Duan Yan had been afraid that Song Fengsui would have to wait too long, so he hurried back as soon as he finished the work in the fields. He had not expected Song Fengsui to still be busy when he reached the estate.
After taking the pulse of the husband who had come for treatment and inserting a few needles, Song Fengsui had already eased the man’s abdominal pain considerably. The man had assumed that, given Young Doctor Song’s youth, there was little hope of him being able to cure the illness. He had merely come to do the Duan family a favor. Who could have imagined that the young physician’s medical skills were truly so impressive? With only a few treatments, he had identified the root of the problem.
The husband immediately asked someone to summon his elder sister, who suffered from rheumatism, hoping that Young Doctor Song could examine her as well.
One person brought another, and another brought a third. Before the midday meal, four people had come for treatment.
After seeing off the last old woman, Song Fengsui finally had no one else waiting to bring in a patient. However, she still asked when he would be at the estate again.
He did not have a fixed schedule, so he truly could not give her an answer at once.
“If you feel unwell, just come to the estate and let us know. We’ll pass the message on to Young Doctor Song. If he has some free time, he’ll come over himself.”
It was Duan Yan who gave the old woman a definite answer.
“Yes, yes. Many thanks to Young Doctor Song today.”
Watching her leave, Song Fengsui turned his head and asked Duan Yan, “There’s no one waiting outside anymore, right?”
“No. When I came in, I didn’t see anyone else.”
Only then did Song Fengsui stretch and rise from his stool. He had plunged straight into the consultation room and had not had a moment to catch his breath; even his body had gone stiff from sitting so long.
He went to the table and picked up the tea that had been brought in earlier. In the hot weather, it had already cooled by the time it reached his lips.
Seeing that Song Fengsui was clearly tired yet seemed to be enjoying himself all the same, Duan Yan could not help saying, “I think you could still manage it if a few more patients came.”
“That won’t do. Even if I were to see more patients, I’d have to eat first.”
Song Fengsui looked at Duan Yan. “After all, someone has repeatedly instructed me to eat my meals on time. I have to obey properly.”
A smile appeared in Duan Yan’s eyes. Just then, Old Madam Duan called from outside that it was time to eat, so the two of them walked briskly toward the dining room together.
After noon, Duan Yan had to make a trip into the city.
He had originally been wavering over whether he should go out himself to gather seedlings and purchase medicinal seeds. But now he also had to deal with the grain shop’s affairs, and he was afraid he would not be able to spare the time. Besides, once he left, he would not be back in only three or four days; ten days or half a month would be more likely. It would not do if the town office could not find him when they needed him.
In the end, he decided to arrange for reliable people to handle the purchases while he stayed in the city to take care of the other matters.
When Song Fengsui heard that he was going into the city, he said, “I’ll go with you. I can pick up some food and household necessities while we’re there.”
The three or four patients he had seen that day had not come for nothing—he had earned more than a hundred copper coins in consultation fees.
“A few days ago, I heard you say that Wang Quan planned to bring his mother into the city so he could look after her every day, didn’t I? When we last went to see her, she had already improved considerably and could even get out of bed. Since we’re going anyway, it would be good to check on her once more.”
Duan Yan gave an acknowledging sound, understanding Song Fengsui’s intentions.
In the past, his indifference toward the people working under him had caused many misunderstandings and conflicts. Now, whenever possible, he naturally tried to be more considerate.
“All right.”
The two of them rode into town together.
On the road, Song Fengsui asked Duan Yan whom he planned to send out to purchase the medicinal seeds.
“Herbalist Ye must go. Otherwise, the people under him won’t know how to make the purchases. I originally planned to send Wang Quan as well. He’s capable enough, but these trips often take ten days or half a month. His mother has not yet fully recovered, so he may not have the heart to leave her. It’s better to keep him in the city to handle matters and send Gou San’er instead.”
Duan Yan continued, “Tie Er should lead the group too. When traveling outside, we need someone who can fight. As for the rest, we can select several strong men from each of the three estates.”
