Chapter 008: The Painted Boat

Due to the circumstances, Zhao Jiaran could only have Zhou the blacksmith forge hollow silver needles, silver infusion tubes, and copper infusion devices, and prepare a saline glucose solution, administering it to the blacksmith for several consecutive days. Fortunately, it was already late autumn at this time, and the blacksmith only suffered burns to his respiratory tract and oral cavity, without any signs of bacterial infection

Zhao Jiaran poured a cup of wine into the wine goblet, and the young woman in blue spoke again: "Young master, a few days ago, my young lady heard someone playing the qin at the bow of the boat in the middle of the night. I wonder if it could be you."

This era emphasizes 'joy without indulgence, sorrow without harm'. To surpass the artistic style of this landscape painting era, one can only rely on the harmonic breakdown of modern music based on the twelve-tone equal temperament. The romance of love is undoubtedly very suitable. The rhythm is gentle and lively, and the emotions are rich and subtle

Hello! Hello! Please don't be like this. Zhao Jiaran felt a surge of turmoil within him. He was already somewhat uneasy while treating the blacksmith master in Suzhou, and the pitiful appearance of the young lady made him even more anxious.

The painted boats are not only found on Taihu Lake; the singing and dancing on the painted boats of West Lake continue all night long. Even if it has not reached the level of the Smurfs, the blue-faced gentleman Ding Daquan sits in the armchair of the painted boat and says to a handsome man with a square face beside him: "Yuan Zhi, with your recent appointment as the governor of Fuzhou, do you think you can achieve any notable accomplishments?"

Yesterday, continuous preventive treatment for adhesion was carried out, and the blacksmith's oral edema began to improve, allowing him to barely take in some water through a tube. Zhao Jiaran immediately put down his tools, bid farewell to the grateful blacksmith Zhou, and prepared to leave Suzhou for Lin'an

In such a place, modern Cantonese songs are considered vulgar and low-quality, while Mandarin songs are seen as the voice of the northern regions. This is the lesson learned by Zhao Jiarun after paying a painful price

Two newly appointed scholars arrived, and the leading performer on the pleasure boat personally welcomed them. Sima Kao was eager to show off, while Zhao Jiaran, who had already experienced such occasions, comfortably sat by the window and called over a young lady in blue from the boat to pour him some wine

Outside the painted boat window, the autumn rain falls incessantly. This rain in Jiangnan has been falling for an entire day, with the raindrops continuously descending, showing no signs of stopping. The weather in Suzhou at this time is quite similar to that of the Huai River basin in the 21st century. In other words, as December in the Gregorian calendar arrives, it first rains, and then it snows. The long winter will last until March, and even in April of the year 12XX, Lin'an is not without heavy snowfall.

With many doubts in his heart, Xu Yuanzhi, who was quite reserved, did not say much. He respectfully replied: "I will follow your instructions entirely. I will not let you down."

The Prefect of Fuzhou, Xu Yuanzhi, lowered his head and replied cautiously: "My lord, I shall certainly do my utmost. However, for any shortcomings, I kindly ask for your guidance."

However, Zhao Jiaran felt uneasy. He attended medical school in the United States, where, even though the country does not emphasize the revolutionary humanitarianism of saving lives, the professional ethics of doctors imposed an inexplicable constraint on him. If Zhao Jiaran were to personally care for the blacksmith master, the chances of survival would naturally increase significantly. However, from another perspective, as a stranger, Zhao Jiaran was perhaps overstepping his bounds. Knowing when to stop was a form of protection for him. For his own sake, Zhao Jiaran had no choice but to decisively leave. However, from another perspective, as a stranger, Zhao Jiaran was perhaps overstepping his bounds. Knowing when to stop was a form of protection for him. For his own sake, Zhao Jiaran had no choice but to decisively leave

The great river flows eastward, washing away countless historical figures. To the west of the old fortress, it is said to be the site of the Red Cliffs of Zhou Yu from the Three Kingdoms. Jagged rocks pierce the sky, and the roaring waves crash against the shore, stirring up a thousand piles of snow. The landscape is picturesque, and how many heroes emerged in that moment. The sound of the zither rings out, as Sima sings the verses of Su Shi.

However, having experienced life and death, Zhao Jiaran understood that the world does not revolve around any individual. He forced a smile and said, "Visiting relatives and practicing medicine are merely trivial matters. The purpose is to harmonize one's state of mind and to work diligently. Brother Sima, we take the imperial examination to serve the court. These trivial matters are just for amusement."

