Chapter 2, Dr. Xu

Xiao Xiuer let out a hum and said, "I wouldn't dare to ride in your sedan chair." She walked away in a huff.

This journey, though it is clearly home, feels as if it is shrouded in a layer of mist, making it seem indistinct.

In the past, Qin Fengyi could hardly wait for this. The Peach Blossom and the Pear Blossom were both prominent young ladies by her mother's side. The Peach Blossom lived up to her name, with almond-shaped eyes and rosy cheeks, and a hint of charm in her brows. The Pear Blossom, on the other hand, was cool and aloof, with skin as white as snow and as smooth as jade. Her demeanor, imbued with a touch of coldness, was even more captivating than the alluring Peach Blossom.

Mrs. Qin mentioned this matter to her husband several times that evening, saying, "Our son has truly become sensible."

Qin Fengyi said, "I no longer like it, mother, please do not mention Xiao Xiuer, it dampens my spirits"

What are you in such a hurry for? You must wait for Doctor Xu to come and examine you again. Only when the doctor says you are well, can you truly be considered well

Qin Fengyi clicked her tongue twice and said, "Look at you now, with that pig-headed appearance. Oh dear, even if you ask me to be honest, I have no interest at all. Alright, I will arrange a sedan chair to send you home."

Mrs. Qin said, "What are you talking about? Whether it is ginseng and cinnamon or dragon liver and phoenix gall, as long as it can cure my son, I am willing to spend money to buy it." She took a cloth to wipe the medicine residue from her son's lips and smiled, "You have been looking much better these past few days, which shows that Doctor Xu's medicine is effective."

"Hey, can you even diagnose, doctor!" Qin Fengyi glared, what kind of quack doctor is this, he clearly has no illness!

Old Master Qin smiled and said, "Yes, yes. Let us contribute more money for incense and oil to the temple, and pray for the Bodhisattva to bless our son with smooth sailing and safety."

Qin Fengyi was quite angry, often muttering at home about how her mother was deceived by Doctor Xu. Mrs. Qin said, "You should inquire a bit; the Xu family has been practicing medicine for generations. If you say their medicine is not good, then there would be no good medicine at all."

Seeing that the flattery was poorly executed, the sensible ones would take their leave. Qin Fengyi called out to her, "First, open the door for me!"

Mrs. Qin said, "I was thinking that when my son is older, I will take him to Qiling Temple to offer incense. This is all the blessing of the Bodhisattva! Otherwise, I wouldn't say that boys are just mischievous in their childhood; as they grow up, they will naturally become sensible."

Qin Fengyi did not feel anything about it. During those years in his "dream," he often used this line to fool the old lady. Now, it seems to be the first time he is saying it "outside the dream," and look how excited the old lady is.

However, upon recalling the death in the "dream" that was utterly tragic, Qin Fengyi immediately began to recite Buddhist scriptures in her heart, cultivating a state of tranquility and detachment.

Indeed. My daughter Fengyi is the most understanding.

Indeed. Mrs. Qin smiled and said, "My son also mentioned that in the future, he will call me 'enjoying great fortune.'"

"Success, success." Mrs. Qin was very pleased and smiled, "My son's taste has finally improved. What is so good about that girl? In terms of appearance, can she compare to Tao Hua? In terms of serving others, can she compare to Li Hua? You are now grown up, and rather than having you think about those unruly wild cats outside, once you are well settled, I will have Tao Hua and Li Hua come to your room, how about that?"

Qin Fengyi had previously untied the ropes from Xiao Xiuer, noticing the bruises on her wrists, which made her feel quite distressed. After tenderly touching them a couple of times, she slapped Xiao Xiuer away. Xiao Xiuer glared at Qin Fengyi, saying, "If you don't behave, I won't hold back!"

The old woman clearly looked like a kitchen servant, her face full of fat, which did not please Qin Fengyi at all. The old woman, with a fawning expression, reported, "Here! Here! This little girl has injured the master, and it has been almost a day; I haven't even given her a drop of water!"

Upon glancing at the two trees in her courtyard, Qin Fengyi could not help but reflect that she had somewhat of a tendency to be fickle.

Xiao Xiuer asked, "Is it true?"

Qin Fengyi felt a sense of guilt in his heart. In his "dream," he died in a very humiliating and disgraceful manner. However, thinking about it, his parents had only him as their sole offspring. If something were to happen to him at such a young age, how would his parents live in the days to come? Upon this thought, it stirred the few remnants of conscience within Qin Fengyi. He embraced his mother's shoulders and said earnestly, "Mother, rest assured, when I achieve great success in the future, I will ensure you enjoy great blessings."

Qin Fengyi glared with both eyes, while Doctor Xu pretended not to know. Mrs. Qin already wore a worried expression, "Isn't that so? I have to kick off the quilt several times at night when I sleep, and I can't wear even slightly thicker clothes."