Song Fengsui considered it. Gou San’er was quick-witted, while Tie Er had strong fists. With them leading and assisting Herbalist Ye, he would feel confident leaving the matter in their hands.
Ever since Chen Hu had been caught and the two fierce men who worked with him had been dealt with as well, Duan Yan had gradually purged more of Chen Hu’s people from the estates. His manpower was now rather stretched thin, especially with so many matters to handle.
If there had not truly been so few capable people available, he would not have had to send even Gou San’er away. After all, that young man oversaw all sorts of affairs around the residence and was also well informed about many things.
Song Fengsui said, “If you intend to train a few more people, this would be a good opportunity to find Lin Er. Whether you assign him to make purchases outside or have him work alongside you, he could be useful.”
Duan Yan thought it over. “You’re right. Then let’s have someone call him over and ask whether he wants to work for me.”
As they talked, they soon entered the city.
After returning to the residence and resting for a while, Duan Yan had Madam Lin send word to her son that he should come to the residence later. He also sent Gou San’er to the blacksmith’s shop to discuss the matter with Tie Er.
The two of them went off to attend to their own business. Song Fengsui took An Ge’er out to buy the things needed at home. After finishing the purchases, they stopped by Wang Quan’s house.
They could hear cheerful conversation from inside even before they reached the door. A little girl opened it for them; she was presumably the one Wang Quan had bought specifically to wait on his mother.
When Madam Wang heard that Song Fengsui had come, she welcomed him warmly, inviting him inside and calling for the maid, Cuicui, to prepare some tea.
“It’s been some time since I’ve had the chance to take your pulse, Madam. I happened to be free today, so I came over without sending word ahead of time.”
“I’m delighted that Young Doctor Song came. I told Big Quan long ago to invite you over as a guest, but that child said you had been busy lately. I didn’t want to disturb you.”
Wang Quan had likely gone to the blacksmith’s shop to work and was not at home. The younger woman sitting with Madam Wang, keeping her company, greeted Song Fengsui kindly as well.
Madam Wang introduced her as a cousin. She was living in the city with her husband, who ran a cloth shop with her. It was only a small business. Ever since Madam Wang had had Wang Quan bring her into the city, this cousin often came by to visit and chat.
Song Fengsui exchanged a few polite words with her, then took Madam Wang’s pulse.
Wang Quan had been taking excellent care of his mother since bringing her into the city. Madam Wang’s complexion had improved noticeably. Compared with the first time Song Fengsui had examined her, when her pulse had felt as though she were nearly exhausted to the point of death, she had now recovered much of her vitality.
“Your health is improving, Madam. You can reduce the dosage of the medicine you were taking before, but don’t stop it abruptly. In your daily life, continue to nourish your body with plenty of supplements.”
Madam Wang was delighted to hear this and quickly agreed twice.
Song Fengsui gave her a few more instructions. Seeing that there was nothing else wrong, he did not intend to stay any longer.
Just as he rose to take his leave, Madam Xu hesitated, as though she wanted to say something but found it difficult to begin.
Song Fengsui asked, “Is something the matter, Madam?”
Madam Xu glanced at Madam Wang, apparently seeking her opinion.
“It’s like this. When I was seriously ill before, my cousin came down to the countryside to visit me twice. Later, an epidemic broke out, making travel inconvenient, and the next time we saw each other was after Big Quan and I came to the city.
“When my cousin first saw me, she exclaimed that my illness had improved and that I looked much more spirited! She then asked which physician had such miraculous skills, hoping to invite him to examine her as well.”
Madam Wang knew that Song Fengsui was the physician invited by her son’s employer, Wang Quan. She had also heard her son mention several times that he was an important person who ought to be treated with courtesy, so she was especially careful around him.
She had only been able to borrow her son’s employer’s good graces in the first place. Although her female cousin had repeatedly hinted around, both openly and indirectly, asking her to introduce Doctor Song, Madam Wang had not felt comfortable agreeing.
But as luck would have it, Song Fengsui had come by today, and he was already here. If she did not ask him on her cousin’s behalf, she feared it might hurt their relationship.
