Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Dong Family Recuperation
Housekeeper Lin remained silent.
He wasn’t surprised at all by the outcome.
After all, over the years, he had witnessed the grievances suffered by the main house with his own eyes.
However, being a mere servant, it was not his place to speak much.
Now that they could leave the Prime Minister’s Mansion and live their own lives, it was indeed a good thing.
Thus, he respectfully bowed to Mr. Lin and said.
"Safe travels, sir."
Shushui could only follow Housekeeper Lin in saluting, not daring to make any unnecessary movements on her face.
Even though she hadn’t been involved in the Yuxin Hall incident, she couldn’t avoid the consequences.
Being someone from the second house, it was already fortunate that the master wasn’t making things difficult for her.
Thinking of this, she became even more respectful.
As Mr. Lin left with the last trunk, the entire East Cross Courtyard became empty.
With the sunset in the west, the whole afterglow fell upon the Prime Minister’s Mansion.
It was warm and quite comfortable.
And the people from the main house finally had a chance for a new beginning.
After leaving the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Mr. Lin headed straight for the Dong Family.
By the time he arrived, Madam Dong and Mu Zhi were already settled in.
They still lived in the courtyard where Madam Dong had lived before her marriage.
Meanwhile, another small courtyard next to them was where Mu Zhi resided.
This small courtyard was also near the courtyard of Second Young Master Dong and his family.
A brief stroll, about the time of drinking a cup of tea, would get you there.
So, this arrangement couldn’t have been more appropriate.
As soon as Mr. Lin entered the small courtyard, he saw it was packed densely inside and out with servants.
Some were brought by them, but most were original Dong Family servants.
Those around Mrs. Dong, Madam Dong, Second Madam, and a few around the Dong family children.
All present and accounted for.
Mr. Lin’s face was serious, fearing something unexpected had happened.
He hurried over in haste.
Entering the room, he heard the sobbing of Mrs. Dong.
"My dear Third Son, how could such a good child suffer so much hardship!"
She cried as she gently wiped his hand with a handkerchief.
Since he returned to the Dong Family, Mrs. Dong had ordered a change into clean inner clothes for him.
All items used were of the finest quality.
Not a single detail dared to be neglected.
She immediately assigned two capable persons, one being Nanny Wu, the other a nimble servant boy.
Nanny Wu wasn’t very old, appearing to be under fifty.
Yet her actions and demeanor were swift and proper, showing she was skilled.
She constantly changed the handkerchief in Mrs. Dong’s hand, fearing the temperature might get cold, which wouldn’t be good for Mu Zhi.
Beside her, Mrs. Wang, the Madam of the Dong Family, also shed tears relentlessly.
She too was a mother, although her daughter was married, her son still at home.
At merely fifteen or sixteen, close in age to Mu Zhi.
Thinking that this age was meant for fun and eager learning, yet Mu Zhi fought on the brink of life and death, her heart ached.
She wished to help, but lacking medical skills, there was little she could do.
All she could do was pay extra attention to life and provide more care.
Dong Qinzhen silently sat by her son’s side, almost out of tears.
Yet she refused to relax, fearing any unforeseen incidents.
Mrs. Yun’s Golden Needle was withdrawn one by one from his head, and when the last one was pulled out.
Mu Zhi, who had previously shown no reaction, suddenly twitched.
Those present were shocked and panicked.
"What happened?"
The crowd hurriedly gathered around.
Mrs. Yun wiped the fine sweat off her forehead, looking far more relieved than before.
"Fear not, a response is a good sign. This Golden Needle Skill was secretly passed down by my master, and it is said that he once healed a man who fell unconscious for years while chopping wood on a mountain. Therefore, it should work for Mu Zhi too."
Upon hearing this, Madam Dong couldn’t hold back and broke into tears.
"Thank you, second sister-in-law, thank you, second sister-in-law."
She simply didn’t know what else to say, only repeatedly expressing her gratitude.
Though Yun appeared aloof, she wasn’t disconnected from human emotions.
Moved by such deep maternal love, she offered comfort.
Promptly, she helped her up, seating her by the bedside.
Soothingly said.
"Third sister, please rest assured, I will do my utmost to treat Mu Zhi, but before that, you must take care of your health, otherwise, watching over him day and night, I fear you might collapse before he awakens. Do you understand?"
The injuries on Dong were actually quite serious.
Not being a servant accustomed to hardship, her skin was much more delicate.
Chasing after Mrs. Wang, she acted solely on willpower.
To endure until returning to the Dong Family was already commendable.
So, after Yun finished speaking, she felt considerably weaker.
Seeing this, Mr. Lin immediately stepped forward to support his wife, then spoke with deep guilt to everyone present.
"Today’s events are all due to my soft temper. If it weren’t for my weakness as a husband, things wouldn’t have reached this point, bullying my wife and child to this extent. I feel unworthy of my father and mother-in-law’s past trust. Should there be any punishment, I am willing to bear it all alone!"
"You!"
Mrs. Dong was so furious that she wished she could hit him.
But what good would that do?
The child ended up like this, so she could only swallow the bitter fruit.
Supported by Madam Dong, she was led to a chair to catch her breath.
Yet Old Master Dong, as he gazed at his son-in-law professing his faults, said nothing.
But those familiar with Old Master Dong’s temperament knew it was far from over.
Indeed, after arranging Mu Zhi’s matters, Old Master Dong addressed Mr. Lin.
"Come to Qinzhen’s courtyard, I need to speak with you."
"Yes."
Dong cast a glance at her husband, also aware that her father’s temper wouldn’t let this matter pass easily.
So she looked at Mr. Lin with concern.
Mr. Lin, however, lightly smiled, tapping her hand before rising to follow Old Master Dong out.
Seeing them leave, Eldest Master Dong knew his brother-in-law wouldn’t fare well.
This courtyard being close to his sister’s, any commotion overheard by servants wouldn’t be good.
Thus he told his wife, Mrs. Wang.
"Have everyone disperse for now, return to their own affairs. All gathered here will disrupt Mu Zhi’s recuperation."
Having been married to Eldest Master Dong for many years, Mrs. Wang understood his meaning.
She nodded and said.
"Understood, sir."
Turning back to her son and the second house girl beside her, she continued.
"Ke Li, Qiuyue, escort grandmother back, then proceed with your studies and music practice as needed, visit cousin Mu Zhi in a few days."
Dong Keli, the youngest son of the main house.
Now nearing sixteen, he was robust and sturdy.
His build resembled that of soldiers in military encampments, appearing as someone with simple thoughts and strong physique.