Chapter 004: The Tranquil Physician

Ximen Qing composed himself, lifted the curtain of the sedan chair, and replied: "There are occasional malevolent winds, but they have not entered my body, so it is not a concern"

Manager Fu no longer insisted, merely stating: "Of course, riding in a sedan chair cannot match riding a horse, but since the owner has fallen ill again, it is better to be cautious."

Master Fu smiled and said: "I have some old acquaintance with Doctor An. I only need to write a letter and arrange for two attendants to take along a consultation fee of 100 guan to invite Doctor An from Jiankang Prefecture. However, the journey is long and will take about a month for a round trip."

Wu Dalang, after having this meal, stomped his feet in anger and began to curse repeatedly. The curses were nothing new, merely consisting of the same two phrases: "The woman who steals men!"

Master Fu shook his head and said: "Master, with my limited abilities, how could I possibly become a renowned physician? In my youth, I traveled extensively and did study under a famous doctor for several years. Unfortunately, I could not grasp the essence of the practice and only learned a few superficial skills. After several years, I have gained some insights into selecting and preparing medicinal materials. That esteemed physician also understood that I was not suited for this field, which is why I ended up running a herbal medicine shop."

Although Ximen Qing possesses this physique and memory, sitting in such a small sedan chair always feels somewhat uncomfortable. He slightly shook his head and said, "It always feels a bit stuffy; it would be better to open the window of the sedan chair and have a few words with Manager Fu."

Ximen Qing laughed and said, "I have Manager Fu managing the herbal medicine shop, so why should I worry about making a fortune? I just don't know the name and surname of this famous doctor, and where he is from"

Wu Dalang, panting heavily, replied: "With so many pedestrians on the street, why did she specifically hit Ximen Qing? Isn’t that intentional? She must have seen that Ximen Qing has a fair and delicate face, and deliberately threw down that forked pole to create a conversation starter! You old scoundrel are no good either! Ma Boliu! Specializing in helping others to commit adultery!"

and the shopkeeper Fu nodded at the illustrated book

Whether in the world before the time travel or in this marvelous world now, maintaining a good relationship with the county magistrate is always two hundred percent correct. Moreover, after a hearty meal and drinks, one can also engage in some entertainment activities, such as the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, which sounds quite appealing!

Oh, with such a miraculous doctor, it is certainly necessary to invite him. However, I am unsure of how to extend the invitation. What is the consultation fee?

Pan Jinlian, upon seeing Wu Dalang return, without distinguishing right from wrong, first scolded him thoroughly. Feeling extremely displeased, she naturally spoke without courtesy: "You little good-for-nothing, I couldn't find you just now when I was looking for you, and now you come back. What use is that!"

Wu Dalang's strength was originally limited, and with Wang Po and Yun Ge holding him down, after exerting himself a few times, he could not even move his body, let alone strike anyone. He had no choice but to drop the carrying pole and, freeing his hands, pointed at Pan Jinlian and shouted angrily: "When my brother, the captain, returns, let’s see how you will act so arrogantly! At that time, I will have a divorce decree, and my brother will bind you two adulterers and parade you through the streets naked!"

Master Fu nodded: "In that case, I kindly ask the owner to lower the sedan chair's curtains to prevent any malevolent winds."

Upon considering these matters, Ximen Qing's thoughts became lively again. He exchanged a glance with Manager Fu, who was also perceptive. Manager Fu stepped forward and exchanged a few pleasantries with the head of the cattle, discreetly slipping some coins into his sleeve. The head of the cattle accepted them without showing any reaction and took his leave.

Master Fu replied: "This person is surnamed An and named Daoquan, hailing from Jiankang Prefecture. He comes from a family with a long tradition in both internal and external medicine, and is capable of treating various ailments. His reputation extends for a thousand miles, earning him the title of divine physician"

This world is still a good place. Ximen Qing took a couple of breaths of the pristine air of the Song Dynasty, envisioning his future happy life. Suddenly, the sedan chair came to a halt, and Ximen Qing, unable to react in time, leaned forward and nearly fell. Annoyed, he leaned out to see what was happening, only to find that a man dressed as an official had ridden up on horseback to block the sedan chair, raising his whip and calling out: "Is the esteemed Ximen inside the sedan? Please stop for a moment!"

