CHAPTER 798: CHAPTER 797 INQUIRING AND LEARNING

Madam Zhou fell ill, ever since the night she dreamt of that man, she had been languishing, her mood depressingly dulled, without a hint of appetite for food.

This made Qiu Xiang and the others quite anxious; they called a doctor to diagnose her, but the doctor said only that her liver fire had risen, and her heart was burdened with too much melancholic thought, leaving them puzzled. With all her needs well provided for, what weighty thoughts could their Madam possibly have?

Only Madam Zhou herself knew that hers was a sickness of the heart, for which no medicine could help.

"Madam, could it be that you are missing the young Miss?" Qiu Xiang personally brought her medicine and tended to her, saying, "Doesn’t the young Miss send Ping An to visit every now and then? Please don’t worry. If you burden yourself with such thoughts and harm your health, when the young Miss returns, she would certainly punish us, your servants!"

Madam Zhou smiled, "You make it sound as if your young Miss is some kind of flood or savage beast, not that terrifying at all."

Qiu Xiang said, "The young Miss is most filial to you, Madam. If she sees you’ve become thinner, wouldn’t she be heartbroken to death? And then wouldn’t she take it out on us? My dear Madam, you must hurry and take your medicine, and be at ease!"

"Very well. If your young Miss were to punish you, I’d protect you, wouldn’t I?" Madam Zhou playfully scolded with a smile.

Qiu Xiang smiled, helped her take the medicine, then brought some preserved sweets for her to enjoy.

"Madam, with the young Miss not at home, you staying at home by yourself must be dull as well. Why not go out and distract your mind?" Qiu Xiang suggested as she sat down.

Madam Zhou was startled, "Where could I possibly go?"

"Madam, have you forgotten? We have the Hot Spring Manor in Long Town. That estate has hot springs, as well as a vast Peach Grove. Although it’s only February now, the weather is still chilly in the mornings and evenings, which is perfect for soaking in the hot springs to nourish your body. Moreover, with the hot springs there, some peach trees have already started to bud, and by March, they will surely bloom even more beautifully. I think it would be nice to go there and unwind," said Qiu Xiang with a smile.

Madam Zhou felt a slight stirring in her heart; she had never visited that estate before.

"Going there alone would be meaningless," said Madam Zhou.

"If Madam thinks going alone is dull, then you could certainly invite Madam Ping and the others."

Madam Zhou was somewhat tempted, but still hesitant, "Madam Ping and the others are still observing mourning, wouldn’t going out to enjoy ourselves be inappropriate...?"

"Whether they go or not, Madam will know once you ask. Should I go inquire?" Qiu Xiang proposed with a smile.

Madam Zhou nodded, "In that case, please do. Invite Madam Ma and the others as well, and see what they think?"

"I will go at once!"

Watching her leave, Madam Zhou also harbored some longing, but then thought of the knot in her heart, sighed deeply. Going out might be good; just staying at home would only lead to idle, chaotic thoughts.

Qiu Xiang visited both households, but Madam Ma’s family was not available as they had arrangements to visit relatives and politely declined Madam Zhou’s invitation.

As for Madam Ping, she said that in the coming days, her daughter’s in-laws might send someone to discuss the marriage between the two families, so she was also not free to go.

Madam Zhou felt a little disappointed, but knew it was no use to insist. Persuaded by Qiu Xiang and two maids, she packed a carriage full of belongings, arranged all the household matters, and took her entourage to the estate in Long Town.

At the same time, in the capital, Wu Lihong also received news gathered by Fu Gui.

"Are you saying, Mei Niang has never married, and she’s been living alone with a daughter all this time?" Wu Lihong sat down, his face a mask of shock, looking at his trusted aide who had grown up with him, with a tone of excitement.

Fu Gui nodded with a bitter smile, "Your servant discovered that the mother and daughter are currently living in Huayang County."

Wu Lihong sat there, stunned, muttering to himself excitedly, "She, she’s actually been waiting for me!"

Fu Gui watched his master’s dazed expression, uncertain whether he should disclose the additional pieces of information.