Shi Wuxiang only then realized he had been unconscious for more than half a month. During these days, the entire household had been shrouded in a layer of gloom. Now that he had awakened, it finally felt as though everything was truly recovering.
He observed the expressions of everyone in the family. Yuan Zhao, who had been guarding him the entire time, need not be mentioned—disheveled and haggard. His mother was the same, and his younger siblings were equally anxious and unsettled.
Although he had always known he was the pillar of the Shi household, now he had a far more concrete realization: if he were to fall, the family might not completely collapse, but it would likely take ten years before any laughter returned.
Fortunately, he was fine. Fortunately, those disasters had not come to pass.
“These past days have troubled all of you,” Shi Wuxiang said with a faint smile. He was still somewhat weak, but compared to before, he looked far more spirited.
“We’re family, there’s no need to say such things,” Madam Shi Zhang said through tears, her face red from crying. Even so, she did not forget to praise Yuan Zhao. “We’re all fine. It’s Ah Zhao who has been taking care of you without even changing his clothes or resting. You must take care of your health in the future—and treat him even better.”
Shi Wuxiang smiled and nodded, his gaze toward Yuan Zhao gentle and affectionate. Their eyes met only briefly before both quickly looked away, continuing to speak to others as if nothing had happened.
Madam Shi Zhang continued, “During this time, the Master has also been staying in the house waiting for you to wake up. We don’t understand what’s going on, but all the doctors said there was no hope, yet the Master told us to simply wait—and you really did wake up.”
“Where is the Master?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
There were some matters that only he and the Master could clearly understand.
Shi Qingyue quickly replied, “The Master has also been staying here these days. He looked unwell just now, so we asked him to rest first. Do you want to speak with him?”
Shi Wuxiang’s heart faintly tightened.
He understood more than most. The Master staying so closely by his side was likely not purely out of goodwill—there must be another reason.
It seemed he would have to wait until the Master woke.
“Master, the doctor has been invited.”
Along with the maid’s voice, the same physician from before was brought in again. Initially, upon seeing it was a Shi family servant, he had not intended to come—but upon hearing that Shi Wuxiang had actually awakened, he immediately came to see for himself.
The pulse was still steady. There remained a lingering heat in the body, but a few more doses of medicine would resolve it.
The physician clicked his tongue in wonder. He had never seen anyone with such fortune. Truly, it was fate.
“Mr. Shi is fine now. Only a slight residual fever remains. A few more doses of the previous prescription will clear it completely,” he said casually, returning to his usual unbothered demeanor. “As long as it’s not some mysterious illness, all is well.”
“Then we thank you for your trouble,” Madam Shi Zhang said gratefully.
The physician did not say much more. This was not his doing anyway—some things could not be explained.
Yuan Zhao quickly arranged for servants to prepare the medicine. The room was filled with people watching Shi Wuxiang as though he were some fragile creature, afraid he might worsen again at any moment.
“Mother, you’ve all worked hard these days. Now that I’ve awakened, there’s no need to keep watching over me like this. Go and rest,” Shi Wuxiang said softly.
He knew the entire family had been on edge because of him, but now that he had fully recovered, he could not bear to see them continue suffering.
Madam Shi Zhang once again wiped her tears and, supported by Tao Xiangyue and Shi Qingran, finally left. Shi Qingyue also did not stay, taking Yuan Wan along as well.
Now, no one was left to disturb the couple.
Having already exchanged their heartfelt words earlier, the two now found themselves slightly shy, almost avoiding each other’s gaze as though they had just met.
“Stop hiding there. Come lie beside me—forget it, you should sleep in the side room tonight. I probably smell terrible,” Shi Wuxiang said, joking at his own expense, deliberately teasing Yuan Zhao.
If Yuan Zhao truly disliked him, he would have done so long ago. He would not have stayed by his side day and night without rest.
Still, he understood the meaning behind the words and smiled cooperatively.
“I don’t dislike you.”
“I dislike myself. Can someone bring hot water? I want to wash up properly,” Shi Wuxiang said, his tone clearly softer, almost pleading. There was none of his former pride left.