Ximen Qing was automatically imagining the Baihua Tower and various flower girls, hardly paying attention to what Manager Fu was saying, merely nodding absentmindedly. Manager Fu waved his hand, and the sedan chair headed towards the grand mansion.

Elder brother said, if there is something to discuss, just say it straightforwardly; why spend money at that tavern

Wu Dalang shook his head and said: "Brother, at this moment, where does my mind have the capacity to go out and sell pancakes? Are you drinking or not? I have a matter that I would like to ask for your assistance with."

Ximen Qing replied without a moment's hesitation

When Wang Po saw Wu Dalang returning, she awkwardly said: "So it turns out that Dalang has returned"

Before his time travel, Ximen Qing had read "Water Margin" several times. Although he could not claim to know it inside out, he remembered quite a bit of the plot and character names. He was aware that under this person's skilled hands, Song Jiang's festering wound was healed in just ten days, saving Song Jiang's life, which clearly indicated that he was a great physician. If Song Jiang had died as a result, the brothers at Liangshan Marsh would not know what fate awaited them. Although he understood that Ximen Qing had no old ailments, as a medical student, being able to drink and converse with a legendary physician and discuss traditional Chinese medicine was indeed a delightful experience. If Song Jiang had died as a result, the brothers at Liangshan Marsh would not know what fate awaited them. Although he understood that Ximen Qing had no old ailments, as a medical student, being able to drink and converse with a legendary physician and discuss traditional Chinese medicine was indeed a delightful experience

Master Fu had been following closely beside the sedan chair, and he clearly heard a few sneezes. He hurriedly asked through the window of the sedan, "Is the master feeling well?"

Manager Fu nodded: "It is likely that a new imperial physician is coming to Qinghe County. The county magistrate is inviting the shopkeeper to a banquet, which must be to assist in introducing the business of the herbal medicine shop"

It turned out that Wu Dalang heard the news on the street and hurried back. At the entrance of the tea house, he happened to overhear Pan Jinlian's words. Anxious and furious, he tossed the pancake stall at the tea house entrance, rolled up his sleeves, and strode in with a dark expression: "If you want to go, go by yourself! You shameless woman, do you want to drag me to Ximen Qing's house to be humiliated? Always thinking about cheating, my hat is almost dripping green with shame!"

Achoo! Achoo!

He turned his face again and asked Brother Yun: "Brother, do you think this is the case?"

Little did he know, Pan Jinlian did not flinch; instead, she let out a cold laugh, proudly thrusting her ample bosom forward, causing Yun Ge beside her to involuntarily swallow again: "I am standing right here, let’s see if you dare to hit me! What kind of skill is it to only bully your wife? Everyone outside says you are a three-inch man, yet I don’t see you using a pole to hit them?"

You thieving woman

Upon realizing this, he said: "Since the host has such a chronic ailment, why not invite a renowned physician to take a look?"

Ximen Qing suddenly recalled something and asked, "Manager Fu just smelled that bowl of calming soup and was able to discern the quality and composition of the medicinal ingredients. Such a remarkable skill is likely rare in the world; he can certainly be considered a renowned physician"

Wu Dalang looked around, glanced at Wang Po's tea house, and sighed, saying: "How can we discuss matters in such a filthy place? Let's go find a small tavern on the main street and have a good chat with my brother. When my brother, the head of the district, returns, if he doesn't break Ximen Qing's arms and legs, I will not bear the surname Wu"

Andaoquan

For just 100 guan, one can have a renowned physician come to their door for consultation, with no additional costs for travel, meals, or accommodation. Where else can one find such a bargain! In the world I come from, it is not so easy to find a well-known doctor willing to make a house call.

