Chapter 58

Chapter 58

Ruan Hang quickly returned to Snowbright Studio.

On his way back, it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't told Song Yun the day before that he wouldn't be leaving for the next few days.

Song Yun had always been most afraid of unannounced departures. If he were to wake up and find Ruan Hang gone, who knew how anxious and helpless he would feel?

Thus, Ruan Hang grew somewhat anxious. Only when he returned to the room and found Song Yun still asleep did he feel a measure of relief.

However, the imperial physician he had sent for early in the morning would likely arrive soon, so Song Yun needed to be woken up first.

Gently, Ruan Hang patted him and called his name.

Song Yun slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Ruan Hang before him, he instinctively sought protection, wrapping his arms around Ruan Hang’s arm.

Ruan Hang soothed him softly and asked, “Does your stomach still hurt?”

He hadn’t expected Song Yun to respond—it was just an offhand question—but after a moment, Song Yun shook his head.

Though he still didn’t speak, Song Yun had at least reacted to him. Ruan Hang couldn’t help but feel a surge of hope and wanted to ask more, to see if Song Yun might say something.

Just then, however, a servant came to announce that the imperial physician had arrived.

Thus, Ruan Hang had no choice but to have a maid bring warm water for Song Yun to freshen up before seeing the physician.

The imperial physicians who frequently visited the Ruan residence were limited to one or two. Coincidentally, the one who arrived today was the same one who had prescribed the medicine to terminate the pregnancy for Song Yun a few days prior.

After taking Song Yun’s pulse through the screen, the physician was somewhat surprised.

Though Song Yun had indeed lost the child, it didn’t seem to be due to the medicine he had prescribed. Rather, it appeared to be the result of severe shock and profound distress.

When he had examined Song Yun before, albeit likewise through a screen, he had heard Song Yun speak—animated and spirited. Seeing that Song Yun resided in a side courtyard, he had deduced that he wasn’t a master of the household and was likely in a constrained circumstance.

But today, the figure behind the screen was utterly silent, and his pulse was profoundly altered from before.

The physician didn’t know what had happened, but he knew it couldn’t be anything good. Having served in noble households for years, however, he understood that certain matters demanded discretion.

Thus, he kept his expression neutral, finished the examination, and waited to hear Ruan Hang’s requests.

Ruan Hang first inquired about Song Yun’s condition. The physician’s answer accorded well with what the midwife had said the day before.

“While your companion’s body has suffered damage and is weakened, he is still young, and the pregnancy had not advanced far. With proper rest and care, he will surely recover.”

Ruan Hang’s expression eased slightly. “That reassures me. However, since yesterday, he hasn’t spoken a word. Could you examine him to determine the cause?”

The physician had seen many cases of emotional instability after miscarriage due to shock, but complete silence was uncommon. If it indicated a disturbance of the mind, that would be serious. Thus, he didn’t dare take it lightly.

“The diagnostic methods are observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking. For a condition involving speechlessness, pulse diagnosis alone cannot determine the cause. I must see his complexion to make a proper judgment.”

So, Ruan Hang went behind the screen and spoke softly to Song Yun.

Song Yun had never been shy around strangers before, but now, likely due to extreme shock, he shrank behind Ruan Hang at the mention of seeing the physician, clearly unwilling to cooperate.

Ruan Hang had to soothe him with gentle words before he finally calmed down somewhat—though he still clung tightly to Ruan Hang’s arm.

Thus, Ruan Hang had to sit with him behind the screen, using his free hand to draw back the curtain for the physician to see.

Song Yun kept his head lowered, avoiding eye contact, looking fearful and unsettled.

After observing him, however, the physician noted that though his complexion was somewhat pale, it wasn’t abnormal. His expression was clear, his eyes bright, with no indication of mental derangement. Relieved, he said:

“Your companion’s mind appears unharmed. It’s likely the sudden loss of the child and the shock of trauma that he cannot yet bear, hence this state.”

Hearing the physician’s clear analysis, Ruan Hang finally felt some of the tension leave his chest.

“Then, when will he recover?”

“That is hard to say. I’ll prescribe some medicine to calm his agitated spirits and lift his despondency. However, matters of the heart require the resolution of inner turmoil—medicine alone cannot cure them.”

Ruan Hang knew this was the only answer the physician could give. Matters of the heart were unlike physical ailments; even the greatest healer couldn’t predict recovery. So, he nodded politely and asked the physician to write out the prescription.

After the physician left, Ruan Hang had breakfast served.

Following the instructions of both the physician and the midwife, Song Yun was to eat light meals for the first couple of days before transitioning to more nourishing foods. Thus, Ruan Hang had the kitchen prepare an assortment of porridges and side dishes for him.

Once Song Yun finished the congee in bed, Ruan Hang had him lie down to rest again.

Fearing Song Yun might feel unsettled alone, Ruan Hang lay down beside him, still fully clothed.

The weather had grown even colder that day. A bitter north wind wailed outside as winter deepened.

Though snow was rare in Jinling, chilly rains would persist through the season.

Ruan Hang held Song Yun in his arms. Having slept enough, Song Yun didn’t seem tired—he simply lay there with his eyes open, adrift in his thoughts.

Worried that dwelling on recent events would only plunge him deeper into grief, Ruan Hang asked, “Would you like to hear a story? I can tell you one.”

Song Yun compressed his lips without responding. Ruan Hang feared he had slipped back into his withdrawn state from the previous day, but before long, Song Yun nodded.

Delighted, Ruan Hang began telling him a story, speaking slowly.

Outside, the sky was overcast, but indoors, the brazier's warmth kept the room dry and warm.

