Chapter 113: Everything Arranged

Yun Zui worked with impressive efficiency. By the time she had finished purchasing the carriage, Xiao Tianming had already gathered his belongings. Seeing the array of bundles, large and small, Yun Zui could not help but be taken aback.

Did they actually have possessions?

"What is inside those?" Even someone as cold and detached as Yun Zui found herself curious about what a beggar could possibly own.

"Just some clothes..." Xiao Tianming replied.

Yun Zui felt speechless. His clothes were surely tattered and filthy; what was the point of keeping them?

"Leave them all behind. I will have someone buy you clothes that actually fit." With that, Yun Zui unceremoniously tossed their bundles back into the room.

Xiao Tianming looked momentarily stunned. The items inside were not things that should be seen by others, and they were certainly not as simple as mere clothing! He moved to retrieve them, but the sight of Yun Zui stopped him in his tracks.

Forget it. Better to abandon them here. As long as no one opened the bundles, it would be fine.

With this thought, Xiao Tianming stopped insisting and turned to Xiao Qi'er. "Leave everything."

His words carried the weight of a command. Xiao Qi'er dropped the bundle, though he did so with palpable reluctance. The other three men, who had joined Xiao Tianming in threatening the groom earlier, were entirely obedient, behaving as if they were nothing more than subservient slaves. Yun Zui, however, was preoccupied with wrapping Xiangbao in a coat to carry her out and failed to notice their strange behavior.

Xiao Tianming, Xiao Qi'er, and Gou'er boarded the carriage with an air of nonchalance, but the other three hesitated. Xiao Tianming glanced back at them and muttered, "Get in." Only then did they dare to climb into the carriage. A flicker of suspicion crossed Yun Zui’s eyes. Why did Xiao Tianming seem to possess such authority? It must be an illusion, she decided. Definitely an illusion.

Not dwelling on it further, Yun Zui took the reins, and the carriage rumbled toward the main street.

She brought the carriage to a halt before an exceptionally luxurious private residence, where servants immediately rushed out to meet them. "Everyone, get out," Yun Zui commanded. This was a property she had scouted earlier, having just purchased it at a premium price. The servants were the original staff of the house, whom she had temporarily retained for hourly work.

She had expected the group to be impressed by her wealth, but she hadn’t anticipated the sheer luxury of the estate. Yet, there was no sign of amazement in their eyes—only a brief moment of surprise. Such a reaction was hardly typical of beggars.

Yun Zui carried Xiangbao toward one of the courtyards, keeping her wrapped in a coat to ensure she was shielded from the wind.

Upon entering a room, Yun Zui immediately issued orders: "Boil some hot water, buy clothes suitable for a six-year-old girl, and prepare a brush, ink, paper, and an inkstone. Keep the room ventilated, but ensure the girl is not exposed to any drafts!"

The servants bustled about to fulfill her rapid-fire instructions. Xiao Tianming looked on in astonishment. Did Yun Zui possess medical knowledge? Otherwise, how could she seem so professional?

Once everything was settled, Yun Zui let out a sigh of relief. She had never really taken care of anyone before. Xiangbao was in the early stages of smallpox, but it would still require time to treat. In truth, smallpox was not necessarily terrifying; it was merely the severity of the high fever that left the imperial physicians and royal doctors helpless. But by applying modern methods, smallpox was no longer an incurable disease; everything was salvageable.

Xiao Tianming, Xiao Qi'er, Gou'er, and the other three men were standing in the courtyard. As soon as Yun Zui stepped out, Xiao Tianming asked, "How is Xiangbao?"

"Everything is arranged. I guarantee you will see a lively, healthy Xiangbao in seven days."