Chapter 131

Because of the delay at Tian Yi Pavilion, Li Xia didn't have time to deliver the Purple Ginseng to Precious Plant Pavilion herself. She called Qiu Ling to deliver it instead. Qiu Ling tucked the jade box into her robes and set off for Precious Plant Pavilion.

Upon returning from the mountains, Xiao Changyou ordered the preparation of medicinal herbs. Together with Zhou Heng, they processed all the ingredients, now only waiting for Li Xia's Purple Ginseng to arrive so they could begin compounding the medicine.

After receiving the Purple Ginseng from Qiu Ling, the two men entered the medicine room to start their work. Li Hui personally led a group to guard the door.

Qiu Ling was puzzled to see Doctor Zhou, who should have been in Liuzhou, appear here. She was equally surprised to see the young master, who was supposed to have returned to the capital, also present.

Once Xiao Changyou and Zhou Heng finished preparing the medicine, they opened the door and handed it to the waiting Qiu Ling, instructing her to "deliver this to your young miss."

Qiu Ling hurriedly returned to the guest house with the medicine. Li Xia was reclining on the bed, hand-feeding Qiu Chan. Qiu Shui watched the scene with a look of exasperation. As she ate, Qiu Chan regaled Li Xia with the tale of how she had found the man who stole her food and made him apologize.

Despite Qiu Chan's persistence, in the end, she had settled for just an apology.

"He paid double for the braised pig's head," Qiu Chan added, causing Li Xia to burst into laughter. What a silly girl, she thought. She reached for another piece of pastry, which Qiu Chan eagerly accepted with an open mouth.

"Miss, I've brought back the medicine," Qiu Ling approached, offering the medicine bottle. Qiu Chan took the pastry from Li Xia's hand.

Li Xia accepted the bottle and swallowed a dose. Qiu Shui handed her a cup of water. The medicine took effect quickly; within half an hour, she felt much better.

Li Xia's spirits lifted visibly, much to Mrs. Lu's relief.

"It's all my fault," Li Xia said remorsefully. "I fell ill as soon as we left home, causing Mother to worry."

"You must be more careful in the future and not be so reckless," Mrs. Lu advised, relieved to see Li Xia's recovery. She didn't scold her further, instead suggesting she go out for a stroll.

With Li Xia feeling better and the others too tired from their earlier outing, Li Xia decided to venture out alone with Qiu Ling and Qiu Chan. Qiu Shui stayed behind to pack their belongings in preparation for their afternoon departure. They first visited a gift shop to select presents for her mother and uncles.

Now relaxed, Li Xia found herself in the mood to explore Ten Mile Slope, a bustling street filled with food stalls, drink vendors, and various entertainments.

Feeling weary from walking, they entered a restaurant to rest and grab a bite. As soon as they stepped inside, a waiter led the three of them to a private room on the second floor. Inside sat Xiao Changyou, Li Hui, and Zhou Heng.

"Miss, do you know that thief?" Qiu Chan's question confused Li Xia, who looked to Qiu Ling for clarification.

"Qiu Chan says the one who took the braised pig's head was Doctor Xiao's bodyguard, named Xu Dayong," Qiu Ling explained.

Qiu Chan nodded emphatically, confirming it was indeed this Xu Dayong who had stolen her pig's head. She hadn't expected his master to be Doctor Xiao – what a coincidence.

"My, what a small world," Li Xia remarked, gesturing for the two to sit down and eat.

Upon returning to the guest house, they found everything packed and loaded onto the carriage. They were set to depart in half an hour. Qiu Shui, seeing Li Xia return, rushed to examine her closely, noting her rosy complexion.

That afternoon, the two families boarded their carriages to return to the capital. Although they had only spent three days at Ten Mile Slope, it felt as if they had been away for a long time. The sight of their courtyard felt incredibly welcoming.

Qiu Chan, in particular, had brought back many snacks to share with Qiu Kui, hoping she might be able to recreate them. Qiu Kui shook her head, admitting she couldn't replicate them.

"If only Wu Auntie were here," Qiu Chan couldn't help but sigh. Qiu Kui echoed the sentiment, thinking that with Wu Auntie around, she too could learn to make more new pastries.

Having just returned home and rested for a day, Mrs. Lu received a message delivered by Old Madam Lu's servant. After reading its contents, Mrs. Lu was at a loss for words.

Following Mrs. Lu's previous visit to the Lu Mansion, Old Madam Lu had consulted with Uncle Lu and decided to marry Fourth Miss Lu off to a family in another region. Fearing Fourth Miss Lu might find out, they had told everyone she was returning to their hometown to visit relatives. However, yesterday, Fourth Miss Lu had disappeared.

The Lu family immediately sent people to search for her, but there was no trace. Now, the Lu family worried that Fourth Miss Lu might cause trouble outside and bring shame upon the family. They had sent this special message to Mrs. Lu, asking her to keep an eye out.

Mrs. Lu wondered how a person could simply vanish from the Lu family. Old Madam Lu was always boasting about her superior household management, yet this was the result. Mrs. Lu sighed inwardly at her maiden family's incompetence. She informed Li Hui of the matter, asking him to stay alert as well.

However, Mrs. Lu soon found herself too preoccupied to worry about Fourth Miss Lu's situation. A light piece of paper in her hand – a letter – caused Mrs. Lu's face to turn pale and her lips to tremble.

Li Hui, who had rushed over upon receiving the news, saw Mrs. Lu's expression and quickly stepped to her side, grasping her hand. "Mother, what's wrong?"

Mrs. Lu held Li Hui's hand in return, her voice choked with tears. "The daughter of the Wang family is gone."

Li Hui took the letter from Mrs. Lu's hand. The letter had been sent by fast messenger from Li Ming. The daughter of the Wang family had suddenly fallen gravely ill a few days before she was to come to the Capital City. In less than three days, she had passed away.