Chapter 278: Seeking Help

Words : 1453 Updated : Oct 16th, 2025

The servant went out and closed the door.Silence fell in the room, leaving only the half-open window frame. The wind blew in, and the candle flame flickered. Young Master Su sat cross-legged on the wooden bed, staring at the four plates of cactus on the ground, wishing he could glare them into ashes. There was originally nothing wrong with them, but because he resisted a bit, not only did he have to be tied up, he also had to tie himself, and now there were eight more pots of cactus. Just like that! His father still claimed to be respecting his choice. Tears sparkled in the corners of Young Master Su’s eyes. Thinking about how his elder brother went through the same thing, Young Master Su wiped his eyes, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work. Doing nothing would mean being pricked awake by the cactus at night. Young Master Su looked at the rope. It was sturdy and long. But it wasn’t enough. However, it didn’t matter, there were ropes and a knife in his room. Young Master Su lit two candles, and the room brightened considerably. Outside, the servant hid in a tree, keeping watch, observing his busyness. From initial surprise to amazement, and then a twitch of the lips— No wonder he is the Marquis’s son. A blink of an eye, and there was an idea. Young Master Su shook the bed, which creaked. The bed board, resting on a bench, could hardly be expected to be sturdy. He got a hammer and nails, and with a few bangs, fastened the board to the bench. Then, he threaded the rope through the beam, and tied it to the sheet. He crisscrossed the ropes to prevent himself from slipping through the side. From afar, it looked like a big fishing net woven from rope and sheets, and he was the fish. He rolled around on the bed to ensure he wouldn’t fall out. Young Master Su lay sprawled on the bed, his feet sticking out. Through his toes, he looked at those cactuses, a bit apprehensive, wondering what if he fell head over heels down there? He continued tying. When he finally completed everything, Young Master Su was quite exhausted. The servant was impressed that he could keep busy for half a day. He wasn’t even seven years old. He climbed off the bed, covering the cactus with his old clothes. The servant, "...." He couldn’t move the cactus, but no one said he couldn’t cover it. A layer of silk would lessen the damage of an accidental bump. Young Master Su, satisfied, clapped his hands, covered himself with the blanket, and fell into a deep sleep. The servant decided there was no need to keep watch, unless the young master could kick the rope apart, he wouldn’t fall out of bed. In the study, Marquis Dongxiang was reading. The servant hopped through the window, calling, "Marquis." Marquis Dongxiang looked at him, "Why are you back?" "The young master doesn’t need my watch anymore," the servant replied. "Hmm?" "He’s taking good care of himself," the servant said. Marquis Dongxiang set down the book to take a look. "Not bad, throw him on the street, he could resiliently survive," Marquis Dongxiang said with satisfaction. "Go rest now." The servant withdrew. Marquis Dongxiang entered the room through the window, moved a small table to the bedside, and placed a teapot and cup on it. Mmhmm. Also the chamber pot. He sat for a while before leaving, extinguishing two of the lights in the room. Young Master Su woke up in the middle of the night and was moved to see the chamber pot beside the bed. He relieved himself, drank half a cup of water, and went back to sleep. ... In the blink of an eye, two days passed. The sky was bright and clear, with white clouds scattered. Early in the morning, Third Madam went to Qihao Hall with reddened eyes. The Old Madam knelt on a prayer mat, reciting scriptures and praying for blessings. As Third Madam entered, Mrs. Wang called out, "Third Madam." The Buddha beads in the Old Madam’s hands paused, and Hongxiu helped her up. The Old Madam got up to see Third Madam’s swollen eyes. "Did the Third Master not attend the morning court again?" The Old Madam’s voice trembled. "Not just the morning court, he hasn’t left his room for days, and barely touched the food the maids brought," Third