Chapter 331: Chapter 323: Concealment

When Suyi arrived at the East Mansion, she found only Nanny Guo and Shanmoi serving in the main house, which was unusual, as there were usually many young maids around.

After exchanging greetings, Suyi said, “The Marquis has fallen ill, Mrs. Gu Sr. is alarmed, and she asked about the First Madam. I’ve heard the First Madam is also sick, so out of concern, she sent me to check on it. Mrs. Gu Sr. has always been fond of the First Madam, and you are aware of this, Nanny.”

Nanny Guo glanced at the sleeping young lady inside, nodded, and pulled Suyi aside to speak, “You’ve seen the state the young lady is in now, and she cannot be moved. It’s best if you keep this from Mrs. Gu Sr. for now. A message will be sent to her when the young lady can get up. But do you know what’s wrong with the Marquis? And how is he now?”

Suyi’s brows furrowed slightly upon hearing this, “Nanny, you have always been a wise person. Since you say so, I’ll ensure to keep it from Mrs. Gu Sr. on my return. The Marquis has a fever and is unconscious. The Imperial Physician hasn’t arrived yet, but it’s likely a chill, and with some medication and rest, he should recover. However, the Marquis has never had health issues before, so Mrs. Gu Sr. is naturally very worried.”

“It’s understandable for Mrs. Gu Sr. to be worried about someone who never falls ill suddenly becoming sick. The Marquis often spends time at the border and should be strong-bodied, so it’s concerning that he’s ill now,” Nanny Guo understood.

Suyi was worried about Sister Ning, “What’s the matter with the young lady? Has the Imperial Physician checked her? Don’t worry, Nanny, I won’t say much to Mrs. Gu Sr. I have watched the young lady grow up over the years and consider her my own mistress.”

It’s more accurate to say a child than a mistress.

Nanny Guo’s expression grew serious, “If an outsider were asking, I wouldn’t reveal this, but since you watched the young lady grow up, I won’t hide it from you. The young lady mistakenly took the wrong medication, which disturbed her pregnancy. She’s taking medicine to stabilize it now, but whether the child can be saved depends on the unborn young master’s fate.”

Suyi’s expression changed dramatically, “No wonder the Marquis fell ill; could it be that he found out about this?”

“That part is unclear,” Nanny Guo didn’t elaborate.

Suyi’s eyes glinted; although Nanny Guo only said this much, she detected another meaning, and her heart grew heavier. After Suyi left, Nanny Guo also frowned. The young lady didn’t want Mrs. Gu Sr. to know, and she trusted that Suyi wouldn’t speak out.

Moreover, the young lady was wronged, and she couldn’t allow her to suffer in silence. Ever since Nanny Guo left the palace, she hadn’t lost her temper, but this time, she was angry. The young lady never fought for anything, yet now they’re tampering with the child in her belly, which Nanny Guo absolutely cannot tolerate.

Suyi’s expression remained grave as she returned to the Marquis Mansion. Upon seeing the Imperial Physician taking the Marquis’s pulse, she didn’t rush to report to Mrs. Gu Sr. However, Mrs. Gu Sr. was also worried about Sister Ning.

Noticing Suyi’s return, Mrs. Gu Sr. gestured for her to approach, “How is the First Madam?”

“The First Madam is fine. When I went over, she was sleeping. Knowing how much you cherish her, I didn’t let anyone disturb her rest.”

Mrs. Dong, listening from the side, pursed her lips, probably angry, perhaps pretending to sleep.

Mrs. Gu Sr. praised Suyi, “You’ve done well. When someone is sick, they need good rest. Sister Ning has always been frail, cherished all these years. This trip to the border wore her out, and she hasn’t rested well upon returning. I didn’t notice.”

She also instructed Suyi, “When you return to the courtyard, find some old tonics in my private stash, send some over to the Marquis, and some to the East Mansion.”

Suyi replied with a smile. Meanwhile, the Imperial Physician had finished and said it was just a chill. Some medicine to induce sweating and lower the fever should suffice.

Only then did Mrs. Gu Sr. truly relax, “As long as it’s nothing serious.”

She instructed someone to escort the Imperial Physician out and then asked Mrs. Dong to have someone prepare the medicine. The Woodland Pavilion became lively for a while. Mrs. Dong served carefully by Mrs. Gu Sr.’s side, but she didn’t speak much to her. After everything was arranged, and the medicine had been taken, she was finally at ease.

But she continued to sit on the chaise lounge outside without moving until someone reported that the Marquis’s fever had subsided and he was awake. Only then did Mrs. Gu Sr. rise and go back inside.

Upon seeing someone enter, Gu Yifeng tried to sit up, but Mrs. Gu Sr. raised her hand, “You’re sick, lie down.”

Gu Yifeng said nothing and lay back down.

“You are like the sky for this household; you need to take care of your health and can’t treat it lightly. Look at you, someone who never falls ill, yet now you’re sick,” Mrs. Gu Sr. reprimanded, “In the future, you mustn’t be careless with your health.”

“I understand, mother,” Gu Yifeng admitted his mistake.

Mrs. Gu Sr. looked at her son, momentarily at a loss for words, “Sister Ning is also ill. I’ve sent Suyi to check, there’s nothing serious, but you need to take good care of yourself too.”

“Yes,” Gu Yifeng paused slightly upon hearing about Sister Ning.

Mrs. Gu Sr. watched for a while but, lacking energy, didn’t notice much. She said a few more things before standing and leaving.

As soon as everyone left, Gu Yifeng sat up. Li Si tried to discourage him but ended up helping, placing a pillow behind his master, “Sir, the Imperial Physician advised you to rest more.”

“How’s the East Mansion?” Gu Yifeng coughed a few times, then asked.

Li Si spoke softly, “Sir, it’s only the morning; Suyi went to check and found the First Madam still sleeping.”

Gu Yifeng nodded absently.

Li Si knew the master took it to heart.

Still, he didn’t understand why the master acts this way; clearly worried about the First Madam yet not visiting, standing outside all night, no wonder he fell ill.

“You all may leave,” Gu Yifeng waved them away.

Zhang Wu entered from outside, “Sir, Madam is outside.”

“I’m tired, tell Madam to return,” Gu Yifeng lay back down, turning his back to the door.

Receiving a look from Li Si, Zhang Wu exited with him. Outside, Mrs. Dong understood that the Marquis didn’t want to see her.

The handkerchief in her hand twisted involuntarily, and upon hearing Zhang Wu’s message, even the smile on Mrs. Dong’s face faltered.

After Mrs. Dong left, Zhang Wu and Li Si exchanged glances, sharing a silent laugh.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep