W Chapter 80
by VolareChapter 80: Chapter 80 (Two-in-One)
The provincial examination is in mid-to-late August, and many students at the County Academy will be participating.
Seeing that there was only a little over a month left, Han Shiqing had been fasting, praying, and worshipping the Three Pure Ones for the past few days.
He worshipped all the gods he could, hoping that the County Academy would produce a Provincial Graduate, not only for prestige but also for his political achievements.
“Headmaster, the gatekeeper reports that Ling Yue’s brother has brought him to withdraw from school.”
Han Shiqing had just finished burning incense, his body carrying the scent of sandalwood. He lightly brushed his sleeves, murmured to himself, “Ling Yue…”
“Is that the child Magistrate Lin recommended?”
The page respectfully replied, “Yes.”
Hasty footsteps came from the inner room. Han Shiqing walked out of the inner room with a slightly anxious expression, his tone hurried, “Quickly, invite them in.”
Ling Xing and Ling Yue didn’t wait long outside before they were invited into the room.
Han Shiqing cordially asked the two brothers to sit down, his gaze seemingly casually sizing them up.
“Everything was fine, why do you want to withdraw from school?”
Ling Xing looked at Han Shiqing, seeing his gentle expression, as if he was truly wondering why Ling Yue suddenly wanted to withdraw from school.
But as Qin Mingfeng’s brother-in-law, how could he not know the reason?
Moreover, for some reason, he felt that the Headmaster Han in front of him had a strange look in his eyes.
The meaning of inquiry and scrutiny was too heavy, making him feel like he was a criminal being interrogated.
Ling Xing’s voice was cold, lacking its usual gentleness, “Headmaster, your question makes it difficult for me to answer. Why don’t you ask Teacher Qin?”
Han Shiqing was momentarily speechless, not expecting Ling Xing to be so uncooperative. He chuckled dryly twice, “Calling people back and forth is also troublesome.”
“Since you’ve already decided, I won’t delay your time. I’ll write the certificate now.”
Withdrawing from the County Academy was much simpler than entering.
After the Headmaster wrote the certificate and stamped it, it was done.
After receiving the stamped certificate, Ling Xing took Ling Yue directly away.
Only after the two had completely disappeared did Han Shiqing withdraw his gaze, glance at the small drawer beside him, and then, with a furrowed brow, call the page to summon Qin Mingfeng.
“Brother-in-law, what are you saying? You want me to apologize to a child?”
Qin Mingfeng leaned his hands on the desk, shouting in disbelief.
Han Shiqing impatiently leaned back, creating distance between them, “That child withdrew from school today. If he says anything after he leaves, will you still want your reputation?”
Qin Mingfeng snorted coldly, “He dares to say anything about me? I won’t even mention that he’s disrespectful to his teachers at such a young age, with no rules!”
Han Shiqing scolded, “What nonsense are you talking about? Do you really think the teachers at the County Academy will remain silent and let you do whatever you want?”
“Ling Yue is young and intelligent, and well-liked. Ever since he didn’t follow your wishes last time, you’ve been targeting him everywhere, suppressing him in everything. Several teachers have already come to me, hinting that I should manage you.”
“At that time, Ling Yue was still at the County Academy. They were afraid that you would harm Ling Yue in places they couldn’t see, so they didn’t reveal it openly. Now that he has withdrawn from school and is no longer restrained by you. Do you think they can remain silent and cover up for you after your reckless slander?”
Qin Mingfeng said indifferently, “Isn’t there still brother-in-law? How dare they…”
“Qin Mingfeng.” Han Shiqing interrupted him, his expression solemn, his eyes showing coldness, “If you don’t go, you can also leave the County Academy.”
Qin Mingfeng was stunned. No matter what he did before, his brother-in-law had never said anything about letting him leave the County Academy.
“Brother-in-law, Ling Yue doesn’t have any background or power. Why does brother-in-law care so much?”
Han Shiqing frowned, “You only know how to look at people’s family background, have you ever looked at their talent? He passed the preliminary scholar examination at such a young age, and the other teachers all say he’s intelligent and eager to learn. It’s already difficult to get one, but he has both. I’ve also observed him in secret, and this child’s temperament is extremely stable, not arrogant or impetuous. Do you think he’s truly something ordinary?”
Qin Mingfeng sneered, scoffing lightly.
“Young and intelligent doesn’t mean he’ll definitely be successful in the future. His preliminary scholar qualification was barely passing, so what’s so great about it?”
Seeing that he couldn’t get through to him, only knowing how to refute and protect his pathetic face, Han Shiqing didn’t want to waste any more words. His voice lowered a few degrees, clearly displeased.
“Even if he doesn’t achieve anything in the future, you have to apologize to me today. He should be saying goodbye at the school now, hurry up and don’t delay, go immediately. Say it in front of all the students, or else you’ll leave the County Academy today, don’t be a County Academy teacher. My temple is small and can’t accommodate you!”
This idiot didn’t even think about why Magistrate Lin, with such a background, would help a Ge’er’s younger brother find a spot at the County Academy for no reason?
He only knew that Magistrate Lin hadn’t taken any action because he was mistreating Ling Yue, and he completely lacked caution.
Han Shiqing knew that someone of Magistrate Lin’s origin wouldn’t care about ordinary things and people.
Such a person was willing to help, which could only mean that the other party had this value.
Although he hadn’t yet figured out the key, Ling Yue’s brother couldn’t be underestimated.
However, all of the above were still secondary.
More importantly, he had received a letter.
Early this morning, a sealed letter was placed on the desk in the Chaoxue Pavilion.
The unfamiliar handwriting on the envelope was sharp as a knife, writing “To Headmaster Han in person.”
Opening the envelope, inside were some rambling words he had said to his concubine the night before when he was drunk.
Drunken ramblings weren’t important, what was important was that he had mentioned the previous dynasty.
With his qualifications, he could have gone to the prefectural school, but when the new dynasty was established, the emperor wanted to promote and train useful people. He had no foundation and couldn’t manage it, so the position was taken by someone else.
He could only continue to be the Headmaster of the County Academy.
How many scholars in Yunshui County could make a name for themselves? It was extremely difficult for him to make achievements and get promoted.
Perhaps, he could only be a County Academy Headmaster for the rest of his life.
He was only one month away from going to the prefectural school as Headmaster.
Everything was packed, but then the dynasty changed.
This was a thorn in his heart, a permanent regret and resentment.
As time went on, it was inevitable that he would feel resentment and indignation, saying a few words while drunk, involving why the dynasty changed so early.
With his experience, it was normal to complain behind closed doors, but he didn’t expect to be overheard.
Thinking carefully, the courtyard was close to the street. If someone really climbed in, it was possible.
But there were no servants in the house, and even if someone was close to the window, it was impossible to hear what he was saying from that distance.
Han Shiqing didn’t suspect that it was his concubine playing tricks. Only she knew about this matter, and even if she was stupid, she wouldn’t play tricks on this matter.
Moreover, the request in the letter was for Qin Mingfeng to apologize to Ling Yue.
He had never said a word about what happened in the County Academy to his family.
Han Shiqing’s attitude was tough. Qin Mingfeng’s face was dark, and he gritted his teeth, “Understood.”
After the person had completely left, Han Shiqing pulled out the drawer beside him and looked down at the suddenly appearing letter.
Staring at the knife-like writing on the envelope, his heart trembled.
He didn’t dare to look again. The content of this letter was evidence of his guilt and couldn’t be kept for long, so he quickly burned it.
The fire flickered, gradually engulfing the letter.
Han Shiqing watched the fire devour the paper, his brows furrowed. Could it be that Magistrate Lin sent someone?
In Yunshui County, the only people with such skills were the dead soldiers raised by the Magistrate’s family. He couldn’t think of anyone else.
What was the relationship between Ling Xing and Magistrate Lin? Why was the Magistrate helping him so much?
Han Shiqing couldn’t figure it out, and he felt anxious and uneasy at the thought of a pair of eyes watching him in the dark.
People really needed to be careful in their words and actions, even at home.
In the preliminary scholar classroom, Ling Yue was saying goodbye to his classmates.
He was young, and his classmates treated him as a junior. The child was also well-behaved and intelligent, and everyone liked him very much.