I am aware of this

Qin Fengyi knew that he was not ill at all, but his mother insisted on watching him take the medicine prescribed by the doctor every day to feel at ease. Qin Fengyi said, "Old Xu is just fooling around with a woman like you, mother. Look at this medicine he prescribed for me, it has ginseng and cinnamon in it, not a single thing is missing. This is not for treating an illness; it is clearly a way to swindle our family's money"

You, child, must show some respect when Doctor Xu comes to our home. Doctor Xu is a divine physician in our Yangzhou city. Mrs. Qin spoke sternly, completely forgetting how she had complained about Doctor Xu when Qin Fengyi was in a state of unconsciousness.

The Qin family personally sent a steward to invite Doctor Xu, who arrived very quickly. Given Qin Fengyi's current robust health and vibrant spirit, it was evident without even taking his pulse that this young man was in excellent condition. However, Mrs. Qin, who always held her son dear, insisted that Doctor Xu personally examine him. Doctor Xu had no choice but to first invite Qin Fengyi to sit down before checking his pulse. Qin Fengyi cast a sidelong glance at Doctor Xu and said, "I am fine, you know." There was a hint of threat in his tone, prompting Mrs. Qin to quickly interject, "Fengyi, speak properly." She also apologized to Doctor Xu, saying, "This child has been praising Doctor Xu's medicine at home, claiming that after taking a few doses, he felt much better. He even said he wanted to thank Doctor Xu for the medicine, which caused Doctor Xu such trouble. Yet, upon seeing you, he can't seem to speak properly. Boys can be so mischievous."

Qin Fengyi had long set her sights on these two girls. Initially, she had asked her mother for them, but her mother did not agree due to her young age. Now that the incident with Xiao Xiuer has occurred, Mrs. Qin has come to understand that girls outside, who are unaware of the underlying circumstances, are ultimately not as good as the maids by her side, who are gentle, reliable, and capable of serving others. If her mother had only mentioned it three days earlier, Qin Fengyi would not have taken action against Xiao Xiuer. If she had not taken action against Xiao Xiuer, Qin Fengyi would not have had that "dream". If it were not for that "dream", she would have joyfully accepted these two girls today. If her mother had only mentioned it three days earlier, Qin Fengyi would not have taken action against Xiao Xiuer. If she had not taken action against Xiao Xiuer, Qin Fengyi would not have had that "dream". If it were not for that "dream", she would have joyfully accepted these two girls today

Therefore, despite Qin Fengyi feeling a wave of emotions in her heart, she ultimately maintained a serious expression and said, "Mother, if the pear blossoms and peach blossoms reach the appropriate age, they should get married. I have already thought it through; I am now grown up and must learn to engage in proper matters. How can I always focus my efforts on the maidservants?"

As Qin Fengyi stepped out of her house, she was greeted by the sight of the grand and towering Qionghua tree in her courtyard, its blossoms as white as snow, momentarily leaving her in a daze. The Qionghua in Yangzhou is renowned, and it is said that in the past, Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty lost his capital just to behold its beauty, and thus this tree became a part of Qin Fengyi's small courtyard. However, at this moment, standing before this Qionghua tree, Qin Fengyi felt an inexplicable sense of otherworldliness, as if she were separated from it by time.

I understand. Since having that "dream," Qin Fengyi has decided to be a good person

Fortunately, these two trees have been well nurtured

"That’s not asking you not to come." Qin Fengyi waved his hand. Although he liked Xiao Xiuer, it was because he found her cute and clever; he never intended to drive anyone to suicide. Qin Fengyi did not want to force someone to their death. He said to Xiao Xiuer, "Be honest, and I will let you go back now."

Doctor Xu prescribed another five days' worth of medication

Due to Qin Fengyi's sudden enlightenment, she temporarily became a serious person. The Qin couple felt very gratified, exchanged a few words, and then went to sleep contentedly

Qin Fengyi could not help but slap her forehead, thinking that if she continued to dwell on those matters in the "dream," she would surely go mad

Dr. Xu said "No worries, no worries" with a smile as he placed his hand on Qin Fengyi's pulse. After a brief contemplation, he remarked, "The pulse is slightly taut. Young Master, have you been feeling a bit restless lately?"

Along the ornate, intricately carved corridor of the Qin residence, past the small garden of his Qionghua Courtyard, through the moon gate, a gust of wind suddenly arose, scattering delicate cherry blossom petals onto his shoulder. This cherry tree has been here for many years; it was when Qin Fengyi was a child that he saw a beautiful one at someone else's home and insisted on having it. Eventually, the Qin family spent a considerable sum to bring it home and plant it by the moon gate. Initially, this courtyard was called the Cherry Blossom Courtyard. However, when he reached the age of eleven or twelve and read the line "Leaning on Qionghua, the east wind at dusk," he became infatuated and insisted that his father bring him the Qionghua from the Qionghua Zen Temple, after which the name of his courtyard was changed to Qionghua Courtyard.

