Yue Siqing turned at the sound, seeing a young man dressed as a woman, standing confidently three steps away. She was slightly surprised—how could a man from the inner court stare so directly at another woman?
She cleared her throat: “It’s nothing. The child has a fever. A few doses of medicine will help. However, the young master is delicate and needs careful nurturing.”
She then tapped the small child who was staring directly at Xu Wanzhi.
The child pouted, following her mentor to the outer room to open the medicine box, preparing her usual writing materials. After the doctor wrote the prescription, she would take it to a steward. As they walked out, the child couldn’t help looking back, her young heart still churning: That older brother wearing black clothes looked so beautiful.
The child indeed had no serious illness, but for a wealthy young master’s minor ailment, careful attention to diet and clothing would suffice. Touching his forehead, he had a slight fever. This child who hadn’t seen his father for several days immediately climbed into her arms when touched, sweetly saying, “Daddy, you haven’t come to see An’er for so long!”
Xu Wanzhi subconsciously wanted to avoid such unfamiliar contact but was startled by the word “Daddy,” her movement pausing as the child hugged her. A small head rubbed against her chest without reservation, so she could only raise her hand, gently stroking his head and responding with a “Hmm.”
Perhaps because he was sick and wanted his dearest father’s care, An’er continued to cling, reluctant to let go.
The men serving nearby noticed the young master’s intimacy. Though the master’s face showed no impatience, his expression was somewhat uncomfortable.
Although he usually cared for the young master, the rules of a noble household meant the child was not raised by his side, making him unaccustomed to such intimacy. The young master, not having seen his father for days, momentarily forgot himself – a child’s nature would not notice such nuances.
“My lord, the doctor said it would be better for the young master to lie in bed and sweat. Please sit and have some tea before talking to the young master,” Xu Wanzhi nodded, gently pushing him away.
