Volume One, Chapter 8: A Mother's Harshness, Yet a Child's Devotion

“I do trust you…” Dr. Lin treated patients with a clear conscience; otherwise, the Song family wouldn’t have kept coming to him.

However, upon hearing that the prescription contained a full dose of extremely bitter coptis root, Old Madam Song’s face creased into a tight knot.

“Old Madam, good medicine tastes bitter. Don’t be fooled by your current health; taken over a long time, it might shorten your lifespan…”

At the mention of reduced longevity, the old lady immediately stopped complaining and could only order the maid to prepare and bring the medicine.

Looking at the dark, murky concoction, the mere scent alone carried a sharp bitterness…

Old Madam Song felt her mouth dry, recalling Dr. Lin’s words. She hadn’t yet seen her eldest and second sons succeed or received any official honors. Gritting her teeth, she gulped it down.

The moment the medicine touched her tongue, the bitterness made the root of her tongue numb.

“Bitter, bitter! Bring me some candied fruit, quickly!”

The maid handed her the candied fruit, which finally eased the bitterness somewhat…

Thinking about having to take it three times daily, she felt waves of dizziness wash over her… she was truly uncomfortable now.

In the third branch’s quarters, Song Ci laughed uproariously at the news Wanxiang had gathered.

“Serves her right!”

“Old Madam used to throw tantrums like this, but Miss and Madam never opposed her. As a servant, I was furious. Today, finally, I feel vindicated.”

Wanxiang’s eyes sparkled with delight; the third branch always suffered injustice and humiliation, and she shared in that frustration. Seeing the old lady suffer at last brought relief. The current Miss was very different from before, and Wanxiang liked her a lot!

“Don’t worry, our third branch will only get better from now on.”

Wanxiang didn’t understand why Miss said that suddenly, but she nodded with a bright smile. At last, life seemed to hold some promise.

Zhang Baiwan rested for a few days at the Song residence, well cared for and compliant. His wounds hadn’t fully healed but were no obstacle to travel, and he had volunteered to leave and return home.

He had already sent word ahead to his family, and someone was coming today to escort him back.

Elder Uncle Song inwardly lamented, having tried several times to persuade Zhang Baiwan to stay, but all offers were politely declined. He could only see him off at the door.

He was confident that spending a few more days together would deepen their relationship, making it easier to ask for help when the time came.

At the door, Zhang Baiwan looked around but saw no sign of Song San.

“Where is Lord Song San?” he asked.

Elder Uncle Song forced a smile, “My younger brother is lazy and unreliable. He’s probably resting indoors and won’t come to see you off.”

Zhang Baiwan cast him a glance, harboring doubts.

The eldest two sons of the Song family were fair-skinned and slightly plump, while the third son had dark skin and a lean build.

No matter how you looked at it, he didn’t seem lazy.

As they spoke, a figure appeared at the door. Song San had just returned from inspecting the fields on the outskirts of the city, sweat still damp on his brow. He turned and saw the group at the entrance.

“Brother Zhang, eldest brother, second brother.”

Zhang Baiwan noticed the black dirt under his nails and realized where he had been. Hearing the eldest brother refer to him as a benefactor, he felt a pang of frustration.

The eldest brother had just lied and was immediately contradicted, his face betraying some embarrassment, and he fell silent.

“Lord Song San, I’m setting off home today and won’t trouble the Song household any longer.”

Song San hesitated. When he picked up Zhang Baiwan, though he wasn’t severely injured, he bore numerous wounds. He looked him over with some concern.

“You have many injuries. Don’t push yourself.”

Thinking of how the eldest and second brother had been prying into his affairs constantly, Song San’s genuine concern touched Zhang Baiwan. He softened his gaze and did not mind the dirt on Song San’s hands as he gripped them firmly.

“Brother Song, your care and life-saving grace are engraved in my heart. When the opportunity arises, we shall meet again.”

Song San’s cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment.

“It’s nothing, really. No need to take it to heart.”

“To you, Brother Song, it may be nothing, but to me, Zhang Baiwan, it is everything. It’s getting late; I must take my leave.”

Seeing the person sent to escort him arrive, Zhang Baiwan bowed and departed.

They watched his carriage roll away.

Song San noticed something slipped into his hand as Zhang Baiwan left. He was about to retrieve it when Elder Uncle Song snorted coldly.

“Just got back and already neglecting filial duties before Mother, always running off somewhere. No wonder Mother gets angry when she sees you.”

Song San was scolded harshly and forgot about the object in his hand.

“Eldest brother, the good fields on the outskirts are ready for harvest these days. I went to check the yield… I bought some pastries Mother likes. I’ll freshen up and then go see her.”

“Third brother,” the second brother glanced at him sharply, “You always look so unkempt. Aren’t you afraid of embarrassing the Song family when you go out? It’s truly… unbecoming.”

Song San lowered his head, noticing dirt on his clothes and shoes. Seeing his elder brothers so meticulous, shame washed over his face.

“I will be more careful going forward.”

He knew his eldest brother aspired to be an official and valued the family’s reputation. He couldn’t bring disgrace to the Song name.

The eldest brother saw his subdued demeanor and felt somewhat appeased.

He hurriedly urged, “Mother is waiting for you. Won’t you go now? Do you want to keep her waiting?”

“Yes, yes. I’m going now.”

Once Song San left, the eldest and second brothers’ expressions darkened.

“What a pity. Zhang Baiwan is cautious and won’t easily open up. If we had his influence, staying in the capital would be much easier…”

With no money at home, his hopes of remaining in the capital were slim.

“Eldest brother, Zhang Baiwan treats Third Brother well. Why not have Third Brother go plead with him? He always listens to you — if you ask, he won’t refuse. Since he saved Third Brother’s life, making a bold appeal wouldn’t be out of place.”

The eldest brother smiled at this.

“That’s not a bad idea.”

How Song San would go about asking was no concern of theirs.

Old Madam Song continued drinking the medicine. The bitterness made her eyes water, but the worst was the constant stomach churning, forcing her to rush to the chamber pot several times, barely holding on.

After another dose, her stomach roiled loudly once more.

“Mother, your son has come to see you.”

At the sound of Song San’s voice, Old Madam Song’s temper flared. When he approached, she grabbed his ear roughly and pulled hard.

“You heartless wretch! Your mother is sick and drinking such bitter medicine, and you’re not by her side to care for her. Where have you been running off to?”

Song San’s ear reddened and swelled from the tug. He quickly explained where he had been today.