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As soon as he entered, Shen Qing saw a burly figure and instinctively paused his steps, lowering his head respectfully and called out, "Uncle."
The light in the side room was dim, with only a few weak rays of daylight streaming through the partially closed window, casting mottled shadows on the coarse wooden furniture.
His aunt, Shen Xiu, who had miscarried more than ten days ago, lay on the bed. Her face was pale as paper, her eyes hollow and lifeless, and she appeared exceptionally weak.
The Hall Master of Linfeng Hall, Li Linfeng, was sitting by the bed. Upon hearing Shen Qing's greeting, he nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing more.
The air was filled with an indescribable dreariness.
The room was so quiet that only the faint breathing of Aunt Shen Xiu could be heard.
Li Linfeng instructed the maid Dongxue, "The water in the copper basin is cold, go get a warm one."
"Yes, sir."