Suddenly saying that he was leaving, considering what Teacher Qin had done in the past month, Ling Yue’s decision was also reasonable.
If it were them, they wouldn’t be able to endure it either.
Leaving was also good, without Teacher Qin’s harassment and torment, it might be a better choice for Ling Yue.
After saying goodbye one by one, Ling Yue was about to leave when he was stopped by a familiar voice.
“Wait a moment.”
Ling Xing, who was waiting for Ling Yue in the corridor not far away, had been watching his younger brother. He noticed that his younger brother suddenly stiffened and turned around with a displeased expression.
He followed his younger brother’s gaze and saw a middle-aged man, wearing a Confucian robe and a scarf, the attire of a County Academy teacher.
Respecting teachers and valuing the Way also required the teacher to be good.
Now that Ling Yue was no longer a student of the County Academy, he didn’t bow to Qin Mingfeng.
If he wasn’t afraid that Qin Mingfeng would rush over and grab him, causing more unnecessary trouble, Ling Yue wouldn’t have even stopped.
“I wonder what Teacher Qin wants?”
Ling Yue straightened his back. His childish voice was slightly hoarse and rough due to his damaged throat. Affected by his emotions, it had a bit of coldness, lacking the soft suppleness unique to children’s voices.
Qin Mingfeng subconsciously wanted to scold him, what kind of attitude was that for a student to have towards a teacher?
But he saw that the students around him had gathered around, and a stranger had also approached Ling Yue.
The newcomer was extremely handsome, beardless, without an Adam’s apple, and had some resemblance to Ling Yue between his eyebrows and eyes. He should be his Ge’er brother.
Qin Mingfeng snorted disdainfully, his gaze falling on Ling Xing filled with disgust.
He knew how Magistrate Lin would care so much about a Ge’er. Growing up like this, it was no wonder he could charm Magistrate Lin.
Qin Mingfeng’s eyes were full of malice, and Ling Yue’s small face was serious, “What are you looking at, Teacher Qin?”
Qin Mingfeng choked. He couldn’t say that he was looking at Ling Xing. Staring at a Ge’er for no reason would damage his image if it spread out.
The students in the preliminary scholar class were already somewhat dissatisfied with him, and it was impossible for them to speak for him.
They might even help Ling Yue and his brother to smear him.
His brother-in-law didn’t know what was going on, but he suddenly favored Ling Yue. It was better not to provoke anyone anymore, otherwise he was afraid that he would really be driven out of the County Academy by his brother-in-law.
Qin Mingfeng stopped looking at Ling Xing. Thinking about having to apologize to Ling Yue in front of so many people, he couldn’t help but feel angry in his heart.
But he had to do it.
Ling Yue saw Qin Mingfeng’s face turning green, then red, then white, changing like a face-changing performance, but he didn’t say a word.
He didn’t want to have any involvement with this person. He really didn’t want to waste his energy on someone unworthy.
Ling Yue turned to leave, and Qin Mingfeng watched him leave, opening his mouth to stop him again, “Wait a moment, don’t move.”
Ling Yue turned a deaf ear. Ling Xing guessed that this person was the Teacher Qin who had been bullying his younger brother.
This person was really indescribable. Just now, the look in his eyes was full of malice, extremely uncomfortable.
Ling Xing didn’t want Ling Yue to be hurt by him again, so he took Ling Yue’s hand and continued forward, ignoring the increasingly loud and angry shouts behind him.
Seeing that the person was about to walk away and didn’t listen to his calls at all, Qin Mingfeng had no choice but to take two steps forward and shout, “Everything before was my fault, I’m sorry for making you feel wronged.”
After saying that, without waiting for Ling Yue to react, and without daring to look at the faces and expressions of the surrounding students, he ran away in a hurry.
It was really embarrassing. To make him, a dignified teacher, bow his head to a student, his brother-in-law must have really taken the wrong medicine!
The students in the preliminary scholar class looked at each other, not daring to make any movements, afraid of provoking Qin Mingfeng’s anger and venting his anger on them.
They were also happy for Ling Yue, finally getting an apology from Teacher Qin.
Ling Xing and Ling Yue glanced at Qin Mingfeng’s fleeing back, also puzzled as to why this person had changed his temperament today.
