Chapter 184: Critical Illness - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter

Chapter 184: Critical Illness

Feng Jinyao observed Bai Siruo’s joyful expression and felt reluctant to interrupt, so she quietly stood by and let her continue choosing.

Despite the selection process, nothing seemed suitable, either too flashy or too conventional. Bai Siruo pouted and asked the shopkeeper, “Do you have any other high-quality items? I’m open to any price, just bring them out.”

When choosing gifts for Feng Jinyao, she wanted the best.

The shopkeeper, recognizing a big customer, led them upstairs with a smile and presented the finest items.

Bai Siruo saw that the shop on the second floor was similar to the Zhenbao store—only showing the best once they were certain of a serious buyer.

The second-floor items were indeed more exquisite. Bai Siruo admired everything she saw but was torn between a red tourmaline bracelet and an eight-treasure necklace.

“Ah Yao, which one do you prefer?”

Feng Jinyao looked at both items. They were indeed exquisite, but too luxurious compared to her usual preference for jade hairpins. She hesitated to accept them but didn’t want to disappoint Bai Siruo, so she replied, “Cousin, please choose for me. I like both.”

The decision fell back to Bai Siruo. She decided to purchase both items and said, “Just buy both. We can consider the other as a gift from Mingyue. After all, she also asked me to get you a coming-of-age gift. As for the money, we can get it from her when we visit Wenjin Academy.”

Seeing her opportunity to get a good deal, Bai Siruo took pleasure in the shopkeeper’s glowing smile as they completed the purchase and wrapped the jewelry.

As Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao left the store, Haitang and Yunxu followed happily. Suddenly, Haitang noticed Lu Yuanfeng coming out of the Hu Medical Clinic, his face tense.

“Miss, it’s Young Master Lu.”

Haitang pointed him out to Bai Siruo.

Bai Siruo, who had never seen Lu Yuanfeng in such a state, called out to him, “Young Master Lu.”

Lu Yuanfeng looked up and saw them. “What a coincidence. Are you here to shop in the Western Market too?” Bai Siruo asked with a polite smile, making Feng Jinyao curious about this person. Why was Bai Siruo, usually so informal, being so courteous?

Lu Yuanfeng forced a bitter smile and looked distraught.

“What’s wrong?” Bai Siruo, despite her usual straightforwardness, noticed the distress and immediately asked.

“Miss Bai, my mother is critically ill. The doctors at Yuqin Hall said she’s beyond saving, even by the greatest of gods. I came to Hu Medical Clinic hoping to find an eminent doctor, but unfortunately, the doctor isn’t here. My mother… I fear she won’t last two more days.”

Lu Yuanfeng’s distress grew as he spoke, his sorrow for his mother evident.

Bai Siruo understood the pain of being unable to help loved ones and wanted to comfort him but wasn’t sure how. She turned to Feng Jinyao and asked urgently, “Ah Yao, can we get Doctor Zhang? Young Master Lu saved my life; if we can help him save his mother, it would be repaying his kindness.”

“Saved your life?” Feng Jinyao was surprised. She had never heard of this before.

This person seemed unfamiliar, and though Bai Siruo said he was a savior, Feng Jinyao had an instinctive distrust. She couldn’t quite believe it. Therefore, she replied, “Doctor Zhang is elusive. You may not find him at Guiyuan Hall.”

Hearing this, Bai Siruo was at a loss. She looked apologetically at Lu Yuanfeng and said, “Young Master Lu, is there any other way? Perhaps I could ask the Imperial Physician?”

“Imperial Physician?” Lu Yuanfeng feigned ignorance and expressed surprise, “Miss Bai, how could you request an Imperial Physician?”

“I am the granddaughter of the Bai family. If you need, I can make the request immediately.”

Lu Yuanfeng was taken aback by her offer, momentarily stunned. He was about to express his gratitude when a servant from the Lu family rushed over, panting, “Young Master, hurry home. The madam may not survive.”

Hearing this, Lu Yuanfeng staggered a few steps and hurried away, leaving Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao concerned and contemplative.

“Young Master Lu is truly pitiable, facing the loss of his mother at such a young age.”

Bai Siruo expressed her sympathy, feeling moved by Lu Yuanfeng’s quick departure.

Feng Jinyao noticed some oddities.

For example, the timely arrival of the servant was quite suspicious!

“Cousin, what’s going on here?”

Bai Siruo, seeing Feng Jinyao’s puzzled expression, recounted the events from years ago when Lu Yuanfeng had saved her and how they had reunited.

In the carriage, Bai Siruo handed over the pouch containing the jewelry.

“I’m already betrothed, so I don’t think about others. It’s just that I forgot to take it off after wearing it for a long time.”

She smiled faintly at the pouch. Although she had initially resisted the engagement, she had slowly warmed up to Xiao Mu Qian, finding some comfort in their interactions.

Feng Jinyao examined the jewelry. “You’re convinced he’s your savior just because of this?”

“Otherwise, how can everything match up?”

Bai Siruo did not respond. However, it was this very consistency that made the situation seem suspicious.

She returned the jewelry to Bai Siruo and decided to change the subject, “I heard that Young Master Xiao will be heading to the Northwest with the army in a couple of days. Do you have any plans?”

“Plans? We’re already engaged. Is there any reason I would change my mind, or would he?”

Bai Siruo laughed, dispelling the sadness from her earlier encounter with Lu Yuanfeng.

“Your behavior as a fiancée is too casual. Not only should you prepare clothing and accessories, but even a safety amulet should be sent.”

Haitang chuckled, causing Bai Siruo to blush.

“Miss, you may not know, but yesterday, Miss personally requested safety amulets for your future husband. They even spent quite some time talking in the room.”

Seeing Bai Siruo’s embarrassed reaction, Feng Jinyao’s worries were completely alleviated.