TSWRLM -Chapter 328 Madam Wang Is Sick

Besides sending Uncle Hu and Uncle Bao to investigate Su Yang and his mother, Chun Xi also went to the carpenter’s shop to see Cao Wu.

After the start of winter, the weather had turned cold. Chun Xi had put on thick clothes, while Cao Wu was working shirtless, sweating profusely.

The shop was gradually getting back on track. Cao Wu had hired an assistant to attend to customers and had taken on two young apprentices.

As soon as Chun Xi entered, the assistant enthusiastically came forward to introduce himself. Cao Wu, hearing the voice, turned around and, upon seeing Chun Xi, grinned widely: “A-Xi, what brings you here? I made a wooden horse each for An’an and Ning’er, and I was planning to deliver them to you in a few days.”

Saying this, he reached into a pile of wood shavings and brought out two finely crafted wooden horses.

Though Cao Wu was tall and burly, the wooden horses were delicate and cute, immediately appealing at first sight.

“Thank you, big brother. Your craftsmanship just keeps getting better.”

Chun Xi didn’t hesitate and had the wooden horses loaded onto the carriage. She was about to discuss her main purpose when another customer arrived at the shop.

This time it was the restaurant owner, who, having heard of Cao Wu’s skill and quality materials, wanted to order a batch of tables and stools to open a new branch in the west of the city.

This was a rare big order. Chun Xi immediately said, “I’m not in a hurry. I’ll just go buy some things nearby—big brother, you handle your business first.”

After saying this, Chun Xi stepped outside. She had barely gone a few steps when Aunt Li came running anxiously.

Still holding a grudge that Chun Xi had not hired her before, Aunt Li pretended not to notice Chun Xi and ran straight into the shop, shouting: “A-Wu, something’s wrong! Your mother is in trouble! Hurry home with me!”

Cao Wu was shocked and immediately wanted to follow Aunt Li, but Chun Xi stopped him: “I can take Mother to the clinic myself. Big brother, you should entertain your customer first.”

Cao Wu hesitated.

This restaurant order was not only profitable but also a chance to build a reputation. If he missed it, he might never get such a big deal again.

Seeing this, Aunt Li sneered: “A-Wu, your A-Xi already turned her back on the family long ago. Your mother’s illness is because of her. Aren’t you afraid that letting her take your mother to the clinic will anger her even more?”

Cao Wu frowned but ignored Aunt Li’s provocation. Coldly, he said: “Aunt Li, my mother’s illness is due to my own failures, not A-Xi. She’s the most filial among the three siblings. If she wants to take care of Mother, I trust her more than anyone.”

After speaking, Cao Wu grabbed a handful of coins and gave them to Chun Xi: “A-Xi, take Mother to the clinic first. Once I’ve handled things in the shop, I’ll come right after.”

Chun Xi accepted the money and got into the carriage.

Seeing that her attempt to provoke had failed, Aunt Li rolled her eyes at Cao Wu and tried to climb onto the carriage.

The Cao household wasn’t close by—it would have been exhausting.

Just as she made a move, A-Li cracked the whip and drove the carriage away.

Aunt Li missed her chance, nearly fell, and angrily shouted: “Cao Chun Xi, you heartless girl! I came with good intentions to warn your family, and you won’t even give me a ride? Just wait—I’ll see how long you can stay smug!”

Fuming, Aunt Li stormed back into the shop and sat down.

Cao Wu ignored her and led the customer to the back courtyard for detailed discussion.

Meanwhile, A-Li quickly drove the carriage to the Cao residence.

Sister-in-law Qian and Zheng’er were not home; the courtyard was empty.

Chun Xi went straight to Madam Wang’s room. Upon opening the door, she smelled the strong scent of medicine.

It was only the start of winter, but Madam Wang had already piled on thick quilts.

This time, she wasn’t pretending—she was genuinely sick.

Chun Xi called A-Li to help carry Madam Wang onto the carriage and headed to the Huichuntang clinic.

Halfway there, Madam Wang woke up. Seeing Chun Xi, she was first startled, then murmured, “Out of nowhere… why did I dream of you, my nemesis?”

Madam Wang had lost a lot of weight, her voice was hoarse, and she was extremely weak—there was none of the previous energy she used to have to quarrel with Chun Xi.

Chun Xi lowered her eyes, saying nothing.

Madam Wang, unable to distinguish between reality and dreams, muttered to herself: “I know you resent me for being biased, for not loving you like your father would. But who doesn’t favor some children over others? You were always going to marry into another family. I couldn’t rely on you for my old age or end-of-life care, so I had to think more of A-Wu and A-Wen. Everyone does this, so why do you hate me so much?”

“You can hate me all you want. But your brother A-Wen is still so young. How could you be so cruel as to send him to the authorities for exile? And now you’ve even driven your sister-in-law away. The family is falling apart—are you satisfied?”

Madam Wang’s eyes reddened with deep resentment.

Chun Xi still didn’t reply.

Madam Wang was like this, and there was no need to argue over right or wrong—those things no longer mattered.

Now, Chun Xi had a husband who adored her and a child of her own. She would live her life well.

The carriage soon arrived at Huichuntang, and the clinic staff helped carry Madam Wang inside.

After examination, it turned out Madam Wang’s illness was caused by pent-up emotions, compounded by a recent cold. The condition wasn’t too severe, but she needed to release her emotions and not brood constantly.

After taking a prescription, Madam Wang coughed up phlegm and soon fell asleep.

Chun Xi stared at Madam Wang’s amputated finger for a long time. Only when Cao Wu arrived did she leave the room.

“How is Mother?”

Chun Xi relayed the doctor’s words and reassured him: “Overall, it’s not serious. She just needs to ease her mind and stop brooding. Aren’t you planning to bring your sister-in-law and Zheng’er back?”

Cao Wu’s expression darkened: “That family wants me to bow and admit my mistakes. I won’t. I’ve been admitting wrongs I didn’t commit to keep Mother happy, letting her act even more ridiculously. Now I’ve decided to change. I won’t keep giving in just to maintain superficial peace.”

Cao Wu had his own ideas, and Chun Xi nodded without further urging.

Cao Wu gave Chun Xi money for the consultation and medicine, then asked: “A-Xi, why exactly did you come to see me today?”

“Big brother, do you remember Su Yang?”

Cao Wu frowned, then after a moment, exclaimed in surprise: “He’s back in the capital? Could it be he came looking for you and brother-in-law?”

“Father and Su Uncle had arranged a childhood engagement for us before. But after Father had an accident, Mother forbade Su Uncle from visiting, and the two families’ relations deteriorated. I want to know, after I sold myself into the Wei family, did Mother ever mention breaking off the engagement to Su Uncle, or did the two families ever exchange a marriage contract or token?”

After Father’s accident, the family had fallen into chaos. Chun Xi was still very young and had gone into the Wei family, so she didn’t know the details.

Cao Wu did remember seeing Su Father a few times. Each visit had caused Madam Wang to make a scene, but over so many years, memories had blurred, and Cao Wu couldn’t recall the specifics.

“This you’ll have to ask Mother. Don’t worry, A-Xi—once she wakes, I’ll find out. If Su Yang dares to pester you over this, I won’t let him off first!”

Fearing Cao Wu might act rashly, Chun Xi quickly said: “I already have a plan to handle it. Big brother, no need to worry.”

She only wanted to clarify the details to avoid mistakes.

Chun Xi remained calm, and Cao Wu relaxed.

By evening, he brought Madam Wang home. Just as he helped her lie down, the sound of Su Yang’s eager voice came from the courtyard: “Aunt, Cao big brother, are you home?”