Ling Yue didn’t respond to this apology. The way Qin Mingfeng ran away seemed to not require any response.
He could see that Qin Mingfeng was forced to say this apology.
In any case, it was better than nothing.
This person would have nothing to do with him in the future.
Leaving the County Academy, Ling Yue felt much lighter.
Facing the sun, he closed his eyes, pursed his lips, and smiled, enjoying the warm sunlight for a moment.
Not long after the two brothers left, Han Shiqing found a team of masons and raised the walls of his house even higher.
After Ling Yue withdrew from school, he couldn’t find a new teacher and temporarily studied at home.
After sleeping for a day and a night, taking a good nap and rest, he resumed his usual routine.
He got up before dawn to exercise, then read, stood and practiced his handwriting after eating, and then continued reading.
Any questions he didn’t understand were written down and asked Shen Hui when he came back from school.
The snack shop was also very busy. Ling Xing didn’t want Ling Yue, a child, to be at home alone, mainly because he was too young and had been abducted before, so he couldn’t rest assured.
He simply hired another person to work.
He made Frozen Milk Custard at home every day and could also take care of Ling Yue.
The shop assistant came to pick up the Frozen Milk Custard on time, so he didn’t need to bother to deliver it anymore. When there was nothing to do in the afternoon, he would stroll to the shop to see how things were going. Life was more carefree than before.
Ling Yue’s spirit was better than at the County Academy, and not only him, but Shen Hui as well.
Some time ago, Ling Xing always saw Shen Hui yawning, and his eyes were also slightly tired. Thinking that the provincial examination was approaching, it must be because he was nervous and hadn’t slept well.
Fortunately, he had adjusted in the past few days and was much more energetic.
Otherwise, he would have prepared to go to the pharmacy to get some tranquilizing medicine.
In mid-July, the weather was hot and dry.
The cicadas on the trees were chirping one after another, the chirping was sharp and ear-piercing, making one feel even more upset.
The Gingko Medical Clinic, which usually didn’t have many people coming to see a doctor, now had three or five people, sitting listlessly on the stools, leaning against the wooden wall, tired and weak.
All of them had heatstroke due to the high temperature.
Every summer was like this. At this time, the medical clinic basically had to boil a lot of heat-relieving medicine every day.
Boiling medicine in hot weather was the most difficult and tiring work. The steaming heat made the medicine boiler want to faint as well.
In the past, this work was done by Xinyi. There was no way, out of the four of them, only he knew the most about herbs and had experience, so he could accurately grasp the heat.
There was no room for error in boiling medicine, otherwise, it would harm the patients.
Xinyi sat in front of the medicine stove, smelling the bitter medicine smell, fanning himself with a sullen face.
Beads of sweat dripped down, and the ground had been hammered out of a small pit by the sweat, its color much darker than the surroundings.
His clothes were all wet and stuck to his body, making him feel very uncomfortable. The fan couldn’t fan out cool air at all, only steaming heat.
The cicadas were chirping in the yard, and Xinyi was anxious and irritable, his breathing unsteady.
He threw the fan away and pointed at the tree, scolding, “Chirp, chirp, chirp! All you know how to do is chirp all day long! I’m going to stick you all and make medicine!”
“Banxia! Rendong! Come and watch the medicine stove!”
Xinyi roared, and the slightly younger Banxia and Rendong didn’t dare to disobey. They put down the work of cutting herbs in their hands and came over.
Banxia was a little braver than Rendong, “Senior Brother Xinyi, we’re afraid we can’t do the work of watching the medicine. If something goes wrong, Master will be angry. Why don’t Rendong and I go stick cicadas?”
Sticking cicadas was just an excuse. Xinyi just wanted to be able to leave the medicine stove and cool off for a while.
Of course, he couldn’t let go.
“What could happen? Don’t you already know when the medicine should be stopped this year? I’ve already done the previous things, and the heat has been adjusted. Now you just need to wait until the time is up and pour them out. Are you so stupid that you can’t even tell the time?”
Banxia and Rendong didn’t dare to say anything. They were just afraid that if something went wrong, Master would punish them.
