Si Boyan did not consume the Spirit Spring Water in the waterskin all by himself. Knowing it was a precious commodity, he handed it to his mother. After Old Madam Si had her share, she passed the waterskin back to her son. The others took turns drinking, all feeling a sense of relief and recovery. The children, protected by their parents, had escaped any serious harm.
Si Jiuyue thanked Gu Jingzhan quite solemnly, but he merely waved his hand, telling her there was no need for thanks. He then began helping the Si family tidy up their belongings, though his gentle gaze would drift toward her from time to time.
Madam Liu had sustained various cuts and scrapes on her face and body while shielding her two children. At this moment, she thought of her husband and could not help but weep; if he were still alive, he surely would have cherished her just as the two Si cousins cherished their wives. Her two children, pale with fright, huddled in her arms. Daya looked up, crying, "Mother, little sister, I’m so scared, boo-hoo!"
Chapter 71