11 Cesarean Delivery Eleven

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She could only bear the anger. Under someone else’s roof, Li’s father dared not lose his temper.

Chu Yunli already anticipated Li Hualin’s fate. She was in high spirits on the way back, even humming a tune in the carriage. By now, dusk was falling, with vast stretches of fiery clouds blazing across the horizon—a beautiful scene. She admired it through the small window. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a slender figure in a narrow alley by the roadside. As she watched closely, she heard a sudden thud, as if the person had fallen to the ground.

She stood up and leaned out, only to see the figure lying motionless. “Stop,” she commanded at once.

The carriage halted, and the driver asked in confusion, “Miss?”

Chu Yunli instructed, “There’s someone lying in that alley. Go check on him.”

As she spoke, she was already leaning out, preparing to get down. Her injuries had not yet healed, so she moved carefully and slowly toward the figure.

The person lying there was tall and slender, dressed in simple cloth garments, with a slim waist. The driver was calling out, but there was no response from the man. She reached out and gently moved him, seeing a pale yet handsome face.

Probably about seventeen or eighteen years old, with long lashes, his breathing was faint. At this moment, he was unconscious, having passed out completely.

Chu Yunli could not bear to see someone collapse by the roadside. After a moment’s thought, she said, “Put him in the carriage and take him to the clinic.”

The driver promptly stepped forward. The man was light enough for one person to carry.

Quietly, Chu Yunli took his pulse. It was an old injury from over a year ago, never properly treated. Without good medicine, he would likely only have three to five days left.

The doctor recognized him. Upon seeing the young man, he shook his head in sorrow. Noticing Chu Yunli was a stranger, he explained, “His family’s luck has been poor. His father passed away early, leaving him and his mother to rely on each other. Last year, he fell from a height while helping his employer move goods and never fully recovered. The work was dangerous to begin with. He had studied for a couple of years, but when his mother fell ill, he took on manual labor. After the injury, the employer didn’t compensate him. To pay for his mother’s treatment, he continued working despite his condition… His health is depleted, and no amount of money can restore him.”

Chu Yunli pondered, “A filial son?”

The doctor nodded, “He is exceptionally devoted to his mother. Her illness is severe and requires costly medicine to sustain her life. If he hadn’t worked day and night, she would have passed long ago…”

“Treat him without hesitation.” Chu Yunli took out ten taels of silver and placed them on the counter. “If this isn’t enough, take it from the Luo family.”

The doctor was startled. “This… Is that appropriate?”

Chu Yunli, exhausted from the day’s delays and eager to rest, said casually, “Filial children are not bad people. I might not have known, but since fate brought us together, it’s just a matter of lending a hand.”

She didn’t dwell on the matter; she had helped many before. This was just a small thing.

Back home, Luo’s father was still awake. Seeing her return, he disapproved. “Those Li family members are unreasonable. Why bother dealing with them?”

According to Luo’s father, once Li Hualin was convicted, they should sever ties and cut off contact. No need to entangle themselves in more trouble.

“I had nothing to do, so I wanted to watch the play.” Chu Yunli brightened. “That Zhang Yingying went begging them to take in the child.”

Luo’s father was surprised. “I thought her husband liked children?”

“Her man doesn’t want to raise an illegitimate child.” Chu Yunli reflected. “Perhaps she also thinks the child would suffer in the countryside. In a few days, she’ll also be imprisoned. The Li family definitely won’t take the child. This is probably the last chance for the child to be accepted by the Li family.”

Luo’s father sighed, “Quite clever.”

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Chu Yunli agreed, “With so many beauties in the world, she’s the only one who bore Li Hualin’s child and even managed to coax the Li family into adopting the child. How could she not be clever?”

Thinking this way, Zhang Yingying was not so innocent.

Luo’s father was silent for a moment. “These people will disappear in a few days. Don’t keep dwelling on them. Take care of your own health. I’ve been sick all these years—who knows when I might… Life and death are natural. Don’t worry about me all the time; the child still needs you.”

“Father, nothing will happen to you.” Chu Yunli said earnestly, “I will take good care of the child and you.”

Luo’s father looked relieved but somewhat bitter. “I wish you wouldn’t grow up, wouldn’t have to be so sensible.”

His deep love for his daughter was evident. Chu Yunli smiled, “Father, go rest. I’m going to rest as well.”

*

The next two days passed quietly. Chu Yunli secretly sent people to keep an eye on the Li family, learning that they had prepared several lavish gifts to plead for Li Hualin’s pardon, but to little avail.

The Li family sought many people and were even given a clear path.

Someone bluntly said that Li Hualin’s only way out was to seek his wife’s forgiveness. As long as Luo Meiniang did not press charges, he could safely escape.

But that was almost impossible.

For their son’s sake, even if unlikely, the Li couple had to try.

