Chapter 10: Speculating on the Causes of Disease

Since his mother held such an opinion, Du Feiyun did not refute it. After all, the reasons behind it were inexplicable, so he could only smile and nod in agreement

Mother, I think I may know why Old Lady Liu suddenly fell seriously ill

Seeing her mother frowning in deep thought, Du Feiyun felt a stir in his heart and asked, "Mother, how is the dental health of Old Lady Liu?"

Upon hearing the word "grandmother" in Du's words, Du Feiyun's lips curled into a sneer: "Mother, have you forgotten the suffering endured over these many years? Our family of three has fallen into such dire straits, and is it not all thanks to the Liu family?"

As Du spoke, tears could not help but flow again, thinking of the ever-loving mother who had been so for many years, yet was soon to leave this world, the heart ached even more.

Upon seeing his expression, Du understood immediately and quickly spoke to comfort him: "Feiyun, I know you are unwilling to step into the Liu family’s door. However, your grandmother's life is at stake. For my sake, please ask your master to intervene and provide treatment. If that is not feasible, you need not go yourself; let your master reveal the list and then take the prescription to the Liu family."

At this thought, Du Feiyun suddenly recalled from his past life certain news regarding dietary taboos. Among these, there were several instances where individuals mysteriously contracted strange illnesses or even died suddenly after consuming beef

Upon hearing Du's words, a glimmer of brilliance flashed in Du Feiyun's eyes, and the corners of his mouth revealed a hint of "as expected".

Indeed, over the past decade or so, Du Shi has rarely ventured out. While his serious illness and limited mobility are one reason, the greater concern is the fear of being gossiped about by neighbors and facing their cold stares.

Upon seeing Du Feiyun enter the room, the Du family finally wiped away the tear stains at the corners of their eyes with a handkerchief, ceased their weeping, yet still remained somewhat choked with emotion

This ... ... '' Du Shi was startled out of his contemplation by Du Feiyun. Although he did not understand why Du Feiyun asked this question, he still provided an answer: `` Your grandmother's health has deteriorated over the past few years, and her teeth are naturally not as good as they used to be. Now, I fear she has lost half of her teeth. ''

"Ah? What did you say? Feiyun, you..." Du clearly did not expect that Du Feiyun would understand these things. Her eyes suddenly sparkled with disbelief, and a joyful expression appeared on her face. After a moment's thought, she guessed that this was likely taught to Du Feiyun by her 'master.' She quickly grasped Du Feiyun's arm and said, "Feiyun, is this what your master taught you? Can your master really cure your grandmother's illness?"

Upon witnessing this scene, it is not difficult for Du Feiyun to surmise that his mother must have also learned of the news regarding the critical illness of the matriarch of the Liu family, which is why she would react in such a manner

Although Du Feiyun vaguely guessed some clues in his heart, considering the suffering his mother had endured over the years, the scorn and cold glances were all attributed to the Liu family. His gaze gradually turned cold, and he was unwilling to pay further attention to this matter

When you were very young and unable to go up the mountain to gather herbs, our family of three relied on your grandmother's secret support for our daily sustenance and books, though you were unaware of it. From beginning to end, your grandmother never complained about me, and I have never harbored any resentment towards her

As everyone dispersed, Du Feiyun naturally left as well, heading home. However, as he walked, he muttered to himself: "Beef? Covered in pus, entirely crimson?"

After having dinner, Du Feiyun took advantage of the night to go out. The Du family naturally assumed he was going to seek help from his master, unaware that Du Feiyun was secretly investigating the situation. Although he had already guessed the matter to be nearly correct, he still decided to personally investigate further to ensure nothing went amiss before making a decision

Although Qin Yan has always had a poor relationship with her mother, how could she possibly poison her? After hearing Du Feiyun's words, Du Shi furrowed her brows even more, finding it difficult to discern the truth. She pondered back and forth but could not find a motive for the eldest lady Qin Yan to poison her mother, yet the circumstances were too coincidental, making it impossible not to suspect.

Upon hearing his mother say this, although Du Feiyun still harbored no fondness for the Liu family, his perception of the Liu matriarch changed slightly. At the very least, he would no longer be as indifferent and deliberately distant as before

A person who is filled with despair will inevitably feel a surge of emotion upon seeing a glimmer of hope, and will seek excuses to convince themselves and give themselves hope. Du's current mindset and expression reflect this.

Upon returning home, as soon as Du Feiyun stepped into the small courtyard, he heard a soft sobbing in his ear, accompanied by gentle words of comfort and whispers about books.