Madam cried. "It’s only been a few days, and he’s already lost so much weight!" Sadness flashed in the Old Madam’s eyes. Mrs. Wang sighed in her heart. Who leaked the news of Third Master’s impotence? Men are prideful; how could he bear such a thing? If this illness can’t be cured, how can Third Master hold his head high again? The more Third Madam thought about it, the sadder she became. If Third Master couldn’t recover, would she be a widow for life? If no one knew, it might be fine, but now so many people know, how could she face anyone outside?! "It’s all their fault!" Third Madam said through gritted teeth in hatred. The Buddha beads in the Old Madam’s hands clenched tight, almost crushing them. Mrs. Wang said, "Consult another doctor, surely someone can cure him." "Why call for another doctor?!" "All the renowned doctors in the Capital have been invited, and who knows how much medicine has been consumed these days, all to no effect!" Third Madam cried with teary eyes. Mrs. Wang sighed. Why oppose the Eldest Young Madam? No one has ever had the upper hand against the Eldest Young Madam. It’s just harming themselves in the process. The Old Madam ground her teeth, saying, "Has the doctor from Dongxiang Marquis Mansion come?" Third Madam remained silent. Wasn’t the Old Madam being unrealistic? Her husband was harmed by the medicine from Dongxiang Marquis Mansion! Being harmed so badly, they didn’t even know where to vent their anger. The medicine was requested by Princess Nanzhang under the guise of the Eldest Young Madam, even if it was just impotence, even if he died, people would laugh at their misfortune. She couldn’t understand. Princess Nanzhang harmed the Third Master like this, yet the Old Madam wouldn’t allow her to hold Princess Nanzhang accountable. She was the Old Madam of Duke Mansion! Princess Nanzhang was just her daughter-in-law, with just one word of filial piety, she couldn’t lift her head! "Let Lili go plead with the Eldest Young Master," the Old Madam closed her eyes and said. Third Madam clenched her fists. She couldn’t bear her son lowering himself to beg. Agarwood Pavilion. The Old Madam wasn’t feeling well, so the morning greeting was canceled. After breakfast, Su Jin, with nothing else to do, strolled in the backyard. In the bamboo house, Xie Jingchen was reading. A little maid stepped inside, saying, "Eldest Young Master, the Third Young Master seeks you." Xie Jingchen frowned slightly. He wasn’t familiar with the masters in the mansion, why would one suddenly come looking for him? The backyard wouldn’t let Xie Jingli in for sure. Xie Jingchen went to the study. Xie Jingli stepped inside. Xie Jingchen looked at him and asked, "What’s the matter, Third Brother?" Xie Jingli didn’t say a word and knelt immediately. Xie Jingchen quickly got up. "Brother, I beg you," Xie Jingli pleaded. Xie Jingchen stood up hastily. "Brother, I beg you," Xie Jingli pleaded. "It’s not that I don’t want to help, but I’m truly powerless," he replied, looking troubled. Xie Jingli looked at him, "Please, brother, help bring the doctor from Dongxiang Marquis Mansion to see Uncle." Xie Jingchen’s brows furrowed slightly. Asking him to find Su Jin to treat the Third Master, how could this work? In other matters, Xie Jingchen might agree. Outside the back door. Xingxing leaned against the door, facing Su Jin, saying, "He’s forcing the young master." Looks like she would have to step in. Alright, in consideration of Xie Jingchen’s difficulty and for the money, she would help Third Master. Su Jin gave Xingxing some instructions. Xingxing quickly went inside. "Young Master," Xingxing called out. "Come in." Xingxing pushed the door open and gave the item in her hand, "This is the medicine you requested from Marquis Mansion, sir." Xie Jingchen slightly furrowed his brows. When did he ask for medicine? He reached out and took it. Xingxing said, "Please remember to give the silver to the young master, sir." Xie Jingchen, "...." Xingxing left and closed the door behind her. Xie Jingchen looked at the medicine bottle in his hand and said, "Take this and ask Uncle to take the medicine."

Chapter 278: Seeking Help

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