Chapter 97: Is Mother Particularly Disappointed in Her Son?

Chapter 97: Is Mother Particularly Disappointed in Her Son?

Tang Shuyi watched her eldest son cry like a child, clinging to her and expressing his anguish, her own eyes could not help but moisten. She reached out to gently stroke his back, murmuring,

"This is human nature. When times are good, everyone is happy, and love abounds, a perfect life seems possible. But when faced with danger, true character is revealed. Selfishness is a natural human response in the face of peril.

However, those who possess loyalty and integrity would never compromise others for their own benefit. Those without compassion or honor have no scruples, seeking only their own well-being without regard for the harm they may cause others."

Does Liu Biqin have feelings for you? She probably does, but definitely not deeply. Otherwise, she wouldn't have so easily lost trust in you, nor would she have disregarded your safety to throw herself at Meng Chengtian.

Doesn't she know that Meng Chengtian's brother-in-law is Liang Jian'an? Doesn't she realize that the Liang family is our enemy? Hasn't she considered that someday the Liang family might use her to harm you?"

Xiao Yuchen's sobbing gradually subsided. Tang Shuyi continued, "Romantic love, familial affection, the responsibilities of an eldest son, the prospects of a future career, the rise and fall of the family clan—weigh these matters carefully in your mind."

"Changming, Changfeng," Tang Shuyi called out. Changming and Changfeng swiftly entered upon lifting the curtain.

"Help your master back to rest." Tang Shuyi stood up and, looking at Xiao Yuchen sitting on the brocade couch, added, "I'll give you three days. In three days, I expect you to be a worthy heir to the Marquis of Yongning's estate."

Changming and Changfeng promptly stepped forward to help Xiao Yuchen off the couch, while Cuizhu and Cuiyun draped a cloak over his shoulders and put shoes on his feet. Once ready, Changming and Changfeng escorted him out. A sedan chair was already prepared outside, into which they settled him before swiftly returning to the Qingfeng Pavilion.

Back in the room, Tang Shuyi addressed Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming, "I don't wish to see you make the same mistakes your elder brother has made. It's fine to harbor feelings, but you must choose the right person and understand what matters most."

Xiao Yuzhu and Xiao Yuming nodded vigorously; they would certainly not make such foolish mistakes.

Tang Shuyi waved them off to rest, then turned to Cuizhu and Cuiyun, "Keep an eye on the situation in Qingfeng Pavilion and have a physician wait on standby."

Xiao Yuchen was already injured and now deeply traumatized, even to the point of vomiting blood; his condition might worsen by night.

After receiving their instructions, Cuizhu and Cuiyun hastened to fulfill them. Tang Shuyi sighed deeply and leaned back on the brocade couch, hoping her eldest son would pull through this ordeal.

Inside Qingfeng Pavilion, Xiao Yuchen lay in bed being attended to. Changming and Changfeng, not daring to leave, sat on stools beside the bed. Noticing Xiao Yuchen staring blankly at the canopy, they exchanged glances and began to console him:

Changming said, "My lord, grieving won't change what has happened."

Changfeng added, "The lady did all this for your sake. That Liu... she clearly wasn't a good person; the lady couldn't very well let her harm you and the Marquis's estate."

Changming agreed, "Indeed, she isn't worthy of your kindness."

………

They went back and forth, almost unsure of what more to say, when Xiao Yuchen suddenly spoke, "Did you know she was such a person all along?"

Changming and Changfeng nodded together, with Changming adding, "When you knelt at the ancestral hall last time, I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't let me."

"Actually, you can't be blamed," Changfeng said. "We are merely observers."

Xiao Yuchen let out a self-deprecating laugh, then closed his eyes, tears once again trickling down from the corners. He murmured, "I must be the biggest fool in the capital."

Seeing this, Changming and Changfeng became anxious again and were about to start consoling him when Xiao Yuchen said, "Leave me. Let me be alone for a while."