It must be so; your master is certainly an extraordinary person, and he may very well have a way to cure your grandmother's illness

Seeing Du Feiyun nod in agreement, the Du family finally felt a sense of relief, silently praying in their hearts that Du Feiyun's "master" truly possessed profound skills, so that their mother's illness could be resolved swiftly.

Thinking of his mother and the Liu family, Du Feiyun was overwhelmed by a multitude of complex and difficult emotions, and for a moment, he did not know how to begin speaking

Reflecting on the suffering endured by the two unfortunate children over the years, Du felt a deep sense of pain and compassion. In the beginning, she harbored a strong hatred for the Liu family. However, as the years passed, her mindset gradually underwent some changes

The so-called master is naturally nonexistent; even if he were to go to the Liu family, it would only be he who would take action to provide treatment. Although he is extremely reluctant to step into the Liu family, he cannot bear to disappoint his mother, nor does he wish for the kind-hearted elder Liu to suffer or even lose her life. Ultimately, he has no choice but to agree.

Recalling the information revealed by Li Dazui, Du Feiyun began to share it with his mother. Naturally, he did not mention the tragic state of Old Lady Liu after her illness, to spare Du Shi from feeling even more distressed after hearing it

After pondering for a moment, he finally came to sit beside his mother, took Du's hand, and said: "Mother, please do not worry too much. The Liu family is currently prosperous and wealthy, and with their financial resources, it should not be difficult for them to find renowned doctors and miraculous medicines. They will surely be able to cure the illness of Old Madam Liu."

With a sorrowful expression, Du wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and slowly recounted to Du Feiyun and Du Wanquing, the siblings, how the matriarch of the Liu family had secretly provided assistance and care for their family during their childhood. Various past events were narrated by Du in her memories, unfolding one by one for the siblings.

Time quietly passes, and by the time Du Shi finishes recounting those trivial past events, it is already close to dusk. Having learned many things previously unknown, Du Feiyun's impression of the old lady of the Liu family has also changed. Coupled with the comments he heard from the residents of Baishi Town at noon, it is not difficult to imagine that the old lady Liu must also be a kind-hearted woman with a gentle demeanor.

Ah! Upon suddenly hearing such news, the people around immediately exclaimed, their expressions varying greatly.

Seeing his mother plead so desperately, Du Feiyun could not help but understand the deep affection she held. After much contemplation, he ultimately nodded in agreement.

The woman clearly realized that her bluntness had led her to commit such a taboo, and her face instantly turned pale. In a flurry, she hurriedly left the spot and ran home to hide. The onlookers, too, displayed various expressions, and afterwards, they all left quickly, silent as if in fear.

Following the sound into the room, I saw my mother, Mrs. Du, sitting by the bed, clutching a handkerchief in one hand and quietly sobbing. Du Wanqing was gently holding Mrs. Du's arm, softly offering her comfort.

Du Feiyun hesitated somewhat, wearing a reluctant expression on his face. After all, he harbored a strong dislike for the Liu family and had no desire to set foot even a single step into their door.

Feiyun, as your mother, I understand that you hold a grudge against the Liu family, which is only natural. However, it is only when one raises children that one truly understands the kindness of their parents. Once you establish your own family and career, you will come to realize this. Regardless of how the Liu family treated me, your grandmother is ultimately my mother. Moreover, it was your grandfather's decision to expel us from the Liu family; your grandmother has always stood by my side.

However, even the renowned physician Xue from Qianjiang City is at a loss, who else can save your grandmother? The sorrowful Du family member's face grew even paler. Upon hearing Du Feiyun's consolation, she still furrowed her brows and sighed softly

The meaning is self-evident, and everyone fell silent for a moment, pondering the truth of it. Only a straightforward and outspoken woman exclaimed in disbelief: "But isn't the lady of the Liu family the second miss of the Qin family? Even if the Qin and Liu families are at odds, a daughter-in-law would never poison her mother-in-law, right?"

As soon as this person appeared, those around them immediately changed color. Many matters are understood in private, but stating them publicly is another matter entirely. The Liu family and the Qin family are both powerful clans in Baishi Town, and the woman openly speaking such words has clearly violated a taboo. Whether intentional or not, she is bound to face repercussions from both families.

Upon thinking of this, Du Feiyun's tightly furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a faint conjecture arose in his heart: could it be that the old matriarch of the Liu family had also experienced a similar fate as those individuals, thus contracting a strange illness?

Seeing Du Feiyun nod in agreement, a greater joy appeared on Du's face, and his pale complexion showed a hint of vitality. He eagerly grasped Du Feiyun's arms and said: "That matter cannot be delayed. Feiyun, you should quickly go find your master and ask him to help save your grandmother!"