The physician seemed surprised. “Does my lady not know that your father suffers from wasting disease?”
My mind went blank. Wasting disease? It was a chronic condition that couldn’t be contracted overnight. How had we not noticed?
I will report his condition to the Prince, who will likely help prepare the funeral arrangements. My lady, please be strong and take care of yourself.”
“How long does Grandfather have?”
“At most three days.”
Long after the physician left, I stood motionless. My heart was panicked, but I didn’t know what to do. Grandfather was dying, An Jin’s fate was unknown, and my mother-in-law was missing. What should I do?
An Jin wanted me to protect my family, but how could I save Grandfather from this fatal illness? I hugged myself, wanting to cry but unable to shed tears.
Mother came out and, seeing my state, understood most of it. “Go and see him.”
Grandfather lay on the pillow, emaciated. I sat beside him, holding his hand, softly calling, “Grandfather.”
He opened his eyes after a long time, seemingly trying to see me clearly but ultimately failing. “It’s getting dark early.”
I felt my nose sting, swallowing back tears. “Grandfather, are you feeling better?”
He closed his eyes, trembling as he covered my hand and patted it gently. “Ah Yao, I’ve known about my illness for a long time. To spare you worry, I kept it hidden. Now, it’s… don’t be sad. What must come, will come.”
Miao Yin and my younger sister were already softly crying behind me. I tried to keep my voice from breaking but ultimately failed.
Father-in-law was still smiling.
His face was ashen, yet he could smile serenely, as if he were in the midst of green mountains and clear waters, leisurely fishing in the wind.
“Don’t be sad. People must go through this journey, only…” He furrowed his brow slightly.
I knew he still wanted to see Mother-in-law one last time, still wanted to see An Jin one last time.
I burst out the door, not caring whether my face was covered in tears and looking disheveled, and lunged at the red-robed guards, frantically grabbing them and shouting: “The Emperor or the Crown Prince, anyone! Call them here! Otherwise…” I pulled out the hairpin and held it to my throat. “Otherwise, I’ll die right here!”
