Chapter 4, Treating Lung Diseases

Grandfather agreed to the mayor's request to practice medicine at the Qingmian Medical Cooperative. The family pharmacy will be managed by grandmother.

It is said that the Chen family has been practicing medicine and providing medical assistance for generations, holding great prestige in Qingmian. My grandfather's biological mother passed away early, and his biological father, being weak-willed and impoverished, entrusted my grandfather to his cousin. As a youth, my grandfather worked as an apprentice in his uncle's pharmacy. His uncle, being arrogant by nature, was determined to have my grandfather inherit the Chen family business. However, the young grandfather aspired to take the entrance exam for a teacher's college. His uncle locked him in a room, and no matter how much my grandfather pleaded, it was of no use. Eventually, my grandfather gave up hope, and his uncle still kept him locked up for three more days, claiming it was to teach him a lesson so that he would not entertain such thoughts again.

The chrysanthemums planted by grandfather bloomed exceptionally well that year, their fragrance overwhelming the scent of the herbs in the garden. Baicao leaned by the window to write a letter to Churuan, and even picked a few chrysanthemums to hide in the envelope. After that, it was a daily wait for a reply, yet there was no news. Was it because of the heavy study load? Baicao understood very well

Baicao. The voice of Xi Ai was almost mournful. Baicao, you are going to Jin'an... I haven't even considered the idea of attending Qingmian Middle School...

Bai Bu, Sang Bai Pi, Xing Ren, rock candy, Loquat leaves... As Bai Cao read through them, she couldn't help but laugh, my grandfather underestimates me, this is clearly for treating lung diseases

Certain aspects of one's character have long been inscribed in the blood, unchangeable

Grandmother had nothing to say, looking at the hundred herbs, feeling both heartbroken and helpless

Bai Cao's graduation exam results were as excellent as ever, and there was no doubt she would be admitted to Jin'an No. 1 High School. After receiving her report card, she held hands with Xi Ai and walked back. The sun blazed down, and the river in the small town was floating with unknown bubbles, exuding a suffocating odor. Since when had the river water lost its former clarity? Groups of geese and ducks swam peacefully, some even standing on clusters of water plants to play and frolic. Bai Cao's mouth felt a bit dry, her tongue stuck to her teeth, and she remained silent. Suddenly, everything in her sight felt unfamiliar, as a flock of pigeons flew by in the sky. She felt somewhat dazed and noticed cotton candy for sale by the roadside, hesitating for a moment before buying two pieces. She suddenly realized it was nowhere near as delicious as she remembered. It had lost all flavor, and licking it felt like nothingness. Feeling troubled inside, she discarded the unfinished cotton candy, like a pile of spoiled snow. At the dock, some people were washing vegetables, while others were rinsing rice. The garbage boat belonging to the couple from out of town chugged past. The white smoke resembled the cotton candy so much.

Baicao went to find Yan Hupo, asking if she knew how Churan had been recently. Hupo looked puzzled and said that her cousin rarely contacted her. Baicao then went to inquire with Yan's family matriarch about Churan's situation. To her surprise, the matriarch's expression darkened, and she said she didn't know!

Aunt had a habit of sleeping alone, so she separated Xi Ai's bedroom with a curtain and set up another bed. The next day, the Feng family's cake shop opened for business. It was then that Xi Ai remembered her aunt had gotten up early to steam cakes and prepare snacks. After that, Xi Ai obediently got up early with her aunt to help with the preparations. Her aunt glanced at her but said nothing more. As time went on, the aunt and niece developed a tacit understanding. After that, Xi Ai obediently got up early with her aunt to help with the preparations. Her aunt glanced at her but said nothing more. As time went on, the aunt and niece developed a tacit understanding.

Mother glanced at Baicao, who was engrossed in studying, and said decisively, "Elementary school is elementary school; things are different now. The child is growing well, but learning must not be relaxed. I have arranged the schedule quite scientifically, haven't I? I also pay attention to nutritional balance every day"

At the graduation ceremony, there was an artistic performance. Baicao finally fulfilled her wish by wearing a green gauze dress, her hair styled in an alluring high bun, dancing to the long-cherished "Green Dress." Such a small girl already harbored a sense of nostalgia. On stage, she gracefully waved her wide sleeves and danced in her flowing attire, feeling a poignant sense of change in her heart. Everything has passed, she told herself. She was about to grow up. The magnolia flowers dropped their thick and plump blossoms, while the gardenias bloomed ecstatically in the humid air. Everything has passed, she told herself. She was about to grow up. The magnolia flowers dropped their thick and plump blossoms, while the gardenias bloomed ecstatically in the humid air. The grand summer was about to arrive

Bai Cao remained silent, even offering no words of comfort, for she did not know what to say. At this moment, language seemed so pale and powerless.

