Chapter 39: Seeking Instruction

After the onlookers left, Qiao Er looked at his parents.

“When Song Yuntang came, I thought she was causing trouble. Should we apologize?”

His wife glared at him. “You’re so reckless! Luckily, she’s generous. If she hadn’t treated Father, where would you cry?”

Qiao Er scratched his head.

“I didn’t know she was so skilled.”

Old Man Qiao looked at them. “Her generosity aside, we should apologize for being rude.”

Song Zhi nodded, looking at her eldest daughter-in-law.

“Sun Shi, take five eggs to Lao San’s house. Tell Liu Shi it’s for her health.  Lao San’s daughter helped; otherwise, she wouldn’t have gotten involved.”

“Okay.” Sun Shi nodded and went to the kitchen.

Song Shi continued, “Qiao Da, go to town to get medicine. Your father’s illness can’t be delayed. Get some food, too, as Tang’er instructed.”

Qiao Da nodded. “Okay, I’ll go.”

…

Doctor Li followed Song Yuntang to the Song family.

He was kind.

Zhao Shi was surprised to see him. She put down her embroidery.  “Doctor Li, what brings you here?”

Doctor Li smiled awkwardly. “I came to ask Miss Song about medicine.”

Zhao Qiao’e was surprised. “Our Tang’er is just average. You’re flattering her.”

Doctor Li waved his hand. “If Miss Song is average, I’m nothing. Without her, Old Man Qiao would still be in bed.”

Zhao Qiao’e was surprised. “Old Man Qiao can walk?”

Doctor Li nodded. “Miss Song’s acupuncture is superb. Old Man Qiao could walk after she removed the needles.”

Zhao Qiao’e looked at Song Yuntang, whose expression was calm.

She wasn’t usually so calm.

Did the near-death experience change her?

Inside, Liu Shi was shocked.

Tang’er was so skilled!  She had doubted Tang’er’s medicine.

She could cure paralysis; her medicine was easy for her.

Zhao Qiao’e smiled and invited Doctor Li in. “Tang’er, take Doctor Li to the hall. I’ll get tea.”

“Okay.” Song Yuntang took Doctor Li to the hall. “Doctor Li, sit. I’ll get the meridian chart.”

Doctor Li said, “Okay.”

After Song Yuntang left, he sat down anxiously.  Seeing her return, he stood up.

Song Yuntang put the meridian chart on the table.

“Doctor Li, please look.”

She sat down. Doctor Li sat down as well.

Zhao Qiao’e brought tea.

“Doctor Li, have some tea.”

Doctor Li took the cup. “Thank you.”

He drank and looked at the chart.

The more he looked, the more surprised he was.

Song Yuntang didn’t urge him.

After a while, Doctor Li looked up incredulously, pointing at the chart. “Miss Song, are you sure this is correct?”

“I can draw this with my eyes closed. It’s correct.” Song Yuntang put down her cup. “I said I’d give you the chart for free, but I need those things…”

Doctor Li nodded. “No problem. I’ll get them for you soon.”

Song Yuntang smiled, handing him the chart. “Deal.”

“Thank you.” Doctor Li respectfully took the chart, put on his medicine box, and bowed. “I’m a man; I shouldn’t stay long. I’ll leave.”

Song Yuntang nodded. “Farewell.”

Zhao Qiao’e saw him off. She returned to Song Yuntang.

“Tang’er, what was that about with Doctor Li?”

Song Yuntang didn’t answer. “You’ll know soon.”

Zhao Qiao’e was curious. “Did you really cure Old Man Qiao?”

Song Yuntang looked at her. “If you don’t believe me, ask around.”

Zhao Qiao’e explained, “I believe you. I’m just surprised. You never said you knew medicine.”

Song Yuntang replied, “I never said I didn’t.”

Zhao Qiao’e felt relieved.  It didn’t matter. It was her daughter.

She smiled. “Tang’er is capable. I’m happy. Even if you marry, I won’t worry about you being hungry. I’ll continue embroidering. You rest.”

Song Yuntang put down her cup and looked at Zhao Qiao’e’s back.

She had planned to leave this family once she had money. Now, she was more attached.

…

Song Jinsheng arrived a little after noon.

The weather was hot.  He was sweaty and smelly.

Zhao Shi urged him to wash up.

After Song Jinsheng washed and changed, Zhao Shi gathered everyone in the hall.

“Jinsheng, how was Dongming Village?” Zhao Qiao’e asked.

Song Jinsheng poured himself water. “I arrived yesterday at noon. I asked for directions.”

“The houses in Dongming Village are better than ours. I asked around. They said Wu Bi is honest, and the Wu family is good. There are no rumors of mother-in-law abuse.”

“Yesterday afternoon, I found Wu Bi. He was working in the field. I hid and watched him. He’s quiet, hardworking, and meticulous. He seems good.”

It’s just too far.

If his sister married there, seeing her would be difficult.