Jiao Niang’s Medical Record Chapter 130

During the Lunar New Year, the streets were bustling and lively, filled with the noise of people. Regardless of whether one was rich or poor, dressed finely or modestly, everyone was clean and tidy. This was partly to ward off the cold and partly to embrace the auspicious spirit of the season. Even the beggars who normally lingered at the corners of houses or under bridges had been driven away by the authorities. The streets now gleamed with a polished vibrancy.

“The capital is indeed vast and lively,” the young maid exclaimed in awe, her face lit with surprise as she gazed around.

The day was bright and clear. She was wrapped in a thick cloak with a hood, holding a hand warmer in both hands. Seated in the carriage, she was enveloped in a cozy warmth. Whether it was due to her joy or the comfort of the warmth, her plain and unremarkable face seemed to glow with vitality.

She observed the passersby, and the passersby also took notice of them.

The carriage was pulled by a sturdy black donkey, and walking alongside it was an elderly servant. Though aged, he was vigorous and sharp, his appearance seemingly ordinary yet carrying an indescribable air of dignity.

“Ban Qin,” the old servant turned his head and smiled, “We haven’t even entered the capital yet.”

The young maid let out a surprised “Ah!” her astonishment growing even more.
“We haven’t entered the capital? But, but this place…” she asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“This is eight miles outside the capital. Look ahead.” The old servant pointed forward with his whip. “See those city walls over there? That’s the capital’s wall. Once we pass through it, we’ll truly be in the city.”

The young maid straightened up to look. Beyond the dense clusters of houses in front of her, she indeed saw a magnificent city seated proudly in the distance.

The old servant, still smiling, began explaining more but suddenly paused, lowering the whip in his hand.

“The young master has arrived,” he announced, his tone tinged with joy.

Young master?

The maid quickly looked around but didn’t recognize anyone until someone walked up to the side of the carriage.

The man was about forty-five or forty-six years old, of medium height and slightly lean build. Dressed in a simple blue cotton robe, he appeared utterly ordinary at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, his entire demeanor exuded a sense of uprightness and resolve. Even those unfamiliar with scholarly pursuits could recognize the learned and dignified air about him.

“Father, you’ve had a hard journey,” the man said with a formal bow.

This was none other than Zhang Chun, known as Zhang Ziran, the revered “Master of Jiang-zhou” with three thousand disciples to his name. Scholars across the land considered meeting him a great honor and would tremble with excitement at the chance to speak with him. Yet here, both the old servant and the young maid maintained calm and composed expressions.

“Old Master,” the maid quickly turned back and lifted the curtain of the carriage. “Master has come to greet you.”

Inside the carriage, an elderly man looked over and smiled warmly with a slight nod.

“Ban Qin here greets the master,” the maid said, bowing at last.

Zhang Chun glanced at the young maid, a faint flicker of surprise flashing in his eyes.

“Old Master gave Su Xin to another,” the old servant explained with a smile. “And that person, in turn, gifted her to the master.”

The maid bowed to Zhang Chun again, who nodded but paid her no further attention. Instead, he reached out his large, bony hand, took hold of the reins, and guided the carriage.

The maid and the old servant walked alongside the carriage, weaving through the bustling crowd as they headed toward the capital.

In a small alley amidst the bustling market stood the Zhang family’s residence.

Old Master Zhang, having washed away the fatigue of his journey, sat down to enjoy a cup of tea, with his son and grandson seated beside him.

“Grandfather, where have you been again? How come you didn’t return even for the New Year?” His eldest grandson, who resembled his father, appeared much more mature than his peers despite being in his early twenties.

“It sounds like a carefree trip to enjoy the mountains and waters, but truth be told, it’s a bit embarrassing,” Old Master Zhang laughed heartily. “I lost my money, and we got stranded in Shanyan County.”

Zhang Chun and his son stared in surprise.

“Grandfather…” the eldest grandson said with a bitter smile, unsure of how to respond.

