Chapter 31: A Cure

Grandma Yao looked at Tang Xiaorou. “Did you soften?”

Tang Xiaorou shook her head. “No. The Tang family almost killed my mother and me. I wouldn’t soften. I just realized you thought things through; I didn’t.”

“You’ve been busy treating patients; you didn’t have time to think. Next time, tell me first.” Grandma Yao realized her oversight. 

Before, it was just her and her grandson, but now there’s Tang Xiaorou and Qin Xueqiong. They should discuss things together.

Grandma Yao asked about Song Xuejun.

“How long until he’s cured?”

“Three more days. No more acupuncture. I’ll give him a prescription.”

Grandma Yao nodded. “Good. We can buy tickets early.”  She added, “Should you contact your husband and tell him we’re coming?”

“Okay, I’ll call him when I buy tickets.”

Tang Xiaorou couldn’t reach Shen Huaixu.  They questioned her identity.

“I’m Tang Xiaorou, Shen Huaixu’s wife. We recently got married.”

“You’re Sister-in-law. I’ll tell Commander Shen when he returns.”

Tang Xiaorou nodded. “Tell him not to pick us up. I’ll take the children to him.”

“Okay.”

Tang Xiaorou bought train tickets.  She only got one sleeper berth; the rest were seats.  Ningshi to Nanjing wasn’t far; they could get there in half a day.

Back at the guesthouse, Qin Xueqiong asked, “Xiaorou, did you buy the tickets?”

“Yes, but only one sleeper berth.” She showed the tickets one sleeper berth and three seats, plus an extra ticket for the sleeper berth. Little Liang and Little Yan didn’t need tickets.

Qin Xueqiong said, “Grandma Yao can take the sleeper berth. We’ll sit.”

“Okay.”

Grandma Yao didn’t refuse the sleeper berth. “I’ll take the sleeper berth. The children can come with me. You’ll be more comfortable.”

“Okay, that’s settled.”

With the departure date set, Qin Xueqiong got busy finishing the clothes. They couldn’t travel in rags and embarrass Little Shen.

Grandma Yao saw Qin Xueqiong sewing. “I can’t see well, but I can help you with the patterns. Embroider a design; it’ll look better than plain clothes.”

Qin Xueqiong nodded. “Thank you.”

Tang Xiaorou went to the Song family.

“Comrade Song, I’ll use gold needles for acupuncture for three days.  After that, no more acupuncture. Just take the medicine, and you’ll be cured.”

Song Xuejun thanked her sincerely. He never thought he’d get better.  It was all thanks to Tang Xiaorou.

Yang Siji asked, “Xiaorou, Xuejun only needs to take medicine after this, right? Do we need to see you again after he finishes the medicine?”

“No, just take the medicine.”

Tang Xiaorou inserted needles. “He should be feeling something by now. Three more acupuncture sessions should be enough.”

Song Xuejun’s ears turned red. Though Tang Xiaorou was a doctor, she was a young woman, and he felt awkward discussing this with her.

Yang Siji patted Song Xuejun. “What are you shy about, you big man? Xiaorou isn’t saying anything.”

Song Xuejun coughed and said nothing, but Tang Xiaorou carefully asked questions.  Learning he had morning reactions, she nodded. “That’s right.”

Yang Siji was overjoyed. “Xiaorou, thank you so much! You’re like Xuejun’s parents!”

Tang Xiaorou smiled. “You’re welcome. It’s fate.”

“Yes, it’s fate! Our families knew each other over twenty years ago.” Yang Siji asked when they were leaving. Learning it was in three days, she said, “That’s soon. Let’s have a meal together after the last acupuncture session.”

“Okay.”

Tang Xiaorou agreed.

Seeing Tang Xiaorou’s composure and skill, Yang Siji regretted losing such a good daughter-in-law. Her son’s lateness cost them.

Yang Siji glared at her son.

Song Xuejun was bewildered and ignored her.

Tang Xiaorou left the needles in for fifteen minutes, then removed them. “Today’s acupuncture is done. I’ll come tomorrow.”

“Okay, Xiaorou. Be careful on your way.”

Yang Siji instructed her to bring everyone for a meal. “Xiaorou, Old Song hasn’t seen your mother in a long time. Come together.”

“I’ll ask my mother. If she agrees, we’ll come together.”

“Okay, ask her.”

After Tang Xiaorou left, Yang Siji looked at her son, feeling both helpless and regretful. “Look at Xiaorou, such a good girl! Why didn’t you seize the chance?”

Song Xuejun sighed. “Mom, it’s too late now.”

“I know, I just regret it.” Yang Siji sighed. “Alright, let’s not talk about this. I need to plan the meal. We need to treat Xiaorou and the others well.”

Tang Xiaorou asked her mother if she wanted to join the meal.

Qin Xueqiong agreed. “I haven’t seen Fangde in years. Last time, it was rushed. Let’s have a proper meal this time.”

After Song Xuejun’s final acupuncture session, Tang Xiaorou returned to the guesthouse, picked up Qin Xueqiong and the children, and went to the Song family.