One afternoon, while Chu Yunli was sunning the child in the courtyard, the Li couple arrived. They came bearing smooth fabrics and toys for the child, claiming to visit him.

Chu Yunli scoffed, “A child is not something they can see whenever they wish. Tell them the child must avoid drafts and visitors. If they truly cared for the child, they wouldn’t pester so much.”

The steward ran out and quickly returned, troubled. “They said they want to see you in person.”

“No need.” Chu Yunli toyed with a rattle, not looking up. “I ended up like this because they didn’t discipline their son. There’s no need for their false concern now. In a few days, once the investigation into Zhang Yingying and Li Hualin’s secret dealings is complete, the court will convene. We can meet then.”

The steward did not want his lady to meet the Li family, knowing they would surely argue. The Li couple was strong, but their lady was fragile; if she became ill from anger, the master would worry. The master’s illness was serious and could not withstand stress. Meeting was only harmful, not helpful.

Thus, the steward conveyed the message firmly.

The Li couple was turned away with their gifts. Both looked displeased. After boarding the carriage, Li’s mother could no longer hold back her rage. “That Luo Meiniang is unbearable! She even came to our home to make trouble a few days ago. How could she refuse to let us see the child? She might as well die of illness!”

If Luo Meiniang died, these troubles would vanish.

Li’s father rubbed his forehead. “It was Hualin’s fault. It’s normal she’s angry.”

Li’s mother could not hear that without erupting again. She smashed a cup in frustration. “Everything’s going wrong!”

“A spoiled child is the mother’s fault.” Li’s father sighed. “If you hadn’t spoiled Hualin, he wouldn’t be so reckless or have done these things.”

Li’s mother exploded instantly. “He’s not just my child! You blame me for spoiling him? Where’s the justice in that? I didn’t spare the rod when he was young. You’re the one always busy with business, gone for days, even entangled with other women…”

Li’s father slammed the small table. “Enough of the old grudges! Can you just be quiet?”

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The atmosphere at home had been tense these days. Li’s mother often threw fits, but if Li’s father truly got angry, she dared not act out and would collapse sobbing on the table.

Chu Yunli heard from the steward that the Li couple had argued and left, and she felt pleased. She even drank a bowl of chicken soup. Just as she planned to take a short nap, the steward returned with news: someone at the door wished to see her, wanting to express thanks.

Chu Yunli had been nursing her wounds here and had only helped one person—the young man found in the alley. She waved dismissively, “It was nothing. Let him go.”

The steward did not move. “He insists on thanking his savior in person. If he can’t see you, he feels uneasy.”

“Then let him in.” Chu Yunli was indifferent. She instructed someone to change the child’s clothes and prepare for a nap after meeting the visitor.

The young man entered, slender and steady in step. Seeing Chu Yunli, he was momentarily stunned before quickly bowing. “Thank you, miss, for your help. Your life-saving kindness—I will repay it generously if I ever get the chance.”

Chu Yunli had ceased her casual demeanor upon seeing him. She studied his figure, appearance, and bearing with satisfaction, though her expression remained gentle. “It was a small matter, no need to be so polite. I heard you are devoted to your mother. Such filial piety is rare and admirable. If you ever need help, come find me. By the way, do you need money for medicine?”

Before Hu Yi’an arrived, he already knew Miss Luo was kind. When he faintly opened his eyes that day, he saw her and felt an inexplicable familiarity, a stirring in his heart. Unfortunately, his body was too weak to speak. Meeting her again today, that familiar thrill filled his heart once more. Seeing her gentle demeanor, he was at a loss how to compose himself.

“No… I don’t need any…” Actually, he did, but he already owed her too much and couldn’t pay it back. To shamelessly ask for more would make him a burden, like a stinking, untouchable dog’s mess.

He did not want to be that.

“Here’s the deal. I know some excellent doctors. I’ll have them come treat your mother. As for the medicine money… don’t worry about it. I’ll cover it for now.” Seeing his anxiety, Chu Yunli suggested, “If you feel uncomfortable, you can repay me by helping out at the Luo family shop.”

Hu Yi’an struggled to contain his excitement. “Then I shamelessly accept your kindness, miss. I will work hard to assist you.”

With his mother’s condition addressed and frequent meetings with the employer’s daughter, life was good.

For Chu Yunli, she not only helped him but also brought him close to build a connection—a win-win.

News of Luo Meiniang’s aid to the young man and inviting him to help soon spread.

The Li family’s spies monitoring the Luo family grew anxious and hurried back to report.

“That man is quite favored by Miss Luo…”

Li’s mother looked serious. “What does he look like?”

“A handsome youth.” The young servant hurriedly said, “Almost a pretty boy. Miss Luo sees him nearly every day.” That’s why he rushed back to report.

Li’s mother frowned and glanced at her husband. “Could it be she’s taken a fancy to him?”

Li’s father remained silent.