Chapter 16-1: Strolling the Streets
Luo Sheng's brow furrowed with concern. She had anticipated
that the cold lake water in early spring could pose a risk to Luo Chen's weak
body. Now, her worries were confirmed as Luo Chen developed a fever.
Closing her eyes, memories of numerous doctors attending to
her ill mother flashed through her mind. She was well aware of the severe
consequences a cold could have. If not treated properly, it could even be
life-threatening.
Luo Sheng's heart ached as she thought about the young boy
who often spoke harshly, even though he didn't mean it. This matter happened
because of her, and she couldn't just sit idly by. "We'll go and have a
look." Luo Sheng got up and walked outside. Hongdou hurriedly gulped her
tea and followed closely behind.
As they arrived at Luo Chen's residence, they found a crowd
had already gathered. Sheng Dataitai was inquiring about the situation from the
doctor. Upon seeing Luo Sheng, she smiled and greeted her, "You're
here." Luo Sheng wasted no time and asked, "Dajiumu, how is my
brother?"
Trying to alleviate Luo Sheng's worries, Sheng Dataitai
reassured her, "It's just a cold. As long as Luo Chen gets enough rest,
everything will be fine." She didn't want Luo Sheng to be burdened with
unnecessary concerns. It was enough if Luo Sheng didn't cause any more trouble
in this matter.
"Is he truly okay?" Luo Sheng didn't direct her
question toward Sheng Dataitai. Instead, she fixed her gaze on the elderly
doctor with a white beard. The old doctor had long heard of Miss Luo's
formidable reputation, causing him to shrink back involuntarily. He cautiously
echoed Sheng Dataitai's earlier statement, attempting to reassure Luo Sheng.
However, Luo Sheng frowned, and her voice turned cold as she
responded, "If the doctor says he's fine, then I'll believe it." Her
words carried a distinct chill, making the old doctor's scalp tingle with
unease. Sensing the need to clarify further, he hesitated before speaking,
"The condition can vary from person to person—"
Luo Sheng said lightly: "Then please explain the real
condition of my younger brother." The old doctor inwardly sighed, finding
the girl quite difficult to handle. After careful consideration, he spoke,
"Young master is weak, and even if the fever subsides, there is a risk of
developing lung disease. However, for now, the priority is to dispel the cold
and carefully nourish the body..."
Luo Sheng grew increasingly concerned as she listened. It
was not uncommon for wealthy families or high-ranking officials to succumb to a
cold. Was it because the doctors they hired were mediocre? Certainly not. While
there were well-established methods for treating a cold, what often posed
challenges for doctors were the complications that arose due to the unique
nature of each patient's body.
Despite her limited medical knowledge, Luo Sheng knew the
underlying problem with Luo Chen's health - his frail constitution. His body
lacked the necessary defenses to combat the cold.
"Thank you, doctor, for telling me. Dajiumu, I want to
go in and see my brother." Sheng Dataitai nodded after a slight hesitation
and reminded her: "Chen'er is still asleep." Luo Sheng nodded
slightly, left Hongdou outside, and quietly entered the room.
The medicinal aroma in the room seemed stronger than before.
Sitting on a small stool by the bed, Luo Chen's attendant, Fusong, watched over
the sleeping young boy, his eyes welling up with tears. Startled by the sound
of someone entering, Fusong quickly turned his head, almost losing his balance
on the small stool. He blurted out, "Miss, you're here!" Remembering
his young master's instructions from yesterday to chase Miss Luo away with a
broom if she showed up, he was torn between following them and welcoming Luo
Sheng inside.
Amidst his hesitation, Luo Sheng stepped forward and placed
her hand on Luo Chen's forehead. The scorching heat burned her fingertips.
"Bring a basin of cold water," she commanded, her tone cold yet
authoritative, leaving Fusong with no room for refusal. Fusong complied,
returning with the basin of water. He observed intently as Luo Sheng dipped her
handkerchief into the water, wringing it gently before placing it on Luo Chen's
forehead. Seeing this, he let go of his inner conflict. He had already carried
out Miss Luo's instructions, and it would be inappropriate to drive her away
now.
Luo Chen's senses slowly awakened as he felt the coolness on
his forehead and the touch of a slightly cold hand holding his own. A gentle
yet resolute voice whispered in his ear, "Don't worry, with me here, I
will make sure to get you better."
The voice was both unfamiliar and familiar, and it took a
while for the drowsy Luo Chen to realize it belonged to Luo Sheng. The young
boy, who had been sleeping peacefully, suddenly grew anxious. Was Luo Sheng
about to cause trouble again? No, he had to wake up quickly! As he fought
against his drowsiness, Luo Sheng left quietly.
"Hongdou, bring a thousand taels of silver with you. We're going out," Luo Sheng commanded upon entering her room. Hongdou's eyes sparkled with excitement as she quickly acknowledged the order and went to retrieve the money. Miss is still the same Miss! The familiar feeling rushed back to her. The young maid tucked the silver notes into her sleeves, puffed out her chest, and followed Luo Sheng as they left the Sheng Mansion. Passing by the older maid guarding the second gate, she didn't forget to spit at her.
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