Qin Xixi withdrew her hand from checking the pulse, her countenance displaying a hint of displeasure.
She detested being disturbed during her slumber.
"Xixi, how is your grandmother?" Mrs. Wang inquired anxiously, noticing Qin Xixi's grim expression.
Qin Xixi lifted her eyelids slightly, posing an unrelated question, "How old is Grandmother this year?"
Mrs. Wang and the others were momentarily taken aback.
"Your grandmother is fifty-five this year," Mrs. Wang furrowed her brow, asking, "But, Xixi, what does that have to do with her condition?"
Qin Xixi returned Grandmother Qin's hand to the blanket, stating calmly, "Grandmother's advanced age coincides with these turbulent times. Perhaps, in recent days, she has been suppressing her emotions. Now that the tension has eased, she is unable to cope, overwhelmed by melancholy and worry, leading to her fainting."
Her fingers curled slightly, refraining from disclosing the fortunes and misfortunes of Grandmother Qin's life as determined by the pulse diagnosis.
Grandmother Qin's destiny portended affluence and prosperity, with an illustrious lineage and a blissful marriage, yet her tear lines now marred her fate, her children's fortune diminished. Additionally, her pulse indicated a bleak future, her own longevity compromised.
Thus, Qin Xixi's inquiry about Grandmother Qin's age—fifty-five—hinted at the limited time remaining.
Qin Xixi cast her eyes downward, her demeanor growing even more aloof.
"And how shall we treat her? Do you have the capability?" Mrs. Xie, feeling somewhat agitated, queried. "Sister-in-law, should we not summon a physician to diagnose Mother for a more reliable approach?"
Grandmother was her mother-in-law and also her aunt, her pillar in the Qin family. Any mishap must be averted. Qin Xixi, a mere maid, untrained in medicine, couldn't be relied upon.
Qin Xixi's expression darkened, "Are you doubting my abilities?"
She was displeased, being questioned about her competence.
Observing Qin Xixi's stern expression, Mrs. Wang shot Mrs. Xie a reproachful glance, remarking, "I believe Xixi's judgment is sound. With Mother overseeing everything in the household, the recent relaxation might have its repercussions. However, Xixi, considering Mother's previous condition, perhaps we should also consult a physician together?"
Qin Xixi didn't openly refute her stepmother's suggestion, "As you wish." She then turned to Qihuang, "Have Uncle Li go to the Song Clinic and summon Doctor Song to diagnose Grandmother."
"Yes, Miss."
Qin Xixi was about to leave when Mrs. Wang stopped her.
"Xixi, with the recent upheaval in the family, we can only bring along three servants. Two are Dingma and Juer by Grandmother's side, and the other is Shenma by my side. Now, your third aunt's side also needs to hire two wet nurses to care for your two younger cousins. We're not familiar with the people in Licheng. What do you think about this?"
"Delegate Uncle Li to fetch the necessary personnel. As for the rest..." She paused, turning to Qihuang, "You'll assist Madam with her orders and handle these miscellaneous matters."
"But Miss, there's no one to attend to you." Qihuang hesitated.
"There's still Chenpi. I'm not going out. If anything, I'll have him relay messages." Qin Xixi's brow furrowed with impatience. All she wanted now was to catch up on her rest.
Sensing her fatigue and irritation, Qihuang hastened to comply.
Qin Xixi left the room without looking back.
"Sister-in-law, do you see this? Is she trying to slight us? You really need to teach her some manners." Mrs. Xie was exasperated.
Mrs. Wang, somewhat impatient, glanced at her coldly, "Second Sister-in-law, have you forgotten our current situation?"
Mrs. Xie faltered for a moment, pursed her lips, and said, "I'll go check on Mother."
Mrs. Wang rubbed her temples, feeling exhausted. The troublesome days were just beginning.