Grandma said straightforwardly, you can only leave when your aunt arrives! Good child, do not be polite with Grandma, we all consider you as one of our own, do you understand

Grandfather pondered, fearing that his heart was willing but his strength insufficient, and thus he did not dare to act rashly. Staying at his own pharmacy to enjoy his old age is not without its blessings

That spring, the town mayor came to the Chen family, hoping to invite my grandfather to sit in the town's traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy and put up a sign. He said that without the esteemed Mr. Chen coming out of retirement, how could they dare to open a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy

During the Cultural Revolution, the Chen family's pharmacy was destroyed. Su Lian's husband was left disabled due to the armed struggle

Baicao, Grandpa has grown old, which is why he is so talkative. ... In the future, Grandpa will become so old that he won't even be able to speak ... ! ... Baicao covered Grandpa's mouth, annoyed, and told him not to speak nonsense. ! Grandpa chuckled and showed Baicao the prescription in his hand, asking if Baicao could recognize it.

Several letters from Baicao have been sent out, yet there has been no response. She feels somewhat annoyed, a bit resentful, and also anxious and worried. Winter has arrived, and Baicao is about to participate in the essay competition, so she writes to Churan in advance, hoping to meet her in Jin'an. Still, there is no reply.

Those are all old stories

The mayor repeatedly persuaded, but grandfather politely declined with a smile

The Yan family is a prominent household in Qingmian and has a long-standing friendship with the Chen family. The grandfather had no choice but to accept the arrangement and, with generous gifts, married his wife, the third daughter of the Yan family. Six months later, Sulian also got married

Baicao goes to see his grandfather after school

The town mayor suddenly smiled, and Doctor Chen, along with Wang Sulian, also intended to go to the Chinese medicine shop to assist in dispensing medicine

Baicao did not want to write a letter, but always felt there was something to say to Churan, so she wrote everything in her diary

Baicao, your parents are going to take you back to Jin'an. Will you miss your grandparents?

Grandfather suddenly froze, his gaze reflecting decades of vicissitudes and changes.

As time went by, everyone began to notice the signs. Moreover, some observant individuals discovered that the fragrant medicine pouch on grandfather came from Miss Wang Er's needlework. At that time, uncle had already arranged a marriage for him. The woman was the third daughter of the Yan family, who was naturally gentle.

Mother does not even raise her head, studying requires hard work. Which child at Jin'an No. 1 Middle School does not strive this hard? The competition among young children is particularly fierce now. If they cannot get into a good high school in the future, they will not be able to enter a good university either

They arrived at the dusty stage of the theater. The stage was empty and dilapidated. It seemed that the troupe had not performed here for quite some time. Lush weeds grew vigorously, along with delicate flowers. No one spoke, as if they could see the transparent passage of time slipping by before their eyes, unable to be retained or regretted.

Grandfather learned a comprehensive set of medical skills from his uncle

This news brought immense joy to Xi Ai. Baicao arrived at Qingmian Middle School to register, and shortly thereafter, Xi Ai followed suit

Alright, stop daydreaming! Grandmother brought a bowl of fresh cherries and accompanied Baicao back to the room

The peach kernel porridge has a bright red color, the rice is soft and oily, fragrant and sweet, smooth and glutinous. This porridge is also loved by Baicao. Over time, my mother has found joy in the tranquility of cooking porridge and medicine, watching the blue lotus-like calm and transparent flames licking the medicine pot, feeling a sense of inner peace

Grandfather said that my mother's stomach ailment should be treated with traditional Chinese medicine, as it is a condition that requires a gradual and persistent approach. Therefore, the prescription should also be one of patience and gradual progress. Grandfather prescribed several dietary remedies: spleen-nourishing cakes, peach kernel porridge, fresh reed root porridge, and ginseng and lotus seed porridge. My mother remarked that the effects of the medicine come too slowly, and if taken over a long period, the results might be minimal. Grandfather remained silent and simply transcribed the prescriptions in neat small script on a piece of medicinal paper and handed it to my mother. Although my mother found it bothersome, she still diligently prepared the meals according to the prescriptions.

