Chapter Twenty-Eight: An Elder Brother Like a Father

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“Aunt’s illness has damaged her spleen, liver, lungs, and kidneys,” Chu Youcai said. “Years of chronic suffering, without proper nourishment, have left her condition extremely grave.”
“You!” At these words, Shangguan Wanru’s expression changed dramatically. Her whole body tensed, eyes brimming with fury, as if she could strike Chu Youcai down in a heartbeat.
She had tried to attack him herself, yet never imagined Chu Youcai would retaliate so shamelessly, using such methods.
Just as Shangguan Wanru was about to shout, Chu Youcai quickly continued, “But Aunt, please rest assured. Though the illness is severe, it is not beyond my abilities. In fact, with just one dose of medicine, your pain can be alleviated. After three days and six doses, your health will be vastly improved.”
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Wanru was utterly stunned. How could this be possible? What sort of miraculous medicine was this?
She stared wide-eyed, her gaze sweeping over Yun Cuixian, only to find both Yun Cuixian and Hongyu wearing expressions of trust, as if Chu Youcai truly possessed the power to heal with a single prescription. Her heart wavered—could Chu Youcai be telling the truth?
After Chu Youcai spoke, the old lady’s face brightened. She had lived long, witnessed many people whose words diverged from their hearts, and though her eyes were blind, her ears had grown keener, discerning the sincerity in Chu Youcai’s tone.
For years, she had only her daughter to rely on. She knew she was a burden, yet persisted, for she was her daughter’s spiritual pillar. With kindness, she strove to quell her daughter’s murderous impulses; she did not wish for her child to be consumed by vengeance in a world of blades and blood. She longed only for her daughter to find happiness and a safe haven.
But now, theirs was a household of the condemned; such dreams were but a luxury.
Yet now, hearing there was hope for recovery, she felt herself revived.
Soon after, Ju Xue returned, and following Chu Youcai’s instructions, prepared the medicine and set it to boil.
In the courtyard, Shangguan Wanru approached Chu Youcai and softly asked, “Is what you said just now true? Can this medicine really cure my mother?”
Chu Youcai nodded, “A healer must have compassion. I will do everything in my power. Rest assured, Aunt’s illness is not terminal. Though her blindness cannot be reversed, her body can certainly be restored.”
He knew his medicine was remarkable, able not only to nourish but to strengthen.
“Thank you,” Shangguan Wanru whispered. In that moment, she realized she might have misjudged Chu Youcai, unsure if it was rumors or her innate aversion to men that clouded her view.
For the first time in many years, she spoke gently to a man.

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Seeing this, Yun Cuixian felt a weight lift from her shoulders; it seemed Shangguan Wanru’s misunderstanding of her husband had lessened.
Fearing the old lady’s body was too weak for strong medicine, Chu Youcai prescribed a modest dose. The decoction was ready in less than half an hour.
After drinking, the old lady felt warmth suffuse her body, a comfort beyond words. Soon, her complexion improved, her cheeks flushed with color, and the coughing ceased.
Shangguan Wanru was truly astonished.
For years, she had watched her mother suffer, the family destroyed, her mother’s eyes lost—she had often wished she could take her place.
Her mother was her sole anchor.
She had hidden for three years, refraining from revenge. In those years, what filled her heart was not hatred, but tenderness. Such familial affection could not be reclaimed, no matter how many enemies she slew.
Only after losing so much could one feel the depth of such sorrow.
Now, finally, she glimpsed the dawn of hope.
Tears threatened to spill from her eyes.
At that moment, the old lady spoke with full voice, “Thank you, Young Master Chu, for saving my life. I shall never forget your kindness.”
Chu Youcai smiled slightly. “It was a small matter, not worth mentioning.”
The old lady spoke earnestly, “Young Master Chu, your intervention has not only saved me, but also Wanru… I won’t hide it from you—Wanru has suffered greatly these years because of me. My husband offended those he ought not have, leading to the ruin of our family. Wanru is righteous by nature; I believe she intended to care for me until my death and then seek vengeance. Yet the enemy wields power over the world, and I fear Wanru has resolved to perish alongside them…”
Shangguan Wanru was taken aback; this was the secret she had hidden for so long. If others learned of it, there would be no escape—but why had her mother revealed it? She cried out, “Mother…”
Chu Youcai suddenly discerned the old lady’s intention of entrusting her daughter. Her tone and manner matched those of the Red Aunt from years ago. He replied, “Rest assured, Madam. Miss Shangguan is wise and prudent—she has honed her resolve for ten years and will plan carefully before seeking revenge. If hatred should cloud her judgment, I will surely restrain her.”
“You…” Shangguan Wanru was stunned, unable to comprehend how the conversation had reached this point.

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The old lady, hearing Chu Youcai’s words, smiled. “It seems I have not misjudged you. You are unafraid of power—truly someone worthy of entrustment. My daughter is spoiled; I hope Young Master Chu will regard her as a sister and guide her with counsel.”
“If Madam wishes it, I dare not refuse,” Chu Youcai replied solemnly.
“In that case, I am at ease.” The lady gently patted Shangguan Wanru’s shoulder as she sat by the bedside. “Wanru, henceforth, you shall treat Young Master Chu as your elder brother. An elder brother is as a father; you must not defy him.”
Shangguan Wanru bit her lip, her beautiful eyes sharp as she glanced at Chu Youcai, then nodded. “Mother, please rest assured.”
After the old lady lay down to sleep, Chu Youcai stepped out. When Shangguan Wanru emerged, he said quietly, “Miss Shangguan, please don’t take Aunt’s words to heart.”
Shangguan Wanru remained silent, her gaze still fixed on Chu Youcai.
Just as Chu Youcai was about to speak again, Shangguan Wanru’s voice returned to its earlier chill. “When my mother spoke of the past, judging by your expression, you already knew about it, didn’t you?”
Chu Youcai was taken aback, surprised by her keen perception.
“Tell me—who told you?” Shangguan Wanru demanded.
Chu Youcai recalled Second Lady’s warning that he might one day become Shangguan Wanru’s enemy. If he revealed the truth now, it would only worsen their relationship. So he held his tongue.
Nearby, Yun Cuixian, Ju Xue, Hongyu, and the others were shocked by her words.
Seeing Chu Youcai’s silence, Shangguan Wanru’s face flushed red and her brows rose sharply. “Are you sent by them, using medicine to control my mother’s life?”