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Before long, Old Lady He returned, and Meiniang helped by picking vegetables and preparing dinner. They would wait until everyone was home before discussing Erqiang’s matter, which Wan Changsheng would bring up.
In her heart, she felt a bit sorry for Daqiang. He was a capable and kind nephew, but since only one child was needed for this situation, Erqiang was more suitable. Daqiang would have to wait for other opportunities in the future.
In the kitchen, He Mother only asked if her daughter had settled everything. Seeing her daughter nod, she stopped asking. Since her daughter’s family was having dinner here before leaving the day after tomorrow, she wanted to make a few hearty dishes.
Fortunately, there was still cured meat and smoked rabbit at home. They could slaughter an old hen for soup, and they had recently raised a new batch of chickens that would start laying eggs later in the year.
Meiniang saw her mother working busily, and though she tried to help, she couldn’t stop her. The chicken had already been killed, and they were busy boiling water to help Erqiang and Ping’an pluck the feathers.
For a dinner of over ten people, Old Lady He clearly wanted to prepare several dishes. Meiniang didn’t say anything more, choosing the vegetables and drawing water directly from the well. The He family’s well had cost quite a bit to dig, and using it made things much more convenient.
Before evening, everyone from the He family returned home.
Meiniang noticed that her father and sister-in-law had cheerful expressions on their faces, which likely meant Wan Changsheng had discussed Erqiang’s matter with them.
As soon as he got home, Old Man He asked his wife if dinner was ready. Once it was, he wanted to eat immediately because there was important news to share.
Seeing his eldest daughter-in-law smiling, Old Lady He felt a bit anxious. “What important news? Just tell us now; we can talk while we eat.”
Seeing that his son and grandson were looking at him expectantly, Old Man He smiled and said, “Alright, everyone gather around. Erqiang, close the courtyard gate.”
Ping’an thought to himself that it must be good news—perhaps his parents brought back something delightful from the county?
“Here’s the thing: Changsheng and his wife spoke with Young Master Sun today about Ping’an becoming his disciple. Young Master Sun also said he would arrange for a young servant to accompany Ping’an. When Changsheng heard this, he immediately mentioned that his nephew could go along.
Young Master Sun agreed, but Changsheng considered that Daqiang was a bit too old and that they needed him to help gather herbs at home, so they decided to let Erqiang go instead. They can help Daqiang in the future when the opportunity arises.
Young Master Sun promised to provide a monthly stipend of five hundred wen for Erqiang, primarily to take care of Ping’an.
So, this is a tremendous opportunity! He will gain skills and earn a monthly wage. Erqiang, you must remember not to get distracted; Young Master Sun wants you there to take care of your cousin. If you can’t do that, what use would you be?”
Erqiang was overjoyed, almost dizzy with excitement. “Grandfather, I will absolutely take good care of my cousin. I’ll handle everything!”
Seeing Erqiang grinning widely, Ping’an turned to his slightly disappointed older cousin. “Big Cousin, trust me; I will definitely take you out in the future.”
He didn’t dare say that he would become someone extraordinary, but he was sure to become a renowned physician. With the medical knowledge he had accumulated over decades in his past life, he would gradually reveal it, ensuring that he would always have his own people around him.
And this big cousin, regardless of anything, was someone he had great faith in—he was no less competent than Erqiang.
Daqiang looked up at his younger cousin and saw him looking at him earnestly. He felt warmth in his heart. “Ping’an, Big Cousin believes in you.”
He Zilin was overjoyed: “This is great! It’s best that Erqiang can follow behind Ping’an. Erqiang, listen to your grandfather; once you’re out there, you must be sensible and not get distracted. Otherwise, I’ll have Young Master Sun send someone to bring you back.”
Erqiang quickly swore, jokingly, “How could I let someone bring me back? That would be so embarrassing!”
Wan Changsheng said, “Daqiang, you should focus on gathering herbs at home for now. Ping’an and I will keep your situation in mind; there will definitely be opportunities.”
Hu Shi smiled and said, “Brother-in-law, Ping’an, please take care of Erqiang’s situation. Being able to go out is much better than staying in the countryside. As for gathering herbs, I can handle that with the head of the family.”
Old Man He asked Changsheng, “When do you plan to discuss this with the clan? What about your elder brother?”
Wan Changsheng replied, “Tomorrow, my wife will stay home to pack things. I’ll come over to teach my elder brother and the others how to gather herbs, then I’ll visit the clan elder in the evening. I didn’t want to go personally at first, but after thinking it over, it wouldn’t be appropriate. After I return from the clan elder’s, I’ll mention it. We’ll still keep our family’s arrangement with Young Master Sun a secret, saying I have a friend who is taking me out to work.”
Old Man He didn’t fully understand why his son-in-law wanted to hide their whereabouts, but he agreed nonetheless. “If that’s how it is, then let it be. Just don’t let anyone know.”
“Alright, make sure to come back early tomorrow. If it’s too late, they’ll be asleep.”
Ping’an knew this was true. After spending several years here, he had adapted to going to bed when it got dark and rising with the dawn. There wasn’t much oil to waste on lamps.
From the things his father had shared with his mother, he learned that the Wan family’s elder wasn’t particularly bad; at worst, he was somewhat selfish and easily swayed. Although the elder’s wife seemed weak, she wouldn’t part with even a needle from her house.
For example, when his father returned home from military service, he initially brought back some silver, but nothing else. The elder’s wife had farmed the land for seven years but wouldn’t spare a grain of rice, which had hurt his father’s feelings deeply.
This was fine, though.
As long as they weren’t the worst kind of relatives, it was manageable. Over the past month, at least that family hadn’t caused too much trouble. However, there had been some issues with that cousin, who had created some hassle.
But none of that mattered anymore. The day after tomorrow, they would be leaving this place. This time, they would not return to stay long-term. It wasn’t that the mountains were bad; they had their advantages. But he preferred the liveliness of the city, where there were more opportunities and it was more suitable for him to spread his wings.
As night fell, the family of three hurried back in the mule cart.
The next morning, Wan Changsheng planned to come alone since his wife needed to pack things, and their son was still too young to go up the mountain.
Tomorrow, he would gather more medicine for snake and insect bites, preparing enough for a year or two. It was already May, and there was no certainty he could return this year.
Even if he had the time, he didn’t want to come back. In the future, he would have to be cautious. Was that person really dead? This thought weighed heavily on his heart like a mountain.
Only by staying far away could he gradually free himself from that fear.
Meiniang had no idea that just because of her son’s words, her husband was worried every day. Young Master Sun taking Ping’an as his disciple and bringing the couple along was as if a pie fell from the sky.
When they returned home, it was already dark. The family of three washed up and each went to their own rooms to rest.
In the darkness, Meiniang still felt a bit anxious. “Husband, is it alright to hand over the fields to the clan? Will Big Sister cause a fuss?”
“Don’t worry. Once we leave, we likely won’t return to live here. In the future, when our son becomes successful, we will surely live with him. We’ve been saving some silver these years. Once our son settles down, we will buy land to grow medicine ourselves. By then, when our son practices medicine and we grow herbs, we will save a lot on medicine costs.
When that time comes, I’ll give the fields to the clan as a contribution. For now, I’ll let elder brother farm it. I can’t give him the house just yet; in a couple of years, when we have a plan, and his children have grown up, I’ll send a letter back to hand over the house to him. It should be worth over twenty taels, which would show brotherly affection.”
As for everything else, that could be left behind.