C110 – Let Me be Quiet!
The room was enveloped in profound silence, with Mrs. Xue and Zuo Yunwen caught in a quandary, contemplating whether to rouse him from slumber.
Zuo Shaoqing, too, fell silent. He dutifully lingered by Zuo Shaoyan’s bedside, covertly casting a sidelong glance at Mrs. Hoe.
As if sensing his gaze, Mrs. Hoe turned her head, and their eyes locked in midair.
Mrs. Hoe was taken aback and swiftly averted her gaze. For some inexplicable reason, she felt as though Zuo Shaoqing’s eyes had pierced through the layers of her facade. Recollections of the recent revelation he had shared with her sent shivers down her spine.
While others might remain oblivious to her hidden agenda, Zuo Shaoqing had discerned it. Could he...?
Zuo Shaoqing could perceive her unease. He lowered his voice and spoke with significance, “Sister, don’t worry. Big Brother will surely recover.”
Mrs. Hoe caught the subtle message in his words and stole another glance at him. Lately, Zuo Shaoqing exuded an entirely different aura. This confident and forthright demeanor was unlike his former self.
She mustered a faint smile. “Certainly, your elder brother has his own means!”
Their wait was not protracted. Mrs. Xue and Zuo Yunwen approached in unison. An unspoken understanding passed between the couple, as they discerned each other’s hesitancy.
Eventually, Mrs. Xue steeled herself, nodded resolutely, and issued the command, “Prepare the medicine! Mrs. Hoe, please keep an eye on them. No one should interfere!”
Mrs. Hoe comprehended her concern regarding potential interference, and she responded deferentially before departing with Rui Lan in tow.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)
As they exited the courtyard and reached a secluded spot, Mrs. Hoe inquired, “Rui Lan, what if Grandfather awakens?”
“Miss, didn’t the physician mention that even if he awakens, he must remain bedridden to recuperate?”
“But...” “What if he insists on taking the examination?”
Rui Lan glanced around and leaned in to whisper, “I have inquired, even if I were to facilitate it, your energy is insufficient. It would be impossible for me to support you through it.”
Mrs. Hoe breathed a sigh of relief, straightened her posture, and hastened her steps toward the kitchen.
Zuo Shaoqing had been sent away by Zuo Yunwen to read his book, recognizing that time was precious, and his presence wouldn’t serve any purpose.
But Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t bear to miss the opportunity to witness Zuo Shaoyan’s distress and sorrow. He had to maintain a facade of brotherly respect while not chasing him away.
Zuo Yunwen was touched by this display of brotherly concern and gradually began to hold Zuo Shaoqing in higher regard. He gazed at Zuo Shaoqing with genuine satisfaction.
After Zuo Shaoyan had taken the medicine, everyone anxiously gathered around his bedside, waiting for him to regain consciousness.
Yet, there was still hope in three years’ time. Many scholars devoted their lives to studying, even into old age. Zuo Shaoyan was still young and had opportunities ahead. Despair was not the answer.
Once Zuo Shaoyan closed his eyes, Zuo Shaoqing lost interest in observing him further. He offered some words of comfort to Ye Zichen and excused himself, claiming he needed to make preparations.
Returning to his room, Zuo Shaoqing reclined on the comfortable sofa, pondering many thoughts.
Back then, Zuo Shaoyan had seen him off before the examination. It meant that regardless of his success or failure, he had decided to leverage him for Jiang Che’s favor. Such an understanding was what Zuo Shaoqing resented the most.
Over the years, many things had changed. Although Zuo Shaoyan had met Jiang Che privately, he hadn’t arranged for his departure. There had to be a hidden reason that eluded him.
“Lord Third, you don’t appear to be in high spirits,” Luo Xiaoliu inquired, surprised by Zuo Shaoqing’s demeanor.
After accompanying Zuo Shaoqing for an extended period, failing to discern the underlying tension between him and another person would render the past decade utterly futile.
While San Ye didn’t personally instigate the recent incident, he was closely involved. This only heightened San Ye’s admiration for Zuo Shaoqing.
However, Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t help but wonder why San Ye appeared so despondent upon leaving his room. Shouldn’t he be reveling as he had in the past?
Zuo Shaoqing casually reached for a book and opened it, saying, “Seeing Big Bro in this state, how can I, as your younger brother, find any joy?”
Luo Xiaoliu refrained from commenting and rolled his eyes, remarking, “Master San, Second Master just informed me that he intends to meet with you.”
“Oh.” Zuo Shaoqing’s spirits lifted a bit when he heard that Zuo Yunyang had some good news.
Zuo Yunyang had come to visit upon hearing about Zuo Shaoyan. After meeting his eldest nephew, he went to Zuo Shaoqing, bearing gifts for his nephew who was about to take the exam.
“Here’s the land deed. He sold it outright because he needed the money urgently, so he requested a lump sum payment.”
Zuo Shaoqing accepted the land deed from Zuo Yunyang and examined it carefully before breaking into a smile. “Thank you, Second Uncle!”
Zuo Yunyang waved it off, saying, “Why the formalities? Besides, all this money is yours, Shao Qing. Second Uncle simply lent a hand twice.”
Previously, Zuo Shaoqing had expressed his intention to purchase a countryside estate. This would not only provide a place for Nanny Liu to settle down but also ensure her future sustenance with the estate’s resources.
However, most of the suburban villas around the capital were privately owned by prominent ministers and nobles of the imperial court. Very few were available for sale.
This time, Zuo Yunyang only became aware of the estate’s availability through a few acquaintances. After inspecting the property and negotiating the price, he deemed it suitable for purchase.
“While I’ve acquired the estate, my nephew won’t have much time to manage it in the near future. I’ll need Second Uncle’s assistance in handling the estate’s affairs.”
“That’s not a problem. When the previous owners vacated, they left behind all the servants, who were originally local farmers. Hiring them back won’t require much expenditure.”
Zuo Yunyang, being experienced in business matters, was well-versed in such affairs. Managing a small estate wouldn’t demand significant time or manpower, especially with Nanny Liu overseeing it.