Leaning against Ruan Hang, Song Yun listened to the story and gradually seemed to settle into quietude. Feeling the tension ease from the person in his arms, Ruan Hang was reassured that storytelling was indeed helping.

He chose a mild and comforting story. As Song Yun listened, his eyes slowly closed, and before long, he was asleep, his breath evening out.

Ruan Hang kissed his forehead and, once he was deep in slumber, carefully got up from the bed. He didn’t go far, simply selecting a book to read in the chair by Song Yun’s bedside.

*

When midday came, Ruan Hang invited Nanny Bai over.

The preceding days' turmoil had prevented him from arranging for Song Yun’s family to visit, so he had only sent word to the Bai household, explaining much of Song Yun’s condition.

Nanny Bai arrived promptly, bringing a pot of nourishing hen broth with her.

Song Yun had just woken when he saw his mother.

Nanny Bai embraced him, tears springing to her eyes. “My poor, suffering child…”

Ruan Hang had hoped that seeing his family might draw Song Yun out of his shell, but he remained unchanged, silently leaning against his mother’s shoulder, looking both grief-stricken and vacant.

Heaving a sigh, Ruan Hang said apologetically, “Nanny Bai, I scarcely know how to account for this.”

“What ails him?” Nanny Bai seemed to notice Song Yun’s unusual state, her face filling with alarm.

“I had wished to spare you concern earlier, so I didn’t mention it. Physically, Song Yun is fine, but the terror seems to have overwhelmed him. He hasn’t spoken a word since yesterday.”

Nanny Bai drew a sharp breath. Scrutinizing Song Yun’s face with growing alarm, she gently shook him. “Little Two, Little Two, don’t frighten your mother so—speak to me!”

But Song Yun looked evasive, his lips pressed tightly together as if about to cry.

Ruan Hang quickly intervened, comforting Nanny Bai, "Don't push him, Nanny. I’ve tried many methods since yesterday, but the imperial physician said we must let him slowly work through his feelings. We can’t rush this."

Nanny Bai couldn’t contain her sorrow, covering her face to muffle her sobs.

She had never imagined Song Yun would become like this.

Just a few days ago, Song Yun had been happy, pregnant with the young master’s child, and the whole family had been happy for him. Who could have foreseen such a drastic change in just a few short days?

These past few days, Nanny Bai had been so worried about Song Yun that she could neither eat nor sleep properly, her face looking noticeably older and worn out.

Seeing her like this, Ruan Hang felt guilty, his remorse deepening.

The Bai family was well-respected in the household, with their own savings. Song Yun could have lived comfortably even without him. Yet, by staying with him, not only had his life not improved, but he had ended up like this.

He truly couldn’t face the nanny who had raised him with such devotion.

Nanny Bai had raised him like her own son, her kindness deep. It was because she trusted him that she had refused to let Song Yun follow the eldest young master, instead giving him to Ruan Hang’s care. And yet, he had nearly failed to protect even Song Yun’s life.

"Nanny, you entrusted Song Yun to me, but I failed to keep him safe. I truly..." Ruan Hang felt terribly guilty.

But Nanny Bai quickly stopped him, taking his hand as tears streamed down her face. "Young master, don’t blame yourself. This matter was never your fault. I know you did everything you could to protect him. Otherwise, my little one might not have survived..."

As she spoke, the thought of the dangers Song Yun had faced in the mistress’s quarters deepened her sorrow. Her heart ached for her child, made to suffer so much.

Ruan Hang knew that before the madam, the Bai family were powerless against her. They didn’t even dare to speak their minds. Even now, they couldn’t directly criticize the mistress.

He understood that the Bai family’s suffering ran deeper than his own.

Now and in the future, only Ruan Hang could protect Song Yun.

"Nanny, no matter what, I won’t let anything happen to Song Yun again. Please rest assured," Ruan Hang promised.

He had already decided—no matter what, he would not accept the Jiang family’s marriage proposal. He would not allow someone who would mistreat Song Yun into his home, nor would he let the madam harm Song Yun again. Even if it meant risking his life, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Ruan Hang knew that only through his future actions could he truly reassure Nanny Bai.

So he said no more, stepped out quietly to let Nanny Bai and Song Yun have some time alone.

Holding back her tears, Nanny Bai took out the chicken soup and side dishes from the lunchbox to feed Song Yun.

Though weighed down by sorrow, Song Yun had just suffered a miscarriage, his body weak and in need of nourishment. His appetite remained, and he drank a fair amount of the soup Nanny Bai fed him, even eating some meat.

Seeing him eat so well made Nanny Bai feel a little better. Stroking his head, she said softly through her tears, "Don’t be afraid. We’ll surely get through this."

It was unclear whether she was comforting Song Yun or herself.

*

Nanny Bai stayed at Snowbright Studio until dusk before reluctantly preparing to leave.

But Ruan Hang stopped her.

"Nanny, though you’ve been retired at home for years, Song Yun needs care now, and there’s no one in my courtyard who can manage things well. If you’re willing, would you come back and help manage things for me?"

Nanny Bai was surprised, but under these circumstances, she was naturally willing to return.

Ruan Hang had already instructed Bai Sheng to dismiss the current staff in the courtyard and send them to the estate outside the city, so Nanny Bai knew Snowbright Studio was short-handed.

Ruan Hang added, "Don’t worry about anything else, Nanny. Here, you’ll have the final say, and no one will dare to interfere. Only then can I truly be at ease."

Hearing this, Nanny Bai’s heart lifted with joy—after all, she couldn’t bear to leave Song Yun behind and return home.

Ruan Hang then asked her to help select a new group of loyal and reliable maids and servants for Snowbright Studio and Moon-Storage Pavilion, to which Nanny Bai readily agreed.