“Is Madam Xu feeling unwell?” Song Fengsui asked. “I’m not in a hurry today, so I can take a look at you.”
He had assumed it was something difficult to bring up, but it turned out that she merely wanted him to examine her. In truth, Madam Wang had never told him that he could see other patients as well. Since she always saw him arriving with Duan Yan, she had kept her distance and did not wish to trouble him.
Seeing how agreeable Song Fengsui was, both Madam Wang and Madam Xu were delighted. They thanked him profusely.
“I’m a physician, after all. If a patient trusts me enough to ask for my help, I’m happy to provide it.”
Madam Xu pressed her lips together, unable to contain her joy.
She carefully sat down before Song Fengsui and told him about her troubles.
It turned out that Madam Xu had been married to her husband for many years, yet the two of them had never had a child. No matter how carefully she tried to regulate her health, it had been of no use. She had gone to see many physicians, swallowing her embarrassment each time. She had even visited doctors in the county whenever she went out to purchase goods.
“My years are advancing before my eyes. If we still can’t have a child, our family will soon have no way to go on,” she said.
“My husband is a good man. Since we’ve been unable to have children all these years, my mother-in-law has long been furious. Yet he has patiently searched for physicians with me and has never once blamed me. The kinder he is, the guiltier I feel.”
“Recently, I heard that my mother-in-law has taken a liking to a poor young ger. She’s probably waiting for an opportunity to bring him into the family so he can carry on the family line. My heart feels as though it’s being boiled in oil.”
When Madam Xu reached the most painful part, she took out a handkerchief and dabbed at her tears.
Madam Wang could not bear to see her so distressed and hurried to comfort her.
Song Fengsui knew that women and male-gers alike had a difficult time in such matters. If they had trouble bearing children, they could not rely on their mother’s family either, and their lives truly became a torment.
“Madam Xu, please don’t be upset. Let me examine you and see whether there is something unusual about your health—or whether the cause lies elsewhere.”
Madam Xu quickly stopped her tears and extended her arm for Song Fengsui to take her pulse.
After completing the full process of observation, listening, questioning, and pulse-taking, Song Fengsui used acupuncture to verify his findings once more.
After checking from several different angles, he arrived at the same conclusion.
“Your health is perfectly sound. You’ve seen quite a few physicians over the years and have been taking steps to regulate your health as well. From what I can tell, you have an excellent constitution for bearing children. You shouldn’t be suffering from the problem you described.”
Madam Xu hesitated. If she had not personally witnessed Song Fengsui restore Madam Wang’s withered, frail body to health, she would never have believed him.
Yet hearing such a favorable diagnosis did not make her happy. Her health might be good, but if she still did not know where the problem lay, what was there to celebrate?
Seeing this, Song Fengsui hesitated briefly before speaking.
“Madam Xu, may I speak with you privately?”
When Madam Xu realized that Song Fengsui still had something to say, she immediately went with him, leaving the others behind so they could talk alone.
“Young Doctor Song, please say whatever you need to. I can take it. I’ve seen many physicians over the years, and most of them only told me that there was nothing wrong with me. I would rather hear something else for once.”
“You’ve seen many physicians before, but did you go alone, or did you and your husband both get examined?”
Madam Xu was rather bewildered by his question.
“Childbearing is a matter for women and male-gers. Why would a man need to be examined? Wouldn’t that be improper?”
Hearing this, Song Fengsui thought, Just as I suspected.
“That isn’t quite right, Madam. A child cannot be conceived by a woman or male-ger alone. When a couple is unable to conceive for a long time, the problem does not necessarily lie with the woman or male-ger. It may very well lie with the man.”
In the medical records he had seen at his maternal grandfather’s side, there had been no fewer cases of infertility caused by men than by women or male-gers.
Even in the wealthy regions south of the Yangtze, where customs were relatively open-minded, many people still did not understand that the inability to conceive was not always the woman’s or male-ger’s fault. In a place like Rock Town, the situation was naturally even worse.