He could never act strong in front of Yuan Zhao.
In some situations—except those.
Yuan Zhao knew he was recovering, and that his illness had nothing to do with a simple fever. It was likely something as mysterious as the Master had said. He did not understand it, but he believed it.
“Xia Lian, have the kitchen boil hot water. Bring the bathtub into the room and set up a screen,” Yuan Zhao instructed. He intended to watch over Shi Wuxiang while he bathed and personally wash his back.
The servants quickly complied.
Everything in the household now revolved around Shi Wuxiang.
Hot water was prepared swiftly. Buckets were poured into the tub until it was full, and still Shi Wuxiang felt it was not enough, insisting more be prepared so he could wash himself thoroughly.
Standing up, he felt slightly weak in the legs and laughed softly. “Lying for so long has made my bones soft. I probably look terrible now.”
So he still cared about his appearance.
Yuan Zhao snorted. “Then hurry up and recover properly. If you become ugly, I won’t want you anymore.”
“I understand, you little pervert,” Shi Wuxiang chuckled.
Just as he stepped into the tub, he suddenly remembered something and rinsed his feet first before entering.
Yuan Zhao burst out laughing at that sight.
After days without bathing, Shi Wuxiang felt thoroughly dirty. Yuan Zhao could not help him much, so Shi Qingyue was called in to help scrub his back—but even then, very little dirt came off.
After all, the room itself was clean.
Yuan Zhao was utterly impressed. If he went three days without bathing, he would not be able to stand it.
By the time Shi Wuxiang finished bathing and washing his hair, he felt completely refreshed. Though the doctor still said he had a slight fever, he himself felt no discomfort and was full of energy.
It was midsummer when he woke. As soon as he stepped outside, the sunlight quickly dried his hair.
The bedding had already been replaced, smelling faintly of sunlight, comforting and warm.
Once his hair was dry, Shi Wuxiang supported Yuan Zhao back to the room. He could clearly see the dark circles under Yuan Zhao’s eyes. Now that everything had been said and settled, it was time for him to rest properly.
“I’m not very sleepy,” Yuan Zhao shook his head.
If he closed his eyes, he would see A Xiang again. He did not want that.
Shi Wuxiang gently patted his back. “I’ll watch you sleep. It’ll be just like I’m by your side. I’ll stay with you.”
“Not going anywhere?” Yuan Zhao asked.
“Not going anywhere,” Shi Wuxiang replied.
Knowing he always kept his word, Yuan Zhao finally closed his eyes in peace.
Of everyone, he was the most exhausted.
He had been pushing his tired body day and night to care for Shi Wuxiang, and only now, with the tension released, did he fall into deep sleep almost instantly.
Shi Wuxiang stayed true to his promise, sitting quietly by the bed reading. The students had fallen behind in their lessons, and he needed to make up for it.
A soft voice sounded from outside.
“Master Shi.”
“It’s you, Master,” Shi Wuxiang replied softly, setting the book aside and stepping out.
The Master’s face looked unusually pale.
“Now that you have awakened and your memories have returned, our karmic ties are settled,” the Master said calmly.
Shi Wuxiang frowned with concern. “Was the Master forced to stay until now for this karma?”
“I once went against the will of heaven. This is my own karma. Everything is already resolved,” the Master said gently.
“Thank you, Master. I do not know how to repay your kindness. If there is anything you need, I will do my best,” Shi Wuxiang said.
The Master smiled faintly. “There is a broken temple outside the city. There are some young monks there who are pitiful. If you have time, please take care of them.”
“Very well.”
“I shall take my leave now.”
With that, the Master turned and left.
Shi Wuxiang wanted to stop him, but as the Master had said, everything in this world was already fate. No one could interfere with karma that must be borne.
The Master walked away steadily, not knowing where he was headed—only that he must keep walking until he reached his destination.
He had his own temple, but life and death karma should not be burdened by others. It must be borne alone.
It would be best to die in an empty mountain forest, returning to dust, nourishing the land as he passed.
Shi Wuxiang only then learned that he had actually been unconscious for more than half a month. During that entire period, the household had been under a heavy cloud of gloom; only now that he had awakened did everything finally seem to recover.
