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Meanwhile, Wan Changsheng and his wife sat in the courtyard of the medical hall, facing Sun Sichen.
“Young Master, my wife would like to confirm something with you in person; otherwise, she feels a bit uncertain.”
Sun Sichen smiled, “You can call me Sichen; there’s no need for such formality. Wan Di-mei, what do you wish to confirm? Feel free to ask.”
Meiniang steadied herself, “Young Master, I believe you’ve heard from Doctor Sun that Ping’an is my late husband’s son. His father met with an accident during the imperial examination when he was less than two years old. For these years, we have depended on each other. Last month, I married into the Wan family, and my husband treats him as his own child, willing to support him in his studies.
My child is very clever and learns quickly. Today, I want to ask you: will you truly teach my son how to read? If it won’t hinder his studies, I will agree to let him learn medicine. Additionally, if the child grows up and wishes to take the imperial examination himself, will you allow him to go? As parents, we won’t force him; it will depend on his own wishes.”
Sun Sichen did not hesitate for a moment: “Of course. I am a scholar myself. I started learning medicine at the age of four or five, spending half my time studying. A person learning medicine must also understand the theories in books; studying helps one become more reasonable. Rest assured, as I said, a scholar cannot escape his calling. I can’t say for others, but that child is clever—he should find the provincial examination not too difficult before he turns twenty.
In these years, I will teach him myself, and I can also hire a tutor for him. Ping’an is my first disciple; a disciple is like a half-son to me. You need not worry about me treating him poorly. I will also pass on some martial arts to him so that he can be healthy and safer when going out.
Moreover, if he wishes to sit for the imperial examinations or even to become an official in the future, I will not force him. The years he spends learning medicine will only benefit him and not harm him. Since Ping’an is still young, when he comes to me, I will arrange for a young servant to accompany him, serving as a childhood companion.
However, I must tell you in advance: I cannot stay in one place forever. The Sun family has many branches of Baicaotang. I only have one brother, who is three years younger than me and is also skilled in medicine, but he is not keen on managing the family business. However, I can promise you that I will take him to your place at least twice a year, staying a few days each time. What do you think? If you have any requests, I will do my best to accommodate them; this is my sincerity.”
Wan Changsheng glanced at his wife, and the couple exchanged a look. Young Master Sun’s sincerity was abundantly clear; there was nothing more to say.
“Young Master, you mentioned bringing a servant for Ping’an. May I ask if I can bring someone myself? He has a cousin, eleven years old, named Erqiang. He is very clever and kind-hearted. If that’s possible, it would be best. If not, consider it as if I never said anything.”
Erqiang was older and could help with farm work. They also needed him for herb gathering. Sanqi was studying in town, and his brother-in-law wanted the child to take the imperial examination, so he was not a consideration. The most suitable choice was Erqiang.
Having him follow the young master would allow him to learn a thing or two, which would be beneficial for his future.
“Alright, you may take him along. However, I can only allow him to learn a bit of martial arts with him; I won’t teach him medicine. How much he learns while staying with Ping’an will depend on him. All his food and expenses will be my responsibility, and I can also give him five hundred wen a month. However, he will need to handle the daily chores around Ping’an.
Since Ping’an will be studying medicine and reading, and will also need to practice martial arts, someone needs to manage the small matters around him. I plan to place a young servant by his side for this purpose. Think about it; if it’s acceptable, then bring him along.”
Wan Changsheng nodded, “Alright, we will discuss it at home. Also, the pharmacy we go to is quite far, so I must make arrangements for our fields.”
“Wan Changsheng, The Sun family has many pharmacies. The one in Jiaoxian County is not large; I was thinking of letting you go to the pharmacy near Yong’an Prefecture. That pharmacy has around forty to fifty mu of land, and the environment is quite nice; living there would be comfortable. Of course, if you prefer not to be too far from home, staying in the county is fine as well.”
Wan Changsheng’s heart raced.
This would be the best option. Being far away from here, in ten or eight years, there would be no threats remaining. By then, his wife would be older, and Ping’an would be an adult as well.
“Young Master, we are willing to go to the prefecture, but there is one thing we hope you can agree to: we do not want our family’s matters to be known by outsiders. We just want to live quietly.”
Sun Sichen did not think much of it; it was possible that Wan Changsheng had troublesome relatives. “That is not a problem. The day after tomorrow, I will wait for you here. Please try to come early. We will head to the prefecture that day. The journey from the county to the prefecture takes about five to six days, and once we arrive, Ping’an will often come to see you. We might stay in the prefecture for about a month.”
Wan Changsheng stood up, and Meiniang followed suit.
“Young Master, my wife and I will head back now. We have much to arrange. We will definitely come back the day after tomorrow at the correct hour.”
…
After the couple left the medical hall, they headed straight back.
Today had gone exceptionally smoothly. They had exchanged their cart, confirmed everything, and even secured a future for Erqiang. An eleven-year-old child could earn six taels of silver a year to bring home while also learning martial arts.
Taking care of Ping’an was no concern; it was merely a matter of managing nearby affairs. Ping’an was so well-behaved; he couldn’t possibly be bullied. He would also teach him a little, like reading and writing.
It was Wan Changsheng’s first time driving a mule cart. At first, it felt a bit awkward, but he quickly became proficient. If only he were younger, he could learn a few moves from the young master.
His own limited skills were merely combat techniques from the battlefield and could hardly be considered true martial arts.
In the afternoon, they returned to the He family.
Ping’an had already helped everyone dry the herbs and was just sitting down to catch his breath. He had told his big uncle that all the goji berries they harvested today were his. He planned to teach them how to gather herbs for another day, and they would leave the day after tomorrow. His father likely had no time to do this.
“Hey, the mule is back?” Erqiang heard the noise and hurriedly stood up to open the courtyard gate.
“Erqiang, open the gate; let the mule cart in.” They would definitely have dinner before returning home, so they needed to discuss Erqiang’s matter.
Ping’an also came over. In his previous life, he had seen mules, but having one at home was a different experience altogether.
Wan Changsheng parked the cart, took off the harness, and tied the mule to a jujube tree beside the courtyard.
“Where are your parents? Is it just the two of you at home?” Meiniang didn’t see any family members.
“Aunt, my father and older brother went to gather goji berries. Grandfather, my mother, and my younger sister are planting sweet potatoes in the field, and my grandmother went to pick vegetables. They’ll be back soon. I just helped my cousin dry the herbs.”
Wan Changsheng looked at the sun; it was still early. He turned to his wife and said, “I’m going to help his maternal grandfather in the fields. You stay at home and rest. We’ll have dinner before heading back.”
Meiniang nodded. It was only a fifteen-minute walk back to their home. She wasn’t worried about the darkness; just bringing a lamp would suffice. They needed to finalize Erqiang’s matter.
Tomorrow, her husband needed to mention it to the clan elder.