In the Southern Song Dynasty, an era devoid of electricity yet rich in entertainment, Zhao Jiaran found his sole pleasure in music. In his previous life, Zhao Jiaran was unaware of the drastic changes of the times, living off the offerings provided by the court to the Zhao clan's descendants. After twenty years of diligent study, he also made some efforts in music. He was not one to speak much, and he played another piece, a guitar arrangement, on the guqin.

When it comes to medical skills, Zhao Jiaran's previously relaxed mood turned somber. He was unwilling to cause trouble and thought that after saving the blacksmith who had inhaled hot steam and suffered burns to his nasal cavity and oral cavity, his duty to save a life was complete. However, burn injuries require extensive follow-up treatment; if this is not maintained, the blacksmith is likely to die from dehydration and malnutrition. Compared to dying from suffocation due to burns, this manner of death is indeed the utmost mercy. However, burn injuries require extensive follow-up treatment; if this is not maintained, the blacksmith is likely to die from dehydration and malnutrition. Compared to dying from suffocation due to burns, this manner of death is indeed the utmost mercy.

The young woman in blue turned her dark eyes slightly, asking in confusion: "Young master, I have heard others say that mastering martial arts is never a burden. Yet from your words, it seems you believe that having learned too much is actually a hindrance. Your thoughts are indeed different from those of others."

Hmm. I was ordered to board the ship to invite the gentleman, and I heard someone drunkenly reply that he was already intoxicated today. If we wish to meet, we should discuss it tomorrow. That must have been the young master's voice. When we went to invite him again, the boatman said that the master had gone to Suzhou. When I went to pick up the young master today, I saw him coming down from that large ship from a distance. The young lady in the green dress spoke with a clear voice, recounting the events from a few days ago in a rather organized manner. When I went to pick up the young master today, I saw him coming down from that large ship from a distance. The young lady in the green dress spoke with a clear voice, recounting the events from a few days ago in a rather organized manner

Ding Da, with a smile reminiscent of a Smurf, revealed a grin that made his face appear even more frightening. "Jia Sidao wrote to me recommending someone. That fellow is a local from Fujian and is said to be skilled in canal construction. Hmph, Jia Sidao's sister is a favored concubine of the imperial family, so I cannot refuse him. You must make good use of this person."

Seeing that the young lady in green became somewhat serious, Zhao Jiaran also responded earnestly: "To master martial arts, one must have someone to apply them. I wonder if you have heard the saying 'the fist does not leave the hand, and the tune does not leave the mouth.' If skills are not practiced, they will become rusty after learning. A mediocre skill, when put to use, can harm both others and oneself. If one truly understands medicine, even if one cannot save a person, one would not cause their death. If one only knows the 'what' but not the 'why,' following the book and adhering to the rules, causing death is merely a matter of time. If one truly understands medicine, even if one cannot save a person, one would not cause their death. If one only knows the 'what' but not the 'why,' following the book and adhering to the rules, causing death is merely a matter of time. Once an incident occurs and a lawsuit is faced, one's life is essentially over. Rather than facing such a future, it is better to choose not to engage in such matters with dignity now. What do you think?"

The young lady in blue covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "I have heard that the young master possesses remarkable medical skills, capable of reviving the dead and restoring the bones. Healing such trivial matters is a piece of cake."

The rhythm of this piece is much stronger, and the broken chords are significantly more complex. After the performance, the lead girl remained silent, and Sima Kao could not help but praise, "I did not expect Brother Zhao's musical skills to be so remarkable, rivaling even his medical expertise"

A few days ago, Zhao Jiaran had no recollection of this

At this moment, Zhao Jiaran found a footrest and sat on the soft couch like a useless cat, comfortably resting his feet on the footrest. After listening to the words of the girl in the green dress, he sighed and pretended to speak profoundly: "It is not the feet that tire from walking; it is the heart that truly tires. My cultivation is still shallow, and I cannot help but feel resentment towards this."

"Yes, miss." The young woman in blue replied with her head lowered

Seeing others misunderstand him in this way, Zhao Jiaran let out a sigh, "I never intended to dedicate my life to medicine. Even though I possess some medical skills, it is merely an occasional indulgence. Since that is the case, it is better not to let others know. I will not be burdened, and others will not develop baseless fantasies. This is beneficial for everyone."

