"Have the maids fetch a basin of cold water and a bottle of wine."
The child was too young for medicine, as it could affect his development. Therefore, the only method available was physical cooling.
Feng Jin dampened a towel with cold water and wiped the child's burning body.
"This water is so cold. Wiping the child directly with it, won't it freeze him?"
This was Liang Chen's first time witnessing a fever so high that it didn't respond to being swaddled in blankets to induce sweat, but instead, was treated with icy cold water.
Although he trusted Feng Jin's medical skills, he couldn't help but feel worried.
As soon as he spoke, Liang Chen received a glare from Chu Ning'er.
"Stop with your nonsense. Didn't listening to those doctors and swaddling him in thick clothes to sweat make him any better? There's nothing for you to do here. Go do whatever you need to do and don't cause trouble."
Liang Chen was instantly rendered speechless and could only leave sheepishly.
Feng Jin continued wiping, and after an hour of continuous cold compresses, the child's condition finally improved, and his burning temperature subsided.
"Sister, I've asked the kitchen to prepare some light broth. You should eat something and rest. I'll have a maid watch Cheng'er."
"I'm fine. I'll watch for a while longer."
With his temperature just having dropped, Feng Jin couldn't help but feel worried and uneasy.
Chu Ning'er pulled over a chair and sat by the bed, stroking the child. A smile played on her lips.
"When his fever was so high, I was truly terrified. I felt both worried and self-reproachful, blaming myself for not taking better care of him."
If only she had been more attentive, such a thing wouldn't have happened.
"It's normal for children to have minor illnesses. You needn't worry so much."
Feng Jin offered words of comfort. This little fellow was the most demanding to care for. Too cold or too hot wouldn't do. Even with utmost caution, it was impossible to avoid occasional sickness.
Chu Ning'er held Feng Jin's hand and said gratefully, "Sister, I truly owe you so much this time. If you hadn't come, I truly wouldn't have known what to do."
Feng Jin had saved their lives, hers and her son's. She was truly their benefactor.
"As a physician, it is my duty to treat the sick and save lives. There is no need for thanks."
After a pause, Chu Ning'er spoke, "Sister, I sincerely feel that you are a benefactor to our mother and son. Without you, we might have lost our lives long ago. How about you let Cheng'er recognize you as his godmother, alright?"
Feng Jin was slightly taken aback. In her more than twenty years of life, no one had ever proposed for her to be a child's godmother. For a moment, she felt flustered and didn't know how to respond.
"Sister, do you not wish to?" Chu Ning'er, seeing Feng Jin's stunned expression, thought she was unwilling.
"No..." Feng Jin quickly denied, then explained, "I am simply a little surprised, as no one has ever asked me to be a godmother before. I am honored by your consideration, and Cheng'er is so adorable, how could I possibly refuse?"
"That's wonderful! Sister, I'm glad you're willing."
Feng Jin took out a jade pendant from her embrace. "This Ping An Pei is said to have been blessed by a high monk. I shall give it to Cheng'er as a meeting gift. May it bless him with peace and well-being his entire life, free from calamities and pain."
Feng Jin placed the Ping An Pei beside the child.
"Sister, this gift is truly wonderful. After having this child, I truly understand the hardships of parenthood. As long as he can grow up safely, my heart will be content."
Chu Ning'er looked at the child lying on the bed, her eyes filled with tenderness.
"He certainly will be."
Feng Jin looked at the child as well, saying with a smile.
The next morning, the child's fever had completely subsided. He opened his round eyes and smiled at Chu Ning'er and Feng Jin, his mouth curving into a grin.
Feng Jin reached out and touched the child's forehead. "The fever is gone."
Chu Ning'er immediately breathed a sigh of relief. It was good that the fever had broken.
"Ayi... Ayi..." The child on the bed drooped his little face and flailed his limbs, wriggling about.
"He must be hungry. Ning'er, quickly feed him."
Feng Jin stood up and stretched. She had been up all night, and her neck was so stiff she could barely lift it.
"Sister, should we still give Cheng'er some medicine?" Although the fever had subsided, Chu Ning'er was still a little worried.
"No need for medicine. Children are young, and for minor illnesses like fevers, it's best to avoid medication if possible to strengthen their immunity."
Medicine has its toxicity. Too much medicine can lead to resistance, which is harmful to the body. Furthermore, the child is very young and his constitution is weak, so it's best to take as little medication as possible.
"If he has a recurring fever, have the maid come find me. Never give him medicine arbitrarily."
"I've noted it all down, Sister."
Feng Jin played with the child for a while, then stood up and said, "Take care of yourself and the child. I'll be returning to my manor now."
"Sister, I'll have a carriage escort you."
Just as Feng Jin placed her hand on the handrail, the door was pushed open from the outside. Liang Chen stood at the doorway, his face filled with anxiety.
"Young General Ling is waiting for you outside."
Ling Mo Han... why was he here? Coming to pick her up specifically.
"I'm going now."
Feng Jin hurried out and saw the Ling family's carriage parked steadily by the entrance.
Lu Shi, standing outside the carriage, quickly stepped forward. "Young Madam, you were out all night. Young General was extremely worried."
Even they were affected. Because they hadn't reported her absence in a timely manner, their monthly allowance had been deducted.
Feng Jin knew without asking that Lu Shi and the others had surely been punished by Ling Mo Han.
"How did he punish you?"
"Reporting to Young Madam, we have all been fined half a year's allowance," Lu Shi replied truthfully.
"He fined your allowances, I'll secretly make it up to you."
After all, this incident started because of him. Lu Shi and the others were also victims. They couldn't possibly be scolded and lose money as well, so she decided to cover the cost.
"Thank you, Young Madam."
Lu Shi's tone held a hint of excitement. It was a relief to have the Young Madam protecting them; otherwise, life would be unbearable.
Feng Jin got into the carriage and felt a palpable low-pressure atmosphere around her. She deliberately avoided looking at Ling Mo Han's ashen face and sat to the side.
She hadn't done anything wrong. Saving lives wasn't a mistake. She didn't need to endure Ling Mo Han's temper.
Who was he showing that gloomy face to...
Feng Jin was also stubborn. If Ling Mo Han didn't speak to her first, he shouldn't expect her to back down.
Ultimately, Ling Mo Han relented. He cleared his throat and spoke first, "You stayed out all night and didn't even send a message."
"A person's life is paramount. I had no time for other matters. I beg for Young General's understanding."
"Other people's lives are important, but do you know what it felt like for me to return from the barracks and learn you were out all night!"
Ling Mo Han was still filled with lingering fear. Feng Yuan Ping would not let this matter rest. If he encountered Feng Jin alone, he would never let her off easily.