“Well, it was quite amusing,” Old Master Zhang chuckled, looking at them. “I’ve been gone for so long—what’s new in the capital?”

“The Emperor is in good health, and the Second Prince has started his studies,” Zhang Chun replied.

“The Second Prince is six years old this year, so it’s time for him to start his education,” Old Master Zhang nodded and smiled.

Although it was a common matter, neither the questioner nor the respondent found it funny.

The Emperor only had two sons. The eldest prince was born of the consort, while the second prince was born of a lower-ranking concubine. After the New Year, the eldest prince would be eleven and the second prince six. Though still young, preparations for establishing an heir had already begun in the court, as the Emperor’s health was frail.

“The Emperor plans to promote Father,” the eldest grandson added.

Old Master Zhang gave a soft “Oh” and looked at Zhang Chun.

“Do they want you to tutor the second prince?” he asked.

Zhang Chun nodded.

“I have already declined,” he replied. “I’ve promised to give a lecture to the students preparing for the imperial examination, and I cannot go back on my word.”

Old Master Zhang nodded in acknowledgment.

“Oh, right, Grandfather, there’s one more interesting thing,” the eldest grandson said, suddenly remembering something. He called out, “Go bring me the ‘Qieting’s Five Characters’ from my study.”

“Qieting’s Five Characters?” Old Master Zhang was a bit confused.

“Grandfather, someone recently wrote five characters in front of the Qieting Temple. You must see them; I’m sure you’ll think they’re marvelous,” the eldest grandson said, his face lit with excitement.

Zhang Chun, however, showed little reaction. He valued calligraphy that was balanced and proper, and preferred a steady style in the Six Arts. He wasn’t particularly fond of anything unusual.

Soon, a servant brought over a mounted scroll, and the eldest grandson carefully unrolled it.

“This is the work of that anonymous person?” Old Master Zhang asked, rising to take the scroll. He stared at it for a moment, a slight surprise on his face.

“Well, what do you think, Grandfather? Isn’t it good? The five new characters have a unique style, each with its own charm—graceful, elegant, bold, free-spirited, and serene,” the eldest grandson said, smiling.

The door was pulled open, and a maid entered, carrying a tray. A faint fragrance spread through the air.

“Old Master, have some pastries,” the maid said.

“Ban Qin, come here,” Old Master Zhang called, waving his hand.

The maid set the tray down and walked to stand behind Old Master Zhang.

“Look at these characters,” Old Master Zhang said.

Zhang Chun and his son exchanged a glance, both slightly surprised.

Everyone knew that Old Master Zhang had changed to a new maid, and while it wasn’t a big deal, Su Xin had been with him for many years. She was clever, obedient, and well-liked. The sudden change was unexpected. To their surprise, Old Master Zhang had asked this new maid to look at the characters—could she be someone knowledgeable in poetry, calligraphy, and painting?

“Old Master, how should these characters be read?” the maid asked.

Zhang Chun was fine, still maintaining his composed demeanor, but his son, lacking enough self-restraint, chuckled softly. He lowered his head, his gaze falling on the tray in front of him.

On the blue-and-white porcelain dish, four small compartments held round balls coated with golden, soft, sticky rice and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

What kind of pastry was this?

“This is read as ‘ Mountain temple awaits the plum blossoms,'” Old Master Zhang said, extending his hand to point at one of the characters. “Ban Qin, do you recognize this character for ‘await’? Does it seem familiar to you?”

The maid looked at it again carefully but finally shook her head.

“Old Master, I can tell different types of food apart, but this character…” she smiled.

Was he mistaken? Old Master Zhang studied the character again, but it seemed vaguely similar to the “Tai Ping” he had seen in Xuan-miao in Jiang-zhou.

He lowered his head to take another look. It was similar, but this character was clearly written much better.

But that lady was in Jiang-zhou. How could she have written on the wall at Qieting Temple?

He shook his head and smiled.

