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Lu Man thought about nurturing He Cheng well, as she could use a good assistant. Her current status didn’t allow her to treat patients openly, and she wasn’t sure how long it would take to disentangle herself from Jiang Zhanwei. It was essential to have someone who could represent her in treating patients or handling matters she couldn’t address herself.
Recalling He Cheng’s last words, she added, “Being the Imperial Physician is quite perilous, isn’t that how our grandfather ran into trouble?”
He Cheng responded, “Life isn’t easy for commoners either. Even officials who aren’t Imperial Physicians face the risk of losing their heads.” Blushing, he continued, “Being the Imperial Physician is the aspiration of every physician, and I share that aspiration. I may not be able to take the imperial exams, but I hope to serve as an official through my medical skills to honor the He family and support Mother and Sister.”
Listening to He Cheng, Lu Man couldn’t help but admire the young man’s ideals. Having dreams was better than having none. However, she believed He Cheng’s striking appearance might not suit the role of Imperial Physician. She decided to address this issue later, as it was still early days.
She suggested, “I have many medical books and notes left by our grandfather in my study. You should study them extensively in the future.” Then she chuckled, “I’ll assign you another task. As the saying goes, ‘A good memory is better than a good pen’. Copy those books to strengthen your memory. Once you’ve transcribed them, you can keep the original copies, and I’ll keep the transcriptions.”
He Cheng brightened up, saying, “Okay, I’ll focus on copying and memorizing the books every day.”
Lu Man shook her head, “That won’t do. You’re still young and need a well-rounded education. Remember, you’re a person first and a physician second. You must learn the ways of the world, acquire diverse knowledge, and gain respect as a physician. If only our grandfather had been more diplomatic, perhaps he could have avoided that disaster…”
She harbored concerns about her brother’s exceptional appearance and the need for him to protect himself from worldly temptations. He also needed to enhance his personal qualities and eventually marry into a family with a decent background to prevent any mistreatment.
Although the era didn’t emphasize virtue in men, there were still many who admired such qualities in secret, including officials, wealthy merchants, and aristocrats. It just wasn’t openly acknowledged.
She planned to inform Jiang Zhankui’s teacher to dedicate an hour each day to teach He Cheng, focusing on the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as the essential knowledge expected of scholars in this era. The goal wasn’t to pursue the imperial exams but to provide a broad education.
Though the era didn’t prioritize moral virtues in men, many admired such qualities secretly, including officials, wealthy merchants, and aristocrats, who refrained from openly acknowledging their preferences.
She planned to have Song Ming assist in looking after He Cheng as the Princess was ultimately a woman, and many external matters required a man’s assistance. Song Ming held a respected position, enjoyed the Emperor’s favor, and was well-liked, making him a reliable protector for He Cheng.
Later, they discussed temporarily residing at Donghui Courtyard. While He Mingzhu agreed and wished to be closer to her daughter, He Cheng disagreed.
He Cheng earnestly explained, “Thank you for the arrangement, but I can’t stay at my sister’s home for an extended period. We sold our village property, bought some gifts, and have a surplus of seventy taels of silver, enough to rent a place outside…”
Surprised, Lu Man looked at He Cheng. Despite being just fourteen, he displayed remarkable maturity. Her worries seemed unnecessary, he already understood how to establish himself in the world, showing more thoughtful consideration than she had anticipated.
He Mingzhu agreed with her son’s decision, realizing that He Cheng shouldn’t be pampered like how old lady Lu raised her son to covet others’ possessions.
She proudly glanced at He Cheng and shared with Lu Man, “Since He Cheng turned twelve, he has been treating minor ailments in the family. He also gathers herbs in the mountains with his brothers, either for treatment or to sell at the pharmacy. Gradually, villagers began seeking his medical expertise for minor illnesses, and he managed to earn some extra income, as well as handle the family’s finances since he turned ten. Despite my carelessness with money, He Cheng’s meticulous nature has helped reduce household expenses.”
Truly, in a poor household, the child takes on responsibilities early. With a simple-minded mother, the son not only manages the household but also shoulders additional burdens. Lu Man gently squeezed He Cheng’s hand, giving him her full approval.
He Cheng was both happy and embarrassed by his sister’s affection. Blushing and lowering his head, he suppressed a smile, clearly delighted.
Lu Man remarked, “Mother and brother don’t solely rely on me. The courtyard of Renhe Hall belongs to the He family. I’ll change the name on the deed to your name and you’ll receive fifty taels of silver as monthly rent.”
She didn’t mention adding He Mingzhu’s name. Being young, Lu Man hoped that He Mingzhu would have her own life in the future.
He Cheng shook his head like a rattle drum and quickly protested, “No, that courtyard is part of your dowry. I already feel guilty for not being able to earn a dowry for you. I can’t accept that courtyard.”
Lu Man chuckled, “The brand of Renhe Hall holds value. Even though it’s now known as Tongren Hall, people recognize its history as Renhe Hall, which maintains its good business. It can be considered our joint property. In the future, when conditions permit, we can branch out some business from Tongren Hall, call it Renhe Hall, and you can inherit our grandfather’s legacy. The courtyard is our ancestral property, rightfully yours to inherit. I’ll figure out a way to buy one or two adjacent courtyards…”
Suddenly, Lu Man felt inspired. She envisioned establishing a hospital holding group in the future with three subsidiary companies: Tongren Hall, Renhe Hall, and a pharmaceutical company. Perhaps even a medical school if circumstances allowed.
While the last wish might be challenging to fulfill, the first three seemed achievable.