A bout of autumn rain impeded the Song family's return to the Capital from their two houses.
In the main bedroom, an elderly doctor was taking Granny Song's pulse as a cold towel lay across her forehead.
Old Song, Song Erlang, and Wen Wan were watching anxiously from the side.
The Second Lang's wife was still in her own room, in a deep sleep.
Jinbao, Qi Bao, and Duobao, the three little ones, were confined to the East Wing and not allowed to come out.
Song Wei stood in the courtyard with an umbrella, asking Yuanbao's attendant student, Duan Yan, "Has someone been sent to urge the young master?"
Duan Yan nodded quickly, "They've already gone. The county school might be a bit far from here, but don't worry, sir, the young master will return."
Yuanbao had also left early in the morning to meet some old classmates, taking Ye Ling with him, wishing her to see his native Pingjiang County.
