Chapter 6: Declining Gracefully

The individual in the vehicle is an elderly person of advanced age, who cannot withstand the damp and cold due to the bumpy journey. Moreover, the grandson clearly returned with this elderly individual, making the answer quite simple: this old man is still at Songyang Temple! The grandson's warm-heartedness and generous gift may very well be attributed to this elderly person.

Suddenly hearing a faint cry coming from the inner room, Du Shiyi quickly stood up, apologized, and hurried inside. Seeing Du Shisan Niang trying to sit up, he immediately pressed her back down and said without further ado: "You still have a fever, don't move around."

"Yes, thank you, Daoist Sun." Du Shiyi nodded and then said to Sima Heiyun, "Brother Sima, I have another request. This thatched cottage was originally lent to my younger sister by a recluse who lived here when he returned to his hometown. The piece of land in the front yard is quite suitable for cultivation, and it would be a pity to let it go to waste. The reason for our current predicament is also due to the fact that there is only the maid Zhu Ying by our side. If possible, could you recommend a reliable person, Brother Sima? One to guard the entrance and another to help grow some fruits and vegetables." The reason for our current predicament is also due to the fact that there is only the maid Zhu Ying by our side. If possible, could you recommend a reliable person, Brother Sima? One to guard the entrance and another to help grow some fruits and vegetables.

Since I fell seriously ill, the servants in my household have scattered, and it is my younger sister who has taken care of me. This time, she has traveled thousands of miles to come to Songshan. Once we arrived here, whether it was hiring someone to repair the thatched cottage, purchasing supplies, tidying up, or cooking, all the chores inside and out have been handled by her alone. Such a loyal maid, if one does not appreciate and cherish her, it would be a great waste of blessings. When Du Shiyi said this, he was completely unaware that Zhu Ying, with her back to him, was searching through the writing box for the Four Treasures of the Study. Upon hearing his words, she lowered her head, her face filled with emotion.

"Master Sun's idea is excellent." Du Shiyi nodded with a smile, "Bamboo groves and vegetable fields, three to five chickens and ducks, natural wild charm; living here for a year and a half to read and cultivate one's character is just perfect"

If it was already astonishing for Du Shiyi to think that Sun Zifang had personally visited and treated Sima Heiyun, then at this moment, he could not help but feel that the world was truly marvelous. The Songyang Temple, which he had once avoided like a venomous snake, had completely changed its attitude towards him and his siblings, even punishing the person in charge and generously gifting numerous precious medicinal materials. This turnaround had far exceeded the bounds of normalcy! Glancing at Sima Heiyun, who stood by, faithfully adhering to his role as a subordinate with his hands at his sides, Du Shiyi noticed that this broad-browed man seemed to have not heard Sun Zifang's words at all, remaining silent and solemn. He suddenly recalled what the other party had said to him back then.

Before this statement could be completed, the voice of Sun Zifang came from outside: "Du Xiaolang, since Du Xiaoniang has said this, the scenery of the Chongshan villa on Junji Peak is the best, and it is also convenient to climb the mountain from there"

Du Shisan Niang suddenly recalled that her elder brother seemed to have been discussing this matter with her grandson earlier, and an expression of hesitation involuntarily appeared on her face. When she saw Du Shiyi shake his head at her, she almost spoke without thinking: "Elder brother, this thatched cottage was arranged and renovated by me and Zhu Ying. If elder brother recovers and moves out, I truly cannot bear to part with it... Elder brother, please go and thank Daoist Sun for his kindness!"

Since Du Xia and her husband have chosen to stay here, I shall not impose further demands. If your sister experiences any discomfort, please feel free to send someone to Songyang Temple to see me

After the examination, Daoist Sun said that I am no longer in serious condition and just need to rest. However, you, who are suffering from wind-cold and fever, must be careful to take your medicine and recuperate. Du Shiyi saw the young girl breathe a sigh of relief, feeling relaxed, and smiled as he asked, "Are you reassured now?"

The siblings repeatedly declined, and moreover, the room was filled with patients, making it inappropriate for Sun Zifang to insist. By the time Du Shiyi emerged from the inner room, he had already completed the prescription in one go, using the writing implements presented to him amidst the bamboo shadows, and at this moment, he stood up.

Thirteen Niang, I apologize for making you continue to live in this humble grass hut

Sima Heiyun observed that Du Shiyi did not accept the villa lent by Sunzi Fang, but instead sought to borrow people from himself, addressing him as "Brother Sima" repeatedly. He immediately felt that Du Shiyi was a warm-hearted person. Although he was also new to Mount Song, he readily agreed without a second thought, saying, "This matter is easy; I will recommend two honest individuals to you later."

Although Sun Zifang had just faced a setback in front of this young lad, he could not help but jest: "Young Master Du, since you intend to plant vegetables in this courtyard, do you also plan to raise a few chickens and ducks?"

Elder brother must have his own reasons

Emerging from the inner room, Du Shiyi thought of the need for paper and pen to write the prescription for Sunzi. However, upon looking around, he realized that even as the host, he did not know where the writing materials were. He simply walked over to the bamboo shadow and began to take down the silver needles one by one. After collecting the silver needles in a cowhide bag, he stuffed them all into the hands of the bamboo shadow and immediately instructed, "Take good care of these needles; they may be useful in the future. Also, go find the Four Treasures of the Study, as Daoist Sun needs to write a prescription for Thirteenth Lady."

