"You still refuse to tell the truth?"
Feng Jin grew even more suspicious of Ling Wan and her tone of questioning intensified.
"Eldest sister-in-law, I… I will tell you…"
Ling Wan lowered her head and said cautiously, "Eldest sister-in-law, I… I am going to the Sheng family."
The Sheng family… Feng Jin's brow furrowed slightly. The Sheng family. Why was Ling Wan going to the Sheng family? Sheng Xubai's health had already recovered. Why would she go to the Sheng family now?
"What are you going to the Sheng family for? Sheng Xubai's health has already recovered, and besides, he's not even in the Sheng family. Why would an unmarried girl like you be running to the Sheng family all day?"
"Eldest sister-in-law… I…"
Scolded, Ling Wan lowered her head in silence, unable to find the words to speak.
Feng Jin realized her tone had been too harsh. She softened her emotions, took Ling Wan's hand, and said in a gentler voice, "I was too agitated just now. Eldest sister-in-law is only looking out for you. Gossip is powerful. You're still an unmarried girl…"
"Moreover, you haven't even clarified your relationship with Sheng Xubai yet. Even if you were… you still shouldn't be going to the Sheng family every day. People will talk."
Previously, she had sent Ling Wan to treat Sheng Xubai and foster their relationship. Who would have thought that so much time had passed with no progress?
Now that Sheng Xubai was fully recovered, it was truly unsuitable for Ling Wan to go to the Sheng family anymore.
"Eldest sister-in-law, I know. It's just that Madam Sheng is unwell this time. Before… before Sheng Xubai asked me to check on Madam Sheng, and I had already agreed. If I don't go, wouldn't that make me a person who breaks promises? Eldest sister-in-law, I'm just going to see Madam Sheng. I'll come back quickly and won't linger."
She had already agreed to this matter. If she didn't go, it would be unreasonable.
"You agreed to this too? You…"
Seeing Ling Wan's silent, downcast look, Feng Jin couldn't bring herself to utter any more scolding words.
She sighed helplessly. Now that she knew about this, she absolutely could not let Ling Wan continue down this wrong path.
"I'll go with you to the Sheng mansion, but this is the only time. You are not allowed to go to the Sheng mansion again, nor are you to have any private contact with Sheng Xubai."
Since Sheng Xubai had not shown his stance for so long, she would absolutely not allow Ling Wan to have any further interactions with him.
To hesitate when one should act decisively would only lead to more trouble, and in the end, it would be Ling Wan who was hurt.
"I understand, eldest sister-in-law. I won't do this again."
Ling Wan nodded quickly in agreement. No matter how reluctant she was to part with Sheng Xubai, she knew how important reputation was to a young woman.
Especially for her, a daughter of a concubine, life was already difficult. If she did something improper, her mother would be implicated along with her.
"Alright, it's good that you understand. I'll accompany you to the Sheng mansion."
Feng Jin took Ling Wan's hand and they walked out. Upon arriving at the Sheng mansion, after the servant announced their arrival, the two of them entered.
"Young Madam has also come. We have failed to greet you properly. Please forgive us."
Old Master Sheng hurried out to welcome them. He was full of gratitude because Feng Jin had cured Sheng Xubai.
"Why are you standing there? Hurry and serve tea!"
"Master Sheng, there's no need for such trouble. I am here today because my sister-in-law promised Young Master Sheng the Third that she would treat Madam Sheng. I was worried and came uninvited to take a look at Madam Sheng."
"That would be wonderful. Young Madam's medical skills are superb. It is indeed what we desire to have Young Madam treat my wife."
Old Master Sheng spoke his pleasantries very smoothly, so much so that even Feng Jin could not find any fault with his words.
"Please trouble Master Sheng to take me to see Madam Sheng."
"Yes, yes, yes… Madam Sheng, please this way…"
Old Master Sheng repeatedly agreed and walked ahead, leading Feng Jin indoors.
"Young Madam, please this way. It's the room up ahead…"
The maid standing outside the door saw Old Master Sheng from a distance and quickly ran back inside to report, "Madam, Master is here, and so are the Young Madam of the Ling family and Miss Ling."
Upon hearing this, Madam Sheng quickly dropped the melon seeds she was holding into a plate. "Hurry, put these things away. Help me to bed. Later, when Master asks, just say that today is like yesterday, with no improvement."
After instructing the maid, Madam Sheng hastily removed her outer robe, took off her shoes, and quickly lay down on the soft couch, deliberately feigning weakness.
The moment the door was pushed open, Madam Sheng quickly closed her eyes.
"How is Madam today?"
"Reporting to Master, Madam is like yesterday. Her body is very weak, and she hasn't gotten up."
The maid repeated Madam Sheng's instructions almost word for word. After speaking, she quickly lowered her head, fearing that someone would discover she was lying.
Fortunately, Old Master Sheng, concerned about Madam Sheng who had been bedridden for several days, didn't think further. Instead, upon hearing the maid say that Madam Sheng was still weak, he rushed to the bedside with concern. "Madam, Madam…"
"Master… why are you… why are you here?"
Madam Sheng heard the sound and slowly opened her eyes, appearing very weak. She propped herself up on the bed with one hand, about to sit up.
"Madam, you are weak, so don't get up. Lie down and rest. Young Madam Ling is here. Let her examine you properly."
"Madam Sheng, it's been a long time. Madam Sheng, you do look a little weak."
"Young Madam is here. My ailment has been a long-standing one. It's not worth mentioning. A few days of rest will cure it. It doesn't warrant Young Madam Ling's concern."
Feng Jin stepped forward and looked at Madam Sheng, seeing through her pretense at a glance. "I am a physician, and it is my duty to treat the sick and save lives. All illnesses, big or small, must be treated. If Madam Sheng continues to delay treatment, even a minor illness will eventually become a major one. Madam, you cannot be afraid of seeking medical help."
"Yes, Madam, you must seek treatment for your illness promptly. You cannot delay. Young Madam Ling's medical skills are evident to all, and she will surely cure you."
"Master, don't you have official business to attend to? Go quickly. Later, Young Madam Ling can examine me properly."
Madam Sheng was determined to send him away and repeatedly urged Old Master Sheng to leave. "Master, don't let my matter delay your important business. Please go quickly."
"Then I shall take my leave. Young Madam Ling, I will trouble you."
"Master Sheng, rest assured."
After Old Master Sheng left, Madam Sheng's smile faded, and her gaze towards Feng Jin was no longer as warm. "You're going to examine me, aren't you? Why are you still standing there?"