"Brother Xiao, her body is too cold, and the long-term blockage of menstrual blood has damaged her uterus. Today should be her period. Because her body has been nourished recently, this episode was severe. If she had been even a moment later, she might have bled to death."
Xiao Shan's stiff body moved slightly, and he asked blankly, "Isn't it because she ate a bowl of wild vegetable rice?"
"How could wild vegetable rice kill someone? However, don't let her eat anything cold in the future."
Is Brother Xiao scared silly? Is this the kind of question an wise and intelligent general would ask?
"It's good that it has erupted. If it continues to be blocked, it will only deplete her qi and blood, making any nourishment useless. I will give her acupuncture for a month, once every three days. It's best not to touch cold water during this month. Once it's unblocked, she'll be able to recuperate well."
It was fortunate she arrived in time. If it had caused hemorrhage, she would have been unable to save her.
What kind of suffering has Xue Niang endured, to the point where her menstruation has stopped? In the past, her body was weak, and her qi and blood supply was insufficient. Her menstrual period was bearable. Now that she's starting to be nourished, the problem has surfaced.
Fortunately, it was unblocked in time, and her life was saved. She can take it slow from now on.
"Brother Xiao, the blockage in her head is not serious. Perhaps, she will slowly recover her memory..."
"Brother Xiao?"
Qu Linglong called out again, staring at Xiao Shan, who was lost in thought about Xue Niang, before he turned his head.
"Her past memories don't seem to be very good." He furrowed his thick brows, recalling her unease, weeping, and accusations every night.
What would happen if she recovered her memories? Would she become a different person? Would she leave without looking back? Would she have another man... That person named Qing He, was he someone important to her, someone who appeared most often in her words?
Qu Linglong was merely reminding Xiao Shan. She could see that Xiao Shan was deeply in love with Xue Niang. Xue Niang's identity was unknown. Whether recovering her memory was good or bad, she had a way to prevent it, but it would ultimately harm her body, and it wasn't the best course of action.
It would be best if Xue Niang could fall in love with Brother Xiao, then everything would be worry-free.
"Treat her as you see fit, just make sure there are no lingering ailments."
After this incident, he also understood that nothing was more important than life. He would treat her as well as he possibly could. As for the rest, he would leave it to fate.
"I understand."
Qu Linglong looked at the resolute man before her, lost in thought. With such a broad mind and noble character, who wouldn't love this man?
Xue Niang, you are truly blessed!
She touched her lower abdomen, a surge of bitterness rising in her heart.
Two days later, Xue Niang slowly regained consciousness. The unfamiliar canopy above her head made it take a long time for her to react.
A man was slumped by the bed, his large frame contorted, his upper body almost bowed, and one hand resting on the quilt over her abdomen.
If not Xiao Shan, then who could it be?
So, she had been saved by Linglong again?
As her hand reached out and touched his hair, he quickly looked up, his eyes sharp and spirited, showing no sign of the grogginess that comes after waking from deep sleep.
"Xue Niang, you're awake!?"
The sharpness in his eyes turned into immense surprise. His large hand caressed her now-thinner face, the heartache evident.
Xue Niang's heart fluttered, and a strange warmth surged within her.
His joy made her feel a sense of relief after surviving a disaster.
"Your beard has grown out again."
Her voice was hoarse. Having been reborn from a serious illness, this time she had more genuine feelings than the previous time she was in a daze. The man before her also seemed more endearing.
Especially after she said this, he touched his face and grinned, revealing a row of white teeth, looking endearingly simple.
Xue Niang couldn't help but laugh.
This was the first time she had smiled. Although her face was pale and frail, it couldn't conceal her celestial beauty, her unparalleled grace.
Like a radiant pearl rising in the sky.
Xiao Shan was mesmerized.
"You look beautiful when you smile."
Xue Niang stopped smiling and averted her gaze. The ugly black marks on her face were so hideous that anyone who saw them would be too scared to look further. How could she be beautiful? Was this man blind?
"Drink some water first. The medicinal porridge is always ready. Are you hungry?"
"Mhm."
Xiao Shan hadn't expected her to respond. She seemed much gentler after waking up this time, and he couldn't help but look at her again.
Xue Niang's face flushed under his scorching gaze, and she gently lowered her eyelids.
He brought her water and helped her sit up. This time, he was experienced, taking a spoon and gently offering it to her lips.
"Don't purse your lips. You have a wound on your mouth."
Xue Niang parted her lips. Being with him after waking up, she felt less at ease than before, somewhat at a loss.
After drinking the water, he went out to get the porridge. Su Mian walked in. She had heard from outside but dared not enter because Xiao Shan was there.
"Miss has finally woken up. My mistress is seeing patients outside. How are you feeling? Are you still uncomfortable anywhere?"
Su Mian was dressed as a medicine boy and carried the scent of herbs.
Xue Niang leaned against the headboard. Her slender body was gracefully curved. If it weren't for the growth on her left cheek, what a beautiful woman she would be!
Su Mian felt a pang of regret.
"I just don't have any strength. This time, your mistress has saved my life again. I don't know how to thank you."
"Oh, come now!"
Su Mian waved her hand. Just as she was about to say something, Xiao Shan came in with the porridge. She then closed her mouth and yielded the space by the bed.
"Just focus on recuperating. I will handle the matter of thanking them."
Xiao Shan said calmly, blew on the porridge, and offered it to her lips.
If Qu Linglong hadn't also come to Lin'an County, Xue Niang truly feared she might have perished. The two life-saving favors indeed deserved a generous reward.
"Yes, yes!" Su Mian quickly agreed. "Miss, just focus on recuperating. Don't worry about anything else."
This robust warrior Xiao seemed no ordinary person. His identity was unknown, yet the mistress spoke of him with great respect. She needed to discuss with her mistress about what benefits they could seek. Her mistress was carefree and didn't dwell on anything, so she had to plan carefully.
"Then I'll be going out."
Su Mian tiptoed out of the room.
The room was quiet, with only the sound of porridge being eaten. Regarding the conversation just now, Xiao Shan had spoken as a matter of course, and Su Mian didn't find anything amiss.
Only Xue Niang herself felt a ripple of emotion.
He truly regarded her as his woman.
This time, she felt no resistance in her heart, only a sense of being at a loss.
"Would you like to lie down and rest a bit longer?"
After feeding her the porridge, Xiao Shan put down the bowl and asked, looking into her eyes.
He usually had a cold voice and a loud tone, but since she woke up, he had been speaking in a low, slow voice, as if afraid of startling her. His commanding tone from before had vanished. This Xiao Shan was somewhat strange.
But it also made her heart flutter.
"Mhm."
Xue Niang lowered her head, slowly lay down, and closed her eyes. She only opened them when she heard the sound of the door closing.
Xiao Shan stood outside the door with the bowl and chopsticks, his head tilted, his brow furrowed. His resolute face held a hint of confusion, as if he couldn't figure something out.
"Brother Xiao, Su Mian said Xue Niang is awake?"
Qu Linglong, dressed as a doctor, had a faint look of exhaustion on her face.
"Mhm, don't go in. She's fallen asleep again."
"Oh, alright. If anything happens, call me. I'm going to rest for a bit."
Xiao Shan nodded, carrying the bowl and chopsticks towards the kitchen.
Why wasn't Xue Niang looking at him directly?
They had been getting along quite well. This was the first time they had spoken so warmly.
Could it be that not shaving his beard had startled her again?