Duan Rong saw that a blooming peach blossom had been embroidered on the sachet...
"This sachet was originally embroidered for Eldest Sister. It's just that, with my condition, I don't know whether I'll live to see Eldest Sister return..."
"Miss, don't think such things!" Duan Rong said at once.
"It's only... since this sachet was embroidered for the eldest young lady, how could I possibly accept it?" Duan Rong said hesitantly.
"Senior Brother Duan, don't refuse. Even if I wished to embroider another one for you, I fear I no longer have the strength. If you decline, I'll feel even worse!"
Duan Rong knew that Xiao Baijiao wished to repay him for the kindness of his acupuncture.
Yet Xiao Baijiao's every word was filled with sorrowful implications. He wanted to offer her some comfort, but could not find the words.
"Senior Brother Duan, I'm a little tired..." A clear tear fell from the corner of Xiao Baijiao's eye. Turning her back to Duan Rong, she gently wiped it away.
Duan Rong rose to his feet. "Then, Second Miss... get some good rest... I'll..."
As he spoke, Duan Rong suddenly paused. Changing the subject, he asked, "The painting I made for Second Miss the other day—where is it?"
Xiao Baijiao turned her head in puzzlement. "It's in the drawer of the cabinet. I haven't been feeling well these past few days, so I never got the chance to have it mounted."
Duan Rong immediately went to the cabinet, pulled open the drawer, and took out the painting.
Xiao Baijiao watched his movements, not knowing what he intended.
Duan Rong placed the painting on the tea table, took up a brush, ground some ink, and inscribed a Diviner poem in the blank space.
"This poem is for you, Miss, to ease the