Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C110 – Let Me be Quiet!

The room was enveloped in profound silence, with Mrs. Xue and Zuo Yunwen caught in a quandary, contemplating whether to rouse him from slumber.

Zuo Shaoqing, too, fell silent. He dutifully lingered by Zuo Shaoyan’s bedside, covertly casting a sidelong glance at Mrs. Hoe.

As if sensing his gaze, Mrs. Hoe turned her head, and their eyes locked in midair.

Mrs. Hoe was taken aback and swiftly averted her gaze. For some inexplicable reason, she felt as though Zuo Shaoqing’s eyes had pierced through the layers of her facade. Recollections of the recent revelation he had shared with her sent shivers down her spine.

While others might remain oblivious to her hidden agenda, Zuo Shaoqing had discerned it. Could he…?

Zuo Shaoqing could perceive her unease. He lowered his voice and spoke with significance, “Sister, don’t worry. Big Brother will surely recover.”

Mrs. Hoe caught the subtle message in his words and stole another glance at him. Lately, Zuo Shaoqing exuded an entirely different aura. This confident and forthright demeanor was unlike his former self.

She mustered a faint smile. “Certainly, your elder brother has his own means!”

Their wait was not protracted. Mrs. Xue and Zuo Yunwen approached in unison. An unspoken understanding passed between the couple, as they discerned each other’s hesitancy.

Eventually, Mrs. Xue steeled herself, nodded resolutely, and issued the command, “Prepare the medicine! Mrs. Hoe, please keep an eye on them. No one should interfere!”

Mrs. Hoe comprehended her concern regarding potential interference, and she responded deferentially before departing with Rui Lan in tow.

As they exited the courtyard and reached a secluded spot, Mrs. Hoe inquired, “Rui Lan, what if Grandfather awakens?”

“Miss, didn’t the physician mention that even if he awakens, he must remain bedridden to recuperate?”

“But…” “What if he insists on taking the examination?”

Rui Lan glanced around and leaned in to whisper, “I have inquired, even if I were to facilitate it, your energy is insufficient. It would be impossible for me to support you through it.”

Mrs. Hoe breathed a sigh of relief, straightened her posture, and hastened her steps toward the kitchen.

Zuo Shaoqing had been sent away by Zuo Yunwen to read his book, recognizing that time was precious, and his presence wouldn’t serve any purpose.

But Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t bear to miss the opportunity to witness Zuo Shaoyan’s distress and sorrow. He had to maintain a facade of brotherly respect while not chasing him away.

Zuo Yunwen was touched by this display of brotherly concern and gradually began to hold Zuo Shaoqing in higher regard. He gazed at Zuo Shaoqing with genuine satisfaction.

After Zuo Shaoyan had taken the medicine, everyone anxiously gathered around his bedside, waiting for him to regain consciousness.

The short duration of one incense stick burning felt like an eternity. Just when Zuo Shaoqing was considering retreating, the person on the bed finally stirred.

Mrs. Xue was the first to leap up and grasp Zuo Shaoyan’s hand. Tearfully, she exclaimed, “Oh, you’re awake!”

Zuo Shaoyan’s eyelids fluttered a few times. He slowly opened them briefly, then closed them again, seemingly drained of energy.

“What’s happening?” Mrs. Xue anxiously touched Zuo Shaoyan’s face, and when he reopened his eyes, she patted his chest with relief.

“Mother?” Zuo Shaoyan attempted to sit up but realized that his limbs were feeble, and his entire body felt weak, as if he were seriously ill.

“What’s wrong with me?” He looked at the people surrounding his bed with a puzzled expression. Most of them were present, and they all seemed to be expecting the worst.

Mrs. Xue wiped her tears away and glanced at Zuo Yunwen, hoping he would provide an explanation. She couldn’t bring herself to say anything that might distress her son.

Zuo Shaoyan’s expression darkened, and he inquired in a hoarse, subdued voice, “What’s going on? Why am I so weak?”

Zuo Yunwen, who had always held great hopes for his son, felt even more sorrowful when he saw the anxiety on his son’s handsome face at this moment.

He recounted everything that had transpired, including the condition of his body and his inability to participate in the Conference Test. Then, he offered reassurance, saying, “Don’t lose hope.”

After hearing his words, Zuo Shaoyan lapsed into unconsciousness. His eyes lost their focus, and his complexion grew ashen, as though he were a lifeless puppet.

Internally, Zuo Shaoqing suppressed a chuckle, but on the surface, he appeared deeply concerned. “Big Brother, you must hang in there. The Conference Test is just an exam. What matters most is your well-being.”

Mrs. Hoe moved closer to the bedside, gently took Zuo Shaoyan’s hand, and rested it on her rounded belly. “Master, remember, you still have me and our child. You must gather your strength.”