But they couldn’t resist Xinyi, so they could only sit obediently by the medicine stove.
Xinyi’s face finally looked a little better. He went to get a long bamboo pole and dough to stick cicadas.
Shen Lai and Kongqing were sorting herbs. Seeing Xinyi holding a long bamboo pole, Shen Lai stopped him, “Master told you to boil medicine, why are you taking a bamboo pole to stick cicadas?”
Xinyi hated Shen Lai the most.
It was enough that a Ge’er came to study medicine, but he was also learning very quickly.
He had spent more than half a year before Master allowed him to sort herbs.
As a result, Shen Lai was able to sort them in just over two months.
Kongqing, that little brat, was just picked up and coaxed by Shen Lai once after falling down, and from then on, he dared not listen to him and stuck to that kid.
He also followed him to sort herbs, not only not annoying Shen Lai, but also helping him sort them in a proper manner.
He thought that Shen Lai would definitely get tired of Kongqing in a short time, after all, he hated Kongqing coming over when he was sorting herbs.
The child didn’t understand anything, and just asked what this was and what that was when holding the herbs.
Ask, ask, ask, so what if he said it? Could he even remember it?
Who knew that Shen Lai really answered every question and was never impatient. Kongqing followed him, and he really knew some herbs and could help.
Now Kongqing didn’t play with the three of them, only recognizing Shen Lai.
Xinyi was even more dissatisfied with Shen Lai, feeling that he had deliberately snatched Kongqing away.
But that little brat actually betrayed them and got close to Shen Lai. He didn’t care.
Xinyi snorted coldly, raised the long bamboo pole and left, ignoring Shen Lai at all.
He had already given a reminder, and Shen Lai couldn’t control what happened next.
He took Kongqing and continued to sort herbs, doing what he should do.
After the herbs were sorted, Kongqing’s chubby little face was flushed red from the heat. He raised his head and pulled Shen Lai’s clothes, blinking his big eyes, and sweetly discussing with Shen Lai.
“Little Fifth Brother, did I do well today? Can I eat a little Frozen Milk Custard?”
Kongqing had just passed his fifth birthday. On his birthday, Shen Lai gave him two bites of Frozen Milk Custard. The child had been craving it for a long time, let him relieve his craving.
He craved it when he didn’t eat it, and he craved it even more after eating it.
He was well-behaved all day long, just wanting to perform well so that Shen Lai could give him two more bites of Frozen Milk Custard.
It wasn’t good for children to eat too much with rice wine, but it was okay to eat a few bites.
Doctor Pei also allowed it.
Shen Lai liked Kongqing because he had more fun learning medicine here because of Kongqing.
He naturally agreed to Kongqing’s not excessive request, “I’ll bring a copy tomorrow, let’s eat it together.”
Shen Lai never lied about what he promised. Kongqing’s joy was beyond words, his eyes sparkling, nodding vigorously.
The two of them were happy, when they suddenly heard a strange coughing sound, muffled as if something was stuck in their throats with an obvious breathy sound.
“Cough—kakaka—”
The two of them followed the coughing sound and saw that under a tree not far away, Xinyi was pressing his hands on his throat, his whole body bent over, bowing his back, coughing hard.
Shen Lai felt that his posture and coughing sounds were very strange, so he went forward to check.
Kongqing followed closely behind.
Scattered chicken bones were scattered on the shaded ground.
The medical clinic ate stewed chicken at noon. Shen Lai had become smarter these days at the medical clinic.
He went to eat on time, and he had to be fast. The first to finish eating could eat well and be full.
If he ate slower, his food would be snatched away by Xinyi.
He observed that Xinyi wasn’t just targeting him. Banxia, Rendong, and even Kongqing were the same, more or less being bullied by him.
But Xinyi was the worst to him, always using his identity as a Ge’er to say things.
Today’s stewed chicken was stewed with herbs, with exquisite dosage, delicious taste, and a slight medicinal taste, which was beneficial to the body.
Shen Lai ate very quickly. One step slower, and he wouldn’t have any chicken.
Xinyi had already finished his share at the dinner table. The chicken bones on the ground now, he didn’t know if he hadn’t finished them and hid them, or if he had snatched them from Banxia or Rendong.
