The implication is that Yang Xiaocui isn't pretending to faint.
Doctors have always held a high status in this place, so when everyone heard it was the doctor speaking, they believed him quite a bit.
If Yang Xiaocui was truly faint from hunger, and the fourth brother secretly carried her back.
Even if Yang Xiaocui hadn't woken up or hadn't hit the tree, her reputation would likely be ruined.
Thinking about it this way, one finds Yang Xiaocui somewhat innocent.
Upon hearing Yang Xiaocui fainted from hunger, Yang Ming's mother softened and said, "Xiaocui is a poor girl. All these years, her family hasn't stopped withholding her food rations. She eats little, yet works a lot. Look at how skinny that girl has become."
"Speaking of that girl, she's not too bad. She's good at working, and if given to the fourth, it's still alright. It's just that she's a bit small, doesn't look much older than our Guangguang. Anyway, giving her more food later can make up for it."
