother, how did it feel the first time you received acupuncture?”

“It was painful,” Matron Song replied. “All of you, don’t come crowding around. I’m already suffering, and now I have to muster the strength to converse with you—my heart is weary indeed.”

Madam Song’s expression grew solemn. “Mother.”

Song Zhiyuan rose to his feet and said, “We sons are at fault for troubling you so. Mother, please rest well—we’ll take our leave now. Mama Gong, see to the Matron’s care.”

“Yes, my lord,” came the reply.

Song Zhiyuan looked to Madam Song. “Let us return to our quarters.”

She nodded meekly, following half a step behind her husband as they departed.

Once the pair had gone, the others rose as well. Lin Qing said to Matron Song, “Matron, I have also prepared a medicinal bath for you. If you soak for a while, you will rest more easily.”

Matron Song nodded, and the maids supported her as she made her way to the bathing chamber.

Dusk pressed heavily upon the courtyard, and the sound of insects filled the air.

As she walked beside her husband, Madam Song sensed that he was quieter and more withdrawn than usual that day.

“Husband, since Mother woke, she doesn’t seem to want us lingering around her much. Even earlier, when the fourth son went to pay his respects, she preferred to stay asleep and not see him,” Madam Song took it upon herself to start a conversation.

Song Zhiyuan frowned. “Physician Lu did say Mother’s temperament would become unpredictable. It seems he wasn’t mistaken.”

Madam Song replied, “I actually think Mother is more approachable now…” She hesitated, a little embarrassed, and added with a smile, “At least, that’s what Qier and the others say.”

“Yes, with the children happy to keep her company, Mother won’t feel too lonely.”

Madam Song glanced at him, then continued, “That’s true—especially with Doctor Lin frequently tending to her. Once Mother’s health is restored, she could even return to visit her old home in Yuhang without trouble.”

Song Zhiyuan looked over. “As for Doctor Lin, assign two more attendants to serve her. Whatever medicines she requires, have the storeroom prepare them; if we lack them, purchase them from outside at no expense. Treat her with the courtesy due a guest.”

Madam Song’s heart skipped a beat, and she almost betrayed her composure. She couldn’t help glancing at him, but forced a smile and replied, “Rest assured. It wasn’t easy to find a lady physician Mother approves of; of course we’ll treat her as an honored guest.”

“Good.”

“It’s a pity about Doctor Lin—with her skill and her age, she’s set on remaining single. Otherwise, with her looks and bearing, countless fine young men would be eager to wed her,” Madam Song said with mock regret.

Song Zhiyuan raised his eyebrows and cast her a sidelong glance, half-smiling.

Madam Song’s smile faltered. “What is it?”

“For now, the most important thing is Mother’s health. Let us not dwell on other matters.” Song Zhiyuan took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “I have things to attend to and won’t be joining you for supper. I’ll dine in the study.”

Madam Song felt her face flush. “Very well,” she murmured.

He smiled, released her hand, and turned to leave for the outer quarters.

Watching him go, Madam Song pressed her hand to her chest and sighed softly. Why was it that, with age, her thoughts grew ever more restless? Did she feel herself fading, her youth and charm slipping away?

She touched her face, then found herself recalling Lin Qing’s fair and delicate features, her thoughts deepening.

Meanwhile, Song Zhiyuan, upon returning to his study, summoned Qian Yong, the commander of the shadow guards, and instructed in a low voice, “Assign two more hidden guards to the Matron’s courtyard. Place one at the Bamboo Chamber to keep watch on Doctor Lin. Have someone investigate her background thoroughly—leave nothing unchecked, and report everything to me.”