Ling Wan, filled with newfound confidence from the encouragement, declared, "I understand, sister-in-law. I will diligently practice from now on, striving to heal and save lives just like you."
Ling Wan's greatest aspiration was to be like Feng Jin, and she was determined to work towards that goal relentlessly.
"Madam, I've just brewed some fragrant tea. Please have a cup to moisten your throat."
Upon seeing Feng Jin arrive, Yun Niang hurried to brew tea, timing it perfectly for a refreshing drink.
"Thank you," Feng Jin accepted the teacup and expressed her gratitude. She took a sip of the floral tea, its delicate fragrance filling her senses.
The brewed tea tasted truly excellent, its rich aroma lingering pleasantly.
"Yun Niang, this tea you've brewed is exceptional."
"I'm glad you like it, Madam," Yun Niang replied with a smile. Her father had owned a teahouse when he was alive, and it was there she learned her tea-brewing skills. After her father's passing, the family gradually declined, and her mother sold the teahouse, buying a piece of farmland to support them.
Feng Jin surveyed Yun Niang, noting how the scars on her face had long since faded. It was hard to believe that the woman now smiling so radiantly was once the same Yun Niang with the unsightly scars.
"Where are Doctor Wei and Yan Yu? I don't see them." Feng Jin looked around but couldn't spot the two of them.
After Yan Yu recovered from his injuries, Feng Jin had him stay at the medical clinic to help, thus providing him with a place to stay.
"Doctor Wei is seeing patients, and Yan Yu has gone to the market to buy groceries," Yun Niang explained their whereabouts.
Feng Jin stayed at the clinic for a while, reviewing some account books. Just as she was about to leave, a man dressed as a young servant rushed in impetuously.
"Is Madam Ling here?"
Feng Jin looked up at the sound of the voice. "What do you need from me?"
Seeing Feng Jin, the servant immediately knelt before her. "Madam Ling, please save me!"
This plea for help completely bewildered Feng Jin. She quickly helped him up. "What do you mean by 'save me'? Whose household are you from?"
"Madam Ling, I am Sheng Jiu, a servant by the side of Young Master Sheng San. My young master's heart condition has recurred, and I beg Madam Ling to save my young master's life!"
Saying this, Sheng Jiu made to kneel and kowtow to Feng Jin again, but she quickly stopped him, startled.
"Where is your young master now? Can you take me to see him?"
Feng Jin checked her medical kit to ensure everything was in order before picking it up. She had taken a step when she turned back to look at Ling Wan. "You come with me."
Ling Wan was taken aback for a moment, then quickly nodded in agreement. "Alright."
"Madam, the carriage is ready and waiting outside the gate."
Sheng Jiu led the way, ushering Feng Jin and Ling Wan into the carriage.
The carriage sped along. Sheng Jiu kept urging the driver to go faster, fearing any delay might worsen Sheng Xu Bai's condition.
Upon arriving at the Sheng residence, Sheng Jiu leaped out of the carriage in a hurry, setting up the carriage steps to help Feng Jin and Ling Wan dismount.
The moment Feng Jin stepped through the gates of the Sheng mansion, she felt an overwhelming sense of oppression. Everyone present kept their heads down, their expressions silent and somber.
"Madam, this way," Sheng Jiu walked ahead, leading the way.
"Sister-in-law, perhaps I should wait outside and not go in?"
Ling Wan felt a strange unease, sensing that the atmosphere was unusual.
"I asked you to come to help me. What are you afraid of?" Feng Jin patted Ling Wan's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't be afraid, it's alright."
"Madam, we have arrived," Sheng Jiu announced, stopping at the entrance of a courtyard.
The courtyard was densely packed with people, and the intermittent sobbing of a woman could be heard from within the house.
Ling Wan's heart leaped in alarm. She tightly followed behind Feng Jin as they entered.
"Master, Madam, this is Madam Ling. It was Madam Ling who saved the young master earlier," Sheng Jiu said respectfully from the side.
The beautiful woman seated beside the bed wiped away the tears from her eyes and scrutinized Feng Jin. Her initial surprise quickly gave way to a look of suspicion.
"You saved Xu Bai?"
Feng Jin detected the doubt in her tone. "Indeed, I did save your esteemed son."
"Enough, stop asking questions and quickly make way, let her examine Xu Bai."
A middle-aged man standing nearby hurriedly pulled the woman aside, clearing a space.
"Madam Ling, I implore you to save my son's life," Sheng Bo Yun said, bowing his hands in a gesture of supplication.
"Allow me to examine your son's condition first before I make any pronouncements."
Feng Jin was aware of Sheng Xu Bai's heart ailment. It could be said that he was nearing the point where his life force was almost extinguished.
The reason the servant had been sent to fetch her was likely because the previous physicians had been helpless against his condition, prompting them to seek her out as a last resort.
Feng Jin sat by the bedside and gently took Sheng Xu Bai's pulse. His pulse was weak, shallow, and feeble. His complexion was even paler than when she had last seen him, and his lips were devoid of any color. An uninformed observer would have assumed he had already passed.
"What is my son's condition?" Madam Sheng asked anxiously.
Feng Jin withdrew her hand and replied calmly, "When you sent for me, I assume a doctor had already made a diagnosis. Madam Sheng, why do you ask me again?"
Madam Sheng's face paled, and her body swayed. Had it not been for Sheng Bo Yun supporting her from behind, she would have collapsed to the ground.
"Is my son truly beyond saving?" Sheng Bo Yun's voice was filled with agitation.
Feng Jin paused, her gaze deepening. She spoke in a low voice, "Not entirely. I have one more method that might save him, but it is extremely perilous, and I only have a one in four chance of success."
The primary issue was that Sheng Xu Bai's condition had been neglected for too long. No one could guarantee his recovery, not even her, despite her utmost efforts, the chance was only one in four.
"A one in four chance, then... then if it fails, won't he..."
"Indeed, as Madam surmises, if it fails, your son will..."
Feng Jin could not bear to utter the remaining words. For parents to bury their child was the most cruel fate imaginable.
In the past, Feng Jin had a detached view of life and death, believing that everyone would eventually die. For those suffering from incurable diseases, perhaps living such a life without dignity was the most painful thing.
However, since having her two children, Feng Jin found it increasingly difficult to face matters of life and death. The once pragmatic materialist had become prone to emotional anxieties.
"Master... Xu Bai he... he!"
Madam Sheng could not accept this and was unable to make the decision that would seal Sheng Xu Bai's fate. For a mother, there was no crueler choice.
Sheng Bo Yun sighed, his eyes reddening. He held back his tears, his heart torn as he struggled to make a decision.