Three Joys

Chapter 44

The tumult within the Xu family's residence compelled Lord Xu to intervene personally, as his authority alone had the power to calm down these three wives.

Firstly, Lord Xu went to check on Xu Qihao and then directed Steward Zhang to provide a detailed account of the situation. After careful consideration, he reached his verdict.

To begin with, Xu Changfeng, as the eldest brother, was responsible for making his frail younger brother, Xu Qihao, vomit blood due to anger. He was punished according to family law with ten strokes of the rod as a warning.

As for me, being the 'kao' wife for breaking the rules of the household and causing jealously among the brothers. My punishment consisted of transcribing the "Four Commandments" with a commitment to abstain from such actions in the future.

Madam Jing, for her confrontation with Lady Yu, although it was in a moment of desperation and involved false accusations, had to bear the penalty. She was confined to the third courtyard for self-reflection for a few days and was not allowed to leave.

Although Lady Yu had no wrongdoing, she was tasked with copying scriptures and praying for blessings on behalf of the ailing third master.

As for Xu Qihao, since he had clashed with his elder brother first, it was taken into account that he was driven by anger and had suffered enough. He wouldn't be held accountable, but any future transgressions would be dealt with according to family law. In the end, only he was exempt from blame.

In the following days, I stayed outside Xu Qihao's room. Madam Jiang was still furious, so she refused to let me see her son, but at least she refrained from saying anything harsh.

It wasn't until the third day that Xu Qihao finally regained consciousness. I knelt just outside the door, and when the news reached me, an overwhelming joy surged through my being, causing tears to well up in my eyes. The heavy burden on my heart had finally been lifted.
After a while, I intended to wait for one of the servants to come out and inquire about Xu Qihao's condition. However, to my surprise, a maid from Madam Jiang's side came out and said, "Young Master, Madam is inviting you inside."

I quickly wiped my eyes and walked inside. As I got closer, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease and anxiety. When I finally lifted the pearl curtain and saw the scene before me...

Xu Qihao was sitting up, and Madam Jiang held his hand, speaking tenderly while shedding tears. Both of them swiveled their heads in my direction as they caught wind of the commotion. I stood there and softly addressed them, "Mother, He lang..."

Madam Jiang chose not to make it difficult for me in front of her son. She dabbed at her tears, forced a smile in Xu Qihao's direction, and said "He's here. You two talk for a while. I'll go check if the medicine is ready." As she rose to leave, she left me with a private message, "Take good care of He lang. No matter what he says, just oblige him."

"Don't worry, I will," I assured her. Madam Jiang nodded and left with the servants.

With everyone else having departed, it was just Xu Qihao and me. Having emerged from a three-day coma, he seemed feeble and fragile, with only a pair of glistening eyes that stirred the depths of one's heart. I thought he might blame me, so I nervously twiddled my fingers and softly called out to him, "He lang.."

When Xu Qihao heard my voice, he seemed to come back to his senses. He lightly patted the bed beside him and said in a hoarse voice, "Come over."

I walked towards him and sat in front of him. He extended his hand, and I instinctively held his palm. His hand was extremely cold, devoid of warmth. With a faint smile, Xu Qihao rasped