Since Nanny Gong learned that Song Ci began to forget things, she automatically kept vigil on the couch outside. Being old, her sleep was light, and she would wake up at the slightest noise. So when murmurs came from Song Ci's side, she started up in alarm.
The light outside was not extinguished, merely covered with a lampshade, making it dim yet still visible.
Nanny Gong walked straight into the sleeping chamber, lifted the lampshade at the foot of the bed, and instantly brightened the room. She approached the small leaf red sandalwood bed carved with "Five Blessings Offering Longevity," and looked intently at Song Ci.
She saw Song Ci with tightly closed eyes, flushed cheeks, murmuring something like "don't go."
Nanny Gong was startled, reaching out to feel her forehead; it was scalding hot. She was shocked and picked up the bamboo gong at the bedside, striking it.
"Madam, Madam, wake up," Nanny Gong whispered.
