Yang Lingqi, Visa, and the others returned to the Minister's Residence only after Qiqi had left. Hearing that Hu Xiaotian was back finally put their minds at ease, but then they learned that Madam Hu was gravely ill and hovering between life and death. None of them spared a thought for resting; they all waited outside the courtyard where Xu Fengyi was staying.
At noon, Zhou Mo rushed over after hearing the news. When he saw Hu Xiaotian, he noticed that his eyes were red and swollen. Clearly, he had just been crying. This brother of his had always been optimistic and strong, so Madam Hu's condition must have been dire. For a moment, Zhou Mo did not know how to console him. He patted his shoulder and said, "Third Brother, Heaven watches over good people like your mother. Try not to worry too much."
Hu Xiaotian nodded. Just then, Huo Shengnan hurried out of the room. Xu Fengyi had woken again and kept demanding to see Hu Xiaotian.
Hu Xiaotian hastily returned to the room and went to his mother's bedside. "Mother! I haven't gone anywhere. I've been right here beside you."
Xu Fengyi looked desperately anxious. "Why haven't you left yet? Hurry and go. They all want to hurt you. Every one of them wants to hurt you... Son, hurry and leave..." She reached out to push his chest, but her long illness had left her too weak to muster any strength.
"Mother, don't worry," Hu Xiaotian said. "Once you're well again, I'll take you away with me." He picked up the bowl of medicine beside her. "Mother, let me help you take your medicine, all right?"
Xu Fengyi shook her head. "To... see you one more time is enough for me to die without regrets. If you