He looked at everyone’s faces. Yuan Zhao, who had been guarding him without rest, needed no further mention—he was exhausted and disheveled. His mother was the same, and his younger siblings were filled with unease and anxiety.
Even though he had always known he was the backbone of the Shi family, this moment made it truly clear: if he were to fall, the household might not completely collapse, but within ten years there would likely be no laughter left.
Fortunately, nothing had happened to him. Fortunately, those disasters had not come to pass.
“These days have worried you all,” Shi Wuxiang said with a faint smile. Though still somewhat weak, he looked far more energetic than before.
“We are family, there is no need for such words,” Madam Shi Zhang said through tears, her eyes red and swollen. Even then, she did not forget to speak well of Yuan Zhao. “We’re all fine. It’s Ah Zhao who has been taking care of you without rest or even changing his clothes. You must take care of yourself in the future—and treat him even better.”
Shi Wuxiang smiled and nodded. When his gaze met Yuan Zhao’s, there was warmth and affection, but it only lasted a moment before both of them looked away, resuming conversation with others.
Madam Shi Zhang continued, “During this time, the Master has also been staying here waiting for you to wake. We didn’t understand what was happening, but all the doctors said there was no hope. Only the Master said to wait—and you truly woke up.”
“Where is the Master?” Shi Wuxiang asked.
Some matters could only be made clear between him and the Master.
Shi Qingyue quickly replied, “The Master has also been staying these days. He looked unwell earlier, so we asked him to rest. Do you need to speak with him?”
Shi Wuxiang felt a faint unease.
He understood more than the others. The Master staying like this was likely not merely out of kindness—there must be some other reason.
It seemed he would have to wait until the Master awoke.
“Sir, the doctor has arrived.”
With the maid’s announcement, the same physician from before was invited in again. At first, he had not intended to come, but upon hearing that Shi Wuxiang had awakened, he rushed over immediately.
The pulse was still steady. There was still a slight lingering heat, but a few more doses of medicine would fully resolve it.
The physician clicked his tongue in amazement. He had never seen someone with such fortune. Truly, it was destiny.
“Mr. Shi is fine now. Only a mild residual fever remains. A few more doses of the previous prescription will clear it,” he said casually. “As long as it’s not some strange illness, there is nothing to worry about.”
“Then we thank you for your trouble,” Madam Shi Zhang said gratefully.
The physician did not say more. This was not his credit—some things could not be explained.
Yuan Zhao immediately arranged for the medicine to be prepared. The entire room watched Shi Wuxiang as if he might break at any moment.
“Mother, you all have worked hard these days. Now that I’m awake, there is no need to keep watching over me. Please go rest,” Shi Wuxiang said gently.
Madam Shi Zhang was once again tearful. With Tao Xiangyue and Shi Qingran supporting her, she finally left. Shi Qingyue also did not stay, taking Yuan Wan along as well.
Now, no one remained to disturb the couple.
Having already exchanged heartfelt words earlier, they now felt a rare sense of shyness, even avoiding each other’s eyes as though they had only just met.
“Stop hiding over there. Come lie with me—forget it, you should sleep in the side room tonight. I probably stink,” Shi Wuxiang said lightly, teasing himself.
If Yuan Zhao had minded, he would have done so long ago.
Yuan Zhao understood and smiled along.
“I don’t dislike you.”
“I dislike myself. Can someone prepare hot water? I want to bathe properly,” Shi Wuxiang said softly, almost pleadingly. There was no trace of his former pride.
He was never strong-willed in front of Yuan Zhao.
Yuan Zhao gave instructions for hot water to be prepared, and soon the room was arranged for bathing.
Afterward, Shi Wuxiang bathed thoroughly. The water was changed several times until Yuan Zhao insisted he scrubbed clean enough.
After washing, he felt much lighter. Though the doctor still mentioned a slight fever, he felt no discomfort at all.
It was midsummer. After stepping outside briefly, his hair dried quickly in the sun.
The bedding had been changed and smelled faintly of sunlight.
