在皇后鞋裡散步 A walk in the empress shoes Zài huánghòu xié lǐ sànbù

CHAPTER SEVEN

On this scorching day, the oppressive heat hung in the air like a heavy blanket suffocating every soul. To combat the unbearable humidity, a massive block of ice was strategically positioned in the corner room, offering a brief respite from the relentless sun. Amidst this scene, two diligent servant girls tirelessly attended to their duties, their every movement a symphony of efficiency.

Meanwhile, the piercing screams emanating from the inner room reverberated through the grand halls, catching the attention of all who heard. Xui Ying, the once vibrant soul, now lay motionless upon the kang, his delicate features flushed with the intensity of the heat. The striking contrast between his once lustrous midnight locks and the now silvery-white strands spoke volumes of the transformative power of the past four nights - an undeniable testament to his destiny as a carrier.Xui Ying's body blazed with fire, while the oppressive heat outside transformed his surroundings into a seething cauldron. In his state of half-consciousness, he caught snippets of voices, drifting in and out of his awareness, as anxious servants scurried about, desperately attempting to alleviate his suffering.

Yet, he had already slipped beyond their reach. The excruciating pain of transformation consumed him entirely, twisting and contorting his very essence. Xui Ying understood that this metamorphosis could endure for an entire week, though he had lost track of the current day. All he yearned for was the release from the torment that ravaged his body.

"Young master, please drink some water," a gentle voice pleaded.

Xui Ying felt the support of hands helping him to sit up, and a cup was pressed against his parched lips. As the cool liquid cascaded down his throat, he savored the relief it brought, momentarily soothing the fiery torment within his stomach. The general and madam remained seated in the receiving room, their eyes fixed on the constant stream of servants entering and exiting Xui Ying's chamber. It had been four agonizing days since his screams of pain had first pierced the air.

Aware that this transformation would inflict an unimaginable suffering upon their beloved son, Madam Lan'shi clutched her skirt tightly, her worry etched deeply on her face. The general, sensing her distress, gently pried her hand from her lap and held it in his, offering reassurance through his touch. "Don't worry," he whispered, his voice filled with conviction, "Ying'er is a fighter. He will overcome this, you'll see." Madam Lan'shi could no longer contain her tears as they streamed down her face.Madam Lan'shi's voice trembled with desperation as she turned to her husband, seeking guidance in their dire situation. General Suo Ying Wang sighed heavily, his heart burdened by the pain and helplessness that enveloped their family. He understood his wife's timid nature all too well, having witnessed it throughout their marriage. In an effort to protect her, he had refrained from taking many concubines, fearing that his shy wife would suffer.

After years of longing, Madam Lan'shi had finally blessed him with a son. But the discovery that their precious Ying'er was a carrier of this affliction had shattered her, and she had wept inconsolably. General Suo Ying Wang, however, did not care about the condition itself. All he desired was for his wife and child to be safe and well. Nevertheless, he could sense the guilt that consumed Madam Lan'shi, leading her to bring in his second concubine son into the main household as her own.General Suo Ying Wang tried his best to reassure his wife, his voice filled with tenderness and compassion. He reminded her of what the doctor had said, that the situation might appear worse than it actually was. Hoping to ease her worries, he gently coaxed her, reminding her of their son's resilience.

Meanwhile, outside the main gates of their residence, Old Shu stood guard, ensuring that no one entered or left. He had stationed trusted individuals to monitor any attempts to pass information from inside. Just yesterday, the head steward from the Duke's residence had come to visit the general, only to find the mansion tightly sealed and inaccessible to outsiders. With no other choice, the head steward had reluctantly returned to the Duke's manor to report the situation to his master.Princess Fangsu, seated at her dressing table, observed as someone entered the room, lifting the curtains. The two yahuan inside hurriedly assisted the elder maid, who was carrying a bronze kettle, placing it on the side table and pouring tea. One of the yahuan began to help the princess uncoil her hair, gently brushing it.

