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After a brief examination, Doctor Yang concluded that Jiang Chubao had simply twisted his ankle and advised him to rest, suggesting that there seemed to be no serious issue.
However, Jiang Chubao remained skeptical.
The pain in his ankle was intense, exacerbated by the limp back home using a makeshift cane. Despite his attempts to minimize strain on the injured leg, the wooden stick was not an ideal crutch, requiring him to exert more effort on the injured foot while walking.
Concerned that the walk back home had aggravated his injury, Jiang Chubao doubted the accuracy of Doctor Yang’s assessment, given that he was a rural practitioner with limited medical expertise. If his ankle was misdiagnosed and left untreated, leading to permanent damage, how would he continue pursuing his ambitions, such as participating in the imperial examinations and advancing in the civil service ranks?
Worried about the potential consequences, Jiang Chubao insisted on seeking a second opinion at the county medical clinic, prompting Jiang Youcai and Zhang Shi to accompany him, despite their initial reluctance due to concerns about expenses and Doctor Yang’s initial diagnosis.
Jiang Chubao passionately explained his reasoning to Jiang Youcai and Zhang Shi, emphasizing the importance of ensuring proper medical care for his ankle injury.
He detailed his future prospects, emphasizing the potential impact of an untreated foot injury on himself and the family, even mentioning Song Jingyun’s growing popularity and respect among teachers and students at the academy.
Jiang Youcai and Zhang Shi found Jiang Chubao’s points valid.
Feeling the growing competitiveness with the Third House and recognizing the improving fortunes of the Third House, they were determined not to fall behind. With Song Jingyun’s academic pursuits, it was imperative to address Jiang Chubao’s leg injury promptly to avoid any long-term setbacks.
Therefore, Jiang Youcai and Zhang Shi, no longer hesitant, arranged for a carriage to take Jiang Chubao to the county medical clinic for a second opinion.
At the clinic, after a thorough examination, the doctor confirmed it was a sprain, not severe, and recommended applying blood circulation-promoting and anti-inflammatory ointments, advising rest for a few days for recovery.
Upon hearing the same diagnosis from the county doctor, Jiang Chubao felt relieved and followed the prescribed treatment diligently, applying the ointments and taking the prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
With Jiang Chubao’s injury addressed, Jiang Youcai and Zhang Shi were reassured. However, Jiang Chunhe felt somewhat dissatisfied with the outcome.
The family’s finances were getting tighter, especially with Jiang Chubao’s increasing need for writing materials such as pens, ink, and paper for his studies, resulting in higher expenses.
With limited funds available, allocating resources to one sibling meant tightening the belt for the other. The strain was evident, leading to difficult decisions on how to manage expenses.
Recalling a recent incident at the market where their child wanted a sugar figurine but they couldn’t afford it, Jiang Chunhe felt a mix of sympathy and frustration.
“You, on the other hand,” Jiang Chunhe remarked, “insisted on seeking a second opinion from the county doctor despite Doctor Yang’s initial assessment. It didn’t reveal anything new but ended up costing us time and money.”
Jiang Chunhe continued, “Spending two taels of silver might seem insignificant, but every penny counts. If we don’t manage our finances wisely, especially with your academic expenses and the challenges of earning money, it could lead to further difficulties.”
Jiang Youcai had always hoped that his son’s education would lead to a successful future, bringing honor to the family. Therefore, hearing Jiang Chunhe reprimand Jiang Chubao in this manner left him feeling uneasy.
“Can you blame Chubao for being concerned about his future if his foot were to worsen?” Jiang Youcai interjected, defending his son’s actions.
Jiang Youcai shot Jiang Chunhe a reproachful glance, “Why do you think Chubao is putting in so much effort into his studies? It’s not just for himself but for the entire family. He is your own brother. If he succeeds in the future, won’t that benefit you as well?”
“Just because he went to see a doctor, you react as if it’s your own money being spent! Remember, as the eldest brother, you need to handle these matters with clarity in the future,” Jiang Youcai emphasized.
Jiang Chunhe could only roll his eyes.
Would Jiang Chunbao’s success really benefit him? Considering Chubao’s character and the typical dynamics among successful family members, even if Chubao succeeded, would he truly look out for him?
While Jiang Chunhe’s thoughts were insightful, he understood Jiang Youcai’s perspective and chose to remain silent, recognizing his father’s feelings on the matter.
Knowing the tension between them, Jiang Youcai decided not to argue further. Upon returning home, he instructed Zhang Shi to prepare dinner and tend to Jiang Chubao’s needs, including preparing his medication.
Jiang Chubao was filled with frustration.
Feeling misunderstood by his own elder brother and noticing his parents’ concern over expenditures, he couldn’t help but wonder why his family situation had to be so challenging.
Comparing his situation to Song Jingyun’s, who appeared modestly dressed in public but had luxurious silk lining in his clothes, Jiang Chubao couldn’t help but feel envious. Witnessing Jiang Mixia and Song Jingyun dining extravagantly at a local inn, enjoying expensive dishes like braised carp, lion’s head meatballs, and other delicacies, each meal costing a significant sum, made Jiang Chubao realize the stark contrast in their lifestyles.
Seeing the cost of a single meal being equivalent to a significant portion of their monthly expenses, especially in contrast to his own struggles with his leg injury and the family’s reluctance to spend on medical treatments, Jiang Chubao couldn’t help but lament the disparities in people’s circumstances.
Reflecting on the proverb “In books, there is boundless treasure,” Jiang Chubao found solace in his studies, hoping that through hard work and education, he could improve his situation and eventually find success.
The following day, Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng went to the county’s land office to complete the paperwork for purchasing land.
Qiao, the steward, was already waiting for them at the land office.
As a precaution, Jiang Mixia inspected the land again and had a discussion with the seller before finalizing the paperwork at the land office, completing the necessary procedures for the land deed.
By the time they started their journey back, darkness had enveloped the sky. The winter chill was palpable, with no one in sight on the road and the sky devoid of stars or moonlight. Using a single lantern to guide them, Jiang Mixia and Jiang Youcheng made their way back home.