“I’ve seen many medical records that confirm what I’m telling you. If you and your husband truly want a child, you should have a serious conversation with him and persuade him to get examined as well.”
“If he refuses to see a physician out of concern for his pride, a condition that could have been treated may be delayed until it is too late. Wouldn’t that be a shame?”
This was the first time Madam Xu had ever heard such a bold opinion. Yet it had truly opened her eyes. The difficulty was that persuading her husband to see a physician for such a private problem would not be easy. Besides… how could anyone bring themselves to visit a doctor for something like that?
“Put your mind at ease, Madam. Physicians have seen all kinds of conditions. Find someone reliable and discreet, and have your husband examined privately. You’re both men, after all. He won’t laugh at him.”
Song Fengsui had no qualms about treating male or female patients alike. However, examining a man for such a private ailment would indeed be somewhat inconvenient, so he offered to help only because he expected the man might be too embarrassed to seek him out.
Madam Xu drew a long breath.
“I’ll go home and try to discuss it with him. Whether it works or not, I still have to thank you, Doctor Song. I’ve seen so many physicians, yet not one of them has ever pointed this out to me.”
She was deeply grateful. After paying Song Fengsui his consultation fee, she even tried to give him two bolts of cloth as thanks. Song Fengsui naturally refused to accept anything more, but Madam Xu called Madam Wang over to help persuade him.
Unable to keep turning her down, Song Fengsui finally agreed.
They were just about to leave when Madam Xu warmly led them to her family’s cloth shop.
When they arrived, Song Fengsui saw a two-story cloth store filled with fabrics. Only then did he realize that Madam Wang and Madam Xu had been speaking modestly earlier. In all of Rock Town, the shop’s size and decoration were likely second to none among the cloth stores.
Song Xuemu had not been exaggerating. Back when Song Fengsui lived in the capital, he had enjoyed shopping as well. There was hardly a leather or silk shop in the capital or Jiangnan that he had not visited.
Now that he had fallen into this remote little place, life was finally beginning to improve. As soon as he stepped into the cloth shop, he still could not resist looking around with interest.
Even so, the ready-made clothing styles, fabrics, and patterns in the shop were all exceedingly ordinary in his eyes.
Madam Xu asked a shop assistant to serve Song Fengsui tea, then hurried upstairs to fetch the cloth herself.
Song Fengsui could not sit still. He wandered around the shop, taking a look at everything. Business was quite good, and before long, several customers had entered to browse, choose fabrics, or have garments cut and made.
“There are so many banquets and gatherings in autumn. If we don’t have a few new outfits made now, what will we wear when the weather turns crisp and clear and everyone goes out sightseeing?”
“I’ve looked through the whole town, but I haven’t seen a single thing I like.”
“What else can you expect from a little place like ours? If you want something more fashionable and eye-catching, you’ll have to go to the county to buy it.”
Song Fengsui heard several young women and male-gers who had just entered complaining that the handkerchiefs were unattractive and the clothing styles were too dull.
“Young Doctor Song, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Madam Xu came hurrying over with two bolts of cloth in her arms. When she reached them, she lifted a corner of the fabric for Song Fengsui to see.
“These are fine goods my husband brought back from the county some time ago. They’re said to be the latest styles from the prefectural city. We didn’t get much, so we didn’t put them out in the shop for sale. We kept them aside to give to esteemed guests.”
“Young Doctor Song is as beautiful as a flower and has such discerning taste. I’m sure this fabric may not seem like anything special to you, but it’s a token of my regard. Please accept it as something new to look at.”
Seeing how thoughtful and courteous Madam Xu was, Song Fengsui felt pleased. He raised a hand, about to have An Ge’er take the cloth, and was just about to thank her when a married man suddenly came over.
“Shopkeeper Xu, if you had such fine fabric, why didn’t you tell me sooner? How could you secretly sell it to someone else?”
The man stroked the cloth, his eyes shining. Clearly, he liked it immensely.
Madam Xu looked somewhat embarrassed. “This fabric was promised to someone beforehand. If I get anything else of comparable quality, I’ll send it straight to your home, Mr. Meng.”
