Chapter 22

Moreover, with Chang Ji and Heng Ping taking care of him, there was truly no need for her involvement. In her previous life, after returning from Changan Avenue, she hadn't been much help either, only able to worry on the sidelines.

Gu Changjin had never needed her.

With this in mind, Rong Shu said in a conciliatory tone, "Mother, how about I return to Phoenix Avenue in two days? You're not feeling well today, and I can't help but worry."

"Ridiculous! Is this the time to act impulsively? Can't I manage without you here?" Madam Shen glared at Rong Shu, almost poking her forehead. "There are priorities in matters. Yunzhi's injuries are unknown, so your immediate concern is to return to the Gu family. As for Mother, once Yunzhi recovers, you can visit whenever you like."

Saying that, she ordered a carriage without further discussion, clearly leaving no room for negotiation.

Rong Shu looked at Madam Shen.

Thanks to the brief nap and soothing medicine, Madam Shen's complexion had indeed improved significantly. With Aunt Pei attending to the elderly matriarch, it seemed Mother could enjoy some peace for a while.

"I'll come see you in a few days, then. Don't worry too much in the meantime. If anything happens, send someone to Phoenix Avenue to inform me. If you're not comfortable living in the mansion, go to the manor—"

Suddenly, something wrapped in cloth was stuffed into Rong Shu's arms, interrupting her words.

Madam Shen looked at her amusedly. "You've grown up since getting married, even reminding your mother now. Alright, Mother won't go anywhere these few days. I'll just stay in Qingheng Courtyard, eating and sleeping. I won't bother with anything else. Now, will that put your mind at ease?"

Saying this, she patted the small candy jar in her arms and said, "This is pine nut candy specially made for you by the little kitchen at your mother's request. You don't have time to eat it now, so take it back with you. Although you must be diligent in caring for Gu Yunzhi, do not overexert yourself, understand? Very well, go on back. As for your father and grandmother, I will speak on your behalf."

Rong Shu clutched the box of pine seed candy, stealing frequent glances over her shoulder as she reluctantly made her way out of the Marquis's residence.

The carriage took almost two hours to return to Phoenix Lane. It was assumed that the Songsi Courtyard would be in a state of chaos and hustle. However, upon entering, it was unexpectedly quiet.

Chang Ji emerged from the small kitchen, holding a bowl of medicine, only to witness Rong Shu and the others returning home. A flicker of surprise crossed his face.

"Madam... Young Lady?"

Rong Shu nodded gently at him and asked, "How severe is Second Master's injury?"

"The master has sustained an arrow wound and several sword cuts, leaving them currently in a state of unconsciousness. The physician has just examined them and prognosticated that there will be a fever lasting approximately three or four days. If the fever abates after that time frame, there should be no major complications."

The physician's words were identical to those from her previous life.

"I shall go in and pay my respects to Second Master."

Involuntarily, Chang Ji tried to stop Rong Shu from entering. When the master was ill, his temper was quite unpredictable. Madam would likely endure some discomfort if she were to encounter him in such a state.

Yet, upon reflection, Young Madam was, in name, the master's wife. How could he, as a mere attendant, have the right to stop her from entering the room to see the master?

Just as he was lost in thought, Ying Que suddenly took the soup bowl from his hand and said, "Is this the medicine for Second Master? Give it to me. Our Miss will feed him personally later."

Chang Ji opened his mouth again, about to say that the master didn't usually allow others to feed him medicine, and that no one else could get it down his throat.

But Ying Que had already turned around and quickly followed Rong Shu into the room.

The windows were closed, and as Rong Shu lifted the curtains, a faint smell of blood tinged her nostrils.

Gu Changjin lay on the bed with his eyes tightly shut. His shoulders, chest, arms, and neck were wrapped in white bandages, which were stained with a hint of red.

These injuries were identical to those in her previous life.

Rong Shu recalled that Gu Changjin had taken three months to fully recover.

She stared at his pale face, her expression momentarily complicated.

In her previous life, after the chaos on Changan Avenue had been quelled, his green official robe had been soaked in blood.

Unperturbed by the scorching sun, he strode toward her through the sea of blood on Changan Avenue, his pace unhurried.

At that time, he was covered in wounds, with blood still trickling down from his neck. The crimson liquid traced a long, thin line against his fair skin, seeping gradually into his clothes.

Rong Shu observed him through the shattered carriage window.

His dark, profound eyes were serene, as if these injuries, the corpses littering the ground, and the chaotic assassination attempt held no significance to him.

Yet, upon closer inspection, the fiery glint that reflected in his eyes seemed like a burning flame.

The fire burned gently but persistently.

Later, Ying Que had angrily remarked, "When Miss was in danger, Young Master only cared about saving himself and left Miss alone in the carriage. That just doesn't sit right."

Now, looking back, it was likely that only by his leaving the carriage and diverting the assassins could she have remained unharmed.

"Madam, this is the medicine Chang Ji just prepared," Ying Que said, bringing a bowl of medicine over. "Should we give it to Young Master now, do you think?"

Heng Ping, who was guarding by the bedside, usually wore an expressionless face. But upon hearing Ying Que's words, a hint of surprise broke through his usual composure.

Rong Shu knew exactly what Heng Ping was surprised about.

Gu Changjin was an incredibly guarded person. Even when unconscious, it was almost impossible to get any medicine into him. Even Chang Ji and Heng Ping, who had served him since childhood, could only manage to force his mouth open and pour the medicine in with sheer luck.

Heng Ping probably never expected that Chang Ji would actually ask her to administer the medicine.

In her previous life, Rong Shu had also attempted to feed him the medicine, but not a single drop made it past his tightly clenched teeth. The dark, viscous liquid seeped out and soaked the pillowcase beneath.

Neither she nor Heng Ping could succeed where Chang Ji had failed.

Eventually, it was Gu Changjin himself who woke up, took the bowl, and drank the medicine in one go.

Rong Shu didn't want to waste her effort, but since Ying Que had already brought the medicine over, she reluctantly took the bowl.

She couldn't feed him anyway, so she figured she'd just pretend to give him a spoonful before passing the rest to Heng Ping.

"Heng Ping, please help me lift Lord Lang and place him on the bolster."

Heng Ping's expressionless face twitched slightly. He glanced at Rong Shu and her maid, somehow reminded of Chang Ji's oft-repeated phrase.