Chapter 30: The Tang Family’s Downfall

Knowing Song Xuejun’s question, Tang Xiaorou replied, “The acupuncture will be on your back. It might hurt initially, but it’ll get better.

When it no longer hurts, your illness will be almost cured.”

Song Xuejun, relieved it was on his back, looked at his mother. “Mom, help Doctor Tang.”

“Okay, I understand.”

Yang Siji smiled nervously as Tang Xiaorou began the acupuncture.  Before the third needle, Song Xuejun groaned in pain, making Yang Siji even more nervous.

“Auntie, it does hurt a bit at first, but don’t worry. It’s normal.”

Yang Siji waved her hand. “I’m not nervous. I won’t disturb you.”  But she was unsure. The prescription was good, but Tang Xiaorou was young; her acupuncture skills might not be that great. Her son might suffer.

Tang Xiaorou continued, seeing their cooperation.

After inserting all the needles, she rotated them one by one. Song Xuejun felt pain and numbness. He gritted his teeth, trying not to make a sound.

Time passed. Tang Xiaorou focused on the needles, and Yang Siji watched anxiously.

Finally, the acupuncture ended. Tang Xiaorou removed the last needle.

Song Xuejun breathed a sigh of relief. The pain lessened, replaced by comfort.

Yang Siji asked, “Xuejun, how do you feel?”

“Mom, I feel great.  I feel so light.”

Yang Siji was relieved and asked her son to thank Tang Xiaorou.

Tang Xiaorou smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s fate. I’ll be back tomorrow at this time.”

Seeing Tang Xiaorou packing up to leave, Yang Siji invited her to lunch.

“No, Auntie. I have to go.” Tang Xiaorou politely refused and left quickly.

“Oh, that child, why is she in such a hurry?”

Yang Siji shook her head and asked her son, “Son, do you really feel better?”

“Yes.”

Song Xuejun hadn’t felt this good in a long time.

Song Fangde returned home. Hearing Tang Xiaorou had performed acupuncture, he asked about his son’s condition.  Learning he felt better, he smiled. “I knew Qin Zhe’s niece wouldn’t be bad.  So many doctors couldn’t help, but Xiao Tang made him feel better.  She might really cure him.”

Yang Siji and Song Xuejun felt hopeful. Yang Siji went to the kitchen.

“Xuejun, I’ll make you some more medicine. Drink it soon.”

For the next few days, Tang Xiaorou came daily. Song Xuejun’s pain lessened, just as Tang Xiaorou said.

This time, after removing the needles, Tang Xiaorou said, “Let me take your pulse again.”

Song Xuejun sat down and extended his wrist.

Tang Xiaorou carefully took his pulse and asked questions.  Some were embarrassing, but seeing Tang Xiaorou’s impassive expression, he answered honestly.

“His recovery is going well. I’ll write a new prescription today.”

Yang Siji immediately asked, “Xiaorou, how long until Xuejun fully recovers?”

“We’ll know in a few days.”

Although anxious, Yang Siji didn’t ask further and thanked Tang Xiaorou repeatedly.

“You’re welcome. It’s fate that we met. I’ll come again tomorrow.”

On her way back, Tang Xiaorou ran into Auntie Liu.

“Erya…”

Auntie Liu almost didn’t recognize Tang Xiaorou. The thin girl had gained weight and grown prettier.

Tang Xiaorou greeted her, “Auntie Liu, are you shopping in town?”

Auntie Liu smiled, “Yes, I’m buying things at the supply and marketing cooperative.” She was about to leave.

“Auntie Liu, why are you in such a hurry?”

Seeing Tang Xiaorou’s cheerful demeanor, Auntie Liu’s smile faltered. She had misjudged Tang Erya; she wasn’t weak or timid. She was bold and ruthless. “I want to finish shopping and go home early.”

Curious about Tang Xiaorou and Qin Xueqiong, she asked, “Xiaorou, are you and your mother planning to stay in town?”

Tang Xiaorou shook her head. “No, we’re leaving in a few days.”

“Where are you going?”

Tang Xiaorou didn’t elaborate, only saying they were going to her husband, Shen Huaixu.

“Right, I almost forgot you’re married. You should go to your husband.”

Auntie Liu looked at Tang Xiaorou with complex emotions and talked about the Tang family. “After you left, your grandfather and Widow Xia were sent for re-education.

They’re taken to the village threshing ground daily. Your grandmother and your father are living together.

She wants to kick your uncle’s family out, but the house belongs to your grandfather, so they refuse to leave. Your family is in chaos; they’re fighting all the time.”

Tang Xiaorou corrected her.

“Auntie Liu, my mother divorced Tang Jianshe. That’s not our house; it’s the Tang family’s.”

Auntie Liu paused. “Right, it’s the Tang family’s.” She said goodbye and hurried away.

Tang Xiaorou raised an eyebrow. The Tang family’s downfall was predictable; Widow Xia had been reported. She hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly after they left.

Back at the guesthouse, Tang Xiaorou saw Grandma Yao, her mother, and the children making paper boxes. They were trying to earn money before leaving.

Seeing Grandma Yao, Tang Xiaorou remembered she had gone out earlier and asked her.

“Yes, it was me. Since we’re leaving, we need to take care of everything.

While the Tang family is in chaos, we can leave easily and avoid trouble.”