“I won’t accept that. These two bolts are the ones I like.”
The man surnamed Meng snorted. “In a few days, Master Zou’s wife is celebrating her birthday and has invited me to the banquet. I’ve been unable to find an outfit I like well enough to wear out, so I came especially to your shop to pick something eye-catching. Now that I’ve taken a fancy to these, you refuse to give them to me? You’re hurting the feelings of an old customer.”
Madam Xu truly felt unfortunate. She had never expected this influential customer to corner her today, and for a moment, she really didn’t know what to do.
“If you like the fabric and have an important banquet to attend, then I’ll do a good deed and let you have it.”
Song Fengsui said calmly, “Madam Xu, give the cloth to him.”
Madam Xu looked at Song Fengsui, seemingly about to say something. But when she saw him give her a slight shake of the head, she swallowed her words. The two understood each other without speaking.
She coaxed Mr. Meng with a few pleasant words. After casting Song Fengsui a glance, the man took the cloth and left smugly.
Madam Xu could tell that wanting the fabric was only one reason. He had likely seen that Doctor Song was exceptionally handsome and had become intent on snatching something from him simply to flaunt his influence. He had noticed the cloth when only a corner of it was exposed, too—his eyes were certainly sharp.
“I’m truly sorry, Doctor Song. You rarely come here with me, and yet I’ve allowed something like this to happen.”
“It’s business. Situations like this are unavoidable. By giving way once, I’ve spared myself a troublesome matter. Besides, I don’t have any important banquets coming up that require new clothes, so it’s no trouble.”
Madam Xu said, “Then let me get you two other bolts of fabric. They aren’t as rare as the previous ones, but they’re still among the best-selling varieties.”
“You’re offering them sincerely, so instead, could you give me some cotton? It would be more useful to me in winter.”
After saying that, he asked Madam Xu, “Does your shop also accept embroidered goods such as handkerchiefs?”
“We do. We don’t keep two embroiderers permanently employed, which saves us some expenses, but having too few hands also has its disadvantages. When business is good, there’s always more work than we can handle. So we also hire people from outside to help cut and sew clothing, and we accept well-made embroidered goods to sell in the shop.”
Doctor Song asked, “Do you provide the needles, thread, and fabric for skilled embroiderers to work with, or do people make things themselves and bring them in?”
“Both. But if the shop provides the materials, the embroiderer must be someone we trust. Most people begin by bringing in their own embroidered goods. After working with us for a long time and becoming familiar with everyone, they can then receive materials from the shop.”
Song Fengsui fell silent for a moment. He didn’t have much money on hand. If he had to buy fabric, needles, thread, and all the other supplies himself, he might spend everything and still not be able to make much.
He steeled himself and swallowed his pride.
“I know a lady whose embroidery is excellent, but she’s fallen into difficult circumstances and is struggling to get by. She’d like to take on a bit of work to supplement her income. Would you be willing to do me a favor and make an exception this once—allow the shop to provide her with materials to make embroidered goods?”
Madam Xu hesitated. She couldn’t quite see through Song Fengsui. Judging by his bearing and manner of speech, he seemed like a child from a wealthy family, yet this request made him sound like someone from an ordinary household.
But this was not the time to investigate his background. She said, somewhat awkwardly, “Doctor Song has always been kind to me, and you’ve helped me several times. I’m happy to do you this favor. It’s just that I’m not the only one in charge of the shop. I can probably persuade my husband, but my mother-in-law comes by every few days to inspect the accounts and meddle in every little matter. Even if I’m not afraid of angering her, I’m worried she’ll make things difficult for the embroiderer if she finds out.”
Song Fengsui understood that he had been asking too much. He didn’t blame Madam Xu for refusing; every family had its own difficulties.
“How about this? I’ll privately give that lady some scrap cloth and thread. You can pass them on to her and have her make a sample first. When it’s finished, bring it here for me to look at. If it’s well done, could you make an exception and have the shop provide materials for her to make more embroidered goods? If your mother-in-law asks about it then, I’ll have an explanation ready.”