Wang Po found his words unpleasant and the illustrations distasteful. Considering Pan Jinlian's feelings, she refrained from retorting and merely shook her head as she walked away. Yun Ge, upon hearing this, neither nodded nor shook his head; he simply advised, "Da Lang, please do not take it to heart and remain at ease."

Wu Dalang had a short and stout figure, with rough, dark skin. He was often called names like "Three-Inch Ding and Tree Bark" on the streets of Qinghe County, and he never dared to retort. At this moment, hearing Pan Jinlian mock him in such a tone unexpectedly struck a painful chord in his heart, causing him to erupt in fury. Without a second thought, he turned back to the entrance, pulled out a carrying pole from the burden, and rushed back a few steps to confront her, raising the pole and shouting: "You thieving woman, you dare to insult me like this! Just watch, today I will beat you to death!"

***

When Wang Po and Yun Ge saw Pan Jinlian leave, they naturally could not continue their quarrel, so they released Wu Dalang. Wu Dalang, cursing and spitting, finally found a stool to sit down on, huffing and puffing in frustration.

The master said so, and the petty person will soon write a letter, seeking two assistants to go to Jiankang Prefecture as soon as possible

After speaking, she maintained a charming expression and slowly walked to the back. The area behind Wang Po's teahouse is connected to her own courtyard, allowing her to return through the back door

Wu Dalang has not yet responded, and Wang Po could not help but say: "Dalang, do not blame this old woman for being talkative. Just now, it was Liu Niang who accidentally dropped the fork and hit Lord Ximen. Little did we know that the lord had an old ailment, which is why he has settled here to rest. All of this was the old woman's idea, and you have wrongly blamed Liu Niang. Moreover, Dalang, your insults are truly harsh. Liu Niang, being a woman, has a thin skin; how can she endure it? It is one thing for a couple to have a few words with each other, but holding a grudge is not worth it."

Shameless!

Unexpectedly, after just crossing over, I have been busy all morning. Ximen Qing felt a bit hungry in his stomach and nodded, saying: "Understood, you go back and report to the county magistrate that I will head over right away"

The official dismounted from his horse and, disregarding the two young servants, approached on his own. Recognizing it was Ximen Qing, he clasped his hands and said: "Master Ximen, I am Niu Doutu, an official in the yamen. The county magistrate has mentioned that a royal physician has arrived and instructed me to invite Master Ximen to the Haomen Building for a banquet."

The two young attendants leading the way shouted upon seeing this situation: "Which official are you, and do you know that this is Lord Ximen's residence? How dare you block the sedan chair here?"

Yun Ge, upon hearing these words, set the basket down again

Here, Wu Dalang raised the carrying pole and stepped forward, while on the other side, Wang Po, startled, grabbed the pole from the front. She exchanged a glance with Brother Yong, who, feeling helpless, embraced from behind, simultaneously trying to persuade him earnestly and urging Pan Jinlian to step aside for a moment.

Yun Ge comforted, "Brother Da Lang, do not be angry. Please endure for a few days. When Brother Er Lang returns, we will make our plans then"

Ximen Qing suddenly sneezed several times in the sedan chair, and couldn't help but wonder in his heart: "Who is speaking ill of me behind my back?"

Upon hearing the name Wu Song, Pan Jinlian's expression changed slightly, yet she still revealed a hint of sarcasm at the corner of her mouth: "When your little uncle returns, will you have a backbone? Others respect him as a tiger-slaying hero and fear him to some extent. I, Liu Niang, have nothing to be guilty about; when the time comes, I will clarify everything. I am a bit tired now, so you may do as you please"

Ximen Qing nodded slightly and inquired

Thinking to herself that she still hadn't found a buyer for her basket of snow pears, she lifted the basket and said: "Brother Dawang, I haven't sold this basket of snow pears yet. How about we go to the market together? You can sell pancakes while I sell pears, what do you think?"

This is not a problem; this persistent headache will not easily flare up. Manager Fu can simply go to the accounts to collect the consultation fee in a moment.