“Good characters,” Old Master Zhang praised. “Although still a bit immature, the style is elegant, and most importantly, it’s innovative.” He pointed at the tray, “Come, try the pastries. Ban Qin makes excellent treats.”

Zhang Chun picked one up and took a small bite, while the eldest grandson, not holding back, ate two.

“Mm, very good! There’s even a twist inside,” he praised, then looked at the maid. “What are these called?”

“It’s nothing special, just fried fruit,” the maid replied with a smile.

“We relied on Ban Qin selling small snacks to get by in Shanyang County,” Old Master Zhang chuckled, picking up one for himself.

So, she was a cook, the eldest grandson realized.

“Father, is your dizziness any better?” Zhang Chun suddenly asked.

“Much better, it hardly happens anymore, all thanks to Ban Qin,” Old Master Zhang replied, smiling.

Zhang Chun and his son glanced at the maid.

“Old Master, eat more, and you’ll be cured,” the maid said with a smile.

Eat more and it will cure the illness?

This maid sure knew how to talk. Zhang Chun and his son exchanged a smile, letting it pass.

In the Chen family residence, Old Master Chen was also eating snacks. The crispy, perfectly fried, golden-yellow pastries were fragrant and delicious. Unfortunately, when Old Master Chen reached for another piece, the dish in front of him was taken away.

“Grandfather, Lady Cheng said you’re not allowed to eat so many fried foods,” Dan-niang said.

“Just one more, just one more,” Old Master Chen smiled.

Dan-niang was not in the mood to negotiate and turned, grabbing the plate firmly in refusal.

At this moment, Chen Shao walked in, and Old Master Chen smiled, putting his chopsticks down.

“Father,” Dan-niang called, standing up and spinning around. “Look, Mother made me a new dress.”

Chen Shao nodded, offering a slight smile—this was the maximum expression of affection from a strict father.

“It’s made to match Lady Cheng’s design,” Dan-niang said with a bit of pride. “Shi’ba-niang has one, and now I have one too. When we went out, many people gathered around to look at us and ask about it. I told Shi’ba-niang not to tell anyone.”

After the maids exchanged a few words with them, they stood up and led Dan-niang out, leaving the father and son to talk.

“Father, have you heard what Lady Cheng said recently?” Chen Shao asked.

“Only treats those who are at death’s door,” Old Master Chen replied.

“Look at her, why would she say something like that? She’s still too young,” Chen Shao said, a bit worried.

Old Master Chen smiled.

“She didn’t say anything wrong,” he said, pointing at himself, “Wasn’t I once a person destined to die?”

Chen Shao gave a bitter smile.

“But there is no such rule, how can one say such things?” he said. “Or, at least treat first, then talk about it.”

Old Master Chen shook his head.

“No, no, I actually think it’s quite good,” he smiled, then raised his finger as if emphasizing something. “You see, by treating me, a person destined to die, she first gained recognition. Then rumors spread that she had encountered a deity, and her fame grew. She stays with the Zhou family and refuses to treat anyone outside, which only fueled her renown further. The saying, ‘Not treating anyone who’s not at death’s door,’ caused quite a stir. Now, everything is in place—we just need that final push.”

Chen Shao was momentarily stunned.

So, all of this was arranged by that young lady, step by step? It wasn’t just youthful arrogance and ignorance?

Was it truly like this, or was it just a coincidence?

Chen Shao fell silent.

“For an orphaned girl, with a reputation for being foolish and mentally challenged, there’s no one to rely on, and without her kin, she cannot survive,” Old Master Chen continued, sighing.

Chen Shao nodded. From the information he had gathered, this young lady truly had a difficult and pitiful life.

Old Master Chen smiled again.

“Unless she gains some renown,” he said.

“Renown?” Chen Shao frowned, looking at his father.

“Such as the reputation of a medical skill that can bring the dead back to life,” Old Master Chen said. “The momentum is already built; it’s just waiting for a dying person to come knocking. Once the right opportunity comes, this lady will become a significant figure in the capital.”