“That’s only natural.”
Song Fengsui brightened. “She should at least pass your inspection first.”
The two of them settled the matter. When Song Fengsui left with the cotton, there was also a packet of fabric and thread tucked inside.
By the time he returned home, it was already getting late. Duan Yan had come back from the ironworks, and Lin Er had arrived early to wait for him after hearing from his mother that the master of the household wanted to speak with him.
As soon as Duan Yan saw him, he told him that he wanted Lin Er to come work under him.
Lin Er agreed without the slightest hesitation. Being able to work for a good employer was far more stable than running around outside doing odd jobs that required nothing but brute strength. He had wanted to work for Duan Yan for a long time, but had never felt comfortable bringing it up. He had planned to wait until his mother had worked for the Duan family longer before asking. He had never expected good fortune to come looking for him first.
If he could work with Duan Yan and establish himself, then his mother and younger sister would no longer have to work themselves to the bone for the Qiao family, paying in both money and effort while still suffering their abuse.
Duan Yan said, “Since you’re willing, come work for me as a watchman and caretaker. Gou San’er will be going out to purchase supplies soon, and I’m preparing to open a new shop. You can help me run errands.”
Lin Er agreed repeatedly.
After speaking with him for a while and explaining a few rules, Duan Yan let him go home.
When he finished discussing matters, he came outside and saw that the sun had already begun to sink toward the west. Song Fengsui still hadn’t returned, so he decided to go out and look for him. He hadn’t even reached the main gate when he heard a familiar voice returning amid laughter and conversation with An Ge’er.
Duan Yan saw that the two of them were carrying several large bundles and asked, puzzled, “What did you buy? Why is there so much?”
Then he teased Song Fengsui, “It looks as though Young Doctor Song couldn’t keep his money in his pocket. You only just earned those copper coins, and they’ve already found their way into someone else’s purse.”
Song Fengsui gave a small snort. “Let me tell you, I hardly spent any money at all. The large bundle you see is packed tightly with cotton. When I went to Madam Wang’s place today, I happened to meet her cousin. I treated her, and she was so courteous that she insisted on giving me something before she would let me leave.”
Duan Yan helped take the cotton from the bundle. There had to be two or three jin of it.
“Cotton isn’t cheap. She was quite generous. What kind of serious illness did you cure?”
It was only after they returned to their room that Song Fengsui answered lazily, “It may not have been a particularly serious illness, but it probably wounded a man’s dignity and pride~ Thinking about it, isn’t that a grave illness in its own way~”
Duan Yan poured himself a cup of water.
“Could it be that the lady’s husband is impotent?”
Song Fengsui’s beautiful eyes widened slightly, and he immediately looked at Duan Yan, scanning him from head to toe. He wondered inwardly how this man had guessed so accurately.
“...A patient’s privacy. No comment.”
Duan Yan let out a soft laugh and handed him the cup. “It’s getting late. Shall I take you home? Or did you bring word that you’ll be spending the night here?”
Without waiting for Song Fengsui to answer, he continued, “I’ve already arranged everything that needed doing. On my way back earlier, I saw some mutton being sold at the market, so I bought a whole side. I’ll cook it tonight. There should be quite a lot of mutton in the capital.”
Song Fengsui blinked, his expression unexpectedly alluring.
“Though I am fond of good food, I won’t have the chance to enjoy it today. I bought some food and daily necessities for the family, and I also found Mother some work to do outside. Good news shouldn’t be kept overnight, so I’ll head back now and tell her.”
It was indeed a perfectly reasonable excuse to return home. Still, after hearing him refuse, Duan Yan felt a little disappointed.
He gave a light cough. “Then... I’ll take the mutton to the estate and cook it there. Manager Lü has been working hard lately, too. We should reward him~”
A smile gleamed in Song Fengsui’s eyes.
“Mmm~ That’s what a good employer ought to do. Shall I help as well? Master Song can already cut meat now~”
“With Master Song’s help, that would naturally be even better.”