She thought that it would be wonderful if she could make some decisions herself

It is uncertain whether every child experiences such feelings, that childhood seems both long and fleeting, at times excruciating and at times intoxicating, as it passes by with its ups and downs

Xi Ai and her aunt were not close. On the day her aunt first arrived, they merely exchanged faint greetings. The aunt busily cleaned and tidied up, gradually placing the flour for steaming into the room, while Xi Ai could not lend a hand. Watching her aunt's thin and frail figure, Xi Ai felt a pang in her heart, realizing that no matter what, she now had someone to rely on.

Grandma is reluctant; the child has just started the first year of junior high school. Why hold on so tightly? My little girl will be exhausted.

The grandfather, in the prime of his life, was already qualified to walk and diagnose in Qingmian. At that time, the frail second young lady of the Qingmian Wang family, Su Lian, always insisted that her grandfather go to take her pulse

Mother Baicao has returned to Qingmian. This time, she did not leave immediately; instead, she stayed for three years. She has developed a stomach ailment, which, while not severe, often flares up. The doctor advised her to rest and recuperate as soon as possible. Mother Baicao can no longer toil and travel; after much consideration, she decided to return to Qingmian to focus on her health. As for Baicao, she will simply stay in Qingmian to continue her studies. After all, the teaching quality at Qingmian Middle School is quite good.

Grandmother is not convinced; since the child is so diligent, she should also be allowed to take a break. Didn't she also come this way when she was in elementary school? The child is growing and cannot be overworked. That is a lifelong matter

With each autumn rain comes a chill, and before long, the chrysanthemums bloom in scattered beauty. Aunt Xi Ai has moved to the town, residing in the attic of the Feng family, where she has opened a cake shop. It is said that Aunt Xi Ai once had a romance with a young intellectual who was sent to the countryside. She gave herself to him and became pregnant, but he returned to the city, leaving her with nothing. At that time, she was five months pregnant and endured a harrowing experience to terminate the pregnancy, after which she lost her ability to bear children. Hearing the doctor lament that it was a male fetus, she wept bitterly. From that year on, her tears seemed to have dried up. Since then, Aunt Xi Ai has lived a life of simplicity and seclusion, immersing herself in farming and sewing, never speaking of marriage or family matters. Thus, the years dragged on.

Grandfather wore a satisfied expression, saying, "Baicao Baicao, the name given to you by Grandfather is truly the best, as it embodies the essence of a hundred herbs, radiating an aura of vitality.

In the long years to come, Baicao will always remember the childhood days, the gentle and peaceful small town, the courtyard filled with the fragrance of herbs, and the gentle elegance of the grandparents. One's character is akin to the scent of those herbs, like the mist of water vapor, and like the lingering charm of the narrow alleys

Xi Ai smiled as she embraced Baicao, you are still studying at Qingmian, how can I learn tailoring? I want to accompany you

Bai Cao pouted, and Grandpa knowingly asked, how could I not miss you all

Bai Cao sat in the yard holding the kitten, gazing at the moon. An unprecedented loneliness enveloped her, making it almost hard to breathe. Winter had passed, and spring had arrived, as if time held a great secret that was difficult to grasp. With the middle school entrance exam approaching, it was better to review. Bai Cao sighed maturely, set the kitten down, and went back inside. Grandpa was still copying the prescription; upon seeing Bai Cao's gloomy expression, he smiled and said, "Come here, Bai Cao, keep Grandpa company and talk for a while." With the middle school entrance exam approaching, it was better to review. Bai Cao sighed maturely, set the kitten down, and went back inside. Grandpa was still copying the prescription; upon seeing Bai Cao's gloomy expression, he smiled and said, "Come here, Bai Cao, keep Grandpa company and talk for a while."

Baicao was quite surprised, I thought you were really going to learn tailoring

After her mother returned, Baicao always felt a bit awkward. Her mother was very strict with her, requiring her to get up at 6:00 AM every day to memorize English. At 6:30 AM, she would take her to school, and Xiai had to wait for her to go together. Her mother would always instruct them, saying they needed to hurry and not play on the way. Xiai felt that Baicao's mother might think that her poor grades would negatively influence Baicao, which made her somewhat melancholic, and she maintained a proper distance from Baicao. At noon, her mother would pick her up on time to have lunch. During lunch, reading was not allowed, and after eating, she would take a one-hour nap, followed by a bit of homework, arriving at the classroom half an hour earlier than class started. In the evening, she would bring freshly prepared meals to school and pick her up after evening self-study. In the evening, she had to do extra exercises, but she had to be in bed by 11:00 PM.