Chapter 47. Everyone has their own trials and tribulations in life. ...

Meng Yutong stepped into the house, intending to hand the water bag back to Ji Yun.

As I entered, I overheard Ji Yun whispering to Qiu Niang, his tone somber: "Immediately send someone to inform Doctor Sun of Yiwen Medical Hall, explaining that the water source may be contaminated and requesting that he suspend its use, and thoroughly investigate the source of the water supply. The entire Ji'an Hall must also temporarily refrain from using external water sources, and all drinking water must be obtained from the well in the backyard."

She stepped forward and handed him the water pouch, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the dark water stain on his sleeve, her voice steady: "Thank you, Physician Ji."

Ji Yun stopped speaking, turned to look at her, and scrutinized her face with a scrutinizing gaze: "Are you feeling unwell?"

Although his voice was still clear and cold, it was slightly lower than usual, subtly revealing a hint of careful concern.

“It’s alright.” Meng Yutong shook her head. She had overheard the conversation between the two outside the door and knew the situation was serious. “Most of the daily water supply for the northern section of the Imperial Street comes from the Jade Belt River outside the city. The most urgent task is to quickly find the source of the pollution. Until that is determined, it would be safer to inform the people along the river to temporarily use well water.”

Ji Yun reached out and took the water pouch. His fingertips touched the faint warmth still lingering on the leather outer layer, and his movement paused almost imperceptibly. A fleeting, unnatural expression crossed his face, but he quickly regained his composure, took the pouch steadily, and said in a deep voice, "Doctor Meng is quite right. I will immediately have the Imperial Medical Academy investigate this matter thoroughly. However, before confirmation, it is not advisable to make hasty judgments, lest it cause panic among the people."

"Physician Ji is thoughtful and knows his limits." Meng Yutong nodded, her gaze shifting to the two children curled up and groaning in pain on the bed, a genuine pity appearing in her eyes. "Now that they have been diagnosed with typhoid fever and dysentery, this disease is dangerous and can change rapidly, especially in young children, where it is most depleting of their vital energy."

"Perhaps we can first use Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang with the addition of Bai Tou Weng and Qin Pi to clear heat, dry dampness, cool the blood, and stop dysentery, thus quickly suppressing the disease. Then we can observe the changes in the condition and adjust the prescription accordingly."

"However, Ji'an Hall may not have a sufficient stock of such medicinal materials. Zhaoyu Hall is not far from here, so why don't I write a prescription and send my staff to deliver the necessary medicinal materials for decoction immediately?"

Upon hearing this, Qiu Niang's eyes were filled with gratitude: "This...this is truly a great trouble for Doctor Meng! I thank you on behalf of the children!"

"Thank you for your trouble, Doctor Meng," Ji Yunyi said, then turned to Qiu Niang and said decisively, "Qiu Niang, go and call the other children who need to be examined."

Qiu Niang responded and left, and Ji Yun and Meng Yutong then moved to the hall where they had last seen a doctor.

The two sat at opposite ends of the long table, one on the left and one on the right, dividing the area.

Ji Yun was in charge of the boy, while Meng Yutong looked after the girl. They each focused intently on taking the pulse and prescribing medicine, leaving only the children's weak voices in the room.

More than an hour passed quietly, and the sun was approaching its zenith. Ji Yun finally finished processing all the boys' medical appointments and writing the prescriptions. On Meng Yutong's side, only Xiao Xue remained.

Xiaoxue is the youngest, but she's a total glutton.

Last time Meng Yutong came, she packed some snacks in her medical kit. Today, she came in a hurry and didn't prepare any.

Xiaoxue stared longingly at the empty medical kit. Her bright eyes instantly dimmed, and her little mouth pouted slightly. Her disappointed little face softened Meng Yutong's heart.

"Little Xue, be good," Meng Yutong said gently. "I came in a hurry today and didn't bring any snacks. Later, I'll ask someone to bring you some cakes when they deliver your medicine, okay?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaoxue's eyes lit up again, and she nodded vigorously.