Curious, Princess Fangsu asked her wet nurse, "Has the Wangye returned?" Nurse Yu stepped forward and lowered her head respectfully. "Replying to the princess, the master returned to the Fu a little while ago, but the elders from the first branch have requested his presence." Princess Fangsu removed her bangles and rinsed her hands in the basin in front of her. "Ah, it seems that my letter has been delivered," she mused. After lightly drying her hands with a soft towel, she stood up.The man behind the desk, Wangye, listened intently to the report of the happenings in the residence during his absence. His handsome face furrowed in a frown as he pondered the information. Just then, a knocking sound at the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Wangye, madam, sent over some mung bean soup," a servant announced. "She requests that Wangye take a rest and drink the soup to help clear the heat from one's body."

Wangye considered the mother's words for a moment before nodding. "Thank her for me and tell her that I appreciate her concern," he replied. "Please bring the soup to my study. I will drink it here while I attend to some matters."

The servant bowed and left, returning shortly with a tray holding a bowl of steaming mung bean soup. Wangye took a seat at his desk and sipped the soup, feeling the warmth spread through his body. As he continued to work, he couldn't help but think of his mother's Fangsu's caring gesture.The servant boy entered the kitchen, his heart still racing from his encounter with the Duke. Nurse Yu, an elderly woman with kind eyes, noticed his distress and beckoned him to sit down.

"What happened, child?" Nurse Yu asked, her voice gentle and soothing.

The servant boy took a deep breath before recounting his interaction with the Duke. "I brought the mung bean soup to the Duke's study, but he didn't even acknowledge me. He just stood there with his back turned, lost in his thoughts. Steward Tong was the one who spoke to me, telling me that the Duke would visit the princess at first light."

Nurse Yu listened attentively, her wrinkled hands clasped together. "The Duke is a man of few words, especially when it comes to servants," she explained. "But Steward Tong is a good man, and he knows how to handle the Duke's affairs. Don't let it bother you, my dear."

The servant boy nodded, still feeling a bit shaken. "Thank you, Nurse Yu. I just hope the Duke's visit brings some comfort to the madam."

Nurse Yu patted his hand reassuringly. "I'm sure it will, child. Now, let's focus on our own tasks. We have a busy night ahead of us."

With Nurse Yu's comforting words, the servant boy regained his composure and joined her in preparing the kitchen for the next day's work. As they busied themselves with their duties, the anticipation of the Duke's visit hung in the air, bringing a mix of excitement and nervousness to the household.Steward Tang took a moment to compose himself before responding to the Duke's question. He knew that the Duke's gruff demeanor often masked a hidden concern.

"Yes, Your Grace," Steward Tang replied respectfully. "The servant boy delivered the soup as requested. He seemed quite nervous in your presence, as most do. But he fulfilled his duty and left promptly."

The Duke continued to peruse the papers in his hands, his brow furrowed in deep thought. Steward Tang knew better than to interrupt the Duke's concentration, but he also understood that the Duke's inquiry about the boy held significance.

"Is there something specific you would like to know about the boy, Your Grace?" Steward Tang ventured cautiously.

The Duke sighed heavily, his gaze fixed on the documents before him. "No, not particularly. I'm just curious, I suppose. The boy seemed different somehow, more timid than the others. It reminded me of a time long ago..."

Steward Tang nodded understandingly. The Duke rarely spoke of his past, but Steward Tang had served him faithfully for many years and had witnessed glimpses of his inner turmoil.

"If it pleases Your Grace, shall I investigate further into the boy's background?" Steward Tang offered, hoping to alleviate the Duke's curiosity.

The Duke's eyes flickered with a hint of interest. "Yes, do that. Find out who he is and where he comes from. And report back to me."

Steward Tang bowed, acknowledging the Duke's command. "As you wish, Your Grace. I will gather the necessary information promptly."

With that, Steward Tang quietly exited the study, leaving the Duke to his thoughts. As he made his way to the servant's quarters, Steward Tang couldn't help but wonder what had sparked the Duke's interest in the timid servant boy.