Once dry, Shi Wuxiang helped Yuan Zhao back to bed. He noticed the dark circles under his eyes and now that everything had been said, it was time for him to rest.
“I’m not very sleepy,” Yuan Zhao said.
If he closed his eyes, he would see him again.
Shi Wuxiang gently patted his back. “I’ll watch you sleep. It’ll be like I’m with you. I won’t go anywhere.”
“Not going anywhere?” Yuan Zhao asked.
“Not going anywhere,” Shi Wuxiang replied.
Yuan Zhao believed him and finally closed his eyes.
Of everyone, he was the most exhausted.
He had been caring for Shi Wuxiang day and night, and now that the tension was gone, he fell asleep almost instantly.
Shi Wuxiang kept his promise, sitting by the bed reading. The students had fallen behind in lessons; he needed to catch up.
A voice came from outside.
“Master Shi.”
“It’s the Master,” Shi Wuxiang responded softly, setting down his book and going out.
The Master’s face was unusually pale.
“Now that you have awakened and your memories have returned, our karmic ties are resolved,” the Master said calmly.
Shi Wuxiang frowned. “Was the Master staying here all this time because of this karma?”
“I once went against heaven’s order. This is my own karma. It is now settled,” the Master replied.
“Thank you, Master. If there is anything I can do, please tell me,” Shi Wuxiang said sincerely.
The Master smiled faintly. “There is a ruined temple outside the city. There are some young monks there who are pitiful. Please look after them in the future.”
“Understood.”
“I will take my leave now.”
With that, the Master turned and left.
Shi Wuxiang wanted to stop him, but as the Master had said, everything was already destined. No one could interfere with karma that must be borne.
The Master walked away steadily, not knowing where he would go—only that he must continue walking until he reached his final destination.
He had his own temple, but karmic burden should not be carried by others. It must be borne alone.
It would be best to die in a quiet mountain forest, returning to dust, nourishing the land in the end.
Even more surprising—he didn’t get angry?
Tao Xiangyue was once again stunned. He could actually ask questions in such a mild and agreeable tone.
“It’s not too late. As long as you are willing to follow a master and learn, it’s never too late—and you can learn it all,” Shi Qingran replied seriously after seeing her mother’s stern expression.
With so much happening in the family recently, she had already come to realize how important medical skills were. It was a life-preserving ability. She did not think it was a bad thing to spend a few extra years learning.
Yuan Zhao’s eyes rolled slightly, and he put on a worried expression.
“If you want to learn, of course you can. It’s just that we don’t know which clinic would be willing to take in a female apprentice. That might be a bit difficult…”
“It’s not difficult, sister-in-law! The old doctor who treated Big Brother before is willing to take me as his apprentice!” Shi Qingran blurted out immediately, completely unaware of the fleeting smile on Yuan Zhao’s face.
He knew it—there was indeed something brewing that had led her to this idea.
As soon as she finished speaking, Shi Qingran also realized the danger.
This counted as acting first and reporting later according to family rules—something that could get her scolded.
“Sister-in-law—”
She immediately switched to acting cute, clearly knowing who held the final say in this household. She called out to Yuan Zhao first, then to Tao Xiangyue, putting on a full display of pleading and acting spoiled.
Yuan Zhao said, “It’s a good thing that you want to learn. It’s just that starting now, you’ll probably suffer quite a bit. If you can’t endure it—”
“I can endure it! I really can, sister-in-law! Sister-in-law~~”
Before he could finish, Shi Qingran hurriedly interrupted with even more coaxing.
“Alright then,” Yuan Zhao finally said, looking toward Madam Shi Zhang. “Mother, let her go. Having something to do is good for her.”
In truth, he wanted to say: if you can’t endure it, just come back home—the family can support you. But seeing her so eager, saying that would only make it seem like he looked down on her.
Madam Shi Zhang sighed helplessly. “If you want to go, then go. But don’t come crying and complaining once you’re there—I won’t feel sorry for you!”
“How could you not feel sorry for me? You allowing me to go already means you’re caring about me,” Shi Qingran said, hugging her and laughing.
After that, Shi Qingran began splitting her time between home and the clinic. And she truly never once complained of hardship or fatigue.