Chapter Seven, Senior Sister

No, Senior Brother Zhang was not like this before; he treated us quite well. But ever since he received the invitation from the Jing Wangfu to become a deputy physician, he has..." The chubby boy blinked in confusion and let out a long sigh

However, he had not yet thought of further insults to humiliate Qin Lin, when the apprentice who had just called away Pang Xian ran back: "The visitor is a patient with malaria; Mr. Pang wants everyone to come and take a look."

The apprentice named Bai Lian looked at Qin Lin with a provocative gaze

Unexpectedly, in just a few days since Qin Lin's arrival, the usually reticent junior sister actually spoke up for him. Zhang Jianlan, feeling both jealousy and resentment, suddenly darkened her expression, letting out a cold snort from her nose

The few apprentices beside him were also filled with hostility, and several of them spoke up in unison: "What is this thing? His skin is really thick, almost rivaling the city wall."

However, Li Shizhen's principle of accepting and passing on disciples has always been one of preferring quality over quantity. The medical school admits only one student each year, and candidates are assessed from multiple aspects, including family background, character, and talent. If there are no qualified candidates in a given year, no admissions will take place that year.

Zhang Jianlan and Bai Lian were quite surprised; this junior sister, who was greatly favored by the Grand Master, had rarely spoken to her senior brothers and sisters in the past. They did not expect her to actually speak up in defense of Qin Lin

Lu Yuanzhi then苦着 his chubby face and said to Qin Lin: "Alas, Brother Qin, you have been fooled. In our medical clinic, the ranking of seniority among the disciples is based on age rather than the order of entry. The junior sister is clearly younger than you, yet you are still asked to call her senior sister. It's truly ridiculous..."

Qin Lin had not yet spoken, but Lu Yuanzhi, receiving support from the senior brother, happily said: "It is indeed correct for the senior brother to give guidance..."

Little rascal, what brings you here

In the initial days, they could not ascertain Qin Lin's background, and thus did not dare to openly challenge him. After inquiring from the steward Liu Quan, they learned that Qin's parents had passed away and the family had fallen into decline. Previously, the Qin family had only maintained a cordial relationship with Li Shizhen, but in reality, there had been no contact for over twenty years. It seemed that Li Shizhen had not particularly cared for him, leading them to gradually look down upon him.

Upon seeing Qin Lin's writing, which was crooked and awkward, and his complete ignorance of the properties and usage of the medicine, Zhang Jianlan and Bai Lian felt no reservations. As soon as Pang Xian left, the two immediately instigated trouble

Qin Lin helplessly scratched his scalp, truly at a loss for words regarding Qing Dai's "good intentions"

Qin Lin was utterly perplexed; ever since arriving in Qizhou, he had not offended anyone. If one were to speak of enemies, there was indeed one, Gao Chaiyu, who was still buried underground without anyone knowing! Did these few people take some kind of stimulant and seek death?

Beside the sliding pole squats a burly man with a tiger's back and a bear's waist. He appears to be taller than an ordinary person sitting in a chair, with an exceptionally robust physique, resembling a guardian deity carved in a grand temple.

Qin Lin patted Lu Yuanzhi's head, and the chubby little round face before him increasingly resembled Fan Debiao. The unscrupulous uncle who sells crutches particularly loves to target such "honest and simple" good children

"Alright, let's leave it at that, Junior Brother Qin. Remember to listen to your Senior Sister in the future..." Li Qingdai left with a sly smile, her beautiful big eyes squinting into crescent shapes.

Zhang Jianlan originally had a certain degree of cunning; otherwise, he would not have passed the examination of character conducted by the Li Medical Hall for its disciples. However, as he was about to embark on his career as a medical officer, he became less cautious than before. In the presence of his master and grandmaster, he naturally restrained himself, but behind their backs, his actions gradually became more audacious.

Brother Zhang, this is too much...

Zhang Jianlan ignored Qingdai and took the lead in leaving with his fellow disciples

Li Qingdai was born with a delicate and beautiful appearance, and the young students at the medical clinic all harbored a certain admiration for her. However, she was deeply favored by Li Shizhen, and her father, Li Jianzhong, was the current magistrate of Pengxi County in Sichuan. Everyone understood that their social status was too disparate, so they did not entertain any inappropriate thoughts.

