But now she no longer feared; ever since her in-laws knew the issue lay with Shi Dalang, her days had become much easier.
The laundry at home wouldn't pile up waiting for her to wash; knowing she should avoid cold water, her mother-in-law took over doing the laundry.
This time the medicine was for both her and her husband to take. When the medicinal scent wafted through the house, there were no more nagging complaints, and the courtyard was no longer filled with annoying hammering and knocking sounds.
Thus, Liuniang was quite content. Even though she still had no children, she held her head up high instead of always keeping it lowered as before.
This time, when she inquired about Manbao's condition, she was not as urgent as the first time, merely asking with a touch of curiosity, "Doctor Zhou Junior, can my husband's illness really be cured?"
Manbao said, "There's an eighty percent chance."
"Then if he is cured, will I be able to conceive a child?"