Even if he didn’t make it to high school in the future, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Zuo Shaoyan felt the movement within Mrs. Hoe’s abdomen, and a slight warmth crept into his body. Finally, the icy chill that had numbed his limbs began to recede. However, his spirit remained subdued.

He remained silent, wearily waving his hand before slowly reclining as if he were an elderly man moving at a leisurely pace.

Mrs. Xue had never witnessed Zuo Shaoyan in such a despondent state, so she spoke out, “Shao Yan, please don’t be like this. One doesn’t necessarily have to follow the path of the imperial examinations to succeed as an official. There are alternative avenues.”

In the Great Yang Nation, many children of aristocrats entered the imperial service through connections. Those with notable abilities could even rise to prominent positions in the sixth division.

In any case, it would be considered a disgrace if they didn’t participate in the imperial examinations and instead sought appointments directly through family connections. People generally believed that only those lacking talent or merit would resort to such means.

Zuo Shaoyan yelled hoarsely, “Leave me be! Let me have some peace!” Then he shut his eyes, though his tightly pressed lips betrayed his inner turmoil.

Zuo Shaoqing never averted his gaze from his brother’s countenance. He meticulously observed every emotion, from the confusion upon awakening to the anxiety when sensing everyone’s reactions, and finally the desolation upon hearing the news. Each expression etched itself deeply into Zuo Shaoqing’s memory.

He understood that Zuo Shaoyan wasn’t succumbing to despair; he simply needed time to accept the harsh reality. The realization that after so many years of waiting, his dream was on the verge of shattering was too much to bear.

Yet, there was still hope in three years’ time. Many scholars devoted their lives to studying, even into old age. Zuo Shaoyan was still young and had opportunities ahead. Despair was not the answer.

Once Zuo Shaoyan closed his eyes, Zuo Shaoqing lost interest in observing him further. He offered some words of comfort to Ye Zichen and excused himself, claiming he needed to make preparations.

Returning to his room, Zuo Shaoqing reclined on the comfortable sofa, pondering many thoughts.

Back then, Zuo Shaoyan had seen him off before the examination. It meant that regardless of his success or failure, he had decided to leverage him for Jiang Che’s favor. Such an understanding was what Zuo Shaoqing resented the most.

Over the years, many things had changed. Although Zuo Shaoyan had met Jiang Che privately, he hadn’t arranged for his departure. There had to be a hidden reason that eluded him.

“Lord Third, you don’t appear to be in high spirits,” Luo Xiaoliu inquired, surprised by Zuo Shaoqing’s demeanor.

After accompanying Zuo Shaoqing for an extended period, failing to discern the underlying tension between him and another person would render the past decade utterly futile.

While San Ye didn’t personally instigate the recent incident, he was closely involved. This only heightened San Ye’s admiration for Zuo Shaoqing.

However, Zuo Shaoqing couldn’t help but wonder why San Ye appeared so despondent upon leaving his room. Shouldn’t he be reveling as he had in the past?

Zuo Shaoqing casually reached for a book and opened it, saying, “Seeing Big Bro in this state, how can I, as your younger brother, find any joy?”

Luo Xiaoliu refrained from commenting and rolled his eyes, remarking, “Master San, Second Master just informed me that he intends to meet with you.”

“Oh.” Zuo Shaoqing’s spirits lifted a bit when he heard that Zuo Yunyang had some good news.

Zuo Yunyang had come to visit upon hearing about Zuo Shaoyan. After meeting his eldest nephew, he went to Zuo Shaoqing, bearing gifts for his nephew who was about to take the exam.

“Here’s the land deed. He sold it outright because he needed the money urgently, so he requested a lump sum payment.”

Zuo Shaoqing accepted the land deed from Zuo Yunyang and examined it carefully before breaking into a smile. “Thank you, Second Uncle!”

Zuo Yunyang waved it off, saying, “Why the formalities? Besides, all this money is yours, Shao Qing. Second Uncle simply lent a hand twice.”

Previously, Zuo Shaoqing had expressed his intention to purchase a countryside estate. This would not only provide a place for Nanny Liu to settle down but also ensure her future sustenance with the estate’s resources.

However, most of the suburban villas around the capital were privately owned by prominent ministers and nobles of the imperial court. Very few were available for sale.

This time, Zuo Yunyang only became aware of the estate’s availability through a few acquaintances. After inspecting the property and negotiating the price, he deemed it suitable for purchase.

“While I’ve acquired the estate, my nephew won’t have much time to manage it in the near future. I’ll need Second Uncle’s assistance in handling the estate’s affairs.”

“That’s not a problem. When the previous owners vacated, they left behind all the servants, who were originally local farmers. Hiring them back won’t require much expenditure.”

Zuo Yunyang, being experienced in business matters, was well-versed in such affairs. Managing a small estate wouldn’t demand significant time or manpower, especially with Nanny Liu overseeing it.