Xinyi’s throat continued to make strange noises, kakaing non-stop, his face flushed red, and his fingers kept digging into his mouth.
He was stuck with a chicken bone!
Having a foreign object stuck in the throat could be fatal.
Banxia and Rendong also heard the movement, felt something was wrong, and dropped the work in their hands to run over.
Watching Xinyi almost suffocate to death, they were so scared that their legs went weak.
With life at stake, Shen Lai quickly stepped forward.
“Banxia, go call Master, Rendong, take Kongqing away, don’t scare him.”
The two, who had been frightened out of their minds, immediately reacted and did what Shen Lai said subconsciously.
At this time, Xinyi’s movements obviously became smaller, and the veins on his neck were bulging, looking very frightening.
Shen Lai hesitated for a moment, then quickly wrapped his arms around Xinyi from behind.
Xinyi’s consciousness was already a little blurred, his mind blank, and he didn’t notice Shen Lai’s actions at all.
He only felt that his abdomen was being rhythmically squeezed, and a feeling of nausea surged up, desperately wanting to vomit.
But it stopped at the critical point, preventing him from vomiting.
After being squeezed countless times, he finally reached that critical point. Something flew out of his throat, the feeling of suffocation instantly plummeted, and fresh air poured in. At that moment, the world lit up.
He was alive!
Doctor Pei hurried to the backyard and saw Shen Lai hugging Xinyi from behind, his hands squeezing. Then something flew out of Xinyi’s mouth.
With many years of medical experience, he could see at a glance that Shen Lai’s movements were the key to saving Xinyi.
People being choked to death every year were not uncommon.
Xinyi quickly regained consciousness after being rescued. He knew that Shen Lai had saved him.
The near-death experience made him tremble all over. He really thought he wouldn’t survive this time.
The kindness of saving his life was beyond words.
Remembering the past, his face turned green and white for a while, and finally he said in shame, “Thank you for saving my life, you’re the boss from now on!”
Shen Lai was not interested in being the boss, but being the boss could prevent Xinyi from bullying him, so he nodded without hesitation.
Doctor Pei examined Xinyi and confirmed that there was no problem.
He asked clearly about the whole story. Xinyi wanted to cool down, gave the work to Banxia and Rendong, and stuck cicadas for a while. He felt hungry, so he went to get the chicken he had put away at noon to eat.
Who knew that he ate too fast, and a small piece of chicken bone got stuck in his throat.
The chicken was stewed soft, and the bones broke with a bite.
Xinyi initially noticed that there was a chicken bone that hadn’t been spat out completely, but he didn’t care. He never thought that he wouldn’t be able to swallow it in the end, and he couldn’t spit it out either.
If it wasn’t for Shen Lai, he would have died today.
Doctor Pei, learning the whole story, coldly punished Xinyi to kneel until night to learn a lesson.
After dealing with Xinyi, he called Shen Lai to the front hall to receive patients with heatstroke. After dealing with them, it was already an hour later.
Finally finding time, Doctor Pei asked Shen Lai, “Was the technique you used to save Xinyi taught by someone, or did you figure it out yourself?”
Shen Lai truthfully told him, “My brother-in-law taught it. My brother-in-law also has a shop in town, and the shop was previously opened by a couple with a child. Later, their child got something stuck in their throat and couldn’t be saved, and choked to death.”
“After my brother-in-law knew, he went home and taught our family how to save people after they were choked. This method is called the Heimlich Maneuver, I can’t remember the name…”
Shen Lai’s voice became lower and lower, somewhat annoyed. Master had finally asked him something, but he couldn’t remember it.
Doctor Pei nodded, not displeased that Shen Lai hadn’t explained it clearly.
He tapped the table with his fingertip, “Xinyi has been bullying you, why are you still willing to save him?”
Shen Lai said, “He’s very bad, but he hasn’t really done anything to me, just let me do more work. I would feel uneasy if I completely ignored it.”
Speaking here, Shen Lai paused slightly, cautiously looking at Doctor Pei, and after hesitating, he still said his true thoughts, “But if he touches my bottom line, such as really hurting me, or my family, causing irreversible harm, then I will watch. Even if I die, I won’t take action to save him.”