Changming and Changfeng could only leave, but they dared not stray too far, staying on guard just outside the bedroom door. Every few moments, they would tiptoe in to check. About half an hour later, hearing the long, steady breaths of Xiao Yuchen, they finally eased their worries.

However, more than two hours later, when they checked again, they found Xiao Yuchen breathing somewhat rapidly. Changming climbed to the edge of the bed, illuminated his face with a lamp, and saw his complexion flushed. Touching his forehead, it was so hot it could almost cook an egg.

The two hurriedly called for the doctor. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Xiao Yuchen awoke. His first words were, "Don't tell mother; she's already worried herself sick over me."

Changming and Changfeng nodded, but the news still reached Shian Garden.

Tang Shuyi had been sleeping restlessly that night, waking at the slightest disturbance. Hearing that Xiao Yuchen had a high fever, she immediately got out of bed and hurried to Qingfeng Garden with Cuizhu and Cuixian.

Upon arrival, she inquired about his condition. The doctor said, "The Young Master’s wounds had not yet healed, and today’s fit of rage compounded by suppressed emotions has caused his internal heat to flare."

"Can the fever be reduced?" Tang Shuyi asked.

The doctor shook his head, "Not so quickly."

Tang Shuyi entered the bedroom, sat on the edge of the bed, and touched his forehead, which was burning hot. This couldn't go on, or it might cause further complications. After pondering for a moment, she said to Cuizhu and Cuixian, "Prepare some wine, pour it into hot water, and use it to wipe his body."

The doctor, hearing this, became anxious. "What kind of method is this? Wiping the body now and catching a chill could worsen his condition."

Tang Shuyi didn't explain but simply urged Cuizhu and Cuixian to hurry. To the doctor, she said, "Let's try it."

Seeing her insistence, the doctor had no choice but to comply.

"Mother, I am unharmed," murmured Xiao Yuchen, who, hearing Tang Shuyi’s voice, slowly opened his eyes.

Tang Shuyi turned back, saw he was awake, and touched his forehead again, saying, "I know, it’s nothing serious, just a fever. Once it subsides, you’ll be fine."

Xiao Yuchen forced a bitter smile. "Is mother especially disappointed in her son?"

Tang Shuyi shook her head, speaking earnestly, "No one goes through life without making mistakes. What’s important is whether one can learn and change after making them. I believe my son can overcome this obstacle and will make me proud in the future."

Wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes, Xiao Yuchen said, "Your son... your son will definitely try his hardest."

Tang Shuyi smiled, "I believe you will."

At that moment, Cuizhu and Cuixian brought in the hot water mixed with wine. Tang Shuyi instructed Changming to remove all of Xiao Yuchen's clothes and wipe his body. She then stepped out of the bedroom to rest on the couch outside.

Inside, Changming and Changfeng assisted Xiao Yuchen in wiping his body back and forth several times. Finally, the fever subsided, leaving the physician astounded. He wanted to ask Tang Shuyi how she thought of this method, but Cui Zhu and Cui Yun hustled her out. Tang Shuyi had fallen asleep, leaning against the couch.

After a tumultuous night, Xiao Yuchen felt considerably better the next day. His fever had dissipated, and his spirits had lifted. Learning that Tang Shuyi had spent the night on a small couch outside his chamber, he quickly got out of bed and went to see her, only to find her sitting there, sipping tea. She greeted him with a smile, "It seems you're recovering nicely."

"Son has caused Mother much worry," Xiao Yuchen said, bowing deeply.

Tang Shuyi sighed. Her eldest son was truly old-fashioned. Handing her cup to Cui Yun, she stood up and said, "Seeing you well eases my mind. Rest up. In a few days, your grandfather will take you to meet Master Fang Daryu."

"Alright," Xiao Yuchen responded, feeling a warmth in his voice.

"Good, then I'll be going. Take care and rest well."

As Tang Shuyi left, Xiao Yuchen escorted her to the door. Watching her retreating figure, he suddenly realized, what were his heartaches in comparison?

He had his mother, his siblings. Nothing else truly mattered.