My Antique Mirror Is A Portal To Another World - Chapter 343

Chapter 343: Madam Ji’s Decision
Madam Ji opened her eyes and saw the familiar bedpost. Before she could make a sound, the senior maidservant hurried forward and said, “Madam, please do not move yet.”

Turning to the first-ranked maidservants waiting on the side, the senior maidservant ordered, “Go and inform Physician Li that Madam has woken up. Invite him to check Madam’s pulse.”

“Yes, Momo,” one of the first-ranked maidservants curtsied and then hurried to call Physician Li.

Rubbing her brows, Madam Ji asked weakly, “Momo, what happened to me?”

When she asked, the senior maidservant looked at her and explained in a worried tone, “Madam, you have fainted for two sichen.”

Upon hearing this, the memory before she fainted resurfaced in Madam Ji’s mind. The moment she recalled the soldier’s report, her already pale face turned even paler.

Grabbing the senior maidservant’s hand, Madam Ji urgently asked, “Momo, what is the situation outside right now? Have you found any news about my husband?”

Questioned by Madam Ji, the senior maidservant’s expression sank.

She shook her head and replied, “Madam, the people we sent out failed to sneak into the Feng Army’s military camp. All we know is that the one leading the army is not General Zhan Qi of the Feng Army, but the Great General, Feng Xiyan.”

The second Madam Ji heard this, her strength left her body, and her fingers, which were clutching the senior maidservant’s hand, went limp.

Startled by this scene, the senior maidservant hurriedly supported her. “Madam! Are you alright?!”

Using her elbow to prop herself up on the bed, Madam Ji gritted her teeth and said, “I am fine.”

Seeing that she wanted to get out of bed, the senior maidservant tried to persuade her. “Madam, you just woke up and are still weak. You should rest for now.”

Shaking her head, Madam Ji responded, “I do not have time to rest. Since Feng Xiyan is the one leading the army, his motive is clearly to take over Xiquan City.”

“With only my eldest son guarding the city, we don’t have the strength, people, or ability to defend the city. We have no choice but to evacuate before it is too late.”

The supplies inside Xiquan City were already depleted, and only a small amount remained in the granary. It was barely enough to sustain the soldiers, let alone the common people.

Madam Ji had heard rumors that the Feng Army was blessed by Heaven and possessed unlimited supplies.

Even as a woman who rarely left the inner courtyard, she knew the outcome of a starving army facing a well-fed and fully equipped one.

Looking at the senior maidservant, Madam Ji said, “Momo, you have been following me since I married my husband.”

“As someone serving in a general’s household, you know what will happen to us the moment the enemies breach our defenses. Instead of waiting to die in humiliation, I would rather seek a glimmer of hope for survival.”

As determination flashed in Madam Ji’s eyes, she ordered, “Go and arrange for everyone to pack up. Bring only food, a set of clothes, and some valuables. If any servants wish to leave, give them some silver and let them go. I want everyone ready to depart within a quarter of one sichen.”

Seeing Madam Ji’s determination, the senior maidservant stopped persuading her. “Yes, Madam.”

Madam Ji then looked at the remaining first-ranked maidservant and said, “You should also go.”

The first-ranked maidservant hesitated for a moment before curtsying at her and replied, “Thank you, Madam.”

After the first-ranked maidservant hurried out, Physician Li arrived with the other first-ranked maidservant.

Looking at Madam Ji’s pale complexion, he said, “Madam, it is good that you have woken up. How do you feel?”

Madam Ji smiled at him and replied, “I feel a little weak.”

Physician Li placed a pulse pillow on the bed and gestured for her to place her hand on it.

After taking her pulse, he retracted his hand and said, “Madam, you are only a little weak after your emotions fluctuated strongly. I will prescribe a soothing medicine for you. Take it before sleeping, and you will recover in a few days.”

“Thank you, Physician Li.” Madam Ji smiled faintly, knowing it was impossible to find the medicine in the current situation, where not a single blade of grass could be seen for hundreds of li.

Physician Li wrote down the prescription, handed it to the first-ranked maidservant, and said, “Madam Ji, if there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”

Knowing this might be the last time she would see him, Madam Ji took a golden hairpin from her hair and handed it to him.

“Madam, this…” Physician Li looked at her in confusion, not daring to accept it.

Having no time to waste, Madam Ji lowered her voice and said, “Physician Li, this is my token of gratitude for your service all these years. After leaving this manor, you should leave Xiquan City and head to Xiqiang City. With your medical skills, there should be a place for you there.”

On his way here, Physician Li had already heard about the current situation of Xiquan City and knew he needed to leave if he wanted to live.

After a moment of hesitation, Physician Li accepted the golden hairpin and clasped his hands. “Thank you, Madam. May we meet again if fate allows.”

Madam Ji nodded. “Take care, Physician Li.”

After he left, Madam Ji looked at the first-ranked maidservant and said, “Help me change clothes.”

“Yes, Madam.”

With the first-ranked maidservant’s help, Madam Ji quickly changed into more modest clothing.

When she was done, she turned to the first-ranked maidservant and said, “You heard what I said just now. If you wish to leave, you can find the steward to receive some silver and your body-selling contract.”

Hearing this, the first-ranked maidservant thought for a moment before kneeling and kowtowing to Madam Ji.

She kowtowed three times and said, “Thank you, Madam, for your kindness. This servant will leave now. May we meet again when fate allows.”

Madam Ji did not feel disappointed by her decision. Who would wish to remain a slave when they could live freely as a good commoner?