On Zhao Nanying's side, several doctors from the county came, but none could treat Zhao Nanying's fractured ribs.
Fortunately, these bones did not injure his internal organs, but with just one wrong move, Zhao Nanying could be in grave danger.
This scared him so much that he lay on the bed, afraid to move, lest a bone pierce his internal organs.
"Doctor, you must save me. I still have a bright future, and I can't lie in bed for the rest of my life."
"My Lord, we are truly helpless. We can't cut open your body and reattach the bones."
"Alas, it is already a miracle that you woke up with such severe injuries. It seems you are blessed by heaven. Let nature take its course."
Zhao Nanying's heart turned to ash. Jun Jiuli, standing by his side, wiped away tears, looking as if she were grief-stricken.
The doctors lamented the couple's ill fate, sighed, and left the room. The yamen runners who accompanied them placed a grey cloth bundle before Jun Jiuli.
"My Lord, my Lady, this is a small token of our county magistrate's regard. Please accept it."
Jun Jiuli only cried and said nothing, while Zhao Nanying appeared deeply touched.
"Young man, please thank the county magistrate on my behalf. I am in such a state, and I didn't expect the county magistrate to still remember me."
"Master Zhao, please don't be too disheartened. Things will work themselves out. You have already achieved scholarly status, so if you recover well, anything is possible."
After some pleasantries, the young man and the doctors returned to the city. As soon as he left, Zhao Nanying's face instantly fell.
He wanted to roar, to vent his frustration. But he couldn't; he dared not make any large movements. Looking at Jun Jiuli was no longer as irritating.
"Xiao Liu, I've caused you to suffer with me. Keep this money safe. If anything happens to me, you and Lingge can live a little better."
Shui Wa: "He just wants to treat the original host like a nanny, after all, it was very convenient to order her around before. He also trusts the original host's character and isn't at ease hiring others. Truly a scumbag."
Jun Jiuli wiped away her tears, raised her head, and no longer looked sad. In fact, she smiled with her eyes curving.
"My husband speaks wisely. I must make plans for myself and our child."
"You... are you not going to care about me anymore?"
Zhao Nanying's breathing grew rapid.
"What are you talking about? We are family. How can I not care for you? There are many preferential treatments for those who have achieved scholarly status."
"You, you wicked woman, aren't you afraid I'll divorce you?"
"Am I your wife? How can you divorce me? You only have Lingge as your child now."
Zhao Nanying's anger drained away. He had indeed wanted to give Jun Jiuli a bad name and have her killed.
But he now had only one son, and a mother with a bad reputation would also hinder his son's future.
Jun Jiuli happily returned to her room with the bundle. Upon opening it, she found it contained a full 50 taels of silver.
Jun Jiuli locked the items away. Someone knocked on the door outside. The original host's entire family had arrived. Jun Jiuli quickly invited them to sit in the main hall.
Mother Yang: "Xiao Liu, are you feeling better?"
"Perhaps the medicine is effective. I feel my body has already recovered a lot."
Younger Brother Yang: "Sister, don't fuss. We're not guests. Please sit down. We have hands; we can get water ourselves."
"Alright, alright, help yourself."
Mother Yang: "That's good, that's good. Heaven bless us. How is Brother-in-law's condition?"
"The doctors say it's untreatable. He might have to lie in bed his entire life."
"Oh dear, what is to be done? How can someone as proud as Brother-in-law endure such a blow? Sister's future days will likely be difficult."
"It's nothing. He now has the title of scholar. Outsiders wouldn't dare target our household. The court will also provide some living expenses monthly, so life won't be too difficult."
Father Yang: "When he throws a tantrum, just stay away from him. Don't be foolish enough to get in his way. You still have Lingge; he is your support. As for Nanying..."
He said this and shook his head, signaling Jun Jiuli not to concern herself too much and to use the money to take good care of her son.
"Father, I know. Your daughter isn't stupid."
Father Yang nodded repeatedly, "It's good that you know. This is how it is: 'A wife is supported by her husband, a husband is clothed by his wife.' I'm just afraid you'll get too deeply involved and won't be able to think clearly. Let's go and see him."
Father Yang and Younger Brother Yang went to see Zhao Nanying, while Jun Jiuli took Mother Yang and Younger Sister Yang to talk in the inner room.
Mother Yang and the others came to offer help in digging the fields. Upon hearing this, Jun Jiuli handed Mother Yang one tael of silver.
"Mother, although my body is not well, the fields still need to be turned to avoid being left fallow. Take this money; consider it wages for our family."
"Where did you get this money? You can't take so much. It's just a casual task; I can't accept it."
"I saved it myself. Six mu of land will take a lot of time to work. This extra money is a gift for my younger brother. He's getting married next year, so this is a small token of my affection as his sister."
"Oh dear, I can't accept this. If your father finds out, he'll scold me to death."
"If you don't accept it, I'll be angry. Everyone's time is valuable. If you don't accept it, then don't dig the fields."
Zhao Zongling on the bed suddenly giggled and reached out to grab Mother Yang's clothes.
"See? Your little grandson wants you to accept it."
"You're truly irresistible."
When Mother Yang returned home, she gave the money to Father Yang.
"This child has suffered a lot being born into our family. Her body is so weak. When the time comes, let's give her the seeds to plant together."
"Alright, we'll do that."