Chapter Twenty: Fainting

Two years swiftly passed, and the Zhao family flower shop had become the most popular in the capital, even opening a branch. Business continued to flourish as always.

Once enough money was saved, Qin Mingyue had Zhao Guoji hire workers to build a villa, ensuring ample space for both living and gardening.

Little Jia Huan, now over two years old, toddled around the courtyard with boundless energy. Without the watchful eyes of the maids and nannies, Qin Mingyue could hardly keep up. Each time she wanted to scold him, those big, watery eyes melted her heart, and she worried she might be spoiling him too much.

“Rest assured, madam, the little master is very clever. Perhaps one day he'll top the imperial exams,” the household staff now favored the chubby little boy.

Originally soft-hearted, Qin Mingyue took their words to heart and resolved to be stricter with her son. The household was full of indulgent mothers; she did not want her child to grow up spoiled and headstrong.

“How has Tanzhen been these days?” After worrying about her son, Qin Mingyue’s thoughts turned to Tanzhen, who had been brought to Lady Wang’s residence. The young girl had cried bitterly when she left, leaving Qin Mingyue heartbroken for quite some time. Over the past two years, she had secretly bribed the wet nurses and maids around her, sending many gifts to ensure she was well cared for.

“All is well with the young lady. The Second Madam has been busy preparing for the young master’s arrival and hasn’t had time to attend to other matters. I have instructed the young lady’s wet nurse to take good care of her,” the nanny beside Qin Mingyue reported.

“The household is currently focused on the young master. If Tanzhen needs anything, have someone send for us,” Qin Mingyue said. Money was no longer an issue, and with sufficient silver, the servants could be made to serve impeccably. Though Jia Zheng had grown distant and seldom visited, life had still been comfortable.

Speaking of Jia Zhu, Qin Mingyue recalled when Jia Zheng first visited her, she had a favorable impression of Jia Zhu, the eldest son, who carried himself with a gentlemanly air. She had warned Jia Zheng to monitor Jia Zhu’s health carefully, cautioning that it would be a loss if he ruined his body over the imperial exams. Unexpectedly, Jia Zheng accused her of harboring ill will, unwilling to see his eldest son succeed, and scolded her instead.

Since then, Qin Mingyue kept her distance. Occasionally, she would see Jia Zhu looking pale, knowing his health was seriously depleted and that he was too weak to recover properly. She feared he would repeat the same tragic path.

Looking at her own chubby boy, Qin Mingyue thought that if her son truly had no talent for studying, she would let it be. She absolutely did not want to force him into the same frail state as Jia Zhu. Every profession could produce a master; as long as he had a skill to support himself, that would be enough.

In Lady Wang’s residence, Li Zhi was standing inside, receiving a stern lecture.

“These days, Brother Zhu must focus on his studies. As his wife, you must take care of his health and not let personal matters hinder his progress. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being a harsh mother-in-law!” Lady Wang admonished.

“Mother, please rest assured. My husband is at a crucial stage of preparation, and I will care for him diligently,” Li Zhi, raised in a scholarly family and taught to be virtuous and obedient, did not dare contradict her mother-in-law. Besides, she sincerely wished her husband success.

“It’s good that you have this heart. The most important matter in the household now is Brother Zhu’s exams. Not just you, but as his mother, I must also take great care. If he passes the provincial exams, your blessings will follow!” Lady Wang was confident in her eldest son’s studies but worried about unforeseen setbacks.

These days, Jia Zhu was suffocated by the high expectations of the household. Though his tutor felt he was ready, Jia Zheng imposed strict demands and occasional reprimands, leaving Jia Zhu no room to relax. He spent nearly all his time in the study, diligently preparing.

Soon, the day of the exams arrived. The Jia family gathered at the gate to see him off, showing their esteem for him.

Lady Wang had her servants meticulously check the exam materials several times and gave numerous last-minute instructions before finally letting him go.

During Jia Zhu’s time at the exam hall, the family matriarch and Lady Wang burned incense and prayed daily; even Qin Mingyue joined in fasting and chanting for several days. The servants walked quietly, mindful of the solemnity.

Finally, the day came for Jia Zhu’s return from the exams. Early in the morning, the family assembled at the matriarch’s courtyard, waiting anxiously.

“Have the arrangements for receiving Brother Zhu been made? The doctor and attendants must be ready. The imperial exams are taxing on the spirit and body. Brother Zhu’s health is frail; he will need several months of proper recuperation. Be thorough!” the matriarch reminded Lady Wang.

“Mother, rest assured. I have made all the arrangements. The moment Brother Zhu arrives, the doctor will examine him carefully,” Lady Wang said, ever cautious with her cherished son.

“Jia Zhu is our most promising son in the Rongguo Mansion. If he passes the provincial exams, the matriarch will provide silver to host a banquet for the household to celebrate,” Wang Xifeng chimed in.

“You little schemer, always trying to swindle my silver. Don’t worry, if Zhu passes, you won’t miss out,” the matriarch said with a laugh, her tension eased by Wang Xifeng’s teasing.

“Then your granddaughter-in-law can look forward to the feast,” Wang Xifeng feigned impatience, amusing everyone.

Qin Mingyue admired Wang Xifeng. No wonder the matriarch valued her so highly—she was not only tactful but also capable. Had she not later fallen into the unfortunate path of loan sharking, her fate might have been less tragic than in the original tale.

The group chatted and laughed, briefly easing the tense atmosphere.

“Madam! Bad news! Master Zhu fainted as soon as he left the exam hall!” a trembling footman knelt, unable to raise his head.

“What? Has the doctor seen him?” Lady Wang immediately stood in alarm.

“Yes. The doctor said Master Zhu is mentally exhausted and physically depleted. That’s why... They’re still on their way back,” the footman stammered.

“What are you waiting for? Send someone to the palace for the imperial physician!” The matriarch swiftly took charge, calming everyone.

Once Jia Zhu was carried back to the mansion, chaos ensued. Lady Wang handed over household management to Wang Xifeng, focusing entirely on her son’s care.

“For a family like ours, even without the exams, it’s fine. Just keep him healthy and don’t worry too much,” the matriarch comforted after hearing the grandson had regained consciousness.

“My unfilial grandson has caused grandmother much worry... Father and mother must be anxious too!” Jia Zhu had fainted three days in a row before waking, his complexion pale as paper, his voice weak and breathless.

“My poor Zhu, lie down and stop worrying!” Lady Wang’s eyes were swollen from crying over her son’s near ruin from the exams.

Li Zhi stood quietly in a corner, wiping away tears, unable to get close.

Because of Jia Zhu’s illness, the mansion was shrouded in gloom. No one dared speak of the imperial exams anymore.