Chapter 665 - 658_1
"Nurse Xu, why hasn’t the Empress Dowager returned? It’s been so many days, could something have happened?" Xixi knew it was wrong to ask such a question, but she couldn’t help the worry in her heart.
"Nonsense, you’re speaking without restraint again. Her Ladyship is kind and compassionate and is blessed by the gods. She is a person of great fortune, and nothing will happen to her. Perhaps she has been delayed by some matter, which is why she is late. Let’s wait patiently and keep the household in order for her." Nurse Xu, although worried herself, was calmer than Xixi. Being from an older generation, she least tolerated such taboo talk, so she scolded Xixi the moment she raised the concern.
"Nurse, I am just concerned about Her Ladyship. Do you think we should send someone to inquire about her news? If there really is some trouble, we could then go to the city and ask Manager Liu for help. Having received instructions from Doctor Jiang, Manager Liu wouldn’t neglect our Ladyship," Xixi proposed.
"Let’s wait a bit longer. It’s only been ten days. When Her Ladyship left, she said it might take a few days; it could be ten days, a fortnight, or even longer. It’s too early now; her absence is normal. We should continue to wait. I believe Her Ladyship doesn’t want Manager Liu to know about this. We should not act rashly and spoil Her Ladyship’s plans," replied Nurse Xu, contemplating Xixi’s suggestion. Only if Her Ladyship hadn’t returned after a fortnight without sending any message home would she consider acting against Her Ladyship’s wishes.
Xixi knew that Nurse Xu had considered more than she had and spoke sensibly. She could only nod reluctantly. "Alright, let’s do as you say, Nurse Xu. May the Bodhisattva ensure Her Ladyship’s safe and smooth journey."
These words struck a chord with Nurse Xu, who was of the same mind. Unbeknownst to the others, even Xixi, Nurse Xu was aware of Her Ladyship’s destination. Before leaving, Lin Yue had roughly explained her purpose to Nurse Xu. Considering the journey, even if one travelled by fast horse, it would take two or three days to reach that place. A round trip would take six or seven days, and now it was only the tenth day. The period was indeed not long, yet, because those people were bandits, Nurse Xu couldn’t help but feel extremely anxious.
Three days later, Lin Yue finally returned to the Zhao Family Village with Master Xue and others. Nurse Xu felt her heart finally settle, her face brimming with joy. "Her Ladyship has finally returned. I’ve been so worried since learning of the destination. Now that Her Ladyship has safely returned, you must have had a hard journey. You seem to have lost weight," she said.
"Nurse Xu, you’ve worked hard these days. Without you maintaining the household so well, I wouldn’t have been able to leave the village with peace of mind. Fortunately, we’ve successfully rescued Master Xue and the effort has not been in vain," Lin Yue replied, satisfied with the outcome of her mission.