Chapter 38: Chapter The Xi Manor was far busier than usual that afternoon.
Preparations for the ladies’ banquet were already underway, and servants could be seen moving throughout the estate carrying trays, flower arrangements, silk decorations, tea sets, and account books. The once quiet main courtyard had transformed into a place of constant activity as instructions were given from every direction.
Beneath the shaded pavilion overlooking the courtyard, Lin Meiyun sat at the central table with several ledgers opened before her.
As the Duchess of the Xi family, the responsibility of hosting the banquet naturally fell upon her shoulders.
Beside her sat Xi Ronghua, who was currently reviewing a list of invited guests while occasionally making suggestions regarding seating arrangements.
Across from them, Gu Yue was helping organize the banquet expenses.
Although she was younger than the two women, she was meticulous by nature and particularly good with numbers, making her useful during occasions such as this.
The atmosphere was busy but orderly.
At least until now.
"Move those flower pots slightly to the left."
Xi Ronghua pointed toward the courtyard.
"No, not that far. Are you trying to block the entire pathway?"
The servant immediately corrected the placement.
Meanwhile, Lin Meiyun continued flipping through one of the account books.
"The tea leaves from the western estate arrived this morning?"
A maid standing nearby nodded respectfully.
"Yes, Duchess."
"And the silk gifts?"
"They have already been prepared."
Lin Meiyun gave a small nod before making another note inside the ledger.
For the next several moments, the only sounds came from servants moving about the courtyard and the occasional discussion regarding banquet preparations.
Then footsteps approached from outside.
A maid hurried into the pavilion before stopping several steps away and bowing respectfully.
"Duchess."
Lin Meiyun looked up.
"What is it?"
"The physician has arrived."
The movement of Xi Ronghua’s brush immediately paused.
Gu Yue slowly lifted her head.
Even Lin Meiyun’s hand stopped moving above the ledger.
For a brief moment, nobody spoke.
Because all three women immediately understood why the physician had been summoned.
Su Yueqing’s thoughts from when she had just arrived still lingered in her mind.
The poisoning.p and the gradual weakening of her body.
Xi Ronghua was the first to break the silence.
"He arrived sooner than expected."
Lin Meiyun slowly closed the account book in front of her.
"Bring him in."
"Yes, Duchess."
The maid bowed before stepping aside.
A few moments later, an elderly physician entered the pavilion.
His hair was already streaked with white, and although his robes were simple, there was a calm steadiness about him that immediately inspired confidence.
A medicine box hung from one arm as he approached.
Upon reaching the pavilion, he bowed respectfully.
"This old physician greets the Duchess."
Lin Meiyun nodded.
"Physician Zhao."
Xi Ronghua looked toward the surrounding servants.
"You may all leave."
The servants immediately understood.