Chapter 173: The Little Darling of the Mortal World
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“Not sure what happened last night, but Windchaser howled all night long,” complained Deng Zhi, dark circles under her eyes.
“Usually, Windchaser is well-behaved, never whining like that in the middle of the night. But last night, it wouldn’t stop.”
“I gave it water, and Chao Chao personally fed it dog food. What could have gone wrong?” Deng Zhi yawned as she stood by the door holding a bronze basin, waiting for Madam Xu to wake.
Hearing movement from inside, she pushed the door open. Madam Xu, rubbing her eyes, appeared somewhat weary.
“Madam, did you hear the dog last night? Do you want to go back to bed for a little while?” Deng Zhi asked.
“No need. With the year-end approaching, there’s much to do. I still have to visit my mother’s house later. Maybe I’ll nap briefly in the afternoon,” Madam Xu replied with a yawn.
“Perhaps someone should check on Windchaser. It might be sick.”
“Very well.”
After a pause, Deng Zhi hesitated before adding, “Last night, the young miss vomited… I didn’t report it since you were already resting.”
Madam Xu was startled. “What happened to Chao Chao? Did she catch a cold yesterday?”
“From now on, no matter what happens to Chao Chao, do not hide it from me. You must tell me immediately,” Madam Xu instructed firmly, heading straight for Chao Chao’s courtyard.
Ever mindful of her daughter, Madam Xu left no room for negligence.
The little girl sat at the table with a pale face, visibly weak from a tough night.
“What’s wrong, my darling?” Madam Xu asked, heart aching as she scooped Chao Chao into her arms.
“Madam, the young miss was crying all night, clutching her stomach. No matter how much we rubbed her belly, it didn’t help. And I watched her eat her dinner; she wasn’t overeating,” Yu Shu sighed.
“Fortunately, she felt better after vomiting. It doesn’t seem serious.”
[Wuuu, I should never have stolen Windchaser’s dog food.]
[Wuuu, my stomach was so full last night I couldn’t stand it and threw up…]
Madam Xu?!!
Both amused and exasperated, Madam Xu was caught between wanting to scold her for stealing food and laughing at Windchaser being wrongly blamed. No wonder the dog howled all night—cold and hungry on a winter’s night, who wouldn’t cry out?
“Don’t prepare breakfast for her this morning. Just give her some milk and a bit of hawthorn cake.” Hawthorn cake aids digestion, and greasy foods are out of the question for now.
“Understood. Shall I summon the imperial physician to examine her? As Princess Sunshine, she should have one on standby,” Yu Shu offered.
Madam Xu tensed slightly. “It’s just a case of indigestion. There’s no need to alarm His Majesty unnecessarily.”
The maid promptly complied.
After finishing her light breakfast, Lu Chao Chao was greeted by Rong Che waiting at the door.
[Oh ho ho, the Stabilizing General playing chauffeur—my mother really has sway…] Chao Chao teased in her thoughts, earning a sharp glance from Madam Xu.
[Why is she glaring at me? Am I in the way?]
[Fine, I’ll leave then.]
Helpless, Madam Xu watched as Rong Che chuckled like a fool and carried Chao Chao into the carriage.
[They look like such a little family—giggle giggle…]
Madam Xu sighed quietly. On the outside, Chao Chao was an introverted child, but her inner thoughts never stopped buzzing.
As the carriage swayed forward, they were abruptly blocked by a dull, gray carriage halting in front of an apothecary. Inside, the faint figure of Madam Pei could be seen, wearing a veil.
This inconvenient positioning stopped the Lu family carriage in its tracks.
Rong Che appeared ready to curse, but Yu Shu recognized the person and quickly gestured for restraint.
Madam Pei descended from her carriage, her complexion pale. Muffled groans of pain could be heard from inside.
[Lu Jing Huai? Why are they wearing veils? Are they hiding something?] wondered Chao Chao, her curiosity growing as she peeked out.
[Why is he bent over with his bottom in the air inside the carriage…] Perched at the window, Chao Chao’s eyes gleamed.
Madam Xu coughed softly, pulling Chao Chao away. “Careful not to get hit. Don’t stick your head out.”
Madam Xu’s tone was serious as she settled into Chao Chao’s place by the window, intent on observing the scene herself.
Chao Chao watched her mother with disbelief. [What? Only I can get hit in the head?]
Seeing Madam Xu half hanging out of the carriage, Chao Chao scratched her head. [Is this my elegant, noble mother?]
Madam Xu strained to hear what was being said, almost toppling over.
Madam Pei’s voice trembled, and she tried to mask her panic. “Doctor, do you have medicine for… um, that sort of area?” she whispered.
Not wanting to risk exposure, Madam Pei couldn’t even let her maid purchase the medicine, instead sneaking out herself in an inconspicuous carriage.
“What’s the injury? How did it happen? What are the symptoms?” the apprentice asked, clearly confused.
“Madam, unless you explain clearly, how am I to know where he’s hurt?” He peeked into the carriage and glimpsed a young man, face obscured, lying stiffly.
[Injured… in that place?] The realization dawned.
Embarrassed to tears, Madam Pei whispered in the apprentice’s ear, causing him to nearly leap back in shock.
The apprentice exchanged whispers with the physician, who, unfazed by such matters, methodically prepared the prescribed medicine.
Madam Pei shoved a pouch of silver at him without checking and hurriedly left, but not before the apprentice quipped, “Please remind the young master that moderation is key.”
Hearing this, Madam Pei fled even faster.
The apprentice shook his head disdainfully. “Men these days… truly daring,” he muttered, shivering at the thought.
Madam Xu looked utterly satisfied, as though she’d just witnessed a thrilling drama.
Rong Che cautiously added, “I’m very simple. Truly simple.”
Seeing his sheepish demeanor, Madam Xu couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
“Mother, let me see too!” Chao Chao pleaded with puppy eyes.
Madam Xu cast her a stern look. “Children shouldn’t watch gossip; it’ll ruin your eyes.”
“But you’re watching!” protested Chao Chao.
With a self-satisfied air, Madam Xu replied, “I’m old. I don’t fear blindness.”
Furious, Chao Chao clenched her teeth and slapped herself.
Startled, Madam Xu exclaimed, “What are you doing?!”
Chao Chao slapped herself again, her cheeks red. “I—I’ll hurt the one you love most, so you’ll feel heartbroken!”
Madam Xu was speechless, her mouth opening and closing as she processed this bizarre reasoning. Finally, she sighed, [What can I even say?]
Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged her daughter. “Yes, I’m heartbroken. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t trick you again!”
Chao Chao lifted her chin triumphantly. [I’m so smart. Such a genius.]
She grinned proudly. [I even made Mother apologize!]