Chapter 7: Gifts
Seeing Chen Xie stop, a pair of raggedly dressed men and women hurriedly approached. The woman shielded the little girl with her body, while the man repeatedly bowed to Chen Xie, saying: "Master, we only sell our daughter, not to let her become a concubine."
Zhang Yao said: "This girl is fortunate, resembling Si Hua's younger sister, her luck has turned around"
When Chen Xie was at a loss for words, Shui Gen rushed up from behind and waved his hand at the man, saying: "Have you lost your mind? This is the renowned young doctor Chen, who has returned from overseas, not some monk or Taoist priest. Do you know the Zhang family? The old master of the Zhang family suffered from tuberculosis, and all the doctors in the city were at their wits' end, but young master Chen miraculously cured him."
Zhang Yao formally introduced Chen Xiedao to her family: "This is the divine physician Chen Xiedao, who has returned from overseas in the Americas. His ancestors were remnants of the Southern Song Dynasty, hence he took the courtesy name Sihua. This time, he traveled thousands of miles across the ocean, enduring life-threatening challenges, and he is the only one from his ship who made it ashore. As for the old gentleman's illness, Dr. Liu said it was untreatable, but with Sihua's miraculous skills, the situation has turned from peril to safety, and he is now no longer in serious condition. With continued medication and care, he can fully recover in six months." The old gentleman's illness, Dr. Liu said it was untreatable, but with Sihua's miraculous skills, the situation has turned from peril to safety, and he is now no longer in serious condition. With continued medication and care, he can fully recover in six months.
How fragrant the floral water is, a common item that does not stand out in modern society, yet here it is a treasure of extraordinary value. Any woman would find it irresistible, and Zhou's eyes were transfixed. Chen Xie, however, remained calm and collected, explaining how each item should be used. After he finished the introductions, Zhou carefully put everything away and took it back to her room
Compared to the large mansion in Zhangjiazhuang, the Zhang residence in Dengzhou City consists of only three courtyards. The front, middle, and back courtyards are adorned with red lanterns, inscribed with the words "Zhang Mansion." Upon entering the main gate, a middle-aged woman stands in front of the screen, accompanied by one adult and two young boys, waiting there. Upon seeing Zhang Yao, she steps forward to pay her respects: "Husband, you have returned. It has been hard on you. How is the health of the old master? Xin'er has mentioned that after the academy's cleansing, he will go to visit the old master."
I remembered it! Chen Xie firmly etched this sentence in his heart, but at this moment, the Chen Xie who prided himself on being an ordinary person and was willing to engage in unscrupulous deeds for profit had quietly undergone a slight change. At least in the context of the Ming Dynasty, Chen Xie thought to himself, if I cannot save the whole world, then saving one person is better than none.
Zhang Yao smiled as she watched the woman and child complete their greetings, and then said: "Si Hua is the master of the Zhang family, so be sure to clarify this to the servants later, lest they neglect Si Hua. As her husband, I will enforce the family rules."
"Don't come at me with that! Step aside! I've seen plenty of people like you. Are you trying to bully our young master who just returned from overseas? Let me tell you, Young Master Chen has acknowledged our family patriarch as his uncle, and now we are one family with the Zhang family. Bullying Young Master Chen is equivalent to bullying our Zhang family." Shui Gen's voice was loud, and Zhang Yao, who had just gotten out of the car, heard it clearly and nodded in satisfaction while stroking his beard. He loved hearing this! Now, when he looked at Chen Xie, he found him pleasing to the eye.
Once they got on the carriage, the two continued on their journey. Zhang Yao thought for a moment and said, "Sihua, there is something I must say, regardless of whether you want to hear it or not." Chen Xie quickly replied, "Please, enlighten me."
This statement effectively put Zhang Yao in his place. Although he is a scholar and not particularly sensitive to wealth, he can certainly recognize the value of these gifts. Chen Xie added that there is as much as one desires; how much silver is involved here
In the three days of life in Zhangjiazhuang, Chen Xie saw anticipation in Yuzhu's eyes. However, in Chen Xie's view, that girl was still too young, and upon realizing she was only fifteen years old (in nominal age), he felt a sense of guilt for the exploitation of child labor.
Since we are family, it is only natural to enter the backyard. Because Zhang Yao returned from visiting the old gentleman, along with the guest Chen Xie, lunch was prepared quite lavishly, and a chef was specially called back from Chunxiang Tower in the city to make the arrangements.
"Brother Shuigen, I did not bring any money. Could you help me pay for it?" Chen Xie spoke very politely, but Shuigen did not dare to be presumptuous. He quickly clasped his hands and said, "Since Young Master Chen has taken a liking to this girl, then it is her good fortune. I will take them to the yamen right away to draft a written agreement, and from now on, she will be yours."
Chen Xie nodded slightly, walked in front of Zhang Yao, and slightly bowed, saying: "Uncle Zhang, I apologize for the trouble. It is just that this girl resembles my little sister too much. Unfortunately, that child had a short life and did not survive."
Chen Xie gently pushed aside the water roots blocking his way, slowly squatting down in front of the little girl. Not minding the dirt, he reached out to hold her small hand and said, "Get up, what is your name?"
Chen Xie was also not polite, smiling as he said: "Then I will have to trouble you, Brother Shui Gen."
Then please accept it. Zhang Yao sighed in relief, while Chen Xie, with a smile, picked up the floral water and said: This is a gift specially prepared for you, Aunt. You see, by twisting open the cap and gently pouring a few drops, you can apply it to your body after bathing, which can help prevent mosquito bites.
You are all alone; in this world, life cannot go on like this. There are many who sell their children; can you manage all of that?