This place is indeed one for seeking pleasure, and the young ladies first raise their cups in response. The purpose of coming here is to forget worries, and Zhao Jiaran has no intention of pretending to be different from others. He picks up his wine cup, and the young lady in blue immediately pours him a drink, and the entire boat returns to laughter and joy.

"Young master, looking at your shoes, it seems you have traveled quite a distance," said the young girl in a blue dress, smiling at Zhao Jiaran.

"Young Master Zhao, since you are already on the boat, why not play a tune on the zither?" The leading courtesan spoke with gentle words and a calm demeanor

"Let’s not mention these things; we are still friends." Zhao Jiaran replied irritably

The painted boat of the Song Dynasty can be considered a refined place. If one wishes to play music, there are musical instruments available. Even if one is not familiar with the instruments, one can sing lyrics, and there will naturally be young ladies accompanying the music. Aside from the absence of electricity, the level of sophistication likely surpasses the peak of the Tian Shang Ren Jian. The top courtesans on the painted boat are entirely different from those who can indulge freely after payment. Even if there are moments of intimacy, using Xu Zhimo's poetry, it can be described as getting up together to watch the sunrise.

Zhao Jiaran had come to relax, and when invited by someone, he gracefully rose and sat cross-legged in front of the guqin. The guqin was already tuned, and Zhao Jiaran gently stroked the strings, playing the love romance he was most familiar with

The boat is divided into two levels. If there are many people attending, some will be on the lower level, while a smaller number will go to the upper level. If the payment is sufficient, or if there are few attendees, especially if they are particularly renowned individuals, the ladies on the upper level will join everyone in enjoying tea, lighting incense, engaging in discussions, and playing the qin to entertain.

The blacksmith's daughter also served her father. Zhao Jiaran had the young lady practice needlework using oranges, and within six or seven days, she practiced thousands of times, managing to perform needlework for the blacksmith.

"With each autumn rain comes a chill," Zhao Jiaran said slowly while holding a wine glass

Zhao Jiaran had long ceased to care about such trivial matters, and even if the young lady in blue spoke clearly, he had no relevant memories. Just as Zhao Jiaran was at a loss for how to respond, he heard the leading lady on the boat gently say: "Qing'er, a distinguished guest has arrived. Even if one wishes to hear the esteemed guest play the qin, it should not be expressed in such a manner"

The fine rain outside the window falls like silk, and there is not much difference between the autumn rain in Lin'an and that in Suzhou. Laughter and cheerful voices can be heard from the painted boats on West Lake. An old man carrying firewood passed by the lake, and one could hear him singing aloud: "Beyond the mountains are more mountains, and outside the towers are more towers. When will the songs and dances on West Lake cease? The warm breeze intoxicates the travelers, making Hangzhou seem like Bianzhou."

With such talent, could it be otherwise? Sima Qiao did not voice his question, but raised his wine cup and laughed, saying: "At such a time, we must enjoy ourselves to the fullest. After drinking this cup, I will sing Li Taibai's 'Song of the Wine'"

The young woman in blue listened to Zhao Jiaran's lengthy discourse, slightly furrowing her brow in contemplation for a while. Then she smiled and said, "I possess no remarkable skills, yet I do not understand your troubles, young master. I hope you will not be angered by my excessive words."

Sima Kao did not expect Zhao Jiaran to suddenly sing a high tune. Although he did not know the specific reason, he could sense that Zhao Jiaran was in a bad state of mind. Reflecting on their interactions over the past few days, Sima Kao found Zhao Jiaran to be quite enigmatic. This young scholar was decisive in his actions, yet not arrogant, instead exhibiting a sense of caution and trepidation.

However, a doctor is ultimately a doctor, and it is normal to feel a sense of obligation towards patients. Thinking about the consequences after his departure, Zhao Jiaran inevitably felt like a deserter

The young master possesses exceptional medical skills, and this matter has gained fame throughout the world. What is there to be concerned about? The young lady in the green attire did not share Zhao Jiaran's feelings.

After the performance concluded, the audience was left at a loss for words. The lead performer understood that it was her duty to offer a fitting compliment, yet she found herself momentarily speechless. Being well-versed and composed, she gracefully poured a cup of tea for Zhao Jiaran, organized her thoughts, and once Zhao Jiaran had taken a sip, she praised, "This piece is concise yet profound, leaving a lasting impression. May I ask if Young Master Zhao could play another piece?"