Chapter 13: Xiaozhi's Fate, Secured

Ironically, the more one frets about something, the more likely it is to happen. Before long, Physician Sun emerged from the inner room, his countenance bearing a grave expression. Su Yuxin's heart skipped a beat.

"How is he?" Su Yuxin's voice trembled with her own tension.

"Not favorable," Physician Sun shook his head. "The fever has persisted for too long, causing multiple festering wounds. Additionally, the prior use of potent medicines exacerbated the condition, rendering the current treatments ineffective."

Upon hearing this, Xiaomama collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down her face like a broken string of pearls.

"Physician Sun, whatever the consultation fee, I implore you to save the child's life," Su Yuxin pleaded.

"I've practiced medicine for decades, and I pride myself on my medical ethics. However, my skills fall short in this case. I'm truly powerless," Physician Sun shook his head again.

"Three days!" Su Yuxin extended three fingers, waving them before Physician Sun. "Can you ensure his well-being for three days?"

"That isn't difficult. However, after three days, his condition might worsen, and ultimately, he might not escape death," Physician Sun replied.

"If you can assure his safety for three days, I will manage the rest," Su Yuxin asserted with determination. "I must save him; it's a debt from my past life that must be repaid."

"Do you have any strategy, Madam?" Physician Sun inquired.

"In three days, when the General returns from his camp patrol, I will seek the Imperial Physician in the palace," Su Yuxin replied. However, she knew she needed a contingency plan. What if the General's return was delayed due to military affairs?

She racked her brains, recalling every detail of her past life, hoping to find something useful. After much thought, she finally recalled something vital. The renowned eccentric physician, Song Jie, was currently in Shengjing. If she could enlist his help, not only could Xiaozhi's life be saved, but his injured leg might also be healed effortlessly.

Clutching her fists, Su Yuxin made up her mind. She would immediately set out to find Song Jie and ensure his presence. Xiaozhi's life was now under her protection.

However, Song Jie was notoriously reclusive, rarely attending to visitors, regardless of their status. Even high-ranking officials struggled to gain an audience with him. Su Yuxin would need to figure out a way to pique his interest.

Fortunately, her deceased mother had left behind a treasure that precisely matched Song Jie's peculiar temperament. It was finally going to be of use.

"If we resort to the Imperial Physician, there's a ninety percent chance," Physician Sun nodded.

This statement reignited hope within Xiaomama. She knelt before Su Yuxin, tearfully pleading, "Madam, if you save the child's life, my life is yours. I'll endure any hardship or danger without a frown."

"Please rise," Su Yuxin helped Xiaomama up, reassuring her, "I won't let anything happen to Xiaozhi."

"Physician Sun, I entrust these three days to you. Keep him stable for that time, and upon the General's return, our household will reward you greatly," Su Yuxin instructed Physician Sun.

"Steward Zhou, arrange a guest room for Physician Sun. He mustn't be neglected for these three days," Su Yuxin commanded. "Also, when the General returns in three days, immediately ask him to seek the Imperial Physician without any delay."

"Yes, Madam, rest assured," Zhou Zheng nodded.

"Ziyuan, accompany me to Yimei Garden to make preparations. I'm going to seek the eccentric physician, Song Jie," Su Yuxin stood upright. "In case the General is delayed after three days, having Song Jie around will be invaluable."

"Eccentric physician Song Jie?" Zhou Zheng furrowed his brow. "Let me send a few guards to accompany you, Madam."

Word had it that Song Jie was remarkably eccentric and temperamental. Should any conflict arise, having guards would protect Su Yuxin.

"Yes, please arrange it, Steward Zhou," Su Yuxin nodded, somewhat surprised. Previously, she had been domineering and unreasonable in the General's residence. Despite her inability to sway Zhou Zheng, she often harassed his wife and son whenever she got the chance. However, today, his primary concern was her safety. He didn't harbor any personal grudges. Even though it was his duty, considering her reputation in the house, nobody would report any misbehavior to the General. It appeared her eyes were clouded in the past, unable to discern good from evil, focusing only on associating with malevolent entities.