He smiled again after saying this.

“In just a little over a month since coming to the capital, she’s already managed to make such an impression—she’s certainly someone to be reckoned with.”

“But, can someone like this really exist? Or what if, in the end, she can’t cure them?” Chen Shao asked.

He was a person who valued stability and thoroughness, always thinking things through carefully before acting. Any small oversight would prevent him from proceeding recklessly.

Old Master Chen laughed.

“That’s why this young lady will certainly be a remarkable person,” he said. “She has both talent and intelligence, and she dares to take risks—truly rare qualities.”

Typically, smart people cherish their lives more than others and thus avoid taking risks. But this lady dared to do so.

If she failed, her reputation would be ruined, and she would be no better off than before. In fact, if she didn’t take this step, even if she healed herself, while she might not secure a lifetime of safety, at least she would gain some advantage when it came time for marriage.

For a woman, securing a good marriage means half of her worries are gone for life.

But it seemed this lady didn’t rely on that alone. Or rather, it seemed she didn’t want to place her hope in others, preferring instead to rely on herself.

In simple terms, such people don’t trust outsiders. They like to keep everything in their own hands.

Perhaps it was because she had been abandoned as a child due to her disability, Old Master Chen thought, feeling a sense of melancholy.

“Really curious to know, which expert did this lady encounter?” he sighed, then looked at Chen Shao. “How did the inquiry in Bing-zhou go?”

“The Taoists have all scattered and sought refuge in various places. The ones we’ve found have no daily contact with the lady. The information we’ve gotten is still the same, and others are still searching for people to question. So, we still don’t know who this lady has encountered,” Chen Shao replied.

Old Master Chen nodded.

“Then take your time to ask,” he said.

Ban Qin knelt on the ground, too afraid to lift her head.

“Why did you send her to the laundry room?” Young Master Qin asked with a furrowed brow, looking at the maid in front of him.

Ban Qin instinctively pulled her frostbitten hands back into her sleeves.

“It has nothing to do with Sixth Young Master. I went there willingly,” she said softly.

Zhou Liu-lang didn’t respond.

“Ask what you need to ask quickly,” he said, his voice laced with undisguised disgust.

Ban Qin lowered her head even further.

“Ban Qin, here’s the thing,” Young Master Qin shot him a glance, then turned to the maid with a kind expression. “Your mistress said a few things that made everyone skeptical and raised some doubts. This isn’t good, so I want to ask you if it was indeed a misunderstanding…”

“It’s a misunderstanding, it must be a misunderstanding. My mistress never lies,” Ban Qin hurriedly interrupted before Young Master Qin could finish.

Never lies...

Zhou Liu-lang suppressed a sneer from the side.

Or perhaps, she’s just too good at lying.

“Does your mistress have any rules when it comes to practicing medicine? For example, not…” Young Master Qin asked.

Before he could finish, Ban Qin quickly took over the conversation.

“Yes, yes, she has rules. First, she doesn’t visit patients. Second, she only treats those who are on the verge of death,” she said without hesitation.

As expected.

Young Master Qin paused for a moment, slightly taken aback.

This lady, when scrutinized, seems to act without proper order, but in reality, everything she does follows a set of principles. So, every gesture, every word and action may seem absurd, yet in the end, no fault can be found.

“Li Lou’s brilliance, Gongshu Zhi’s craft, without rules, nothing can be accomplished*,” he said slowly, “So that’s what it is.”

*离娄之明，公输子之巧，不以规矩，不能成方圆（Li Lou’s brilliance, Gongshu Zhi’s craft, without rules, nothing can be accomplished）: The idiom as a whole means that even individuals who possess great wisdom (Li Lou) or exceptional skills (Gongshu Zhi) must still operate within a framework of rules or standards. Without these guiding principles, their talents cannot be fully realized or lead to meaningful outcomes. Essentially, the idiom stresses the importance of structure, rules, and discipline in achieving success, no matter how skilled or talented one may be.