After walking for a while, I passed by a place that looked like a market, where Chen hetushu.com stopped. I had only seen people selling goods with signs in movies before, but now I was witnessing it in real life. A ragged little girl, appearing to be around seven or eight years old, was kneeling on the ground. With a grass sign stuck in her head, she knelt there, her big eyes reflecting a sense of fear about the future.
It is said that he is a young master. The couple suddenly knelt down with their daughter in front of Chen Xie, bowing their heads and saying: "This young master, I am a person of little insight. Please do not hold it against me. Please take my daughter. Although she is young, she eats little and works efficiently."
Zhang Zhoushi would certainly not refuse to accept it politely, but instead looked at Zhang Yao. In fact, her heart was pounding at this moment, not for any other reason, but because of that round mirror. Placed on the table, a glance at it nearly startled her. ... This thing reflects so clearly; with such a mirror, when it is revealed during gatherings of the ladies, the spectacle ...
Zhang Yao listened and clapped her hands in delight, saying, "Good! Good!" Zhou then came out, looking surprised. After a brief explanation from Zhang Yao, Zhou's maternal instincts were also stirred. She sighed and said, "Which family would willingly sell their child? It is only out of desperation that they resort to such actions"
Madam Zhang, upon hearing this, could not help but solemnly say: "In that case, we must pay our respects with great ceremony!" As she spoke, she was about to kneel. Chen Xie wanted to step forward to stop her, but was held back by Zhang Yao, watching helplessly as Madam Zhang knelt down with her three children to perform the grand ceremony. With no other choice, Chen Xie could only step aside and say: "I cannot accept such a grand gesture. I have already acknowledged Uncle Zhang as my kin; how can we treat each other this way?"
Zhang Yao led her family in the living room to converse with Chen Xie. At this moment, Chen Xie finally had the opportunity to express himself. Sweetly addressing her as "Aunt," he took out a round mirror, a bottle of Six God floral water, a bar of Lux soap, two tubes of toothpaste, and a toothbrush for each person from his bag. These items had been quietly prepared the night before. He placed them on the table and said, "The journey home is long, and I cannot bring much. This is just a small token of my appreciation. I hope Uncle Zhang and Aunt Zhang will kindly accept it."
Chen Xie was momentarily taken aback, indeed, this is the Ming Dynasty. In a few years, it seems there will be a little ice age, with the "rebels" sweeping across the land, ultimately capturing Beijing and forcing Chongzhen to hang himself on Coal Hill.
Even if Chen Xie does not explain, Zhang Yao would not care. However, this explanation slightly moved Zhang Yao; this child is not one to cause trouble for no reason. She quickly smiled and waved her hand, saying: "It's just a trivial matter, not worth mentioning. You need not concern yourself with this; leave it to Shui Gen, and he will surely bring the person back to you later."
Zhang Yao has three children. The eldest is sixteen years old and has already arranged a marriage, with the wedding set for next year. He is currently studying at the local academy as a stipend student. Being a stipend student at the age of sixteen is quite commendable, but unfortunately, he has a father who is a successful scholar, which makes it hard for him to feel proud. The second child is twenty-two years old, named Zheng, and the youngest is eight years old, named Zhuan. Both are being taught at home by a private tutor.
Zhang Yao smiled wryly and shook her head, saying to Chen Xie: "Si Hua, it is not easy for you to bring these things back from thousands of miles away, so there is no need to be polite among family." Chen Xie smiled and shook his head: "Since we are family, there is even less reason to be polite. Besides, I know how to make all these things, so in the future, won't I be able to have as much as I want?"
Watergen bowed his hands to Chen Xie and said: "Young Master Chen, if you wish to purchase a maid, there is no need to buy one here. You can go to the pawnshop to find a broker; the maids and servants bought there have recourse in case of any issues later on. Those who sell children on the street like this, it remains uncertain what troubles may arise in the future."
After curiosity turned into disappointment, the allure of the Ming Dynasty city quickly faded for Chen Xie. He even entertained the thought of how to survive a month in this place! In Zhangjiazhuang, there was no electricity at night, and one had to carry a lantern just to use the toilet. Otherwise, one would have to resolve matters on the commode, but seeing the maid named Yuzhu carrying the toilet, Chen Xie truly felt a pang of compassion.
Chen Xie seemed to vaguely understand Zhang Yao's intention. As an outsider dressed in peculiar attire arriving at the Zhang family, he must first establish his position. Mrs. Zhang, being in sync with her husband, was very cooperative. In this way, Chen Xie's status within the Zhang family would be firmly established in the future
At that moment, Shui Gen returned, carrying a package and leading the little girl. Chen Xie immediately approached and, taking the little girl's hand, said: "From now on, I will treat you as I would treat my sister; here, you can feel at home."
What? Saving the people from water and fire? Rescuing the Ming Dynasty? Don't joke around, I'm just a college student, don't scare me!
"Er Ya!" The little girl responded, and Chen Xie’s eyes were filled with tenderness. In that moment, Er Ya's heart was filled with peace.
Upon seeing this little girl, Chen Xie could no longer take a step forward. The look in the girl's eyes was all too familiar to him. She was a little orphan named Xiao Xuan, who had followed Chen Xie around all day. At the age of nine, Xiao Xuan passed away due to congenital heart disease. That year, Chen Xie was only ten years old, and the gaze filled with the fear of being abandoned pierced through his chest.
In summary, since the first time travel to the present, Chen Xie has felt the most is a sense of discomfort. As a passerby (self-identification), Chen Xie does not intend to change anything, but rather focuses on bringing back some good items from the Ming Dynasty to sell for money