Chapter 173: Little Sweetheart
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
“Yesterday was strange. Chasing Wind howled all night,” remarked Deng Zhi, her dark circles prominent.
“He’s usually so quiet, never making a peep. But last night, he just wouldn’t stop barking.”
“We gave him water, and even Chao Chao tried feeding him. What could be wrong?” Deng Zhi yawned, clutching a brass basin at the doorway.
Hearing the conversation, Madam Xu pushed the door open and rubbed her eyes, looking exhausted.
“Madam, did you hear the dog last night too? Do you want to go back to bed?” Deng Zhi inquired.
“No, it’s the busy year-end. I need to visit my parents later. I’ll try to rest a bit more soon,” Madam Xu responded with a yawn. “Please have someone check on Chasing Wind. He might be ill.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Deng Zhi paused before continuing, “Madam, the young miss was sick last night… I didn’t report it since you were already resting.”
“How is Chao Chao? Did she catch a cold? Never keep anything about Chao Chao from me again. Always tell me right away,” Madam Xu said sternly as she hurried to the courtyard where Chao Chao was.
Constantly worried about her daughter, Madam Xu couldn’t afford to be negligent even for a moment.
The little girl, looking pale, was sitting at the table. She had been very sick during the night and now appeared weak.
“What happened?” Madam Xu asked, holding Chao Chao gently.
“Madam, she cried about her stomach hurting all night. We tried everything to soothe her, but nothing worked. She didn’t eat too much at dinner,” Yuhua reported with a sigh of relief. “Thankfully, she felt a bit better after throwing up.”
[Oh no, I shouldn’t have eaten Chasing Wind’s dog food. My tummy hurt so much, and I threw up…]
Madam Xu felt frustration and amusement upon realizing Chao Chao had eaten the dog food, leaving Chasing Wind hungry and barking all night.
“Let’s skip breakfast for Chao Chao this morning, just some milk and hawthorn cake to help her stomach,” Madam Xu instructed.
“Should we call the royal physician?” Deng Zhi asked.
Given Chao Chao’s status, a physician was always on standby.
Madam Xu’s expression hardened. “It’s just indigestion. No need to alarm the king.”
The maid quickly nodded in agreement.
After breakfast, Rong Che was already waiting at the door.
[Wow, the Protectorate General is our chauffeur today. Mom is really impressive…] Chao Chao thought to herself, earning a scolding look from Madam Xu.
[Why is Mom looking at me like that? Am I in the way? Should I leave?]
Madam Xu exhaled sharply as Rong Che chuckled, gently lifting Chao Chao into the carriage.
[We look like a family of three, hehe…]
Madam Xu sighed quietly. Chao Chao might be quiet on the outside, but her mind was always buzzing with thoughts.
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
As they proceeded, their carriage suddenly halted before a medicine hall after being blocked by a plain-looking carriage.
Rong Che was about to express annoyance when Yuhua recognized Madam Pei, who had stepped out and quickly gestured for silence.
Madam Pei looked distressed as she exited her carriage, and faint sounds of pain could be heard from inside.
[Lu Jing Huai! Why are they wearing veils? Are they hiding something?] Chao Chao peeked out, noticing both Madam Pei and Lu Jing Huai with veils, appearing guilty.
[Why is he lying down in the carriage with his butt held high?] Chao Chao peered through the window, her curiosity piqued.
Madam Xu coughed, pulling Chao Chao back. “Be careful, don’t stick your head out. It’s dangerous, you know.”
Madam Xu then took Chao Chao’s spot, intently watching the medicine hall.
Chao Chao looked at her mother incredulously. [Why is it only dangerous for me to peek out?]
Watching her mother nearly fall out in her eagerness, Chao Chao scratched her head. [Is this still my dignified, noble mother?]
Madam Pei, her voice trembling, whispered urgently to the physician, “Is there any medicine for… that area?” She spoke so quietly, trying to keep others from overhearing.
She hadn’t even allowed a maid to buy the medicine, instead choosing a discreet carriage and wearing a veil to bring Lu Jing Huai herself.
“Where is the injury? How did it happen? What are the symptoms? Madam, I need more details to assist properly,” the young apprentice said, peeking into the carriage only to find a young man lying with his face covered.
[Did he injure… an embarrassing place?] Chao Chao’s curiosity peaked even more.
Nearly in tears, Madam Pei whispered something to the apprentice, who jumped in shock like he just heard something unimaginable.
Knowing her words were truly shameful, Madam Pei kept her head down in shame.
“Please, provide the best medicine. Money is no concern,” she implored. With the wedding to Miss Jiang scheduled for the next day, any complications would be disastrous.
The apprentice hurried to fetch the doctor, whispering the situation.
The doctor, experienced and composed, selected the appropriate medicine.
Madam Pei hastily handed over a handful of silver without looking and hurried back to her carriage.
“Please advise the young master to be more cautious in the future,” the apprentice suggested pointedly.
Madam Pei didn’t respond, climbing back into her carriage and departing.
The apprentice muttered, “Men these days…” He shivered, slightly unnerved.
Madam Xu looked immensely satisfied, having overheard everything.
Rong Che cautiously added, “I don’t partake in such things.”
Madam Xu laughed at his earnestness.
“Mom, let me see too…” Chao Chao pleaded, looking up at Madam Xu.
Madam Xu shot her a look. “Kids shouldn’t watch such things. It’ll ruin your eyes.”
“Then why are you watching?” Chao Chao protested.
“I’m old. I don’t mind going blind,” Madam Xu replied serenely.
Chao Chao, frustrated, slapped her own face hard.
Madam Xu was startled. “What are you doing?”
Chao Chao slapped herself again.
“I, I will slap your favorite person so you feel the pain!” Chao Chao declared, her cheeks puffing up with pain.
Madam Xu was speechless.
She opened her mouth to speak, closed it, then opened it again, and closed it once more.
What should I say? What can I even say?
Oh heavens, how can Chao Chao be so adorable?!
“Does it hurt now? Have you learned your lesson?” the little one asked, enduring the pain.
Madam Xu, tearing up, replied, “It hurts, it hurts so much. I understand, momma here will never trick Chao Chao again.”
Oh heavens, she was about to burst out laughing!
Chao Chao proudly lifted her chin. [I am so smart. I am truly brilliant. I made Mommy admit she was wrong…]