Chapter 466: Chapter 453: The Joy of Children

“He should be back by the beginning of next month at the latest.”

So the latest would be the beginning of the winter month.

Well, that’s not too late.

Zhuang Qingning nodded thoughtfully.

“Why does my sister suddenly ask about this?” Zhuang Qingsui asked, somewhat surprised.

“Nothing special. I was just thinking about the life-saving grace of Master Chu. If he comes back, we can give him some cakes and other treats as a token of our gratitude.”

To return a favor is a virtue. Though the Chu family seems to lack nothing, that’s their concern. As for our family, it is imperative to express our gratitude.

Despite her young age, Zhuang Qingsui understood this and nodded, “You’re right, sister.”

“But since you mentioned cakes, could you also make me some?”

Zhuang Qingsui giggled, “The lotus cakes you made last time were delicious. Jinzhou also misses them. Can you make some for us tomorrow?”

“Okay,” Zhuang Qingning agreed at length, touching Zhuang Qingsui’s forehead, “I will make them for you tomorrow.”

“But I have to go to the county town again tomorrow. I’m afraid I’ll have to leave early. I’ll make them in the morning and you guys can share them.”

“You have to go to the county town again?”

“Yeah, I’ve got some things to do. I might be busy for a couple of days.” Zhuang Qingning patted Zhuang Qingsui’s head with a smile, “Go ahead, clean up your things. I’ll make your favorite soy-braised chicken wings tonight.”

Zhuang Qingsui, who was initially disappointed that Zhuang Qingning was going to be busy the next day, lit up with joy at the mention of soy-braised chicken wings. She nodded enthusiastically and went off to tidy up her things.

The joy of a child is so simple.

Zhuang Qingning pursed her lips in a smile and went to prepare dinner.

The next day, Zhuang Qingning got up early and made the lotus cakes Zhuang Qingsui wanted.

The deep-fried lotus cakes, layered upon each other, looked like blooming lotus flowers, hence the name. They were not only aesthetically pleasing but also delicious in taste. Eating them was never tiring; one could never get enough of its refreshing flavor.

Zhuang Qingning left plenty of lotus cakes for Zhuang Qingsui and the others. The remaining ones were packed up and prepared to be taken to Mrs. Wen in the county town today.

Yesterday, she had promised to have lunch at Zhuang Yutian’s and to visit Mrs. Wen, but she was unable to do so due to the sudden situation with Cheng Ruize and Zhuang Wencheng.

Zhuang Qingning was sure that Zhuang Yutian must have mentioned this to Mrs. Wen. However, she had failed to keep her appointment, and even with good cause, the proud old lady would probably roll her eyes.

Zhuang Qingning decided that the best solution was to silence Mrs. Wen with delicious food first. Once she eats it, she probably won’t be able to criticize her.

After making the necessary preparations, Zhuang Qingning left her house and headed for the county town, soon arriving at Cheng Ruize’s place.

When Fang Hou knew that Zhuang Qingning had arrived, he quickly guided her in.

“Is Manager Cheng feeling better now?” Zhuang Qingning asked.

“Much better.”

At her words, Fang Hou was thrilled, but he tried to suppress his excitement, lowering his voice, “After Manager Zhuang left yesterday, my young master woke up. He said he still felt a bit sore and weak, but his mind was much clearer.”

“He had a good appetite for lunch and dinner yesterday, took his pills on time as per your instructions and swallowed them all at once.”

“He had a good sleep last night and was hungry in the morning. He ate a big bowl of rice porridge, half a scallion pancake, and said he was still hungry. However, since he’s on medication, we didn’t dare to let him eat too much greasy food and only let him eat another half bowl of egg custard.”

“He has already taken his morning medicine. He seems to be in good spirits and says he feels a lot less sore.”

“But don’t worry, only I and another close servant know about this. After Doctor Qin felt his pulse last night, we didn’t let him examine my young master again. I don’t think anyone else knows.”

“And I’ve arranged for the people in the courtyard to do chores and not get close to my young master. We’ve told others that he is still seriously ill, even pretending to send people to the capital to notify my master and madam. I think they should not suspect anything.”

Zhuang Qingning nodded approvingly, “Well done.”

When she first met Fang Hou, she only saw him in the shop where Cheng’s was selling century eggs. She thought he was observant and talkative. Now seeing how well he had arranged everything, she appreciated him even more.

“Manager Zhuang flatters me. It’s all part of my duties.” Fang Hou chuckled, “Please check my young master’s condition soon, Manager Zhuang.”

“Alright.” Zhuang Qingning followed Fang Hou into Cheng Ruize’s bedroom.

Cheng Ruize was still in bed, but he was sitting up, leaning against some thick soft pillows.

“Manager Zhuang,” Cheng Ruize saw Zhuang Qingning coming in and gave her a formal bow. He smiled apologetically, “I am incapable of greeting you properly due to my health. Please excuse me.”

“No need to worry, Manager Cheng. Under special circumstances, I will take your pulse first,” Zhuang Qingning said.

Cheng Ruize rolled up his sleeve and reached out his hand.

With yesterday’s experience, Zhuang Qingning was no longer flustered. She faked a professional look, casually placed her hand on Cheng Ruize’s wrist, then slightly nodded. “Well, Manager Cheng’s condition has improved a lot. You only need another couple of days of treatment along with the pills I’ve prescribed. You should recover within a month.”

“Thank you very much, Manager Zhuang,” Cheng Ruize thanked Zhuang Qingning repeatedly, “If it weren’t for Manager Zhuang, I’m afraid it would have taken a long time to cure my illness.”

Though he didn’t know what his illness was, he guessed it must have been severe based on how lethargic and spiritless he had felt for the past two days, and how the doctors who had examined him were helpless.

However, this illness was easily diagnosed by Zhuang Qingning, and her treatment made a significant difference in just one day.

“Manager Zhuang, I am deeply grateful for your life-saving kindness. I admire your exceptional medical skills…”

“You overpraise me, Manager Cheng,” Zhuang Qingning hurriedly interrupted.

It wasn’t that she was being modest, but the antidote was provided by the system, and the task of saving people was issued by the system. She was merely a dispassionate task performer. Thus, so much praise made her feel a bit embarrassed.

Seeing Zhuang Qingning respond that way and seeming a bit embarrassed, Cheng Ruize stopped expressing his gratitude.

Considering her extraordinary medical skills yet she never mentioned them to anyone nor showed them off, he guessed she didn’t want to boast.

Considering this, Cheng Ruize changed the subject, “Manager Zhuang, shall we start the treatment now?”

“Yes, please roll up your sleeve to expose your left upper arm,” said Zhuang Qingning.

“I’ll wait outside. If Manager Zhuang has any instructions, just call me.” Considering the situation yesterday, Fang Hou voluntarily stepped out.