Qin Fengyi called out anxiously, "I haven't done anything to you, so don't overthink it!"

"Pah!" Little Xiuer scolded, "You don't have to be so forceful! How could I possibly enter your house!" You shameless person!

"This can't be false," Qin Fengyi coaxed her, "Think about it, we were so good before, like siblings, weren't we? Alas, it's all a misunderstanding. Besides, I didn't take advantage, and you are still innocent.

Qin Fengyi squatted down to speak with Xiao Xiuer, innocently saying, "You come every day with your father to deliver vegetables to my house, clearly chatting and laughing with me. Who would have known that you are not happy? If I had known you were not happy, would I be the kind of person to force you?"

This is correct, it seems that the heart fire has not yet erupted. The medicine originally prescribed was to replenish vital energy, but now that medicine has been paused, a few prescriptions to clear the heat will be given instead, to be taken first. Dietary restrictions should avoid rich and spicy foods; a lighter diet for a few days will be better

Moreover, for some unknown reason, this time the medicine is particularly bitter. Although Qin Fengyi is not clever, she is certainly not a fool; after pondering for a while, she has figured out a thing or two. When Doctor Xu visits for the third time, Qin Fengyi addresses him with "Doctor Xu, Doctor Xu" in a manner that is both familiar and respectful. Doctor Xu secretly chuckles to himself, thinking that this mischievous character does have some insight. Thus, Doctor Xu solemnly announces that although Young Master Qin still needs to be cautious in his care, he is now fully recovered.

Qin Fengyi gazed at the slender waist and perky bottom of Xiao Xiuer, as well as her little swaying figure. Ignoring Xiao Xiuer's pig-like face, she focused solely on her back and physique. Qin Fengyi stroked her chin, contemplating that her judgment was still quite good.

He steadied his mind and asked the old woman guarding the firewood shed, "Is the person still inside?"

Mrs. Qin was instantly filled with joy, embracing her son and rubbing him affectionately, tears of happiness streaming down her face, "My son, my son... Amitabha, the Bodhisattva has opened his eyes! My son, my son has grown up!"

Ah, I mean I am fine, mother, didn't you say we should go to the temple? Let's go to the temple to pray to the Bodhisattva. Qin Fengyi is not very wise, and since this is something unusual happening to her, she wonders whether she should ask the Bodhisattva, perhaps the Bodhisattva knows.

Having suffered enough from Doctor Xu, Qin Fengyi thought to herself: This is not a doctor at all, but clearly a scoundrel

The shed had no windows, and the light was dim, but even in that faint light, one could see the swollen face of the young girl, with a pair of eyes filled with deep hatred. The expression was such that, had she not been tightly bound by ropes, she would have surely lunged forward to bite Qin Fengyi to death

Xiao Xiuer, feeling angry, retorted, "Even if you can't see things clearly, I can! I am still alive, after all!" and then she turned and ran away.

"Yes, yes!" The woman eagerly opened the door, this time not daring to waste any words, and swiftly rolled away

Qin Fengyi let the little showgirl go, which truly left people puzzled. Even his own mother, Madam Qin, was somewhat unclear about it and privately asked her son, "If you really like that little girl, we can just spend some money to buy her. Isn't it just money? Our family has plenty of it. It's just a matter of teaching her some manners"

Qin Fengyi patted the somewhat weathered bark of the cherry tree, and for a rare moment, he felt a sense of nostalgia. Unfortunately, Qin Fengyi's literary talent was mediocre; otherwise, he would have certainly composed a couple of poignant little poems to express his feelings. After this moment of reflection, Qin Fengyi lifted his foot and headed towards the woodshed

Mrs. Qin frowned and admonished, "Feng Yi, how can you speak like that!" After sending her son out to play by himself, she inquired about her son's condition. Doctor Xu said, "It is simply that the noise in his heart has not been resolved, which is why he is somewhat prone to emotional outbursts. In the past, the young master was a very well-behaved and polite child, but now, due to the illness, his temperament has become somewhat uncontrollable."

Old Master Qin joked, "Oh, then you are truly fortunate"

Qin Fengyi looked at the maid's smug expression, feeling displeased, "Get lost!"

Qin Fengyi, impatient with the bitter medicine, said, "Then hurry up and call Old Xu over."

Old Master Qin said, "If this can change his disposition, it would indeed be a blessing in disguise."

Xiao Xiuer was even more infuriated upon hearing this "lecher" claim his innocence. However, being a clever girl, she knew that if this "lecher" was willing to let her go, she would naturally be eager to return home. She immediately said, "Then hurry up and let me go. I haven't returned home for a whole day and night; my parents must be extremely worried."

Every family knows its own affairs, and Mrs. Qin is well aware of her son's character. When her son suddenly improved and showed ambition, Mrs. Qin felt that this was truly a blessing from the heavens and a sign of good fortune from their ancestors.