At that moment, Madam Shi lay in a side room, complaining of a headache. "Eldest daughter-in-law, go fetch a physician."
Min immediately sent someone to fetch a physician, then stayed in the side room to attend to the old madam.
Usually, the old madam scarcely bothered with Min. Today, for some reason, she kept finding new ways to order her around, wanting water one moment and her mouth wiped the next, running Min in circles.
With Jian Ruonan on her mind, Min went about her tasks distractedly.
She sent people out to ask several times. Once she learned that Jian Ruonan was chatting with the worshippers outside, she finally relaxed.
Ugh, it was all the old madam's fault. Who knew how much juicy gossip she had missed now?
Watching Min bustle about, the old madam felt thoroughly pleased.
By now, Jian Ruonan should have reached the rear courtyard.
Just as she thought that, the old madam suddenly felt as though something had tightened around her throat. She could not draw another breath, leaving her caught between life and death.
In the rear courtyard, three Daoists and a young Daoist huddled together.
The three were the eunuch Daoist Zhang, the former male courtesan Abbot Li, and Abbot Li's senior fellow disciple, Daoist Xu.
Daoist Zhang's face flushed crimson. "Senior brother, back then, I couldn't bring myself to finish the job. I didn't cut it all off, so I-I still count as a whole man!"
Abbot Li: "..."
There really was no need to explain in such detail.
Abbot Li waved a hand, then reached out and squeezed his shoulder. "I believe you!"
Daoist Zhang's eyes reddened. "Senior brother, don't worry. I won't mock you for having been a male courtesan either."
Once the two fellow disciples finished sympathizing with each