Chapter 161: A Cry for Help - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 161: A Cry for Help
Madam Bai and her husband, Bai Xiang, had been together for many years. Although both were over sixty, with one foot in the grave, she wasn’t prepared for him to be brought back home like this. She was terrified.
“Husband, husband… wake up! You can’t just leave me like this.”
Madam Bai wept bitterly, and both Bai Lin, and Princess Wen Yi, wiped their tears with handkerchiefs. Shen Shi stood silently aside, unable to even pretend to be sorrowful.
Bai Sifu and Bai Chaohai stood in the inner room, listening to their relatives' sorrowful cries, feeling a wrenching pain in their hearts.
The Bai family stood strong solely because of their father.
If their father fell this time, could these 'unworthy descendants' uphold the family’s honor?
The imperial physician, who had accompanied them, provided a prescription but looked grim. Yet, he couldn’t show it in front of Madam Bai and had to comfort her, “Madam, please don’t worry too much. The Prime Minister is old, and minor ailments are to be expected. Just take good care of him; it’s nothing serious.”
Hearing this, Madam Bai felt somewhat relieved.
However, when the physician turned to the Bai brothers, he subtly shook his head.
The brothers clenched their teeth, not daring to reveal anything that might alarm their mother. If she fell ill, it would add more sorrow to the Bai family.
“You stay here and take care of things. I’ll take the physician to get the medicine” Bai Sifu instructed Bai Lin. The sorrow in his eyes didn’t escape her notice, and she frowned deeply.
After glancing at Madam Bai, who nodded slightly, Bai Lin reassured them softly, “Don’t worry.” Bai Sifu then led the physician to the side room.
As soon as they entered, he urgently asked, “Physician, what’s wrong with my father?”
“The Prime Minister is in a critical state. His pulse is weak and erratic, and he’s only hanging on because of the ginseng. Now that he’s unconscious, it’s impossible to give him any medication. If he doesn’t wake up in two or three days, the Bai family should prepare for his passing.”
The physician’s words were like a thunderbolt, nearly causing the brothers to faint.
He had been fine that morning, but now he was at death’s door?
“I don’t believe it! I’ll go find Xiao Er. Last time, Doctor Zhang cured my brother-in-law’s severe injury and Yunhe’s illness. If we get him, there might be hope!”
Bai Chaohai rushed out, desperate to find Feng Jinlin and ask him to bring Doctor Zhang.
The physician, though serving the royal family, had heard of Doctor Zhang’s reputation and didn’t mind, saying, “My skills are limited. If Doctor Zhang can come, the Prime Minister might be saved.”
“Thank you for your kindness, sir. If the Emperor asks, please tell the truth. My father has devoted his life to the Jin Dynasty. If this is his time, then it’s the Bai family’s fate.”
The physician sighed deeply. He had little personal connection with the Bai family, but knew of the Prime Minister’s service to the dynasty. He reassured Bai Sifu, “I will do my best.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The physician wrote the prescription, then personally supervised the preparation of the medicine, ensuring there were no delays.
In Pear Blossom Alley, the door of Doctor Zhang’s house was pounded repeatedly.
“Coming, coming,” came the voice of Aunt Zhang. She soon opened the door, surprised to see Feng Jinlin. She looked around, “Isn’t the Third Miss here?”
“Auntie, sorry for the disturbance. My grandfather is critically ill. Is Doctor Zhang home?” Feng Jinlin was anxious, and Bai Chaohai, even more so, would have barged in if not for the respect for the residence.
Aunt Zhang, also alarmed, replied, “He’s here. He didn’t go to the mountains today.” She turned and shouted, “Old man, old man!”
Doctor Zhang, seeing Feng Jinlin again with an unfamiliar middle-aged man, frowned, “Am I the only doctor in the capital? Why do you always come to me?”
“Doctor Zhang, my grandfather’s condition is urgent. Please come with us. You can scold us later if you wish.”
With that, he grabbed the medical kit and practically dragged Doctor Zhang out.
“Slow down, you brat!”
Despite his grumbling, Doctor Zhang followed quickly. Feng Jinlin’s grandfather was the well-known Prime Minister Bai, who had previously helped Prince Ding. Treating him wasn’t an unwelcome task.
The carriage sped back, and Bai Chaohai returned within an hour, drenched in sweat.
Seeing Doctor Zhang, Madam Bai immediately understood and clutched Bai Lin’s hand, asking, “Is it about my husband’s health…”
Though she didn’t finish, everyone knew what she meant. Bai Lin, unable to conceal the truth, nodded painfully, “The physician can’t help, but Fourth Brother brought Doctor Zhang. There might still be hope. Don’t worry, let him diagnose first.”
Once Madam Bai was moved aside, Doctor Zhang approached the bed.
He examined Prime Minister Bai, checking his pulse, lifting his sleeves, and inspecting his ears before declaring, “It’s not smallpox or a terminal illness.”
Everyone sighed in relief. “That’s good news, but why won’t he wake up?”
Madam Bai voiced the question on everyone’s mind. Doctor Zhang didn’t answer immediately.
Feng Jinlin noticed the room full of people, including servants and the physician. Suspecting Doctor Zhang had concerns, he nudged his fourth uncle and made a gesture.
Bai Chaohai quickly understood, “Sister-in-law, let’s step out. Doctor Zhang prefers to diagnose without too many people around.”
Understanding his intent, the physician, appreciating the need for confidentiality, left first.
Bai Lin took the servants out, leaving only Madam Bai, Bai Sifu, Bai Chaohai, and Feng Jinlin.
Once the room cleared, Doctor Zhang took out a gold-colored bottle, holding it under Bai Xiang’s nose. Shortly after, the unconscious Bai Xiang began to stir.
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