The apprentice at the Li Medical Hall wished to become a disciple, while the disciples aspired to become initiated students and *tu* *shu* disciples. Bai Lian was the most enthusiastic among them. He was related to Zhang Jianlan, so he pursued this path to seek apprenticeship. His aptitude was commendable, and he worked diligently at the medical hall. Moreover, with Zhang Jianlan's assurance, the other apprentices felt it was almost certain.

Qin Lin was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, thinking to himself that he was still far from being scared out of his wits. However, Li Qingdai's words of assistance were indeed sincere, so he clasped his hands and honestly said: "Then, thank you very much, Senior Sister."

Qin Lin chuckled in disbelief. Is this the intention of the junior sister stepping forward to speak out for justice? It is indeed a bit embarrassing to be taken advantage of by such a young girl

A clear and gentle female voice sounded behind Qin Lin

It was unexpected that next year would coincide with the Jimao provincial examination, as Mr. Jian Yuan and Mr. Jian Mu were preparing for the examination, and Li Shizhen was too busy compiling the "Compendium of Materia Medica" to have time for teaching, thus he decided to suspend recruitment, and Bai Lian was unable to fulfill his wishes

Qin Lin had previously heard Lu Yuanzhi mention Bai Lian. Since Zhang Jianlan said this, he immediately understood the other party's intention

Qin Lin recognized this person as Zhang Jianlan. Among this group of students, he is the oldest and was the first to enter the field. He is exceptionally talented and has achieved great academic success. Many say he has already grasped about 50 to 60 percent of the true teachings of Li Shizhen. He is the leader among the students and apprentices and has also gained the attention of Pang Xian and Li Jianfang. In another year, he is expected to graduate, and it is said that he is very likely to be hired by the Jing Wangfu as a deputy physician of the eighth rank. By then, he will be an official of the court, which will set him apart from the common people.

As the senior brothers successively departed, only Qin Lin and Lu Yuanzhi, who were of similar age, remained. Qingdai's expression immediately turned playful; her big, shiny eyes darted over to Qin Lin's face. She deliberately feigned indifference, pouting and saying, "Coward, if it weren't for me and Senior Sister speaking up for you, wouldn't you have been scared out of your wits by Brother Zhang? Hmph, they are really too much."

Lu Yuanzhi was extremely pleased, his smile stretching all the way to his cheeks: "I originally wasn't suited for books and diagrams, but Master Tai said that for those who study medicine, the most important thing is one's character. Simplicity surpasses cleverness, and sincerity surpasses cunning, which is why he kept me here"

It is summer now, and it has not rained for a long time recently. The weather is quite hot, yet the old woman on the sled is covered with two quilts, continuously shivering. Her cheeks are tinged with blue, her lips are purple, and she quietly moans that she cannot stand the cold.

Lu Yuanzhi was left speechless, facing one master after another. He did not know how to refute them, and his round, plump face had turned bright red.

Her demeanor was so composed that, just by observing her expressions and actions, one could see that Qingdai had completely emulated her esteemed grandfather, the divine doctor. However, the content revealed the young girl's innocence; the act of informing her grandfather was no different from that of a girl who reports a boy's misdeeds to the teacher.

As he lagged behind the other students with Lu Yuanzhi, Qin Lin slowly walked towards the hall of the medical clinic and thoughtfully asked, "Is that Senior Brother Zhang always like this?"

Upon hearing her senior sister call out, Li Qingdai immediately burst into laughter, waving her small hand in an exaggerated manner and confidently declaring, "Hmm, junior brother, do not be afraid. If they bully you again in the future, I will tell grandfather!"

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jianlan made this long phone call, while Qin Lin merely looked at him with a playful smile, his eyes filled with mockery, as if the other person were a street performer with a monkey.

The chubby boy sitting next to me, Lu Yuanzhi, turned around and said: "Brother Bai Er, Qin Lin has not offended you. During the New Year, Master Tai mentioned that this year coincides with the Ji-Mao year provincial examination. Mr. Jian Yuan and Mr. Jian Mu need to focus on their studies to take the imperial examination, and only Mr. Jian Fang and Mr. Pang Xian are in charge of the medical clinic, so there will be no recruitment of students this year. It is not Qin Lin's fault that Brother Bai Er could not enter the master’s school."

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jianlan shifted the topic, looking at Qin Lin with a forced smile and said: "However, medical skills are also very important. Otherwise, when treating patients in the future, if the medicine is not suitable, a quack doctor could end up in prison! Junior Brother Qin was personally invited into the clinic by our Master. If in the future his medical skills are subpar, heh heh, wouldn’t that tarnish our Master’s reputation?"

