"Why not?" When they first met, the other party's attitude was still gentle. How could it change so quickly?
Seeing his mother standing there muttering to herself as dusk approached, Yang Zhongqing urged, "Help me up, and let's leave here quickly. Don't you think the people here would know about what happened at their doorstep? Who would dare to take me in?"
Only then did Mother Yang snap back to reality and scold, "You are not allowed to talk about yourself like that."
Mother Yang, unresigned, went to her son's side and painstakingly helped him up. Yang Zhongqing was in so much pain that he was covered in cold sweat, but for the first time, he endured it and did not cry out in agony.
The two of them walked with difficulty on the deserted street. Mother Yang, forcing herself, went from house to house to ask for help. It was so late, and Yang Zhongqing was clearly seriously injured. If he died in their home, they would be in serious trouble. Everyone they met refused them.
Finally, after knocking on countless doors, they collapsed on the road, their bodies having reached their limit. They tried to get up but couldn't, so they simply lay there to rest.
To their surprise, they both fell asleep. When Yang Zhongqing opened his eyes again, it was already broad daylight. He looked at his mother lying beside him, her cheeks flushed red, clearly unwell. He quickly placed his hand on her forehead, then immediately withdrew it, as she was burning hot.
"Mother, Mother, wake up..." No matter how Yang Zhongqing called out, Mother Yang did not respond.
He tried to get up in a panic but found himself utterly weak. He knew that if his mother did not receive medical treatment soon, her life would be in danger. But in this vast world, who could help him? At this moment, he felt utter despair.
He couldn't just watch her die before his eyes. Yang Zhongqing, swallowing his pride, called out to a passing man dressed as a scholar.
The other man pointed to himself in disbelief, "Are you calling me?"
He nodded, his voice filled with urgency, "I am in a bit of a predicament. My mother has a fever and will die if not treated. I implore you, sir, to lend me some silver so I can take my mother to a doctor. A drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. I will surely repay your generosity."
The young man then noticed an older woman lying beside him. He felt a pang of sympathy but then touched the silver in his purse, his heart sinking to his stomach. He had the will but not the means.
Although he looked presentable, his family was actually dirt poor. He had some talent for studying, and his family spared no expense in cultivating him, hoping he would pass the imperial examinations and change his fate. To avoid being looked down upon, they had bought him two sets of fine clothes, which he alternated.
"Brother Li, what are you standing around for like an idiot? Why aren't you going home?" Young Master Qian, who had studied with him before, saw him looking troubled and assumed he was facing some difficulty. He quickly called out, wondering if he could help.
Upon hearing his voice, Scholar Li's face lit up with surprise. Brother Qian was known for his righteousness and was very wealthy. He often couldn't help but lend a hand to those in need.
With this thought in mind, he described the situation of Yang Zhongqing and his mother to him in detail. Young Master Qian sized up Yang Zhongqing from head to toe, frowning unconsciously, then grabbed Scholar Li's hand and quickly left.
"Brother Qian, why are you leaving in such a hurry? They look quite pitiful. Why don't we help them?" Recalling their pleading eyes, Scholar Li felt a little guilty and cautiously suggested.
"You're such a fool. How many times have I told you to be more discerning? Do you think those two are good people? With my years of travel and experience, I've seen all sorts of people. Although they're hiding it well, I can sense a murderous intent about him, and many people have died by his hand. Would you dare to bring someone like that home?" Young Master Qian looked at him earnestly, explaining his analysis.
Scholar Li had no doubt about his good brother's words, and his face began to turn pale.
"Now you're scared? I've told you before that your family is poor, and studying for the imperial exams requires money. Don't be so charitable; you never listen." He shook his head and sighed, "When will you ever learn?"
Scholar Li, listening to his scolding, awkwardly scratched his head and stood by, grinning foolishly.
Yang Zhongqing had called out to several people. Except for the first one who hesitated and seemed willing to help, the others completely ignored him. He could only drag his mother along while begging for help.
Finally, someone couldn't bear to watch and stepped forward to help him, taking Mother Yang to a doctor's clinic. Yang Zhongqing repeatedly pleaded with the doctor to save his mother.
The doctor, having seen too many patients in such a condition, had become desensitized. He said expressionlessly, "I want to help you, but I am powerless. I have a prescription here. You can brew it yourself. However, let's be clear from the outset: if you come to me again, I won't be so easily persuaded to help you find a solution."
Yang Zhongqing quickly expressed his thanks. With the doctor having said that, if he continued to pester him, it would be ungrateful, as the doctor was also on a salary and working for an employer.
As soon as he finished speaking, the old doctor resignedly instructed his young apprentice to brew the medicine, bring it up, and personally ensure the old madam drank it.
Mother Yang's fever quickly subsided, but she was still weak and needed rest.
The kind old doctor could no longer keep them. He was also working for his employer, and if the owner came for an inspection and caught them, he himself would be reprimanded.
This fever had seriously weakened her. Mother Yang sat in a corner, coughing incessantly, feeling as if her lungs would be expelled. The worse she became, the less willing others were to take them in.
The two were forced to sleep on a bridge bed, unable to eat their fill or sleep soundly. In the night, there was nothing to keep them warm. Although Mother Yang's fever had broken, her condition did not improve; instead, it seemed to worsen.
Recently, she had started to talk nonsense, most of her ramblings being apologies to Zheng Nian'er. Yang Zhongqing silently shed a tear and murmured to himself, "If only I had known this would happen, why did I do it in the first place?"
It was unclear whether he was referring to his mother or himself. He had gone to every clinic, obtained some medicine, and brewed it for his mother, but it was still ineffective. Then one day, she seemed to become a different person, constantly giving him instructions.
One spoke and the other listened; it was a rare moment of warmth. Yang Zhongqing unintentionally looked up and was greatly surprised to see Wu Caiwei standing before him.
Mother Yang quickly noticed her son's unusual reaction and followed his gaze, seeing her former daughter-in-law. Her heart was filled with regret, and for a moment, she didn't know where to begin, especially since Wu Caiwei was now the Empress and they couldn't go back to the past.
"Do you know why I've come today?" Wu Caiwei asked, kindly explaining as she did so, "I know your end is near, so I've come specifically to see you."