Elder brother

Mr. Du Xiaolang, you and your sister have traveled a long way to Songyang Temple seeking medical treatment, yet you were turned away at the door. Although I have only just returned today, I am already fully aware of this matter. The temple master, Brother Song, usually focuses solely on cultivation, and the affairs of the temple are managed by his disciples. I once had a bit of a reputation, but when it comes to the art of medicine, there are several brothers in the temple who are proficient. It is only because Brother Song's disciple is foolish, thinking that your illness is severe and that if it cannot be treated well, it would harm their reputation, that he disregarded ethics and allowed your sister to plead repeatedly, even suffering in the rain today! Upon hearing of this, the temple master was greatly enraged and has dismissed him from his position, ordering him to perform menial tasks for three years as punishment. The temple master feels quite apologetic about the previous events. Now that Miss Du Xiaoniang's condition has not yet improved, and Mr. Du Xiaolang has just begun to recover from a serious illness, both of you need to gradually nourish your vital energy and blood. Therefore, the temple master, Brother Song, has specially prepared a ginseng and various other medicinal materials for me to bring to you.

"Elder Brother, is that Master Sun outside?" Du Shisan Niang, in a daze, heard the voices from outside, and when she caught the mention of Master Sun, she could no longer hold back and called out. At this moment, seeing her brother nod, she grasped his sleeve and, with great effort, articulated each word, "Has Master Sun examined your pulse, Elder Brother?"

Receiving unearned rewards is not the way of the wise. In the pursuit of immediate gains and losses, one may have to repay double in the future.

Just now, due to Du Shiyi's instructions and the arrival of esteemed guests, Zhu Ying knelt there, not daring to move. At that moment, she felt a soreness and numbness in her calves and soles, yet she still did not dare to show it in front of others. However, upon hearing this remark, she immediately forgot these minor discomforts, eagerly responding and somewhat unsteadily busying herself. As she moved back and forth, placing and searching for items, Sun Zifang recalled that Du Shiyi had just given this maid a needle, and he couldn't help but smile slightly, saying, "Young Master Du is quite considerate towards this maid in blue."

Faced with such an understanding younger sister, Du Shiyi couldn't help but smile, and the heavy burden on his heart finally lightened.

Hmm. A hint of joy appeared on Du Shisan Niang's face, but only the right corner of her mouth blossomed with a single adorable dimple. "Daoist Sun said so as well, so it must really be fine... Brother, when you fully recover, you must take me to Junji Peak to see the altar where the Heavenly Queen offered sacrifices back in the day..."

Seeing that Du Shiyi absolutely refused to accept these medicinal herbs, Sun Zifang thought for a moment and decided not to press the issue. He smiled and said, "In that case, there is another villa at Songyang Temple on Junji Peak, with a serene and tranquil view, which is quite beneficial for recuperation. This thatched cottage is after all damp and lowly, while that place is currently sparsely populated, and the house is empty anyway."

After glancing around this indeed simple thatched cottage, Du Shiyi once again politely declined: "Although this cottage is simple, it has a thatched roof overhead and a bed below, providing shelter from wind and rain, and it is equally quiet. It is not only suitable for recuperation but also for reading and nurturing one's character. The villa on the peak is a place for the Taoist priests of Songyang Temple to practice their asceticism. My brother and I truly do not wish to disturb them. Please convey our gratitude to Daoist Sun for the kind offer, and we are deeply appreciative of the consideration shown to us." The villa on the peak is a place for the Taoist priests of Songyang Temple to practice their asceticism. My brother and I truly do not wish to disturb them. Please convey our gratitude to Daoist Sun for the kind offer, and we are deeply appreciative of the consideration shown to us.

Seeing Du Shiyi's interface so swift, Sun Zifang couldn't help but chuckle. After lingering for a while and subtly probing into the details of the Du siblings, he discovered that they indeed hailed from the Du Qu of Fanchuan. Only then did Sun Zifang rise to take his leave, with Sima Heiyun also exchanging a few words of laughter before departing. Once they reached the door, Du Shiyi turned back and approached the bed of Du Shisan Niang in the inner room. Seeing her wrapped in the quilt, her rosy face displaying a contented smile, she gazed at him intently, as if fearing he might vanish the next moment. He couldn't help but smile, and then he pulled the quilt up a little more.

Upon realizing this, he saw his grandson Fang call out loudly, and several attendants outside had already brought a box into the room and presented it before him. He immediately shook his head: "I appreciate the kind intentions of Daoist Sun, but I cannot accept such valuable items. My late father taught my siblings and me from a young age that one should not accept rewards without merit. Since the overseer has already punished the responsible party and has invited the Daoist to visit for examination and treatment, my siblings and I are already very grateful."

As for a mere maid, Sunzi merely made a casual jest. This time, he accompanied Sima Heiyun to pay a visit, originally intending to work wonders, but in the end, it was merely Du Shisiang suffering from a cold and fever. Ultimately, these minor ailments were all caused by Song Fuzhen's ignorant disciple. Considering Sima Heiyun was by his side, having just engaged in a conversation with Du Shiyi, this young man, though still in his youth, displayed a demeanor that was both appropriate and gracious, clearly coming from a distinguished family. Rather than being pretentious, it would be better to speak frankly.