“Mother, Xuan’er, she…”

“Mother, it will take me some more time here. You and Dad might as well head back to rest first. Does Dad need to attend court early tomorrow?” Xiao Cao lightly interrupted Han Shi’s words, urging them to go back.

“Only on the days when there’s a major court session, and the usual minor sessions are irregular. Even during minor court days, your father doesn’t go every time, so it’s not a problem.”

Xiao Cao didn’t quite understand what major and minor court sessions meant, but it sounded like her father didn’t have to rise at the crack of dawn every day and rush about.

Han Shi also expressed that it was still early, and there was no need to rush. Xiao Cao nodded and did not say more. Subsequently, the room fell into silence, with only Xiao Cao patiently and carefully giving massage to Old Madam Wenren.

After nearly an hour had passed, Xiao Cao finally stopped her hands. Throughout this process, Old Madam Wenren remained asleep, and there was no sound of her groaning in pain during her dreams. Naturally, those attending to Old Madam Wenren grew increasingly convinced, and they all memorized the matters Xiao Cao had instructed, vowing to have a good talk with the old madam tomorrow.

Xiao Cao left with Wenren Taibo and Han Shi.

Han Shi gently squeezed Xiao Cao’s hand, “After such a long time, my daughter must be exhausted.”

“Xuan’er really worked hard tonight. — Is Xuan’er usually like this?” Wenren Taibo asked hesitantly.

Xiao Cao was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, “Not really, just occasionally with some old ladies. Generally, when I’m seeing patients, there are more of them, but I don’t have that long to apply treatment.”

As for the opposite sex, children usually don’t need it. Even some simple methods for preventing colds or aiding digestion are quite easy; the parents or elders can just be taught those. As for the rest, even if they are quite old, there is a significant gender barrier, and they wouldn’t let her take charge. Knowing how harsh the world is towards women, Xiao Cao wouldn’t proactively break this barrier unless absolutely necessary.

In the eyes of a doctor, there is no gender distinction. Xiao Cao hadn’t deliberately avoided it, but upon reflecting, she realized that over the years, she truly hadn’t encountered particularly inappropriate situations. At most, it involved exposing chests and doing some simple surgical procedures; more often, it was acupuncture. — Obviously, in Xiao Cao’s view, something particularly inappropriate would probably involve touching private parts of the body.

Regarding this, Xiao Cao gently brushed it off, “Although it took a little longer tonight, it will be fine after a while. If Grandmother can feel more relaxed and comfortable, then I’m sure Father and Mother will be happy in their hearts too.”

Han Shi embraced Xiao Cao, feeling an overwhelming affection; this daughter, so gentle, considerate, and filial, made her feel increasingly distressed about her past suffering. At the same time, she felt truly fortunate, deeply grateful that Xiao Cao had returned to her side.

Meanwhile, Wenren Xu and his wife You Shi returned to their own courtyard with their child, and the nursemaid took the child from them. “Although Mother is not a very stern person, it’s rare for her to be as completely at ease and joyful as she is tonight.”

“Fourth Sister went missing, and it has always been a heartache for Mother. If we didn’t find her, she would likely have carried that worry for a lifetime. Now that she’s back, it certainly feels refreshing, just like taking a magic elixir, and naturally, it’s a great joy,”

Wenren Xu smiled and said. “However, Fourth Sister really is quite unexpected; just looking at her demeanor and behavior, one might think she’s a noble lady, and no one would dare to argue otherwise.” His words carried a hint of something different.

“Husband, do you mean to say…”

“I don’t doubt Fourth Sister’s identity; I just think her past might be quite interesting.”

“If Mother sees you talking like this, wouldn’t you get a good scolding?”

Wenren Xu smiled innocently, “Don’t talk nonsense, I have no objections to Fourth Sister at all. Although she returned home after more than ten years, in my heart, she is no different from my other younger siblings. I naturally won’t inquire about her past, as that is not for me to question. Fourth Sister is probably still unaccustomed to things since her return, so please take more care of her.”

“Is that even something you need to say? I’m the elder sister-in-law, and it’s only right for me to take care of my younger sister-in-laws and brother-in-law.”

Wenren Xu smacked his own lips, “It’s husband who spoke incorrectly.”

You Shi shot him a teasing glance.

On the other side, Wenren Ying had finished her washing and grooming, letting her hair down. Holding a book, she leaned against the couch, appearing very calm, her demeanor markedly different from before.

There was no one attending to her, as it had long been her habit not to require anyone’s service. Yet, at this moment, although she seemed to be reading, she was actually lost in thought. “Fourth sister…” she murmured softly.

Before her rebirth, her Fourth Sister had never appeared. However, such changes didn’t fluster Wenren Ying; after all, it had been nearly a year since she returned from over twenty years in the future. At first, she had felt an extraordinary surprise, but as time passed, she realized there were already many differences, and she had long since experienced her share of panic.

When she realized that there were indeed some individuals who, despite having triggered the opening of the Kaiping Imperial City and gained recognition from the world, were not the insignificant figures she had remembered, she understood that the changes they caused were merely minor branches and leaves, and the overall development had remained unchanged.

Wenren Ying’s heart felt much more at ease; she still knew the future and held the advantage in her hands.

Her fourth sister’s return to the Wenren family… it was likely just a minor twist brought about by various uncertainties.

Although her arrival would dilute Wenren Ying’s own favor, she was no longer a naive young girl and naturally would not care about that. Moreover, her existence could bring joy to her mother, which was certainly a good thing. As for how to treat her, that would depend on future interactions; if she proved to be likable, Wenren Ying would not mind granting her a life of wealth and honor.

Wenren Ying steadied her mind, finally concentrating on her studies. She lay back lazily, exuding a languidness that was quite at odds with her age.

The courtyard that Han Shi prepared for Xiao Cao was right next to the main courtyard where they lived, and though it wasn’t large, it was particularly exquisite. In the past, it had been unoccupied and only occasionally used for receiving guests or for play.

It’s worth noting that even Wenren Ying didn’t live there back then, and since Wenren’s house was large enough, others probably understood Han Shi’s intentions and thus didn’t say anything. Previously, they had only received a possible piece of news that had not yet been confirmed, but Han Shi decisively had it tidied up.

So, even if Han Shi didn’t have such thoughts before, it had now been completely solidified. Without any courtesy, Han Shi left her husband aside, telling him either to keep the empty house by himself or to sleep with a concubine, as she was going to sleep with her daughter.

Xiao Cao had a look of surprise in her eyes.

She thought that Wenren Taibo did not have any concubines, after all, since entering the door, she hadn’t seen a trace of one, including the young women serving beside Han Shi, who were all dressed like maidens.

It turned out they just hadn’t appeared yet?

Facing Xiao Cao’s gaze, Wenren Taibo, who clearly revealed no emotions, felt inexplicably awkward. He lightly cleared his throat and said, “I’ll go rest in the study.”

“I had the small kitchen make for you steamed snow pear with fritillaria bulb; remember to have some,” Han Shi said, pleased with Wenren Taibo’s ‘obedience.’

Wenren Taibo smiled and nodded.