Some things are easy for Xiao Cao to handle, but sometimes she’s left feeling quite helpless and unsure of what to do.

Yan Shi looked at Xiao Cao, who had been sharp and confident earlier but now seemed a bit pitiful as she was entangled in a tricky situation. She couldn’t help but laugh, and honestly, her affection for Xiao Cao was rapidly growing. She reached out to pull on Wenren Xi, “Xi’er, your Fourth Sister has been busy for a long time and hasn’t even had dinner yet. Whatever you have to discuss, you can take your time. We’re all family, and there’s plenty of time.”

“Right, right, let’s eat dinner. Fourth Sister must be starving.” Wenren Xi hurriedly tugged on Xiao Cao and tried to lead her out of the room.

It wasn’t just Xiao Cao who hadn’t eaten yet. After they stepped outside, they were informed that the Madam had sent someone over with a table full of dishes, which had just been set up.

Yan Shi smiled and said, “Big Sister-in-law is indeed very considerate.”

The three of them quietly had their meal. Originally, tonight was supposed to be a lively family banquet, but it ended up in such a chaotic situation. Yan Shi wanted to say something, but after seeing that Xiao Cao didn’t seem bothered by it at all, she stayed quiet.

Not long after they finished their meal, Han Shi arrived.

Han Shi first inquired about Du Shi’s condition. When she learned that everything was fine, she sighed in relief. In her opinion, their second uncle in the family really was worthless, but as the eldest sister-in-law, there were some things she couldn’t freely express.

“Mother, where’s Second Uncle?” Xiao Cao, however, had no such reservations.

“Your grandmother had your father give him a beating with a board. He’s still kneeling in the ancestral hall as we speak.”

“Oh.” Xiao Cao responded indifferently. In her view, the punishment was too lenient. However, considering that her grandmother had already gone this far, it was a significant step. In many other households, incidents like this would hardly be considered serious. An unwanted daughter-in-law could die, and that would be that.

Han Shi felt a bit of a headache seeing Xiao Cao’s reaction. It seemed this girl was still incapable of letting things go easily. However, Han Shi loved her daughter. Plus, her mother-in-law hadn’t expressed any anger towards Xiao Cao before calling her and her husband over, advising them, “Xiao Cao’s temperament is fiery. You two should look after her carefully. Speaking out a bit too boldly at home is fine, but when she interacts with people outside this household, the consequences could be much worse, and she may even pay with her life.”

Naturally, Han Shi couldn’t bring herself to scold her daughter. After all, Xiao Cao was simply strong-minded with a noble heart. Was that such a terrible flaw? As a mother, how could she bear to grind down her daughter’s edges just for her to fit into aristocratic society? After all, raising someone with a certain temperament from a young age is one thing, but forcing that change halfway through life is another. If Han Shi couldn’t soften her up, then she’d just have to protect her the best she could.

Xiao Cao noticed that her mother was suddenly a bit emotional, and she found it strange. Although she was confused, she didn’t press for answers. “Mother, I’ll go see Grandmother. She probably hasn’t eaten much tonight either.”

“Hmm, yes, she probably hasn’t eaten much. You should go check on her now so you can come back early and get some rest.”

Xiao Cao nodded and then turned to her younger cousin, “Fifth Sister, if your mother needs anything tonight, just let me know.”

“I will. Thank you, Fourth Sister.”

Xiao Cao went over to see the Old Madam. The Old Madam inquired about Du Shi’s condition but said little else.

Xiao Cao was always perceptive when it came to patients, so she didn’t say much. Instead, she gave the Old Madam a massage as usual. After the necessary time, she reminded the attendants to make note of what the Old Madam should eat for breakfast the next day.

The next day at the Wenren household was anything but easy.

With Han Shi absent, Xiao Cao sent the attendants away and stood in front of Xue Tingyu’s memorial tablet for a long time.

Xiao Cao figured that even if she didn’t bring it up, her parents would eventually investigate matters concerning Tingyu. She didn’t know if he had indeed been born into some prominent family in the Imperial City, but if he had, some traces should be found. If not…

Xiao Cao took a deep breath and turned to go to bed.

She had no issues with sleeping in unfamiliar beds and slept quite well.

Right now, there were two sick people in the house, so their care naturally took priority.

The Old Madam had been so enraged the day before that she had beaten her son, but after sleeping through the night, her anger had mostly dissipated. She didn’t keep Xiao Cao for long and asked her to go check on Du Shi. Truly, the Old Madam didn’t say much, but she had a kind heart.

When Xiao Cao returned to the Second Household, Du Shi’s youngest daughter was there—a sweet and adorable ten-year-old girl who greeted Xiao Cao with a bright smile.

Xiao Cao patted the young girl’s head. “Such a good girl.”

Wenren Xi stood nearby, smiling openly. She treated Xiao Cao warmly, just like Wenren Ying did, but with even more sincerity.

“How did Second Aunt fare last night?” Xiao Cao asked.

“She did well. She woke up once around midnight and had some medicine and food. She even ate a bit this morning. Her complexion is also much better,” Wenren Xi replied happily. What mattered most to her was that Du Shi’s mental state had visibly improved, which was something Wenren Xi was relieved to see.

Xiao Cao entered the room. Du Shi, who was reclining on the bed, smiled upon seeing her. “Oh, Xuan’er is here.”

“Second Aunt, how are you feeling?”

“I’m good, really,” Du Shi replied. Despite still feeling weak, her heart was lighter than ever.

Xiao Cao checked her pulse and carefully asked about her condition before adjusting the prescription, reminding the attendants of some things to be mindful of. Given her weakened body and the fact that she had recently lost a child, she had to be particularly cautious.

Once Xiao Cao had finished with her tasks, Du Shi asked her younger daughter to take the little girl outside, leaving only the old nanny who had originally cared for her to stay behind.

Xiao Cao understood that Du Shi had something to discuss, so she waited in silence.

After some deliberation, Du Shi finally spoke, “Xuan’er, will I truly never be able to have children again?”

Xiao Cao’s expression immediately darkened. “Second Aunt, do you still hold deep affection for Second Uncle, or are you, like him, obsessed with having a son? If that is the case, then don’t worry. I’m confident in my medical skills. If you don’t mind risking your health, perhaps you could still succeed if you try again.” Her voice held a subtle hint of sarcasm.

Wenren Xi, who had been eavesdropping at the door, couldn’t stay quiet anymore and burst into the room. “Mother, what are you thinking?”

The old nanny looked equally anxious.

Du Shi let out a sigh, “Xi-’er, mind your manners; you’re still a young lady, don’t be so loud.” Then she turned to Xiao Cao. “Xuan’er, you’ve misunderstood me. I’m thinking that, even if I tell people this was an unfortunate miscarriage that left me severely weakened and unable to bear children, what if your Second Uncle doesn’t believe me and brings in another doctor to examine me? Wouldn’t that leave you in a difficult position? I know you’ve been sincerely concerned about me, and I don’t want all your efforts to go to waste. Moreover, if your Second Uncle causes a scene, even your Grandmother will be displeased, and you’d bear the brunt of her criticism.”

Hearing this, Xiao Cao’s expression softened considerably. “Don’t worry, Second Aunt. If I say you can no longer have children, then you won’t. No matter who examines you, the result will be the same.” After a brief pause, she added, “And it won’t harm your health.”

“That puts my mind at ease,” Du Shi smiled.

What a straightforward and transparent lady she was. Despite her sharp temperament, her dedication to her patients and her unyielding nature when they ignored her medical advice made her all the more endearing to those around her.