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Chapter 62: Sudden Accident

The Daming Dynasty, although restrictive towards women, was not as stringent as the previous dynasty. It is generally frowned upon for women from the backyard to be present while men discuss affairs, but both Han Yu and Deng Tong didn’t mind, and they were just chatting casually, so Su Wenyue didn’t excuse herself.

People of different statuses discuss different topics. Han Yu is an ambitious man, or perhaps it’s better to say he has ambitions, which is why he became acquainted with Deng Tong. While with Deng Tong, they predominately discussed matters of the imperial court and the local government. Su Wenyue actually wasn’t very interested in these topics, but due to her experience from her previous life, she was not unfamiliar with them and could understand.

Deng Tong didn’t intentionally observe Su Wenyue. A friend’s wife must not be coveted, and he would not commit such an offense. However, sitting at the same table, he couldn’t help but notice Su Wenyue’s expressions. He was surprised to find that she could understand their conversation and even showed signs of approval or disapproval. Thus, he grew more interested in Su Wenyue, finding her to be quite remarkable, and his respect for her increased.

“Miss, Uncle, I’ve finally found you!” As several people were leaving the restaurant and about to say goodbye, a servant hurried over, his face bearing a mix of anxiety and joy.

Su Wenyue recognized that this was a servant from the Su Family. His haste suggested that there must be some emergency at home, causing her some anxiety: “What’s the matter, is there an issue at home that made you rush over to find us like this?”

“Don’t worry, speak slowly,” Han Yu said, also somewhat concerned, yet more composed than Su Wenyue.

“Miss, Uncle, there’s trouble at the Han Family. Someone from the Han Family came and said that your mother-in-law was injured by a thief who broke into the house and hit her head. They sent someone to find you to return home.”

Upon hearing that it wasn’t the Su Family that had the emergency, Su Wenyue breathed a sigh of relief. However, remembering that the injured person was her mother-in-law, and while she didn’t have much affection for her, this woman was Han Yu’s birth mother, she grew worried again. Turning to look at Han Yu, she indeed saw a look of concern and urgency on his face.

“Has there been any word on how serious my mother-in-law’s injuries are? Has a doctor seen her?” Su Wenyue asked the servant.

“I don’t know the specifics. The master and madam immediately sent me to find you upon receiving the news, so the details are unclear. Uncle, Miss, you best hurry back.”

After listening, Su Wenyue turned to Han Yu, “Husband, let’s hurry back. We should also invite a doctor on our way. Xiaohe Village doesn’t have any skilled doctors, and they can only treat minor ailments like headaches and fevers. If mother’s injury is severe, the village doctor won’t suffice. Besides, since mother hit her head, we must find a more competent doctor to be at ease.”

Han Yu nodded in agreement, concurring that his wife’s approach was best.

Deng Tong, who was still nearby and had yet to leave, chimed in, “Brother Han, I’m familiar with County Town and know that the doctor from Baoan Tang is skilled. I’ll take you to him, and we can have him come back with us to Xiaohe Village to treat your mother.”

Han Yu did not decline, for his primary concern was his mother’s condition, and he wanted to find a doctor as soon as possible: “I am indebted to you, Brother Deng.”

The group hurried back to Xiaohe Village. Fortunately, they had traveled by horse carriage, which saved them a lot of time on the road. In less than two hours, they arrived at Xiaohe Village.

Han Yu was the first to get off the carriage and enter the home, with Su Wenyue calling the doctor to follow.

“Fourth child, why have you only just returned? How much time has passed? Your birth mother is lying on the bed, could it be that for your wife’s sake you have neglected your own mother?” Han Lin didn’t seem very concerned, and upon Han Yu’s return, he seized the opportunity to scornfully reprimand him, accusing Han Yu of being unfilial in every word.

Han Yu was truly worried about Mrs. Yang and paid no heed to Han Lin.

Instead, he turned to Han Hu and Han Ping, inquiring urgently about Mrs. Yang’s condition, “Big brother, Second Brother, how is mother? Is her injury serious?”

Watching Han Yu’s concern only increased Han Lin’s disdain: “Worried now, are you? What kept you earlier? If anything had happened to mother, by the time you got back the day lily flowers would have wilted. It’s a shame that mother favored you so much in the past. Now we know who can’t be relied upon.”

Han Yu was frustrated. It was one thing for Han Lin to be difficult on normal days, but to continue such behavior at a time like this showed he didn’t truly care about his own birth mother.

“Fourth Younger Brother, don’t be anxious. Mother just took her medicine and fell asleep. The village doctor said her injuries weren’t too severe, but since she was hurt on her head and lost so much blood, he couldn’t be certain due to his limited skills. He suggested we let her rest well, and if we’re still concerned, we should invite a doctor from County Town to examine her. Mother herself disagreed, though, citing the cost of hiring a city doctor. We didn’t know what else to do, so we thought to let her recover on her own and if she doesn’t improve, then we would seek a city doctor,” they explained to Han Yu, trying to confer with him.

Han Hu and Han Ping were both filial sons, but too indulgent of Mrs. Yang’s wishes, demonstrating a kind of misguided filial piety. They were indecisive and discussed the matter with Han Yu.

Old Man Han was beside himself with worry, even more so than his sons, for his partner. He would have preferred to bring a doctor from the city for Mrs. Yang, but with the family’s current circumstances and Mrs. Yang’s prior refusal, he still wanted to consider his sons’ opinions.

Learning that Mrs. Yang was not in immediate danger, Han Yu relaxed. At that moment, Su Wenyue brought the doctor inside. The Han Family realized Han Yu’s late return was because he had gone to the city to fetch a doctor, which explained why it took him such a long time. Considering the travel distance from County Town to Xinhe Village, having already returned with a doctor meant they had made good speed, likely due to their concern.

Old Man Han, seeing his son’s actions, felt pleased. He had always felt Mrs. Han was somewhat partial to her youngest son. Although he was equally her son, she would always say Han Yu was the most promising and responsible. He had his doubts, but now it seemed his wife indeed had insight.

Observing the reactions of his sons to the day’s events, he realized that his third son, who lacked concern for his injured mother, was heartless and had been raised in vain. His eldest and second sons were filial, but at critical moments, they were of little help. In the end, it was still up to his youngest son to make decisions.

“Doctor, please take a look at my mother and see if her injuries are serious?”

The doctor from Baoan Tang examined Mrs. Yang again and confirmed that, apart from blood loss, with good rest she would not face significant issues. He prescribed two remedies for her recovery and returned to the city.

With the Baoan Tang doctor’s assessment, Han Yu was truly at ease. Now that Mrs. Yang would be alright, it was time for another matter to be addressed..