As they spoke, the two had already arrived at the hall of the medical clinic. In the center stood Pang Xian, surrounded by apprentices and disciples who formed a circle around the hall. In the middle of the circle lay an elderly woman on a bamboo stretcher.

Qin Lin let out a cold laugh, "So it seems he doesn't even have the qualifications to be my opponent"

Only Zhang Jianlan received the official notice from the Jing Wangfu, allowing him to take up the position of a secondary physician at the rank of the eighth grade. Although this was a minor official position of little significance, far removed from the ranks of the gentry and scholars, he already felt a sense of elation, believing that once he held an official title from the court, his charming and lovely junior sister would surely develop feelings for him.

Qin Lin let out a cold snort, neither affirming nor denying. In his view, Zhang Jianlan's provocation was simply not worth responding to; after all, he was merely a student from a medical clinic. At the very least, someone like Gao Chaiyu, the leader of the White Lotus Sect, deserved to be taken seriously.

Senior Sister? Lu Yuanzhi looked at Qingdai in confusion, but was met with a fierce glare from her, so he had no choice but to close his mouth and remain silent

What? Little Fatty opened his eyes wide in confusion, completely unable to understand Qin Lin's meaning: In the medical clinic, apart from the Grand Master and the two gentlemen, Zhang Jianlan held the highest position. If he were to become the Deputy Chief Physician of the Jing Wangfu in the future, he would be an official of the eighth rank, and all the doctors inside and outside Qizhou City would have to treat him with utmost respect. Yet, judging by Qin Lin's tone, it seemed he did not take him seriously at all

The man raised his head and happened to lock eyes with Qin Lin. He let out a sound of surprise, his eyes wide open like copper bells, and suddenly stood up.

This matter should have ended here; Bai Lian can only blame his own bad luck and wait for another opportunity in the future

However, Qin Lin suddenly intervened, being a direct disciple personally appointed by Li Shizhen, which made Bai Lian feel jealous and sour. The matter was not accomplished, and Zhang Jianlan felt embarrassed, directing his anger towards Qin Lin.

It turns out that once the apprentices of the Li Medical Hall complete their training and graduate, they are very likely to be appointed as esteemed physicians or officials in various royal households, and with good fortune, they might even serve in the Imperial Medical Institute. Therefore, everyone is eager to join.

"Speaking of which..." Qin Lin glanced at the chubby boy, a meaningful smirk on his face: "Isn't it said that the Li Medical Clinic selects students based on their intelligence? How did Brother Lu pass the examination?"

Being ignored by a junior brother like Qin Lin, who is just starting out, Zhang Jianlan immediately felt a surge of anger and spoke with sarcasm: "It is important for a person to have self-awareness. Rather than wasting a few years in vain, it would be better to recognize the difficulties early and withdraw. I see that Junior Brother Qin has decent talent; perhaps he could work as an apprentice in a pawnshop or a bank, which might be better than muddling through in our medical clinic."

Master Zhang Jianlan was originally engrossed in reading. Upon hearing these words, he slowly raised his head and replied in a measured tone: "Junior Brother Lu's words are reasonable. Brother Bai has encountered misfortune, and we cannot blame others for it. The Grand Master once said that as doctors, we must first emphasize the character of 'virtue.' Our disposition should be resilient to trials, avoiding arrogance and impatience, and maintaining a broad, just, and peaceful demeanor"

Li Qingdai bit her lip, her hands clasped together nervously. Gathering her courage, she said: "Junior Brother Qin has just started learning medicine; he has not studied it before, so naturally, he will be somewhat lacking now. We all learned gradually from not understanding to understanding. After another three to five years of study, Junior Brother Qin will surely be much stronger than he is now"

In ancient China, Lingnan and Hunan were areas with high incidence of malaria. However, on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, where the Li family medical clinic in Qizhou, Hubei is located, malaria was actually not very common. Yet, not far away in Changsha, Hunan, Nanchang, Jiangxi, and even in the regions of Guangdong and Guangxi, the climate was humid and the waterways were dense. After the students graduated, they were very likely to encounter a large number of malaria patients when practicing medicine in these areas. Therefore, when faced with malaria patients, Pang Xian would have the students observe.

Li Qingdai let out a long breath, as if relieved, and patted her chest with her hand

In the eyes of others, he has become a typical example of a new student being bullied by seniors. A certain scheming man, who not long ago had buried a notorious criminal under imperial orders, is now regarded as a pitiful punching bag, receiving not only disdainful glances but also a few more sympathetic ones.