Chapter 36: Illness
New Year’s Day dinner was late, everyone waiting for Mu Jiaojiao.
Mu Jiaojiao, slightly embarrassed, smiled, “I seem to have a low tolerance for alcohol.”
Zhan Qiyu looked up, briefly meeting her gaze. Her eyes were clear, devoid of any other meaning. She had no memory of last night.
The ungrateful girl.
Feeling uneasy under his gaze, Mu Jiaojiao wondered if she’d done something wrong, but couldn’t recall anything.
Those who had witnessed the previous night’s events only smiled. No one could control Zhan Qiyu; they let him pursue his affections.
Red bean paste dumplings steamed; Mu Jiaojiao’s bowl was particularly full. She scooped a spoonful, blowing on it before eating.
“So sweet!” Her complexion brightened; a delicate blush appeared, a hue no makeup could replicate.
Zhan Qiyu calmly ate his dumplings, casually mentioning, “I plan to leave for the capital on the eighth.”
Guan had instructed him to leave early to study and network. Officialdom was more treacherous than the battlefield; early adaptation was best. Guan also planned to recommend him to the crown prince; assisting the prince would ensure rapid advancement.
“Qiyu, so soon?” Zhan Li asked casually, having no objections.
Mu Jiaojiao, understanding, replied, “Mother, leaving early is fine. It allows for adjustment to the capital, improving exam performance.”
She took a bite of pickled vegetables, the juice splattering on her lips. Zhan Qiyu instinctively looked away.
He’d wanted to suggest Mu Jiaojiao and Shancha accompany him; this was his way of broaching the topic.
The usually slow-witted Shancha suddenly asked, “Miss, are we going with you?” Mu Jiaojiao hadn’t mentioned it.
Mu Jiaojiao looked at Shancha, “Of course not. We’ll stay and watch the house.”
She had no intention of going to the capital. She disliked it, saw no need, and planned to leave after the New Year. She was, after all, considered dead, and wanted to travel and see the world.
Zhan Li panicked, “How can I leave you two alone? Go to the capital for fun; I’ll stay and watch the house.” She understood her son’s feelings. He wanted Mu Jiaojiao to go to the capital; he couldn’t bear to be separated from her. Jiaojiao was excellent, but seemed oblivious. The sworn-siblings incident, and her willingness to stay, showed she didn’t understand his feelings.
Mu Jiaojiao quickly said, “Mother, you must come. Shancha and I are fine. Aren’t we, Brother Zhan? Trust me.”
Her bright eyes held unusual confidence. Zhan Qiyu, anticipating this, simply nodded.
The matter was settled.
A Liu was reluctant to part with Shancha. They bickered often and would miss each other. Shancha was more relaxed, “When you go to the capital, buy me souvenirs.” A Liu had given her nothing for the New Year.
A Liu readily agreed. He’d keep her in mind.
Zhan Li didn’t object. She couldn’t control her son, so she let it be.
They began preparations for the trip. Mu Jiaojiao secretly planned her own excursions.
The week passed. Everyone focused on their own matters.
Early on the seventh day, Zhan Qiyu fell ill. He had a high fever, his lips pale, his body burning. A Liu found him unconscious in bed, only briefly regaining consciousness.
“I’ll get a doctor for the young master.”
He rushed for a doctor. Zhan Li boiled water; Mu Jiaojiao volunteered to care for him.
She used a damp cloth on his forehead and tried to give him water. Zhan Qiyu, though uncomfortable, wasn’t truly unconscious; he was feigning illness.
Mu Jiaojiao’s presence pleased him. The ungrateful girl planned to travel; he couldn’t let her leave. He wouldn’t say it directly; she had to want to stay.
“Brother Zhan, drink some water. A Liu’s gone for a doctor.”
She touched his forehead, finding it increasingly hot. Her touch intensified the heat for Zhan Qiyu.
He croaked, “Hot…”
“Brother Zhan, I can’t hear you.”
To hear him better, Mu Jiaojiao leaned close, her hair brushing his lips, making him even hotter. He felt alternating chills and fever, but only heat with her near.
She finally understood, pulled down his blanket, then loosened his collar.
He murmured; she feared he’d catch cold, so she blew on his slightly open collar.
But Zhan Qiyu felt worse. He held her head, her lips hovering uncertainly.
What did it mean? Did he want her to continue or leave?
Shancha entered; Mu Jiaojiao quickly released his hand, feigning normalcy.
Shancha brought ginger tea. “Miss, feed him. I’ll meet A Liu.”
She left without noticing Mu Jiaojiao’s flushed face.
Mu Jiaojiao caught her breath. She was only caring for a patient; why did she feel guilty?
She put aside her discomfort, ready to feed Zhan Qiyu the ginger tea. He couldn’t easily drink lying down, so she helped him sit up.
“Brother Zhan, be good. Let’s drink the ginger tea.”
This almost broke Zhan Qiyu’s composure. The “good” threw his heart into turmoil. Was he being treated like a child?
He should have gotten sick earlier. He shouldn’t have lingered near her, chasing cats and dogs.
She carefully blew on the tea, bringing the spoon to his lips. Though not hot, Zhan Qiyu frowned.
“Too hot? I’ll blow on it again.”
She carefully blew on the spoon, offering it again. He drank.
After feeding him the tea, the doctor arrived. Mu Jiaojiao hid, reappearing after he left. Shancha said it was a common cold, requiring medicine.
Zhan Li worried, “Qiyu, you leave tomorrow. Should we postpone it until you recover?”
Zhan Qiyu, slightly awake, shook his head, “I’ve informed my teacher. I must leave on time.”
Mu Jiaojiao urged, “A few days won’t matter. Your health is most important.”
But Zhan Qiyu insisted on leaving the next day, claiming he was much better.
No one could change his mind.
Mu Jiaojiao was exceptionally attentive, frequently asking about his condition. He patiently replied he was improving, convincing her. She only relaxed when his fever broke at night.
She went to his room, tucking him in. He seemed asleep, but as she tucked him in, he spoke, “You shouldn’t enter a man’s room so casually.”
His tone was neutral, but Mu Jiaojiao jumped.
She almost fell on his bed, stammering, “Brother Zhan, you’re like my brother. You’re not just any man.”
Her face was serious.
The man chuckled, “We have no blood relation.”
His words were logical, but Mu Jiaojiao argued, attempting to persuade him during his illness.
“Brother Zhan, you saved me three times, like a parent. We’re family.”
Her words were firm, making the man want to laugh.
Why hadn’t she considered repaying him with her body? Had she not thought of it or was she unwilling?
Zhan Qiyu opened his eyes, fixing her with his gaze. Mu Jiaojiao felt embarrassed. Had she said something wrong? Her argument seemed valid.
Feeling apologetic, she said, “The doctor said you need rest. Sleep now.”
She blew out the candle and hurried away.
After she left, the man smiled. He opened the window; the cold wind blew into the room, ruffling his hair.
The penetrating cold made his heart feel at ease. She couldn’t leave now.
________________
Recommended Reads
