Chapter 11: This Body, Beyond Your Saving

Chapter 11: This Body, Beyond Your Saving

Lang Jiuchuan’s body was destined not to last long.

The Physician’s words made everyone in the room shiver.

Lang Zhengping stepped past Cui Shi and went forward, frowning as he asked, “How could her body be so frail? Physician Chen, how should she be treated? Write down a formula without hesitation. Whatever herbs are needed, I will have Steward Ding procure them at once.”

This was the only remaining child of the second branch, the sole bloodline of his younger brother. She must not come to harm, else how could he ever face his second brother?

Physician Chen, having received his order, rose and bowed respectfully. “Shizi, then this old one shall withdraw to deliberate on a prescription.”

“Go,” Lang Zhengping said.

“No need to trouble yourself.” Lang Jiuchuan gave a faint smile, her tone sharp and cold. “This body, by your hands, cannot be saved.”

Everyone froze.

“Such nonsense!” Lang Zhengping’s face sank. “You just now ran wild in the mourning hall, cursing our guests and disturbing your grandfather’s spirit. I excused you because you had only just returned home, and did not punish you. But one’s body is no trifling matter—it cannot be left to your willful words.”

Lang Jiuchuan laughed and countered, “Willful? Is that not the Lang family’s long-standing tradition?”

“You—!” Lang Zhengping was so angered he almost trembled.

“Ninth Miss, do you still remember this old servant? The Old Madam has missed you dearly. Now that she knows you’ve returned, she insists on seeing you.” Nanny Wang stepped forward, carefully studying Lang Jiuchuan. “You’ve grown taller, yet why have you become thinner? But now that you are home, with careful nourishment, all will be well.”

Looking at this kindly old matron, fleeting images stirred within Lang Jiuchuan’s mind—the woman’s smiling face, a small sugar figurine held out to her.

Was this a remnant memory of the body’s former owner?

With that memory, her attitude softened. She retracted her sharp thorns, stood, and said, “Then I will go with you, Nanny, to see the Old Madam.”

“Yes, yes, good.” Nanny Wang glanced toward Lang Zhengping.

Lang Zhengping said, “Since your body is unwell, remain in Mother’s courtyard to accompany her. You need not return to the mourning hall.”

That would not do. Until she gathered enough merit, she still needed to absorb her ancestors’ accumulated fortune. Otherwise, this body would unravel.

“The filial duty I owe, I must still fulfill,” Lang Jiuchuan replied as she moved to Nanny Wang’s side. “Let’s go.”

As she passed, Cui Shi spoke sharply: “Stop. I will assign a matron to teach you the rules. From now on, I expect you to mind your words and deeds. Do not again lose propriety, lest you invite misfortune and implicate the family.”

Lang Zhengping and Wu Shi both frowned unconsciously.

Lang Jiuchuan met her gaze. “Madam wishes to teach me rules now? Don’t you think it’s far too late?”

Cui Shi pressed her lips together. She noticed the fresh handprints on her daughter’s cheek, her eyes filled with restraint and bitterness.

Lang Jiuchuan looked at her deeply, then turned away. Too late. The original soul was already gone.

Cui Shi’s breath caught, leaving her stifled, leaning against the doorframe.

Wu Shi stepped forward to steady her. “Second Aunt, Ninth Sister has only just returned. She is unfamiliar still. Slowly, she will adjust.”

“Indeed. Her looks resemble yours somewhat, but her temperament takes after Second Brother—stubborn and rebellious, just the same…” Lang Zhengping’s words faltered when Cui Shi raised her eyes at him. He forced a dry smile. “There is no grudge between mother and child that lasts overnight. It has been many years since Second Brother passed. Second Sister-in-law, you should let go. Wu Shi, see to it. Arrange a suitable courtyard for your Ninth Sister, and assign two clever maids to serve her.”

“Yes, Father.”

Lang Zhengping quickly departed.

Wu Shi felt a headache coming on. Where should she arrange this courtyard? She thought to ask Cui Shi, but seeing her lost in a daze, she closed her mouth instead.

Being a daughter-in-law was truly difficult!

(End of Chapter)