Blossom in Adversity

C8. Old Madam Falls Ill.

Chapter Eight: Old Madam Falls Ill

However, Hua Zhi didn't get a peaceful night's sleep. She was jolted awake by the events of the day. Whenever she heard people talking outside, she would wake up in a daze.

Soon, she heard the sound of the door opening, and Nian Qiu's voice rang in her ears, "Miss, the old madam is not feeling well..."

Hua Zhi instantly became alert and sat up, asking, "Who came to report the news? Bring them in."

Nian Qiu helped her put on clothes, and Ying Chun led Chen Mama, who was by the old madam's side, into the room. Chen Mama looked at Hua Zhi as if she had seen a savior and said urgently, "Miss, please go and see the old madam. She has been delirious and running a high fever..."

"What time is it now?"

"The tenth quarter of the chou shi hour."

Hua Zhi frowned and headed out, saying, "Is Liu Xiang here?"

Liu Xiang responded from outside the door, "Miss, I'm here."

"Go to the second gate and have it unlocked. Tell your father to fetch Physician Chu as soon as it's daylight."

"Understood."

Liu Xiang is a household-born son, and both her parents lived in the outer courtyard. She had an eight-year-old brother who was a servant by Hua Bailin's side. She worked as a maid in the main house and usually assisted in the main tasks under Bao Xia's guidance, making her the most suitable choice in this situation.

Lights were on throughout the old madam's courtyard, and maidservants were running back and forth with anxious expressions on their faces.

Hua Zhi sat on the bed's edge, her fingers gently probing the old madam's neck. The heat beneath her hand was alarming, likely approaching a hundred degrees. This wasn't a good sign; if the old lady's fever persisted through the night, it could escalate into a grave illness.

The old madam, a venerable figure in the household, had always been a pillar of strength. Her sudden illness could cast a pall over the entire family.

She lifted the two layers of blankets covering the old madam and made space for herself. "Take these blankets away and bring a lighter blanket."

"But, Miss..."

"Do as I say." If they continued like this, she wouldn't be able to sweat out the fever. The situation would only worsen.

Suyun Mama hesitated, but finally removed the blankets from the old madam, and Chen Mama quickly brought a lighter blanket to cover her.

"Get some strong liquor. If there's none in the inner courtyard, go outside and find some."

"But, Miss, it's not the time for that now..."

"Lives are at stake." Seeing the disapproving looks on everyone's faces, Hua Zhi didn't push it. In this age where honor was more important than life itself, even if the old madam were awake, she wouldn't allow it. "Go to Fourth Aunt's courtyard and find some. Fourth Uncle stayed there before."

"Yes, yes, Fourth Master always has that strong liquor. There should be some." Chen Mama patted her thigh and hurried off.

"Bring several basins of warm water and a few soft cloths. Strip the old madam of her clothes."

Hua Zhi's composure influenced everyone, and with tasks to do, they stopped panicking and began to work efficiently.

Once everything was ready, Hua Zhi pulled at the blankets to cover the most critical areas. Rolling up her sleeves, she said, "Watch my actions."