As a doctor, one must have a benevolent heart.
Shen Lai knew that what he said didn’t conform to the heart of a doctor.
He was afraid that today would be his last day studying medicine at the Gingko Medical Clinic.
But he didn’t want to hide his true thoughts. He had his own bottom line and principles, and he didn’t care what happened above that.
But if it was touched, he couldn’t convince himself to save the “enemy.”
He couldn’t do it, and he didn’t want to do it.
Doctor Pei’s fingertip stopped moving, retracted his right hand from the table, and pressed his left hand on his right wrist.
He said softly, “You’re thinking very far ahead at such a young age.”
Shen Lai saw that Doctor Pei didn’t mean to be angry, and his tension lessened a lot. He could even nod in agreement.
Doctor Pei laughed inexplicably. Shen Lai didn’t know what he meant and had to lower his head to reduce his presence.
“Your hands are very steady, would you like to learn acupuncture from me?”
Shen Lai suddenly raised his head. Did Master recognize him?
His heart beat faster, his face flushed, and he was pleasantly surprised, “Mas… Master!”
The appearance of wanting to call but being embarrassed to call, and finally calling out Master because he was really happy, was somewhat out of tune.
Doctor Pei had a faint smile on his lips. He had tested Shen Lai before, and the child’s hands were indeed very steady. At that time, he wanted to teach him his unique acupuncture technique if Shen Lai persevered and the time was right.
Now was the right time.
“Yes, so do you want to learn?” Doctor Pei asked again.
Shen Lai was so happy that he wanted to jump up. Thinking of Doctor Sun in the next village, using acupuncture to treat Ling Yue, who was very powerful. He could also learn such powerful things! Not daring to delay any longer, he nodded repeatedly, “I want to learn!”
Doctor Pei was satisfied with Shen Lai’s attitude and answer. He nodded, “Starting tomorrow, follow me.”
“Let me tell you in advance, it will be very tiring. It will be much more tiring than Xinyi initially asked you to brush medicine jars and draw well water. If you feel unable to bear it, you can say it now.”
Shen Lai didn’t hesitate, “I can, Master!”
Doctor Pei was even happier.
Being so decisive was stronger than any he had brought before.
He lowered his eyes for a moment, not knowing what he remembered, and said to Shen Lai again, “I haven’t been paying much attention to you before, I wanted to hone your temperament. Studying medicine as a Ge’er is not the same as a man, and the hardships that Master and Xinyi gave you are nothing compared to what you will face on this path. If you can’t persevere through those, you don’t need to continue studying medicine.”
“Now, the reason I’m willing to recognize your identity has something to do with saving Xinyi, but it’s not too relevant. More is confirming that you know right from wrong and have enough self-awareness. Your temperament and will are also firm. The time has come, so there’s no need to continue honing and observing you.”
Doctor Pei emphasized.
“Acknowledging you as a disciple is because you’re qualified. So in the future, don’t have any misunderstandings about this. Don’t think that Master recognized you as a disciple because you saved someone.”
Shen Lai guessed that his master must have encountered similar situations before, leading to misunderstandings, and the results might not have been very good.
That was why he explained it to him specifically.
But he had to say that knowing that the reason he was recognized was because he was good himself, he was really happy.
Doctor Pei looked at the excited Shen Lai and earnestly exhorted, “Shen Lai, you must remember that when you go out to practice medicine in the future, protecting yourself is the first priority, and you must maintain a high degree of vigilance even towards your patients.”
Shen Lai felt Doctor Pei’s seriousness, and he restrained his emotions and nodded heavily in agreement.
“I will, Master.”
After Shen Lai began to learn acupuncture with Doctor Pei, he almost lived at the medical clinic.
He went earlier every day and came back later.
After going out for a day, he was so tired that he didn’t want to move a finger.
After continuing for half a month, Shen Lai finally got used to this intensity of training and learning. His body adapted, and he became energetic again, no longer just lying down after coming back tired.
In late July, the first batch of sausages was completely sold out. The merchant ship returned with half a boat of silver, and the ship docked at the pier.
Tu Hai led a group of brothers off the ship, and along with them was also a young master from a branch of the Hanlin Wang family.