Over the past month, Pei Huaiyu sought out the finest physicians across the south. The carriages were filled with chests of precious herbs, yet none could bring a glimmer of spirit back to her eyes.
Ruan Jiaojiao had lost the desire to take her medicine, so every day he took her to visit ancient temples in the suburbs or walk along the banks of peach-blossom creeks, watching the spring water break the ice and the new swallows carrying mud for their nests. She would only lean against the cushions of her sedan chair, gazing at the distant mountains with hollow eyes.
The fragrance of medicine mixed with the crisp, clean scent of snow being boiled for tea filled the carriage, but she could not even hold a medicine bowl; the liquid would always trickle down the corner of her mouth, and she would then feel deeply ashamed.
Chapter 158