She jumped off the stool happily and ran to Meng Yutong's side in a few steps, her small body squeezing perfectly into the gap between Meng Yutong and Ji Yun's seats.

She reached out her little hand and tugged at Meng Yutong's sleeve.

Meng Yutong, puzzled, smiled and leaned forward slightly. As she leaned forward, her long, flowing black hair cascaded down her shoulders, with a few strands about to brush the ground.

Ji Yun frowned subconsciously, and almost instinctively reached out, his slender fingers sweeping through the air to steadily gather the strand of hair that was about to fall into his palm.

It feels cool and smooth to the touch, with a silky texture.

The strands of hair brushed against the skin of my palm, bringing a subtle, indescribable tingling and itching sensation, like a feather brushing against my hand.

He moved with lightning speed, touching and withdrawing in an instant, gently placing the strand of hair behind her shoulder.

Seeing Meng Yutong lean closer, Xiaoxue smiled brightly, stood on tiptoe, and gave her a loud "pop" on her right cheek.

After the kiss, she became shy, covered her eyes with her little hands, and ran away in a flash.

Meng Yutong covered her right cheek where she had been kissed, initially slightly taken aback, then her eyes filled with warmth, and the corners of her lips curved into a smile.

She subconsciously looked up, and her gaze unexpectedly met Ji Yun's.

A very subtle ripple passed through Ji Yun's cold eyes.

He quickly averted his gaze, clenched the hand that had just brushed his hair into a fist, and put it behind his back. His face returned to its usual aloof and indifferent expression, as if the action just now had never happened.

He subtly changed the subject:

"The herbal medicine Xiaohui and Xing'er used today, as well as all the consultation fees Dr. Meng received at Ji'an Hall this time," his gaze fell on the record book on Meng Yutong's desk, "you can record it in detail in the Zhaoyu Hall's management register. Next time we check, I will settle the accounts with you in the name of the Medical Academy. Furthermore,"

He paused, "The cases of the children you treated today can also be counted in the number of patients treated at Zhaoyutang this month."

"Furthermore, regarding the previously agreed-upon monthly meetings, Zhaoyutang is located in the middle, between Jishetang and Sun's Medical Clinic. To save you all the trouble of traveling, I think we should hold the meetings at Qingfeng Tea House next to Zhaoyutang in the future. What does Doctor Meng think?"

These words, every clause and phrase, resonated deeply with Meng Yutong.

When she first came to Ji'an Hall to do good deeds, she had considered opening the hall under the name of Physician Ji Yun, but after witnessing the plight of these orphaned children, she also felt sorry for them.

If medical techniques can be used to make even a slight improvement, that would be a good deed.

She didn't seek anything in return, but if these good deeds could be transformed into tangible results for the clinic and included in the evaluation, it would be a good thing both publicly and privately.

Meng Yutong sat up straight, casually tucking her slightly disheveled hair behind her ear, her smile bright: "Physician Ji's arrangements are thoughtful, thank you for your consideration."

Ji Yun's gaze swept quickly over the strand of black hair that had been neatly placed at her temple, and he replied in a calm voice, "It's my duty. Today, Ji'an Hall also relied heavily on Doctor Meng's help."

By the time the two had finished all their business, the sun was already setting. Qiu Niang warmly invited them, "You two have been busy all day and haven't had a meal. We've prepared some simple food in the hall; if you don't mind, please feel free to have some."

The dining area was set up in the children's canteen, which was now empty and unusually quiet.

Qiu Niang set out several simple dishes of congee and side dishes on a square table by the window. Although simple, they were clean and refreshing.

"These are just some home-style dishes, please enjoy your meal." After Qiu Niang finished speaking, she turned and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the children.

Meng Yutong and Ji Yun sat facing each other, the sun shining brightly outside the window, bathing the courtyard of Ji'an Hall in a warm golden glow.

The simple swing in the courtyard swayed gently in the breeze, while several wooden horses stood quietly.

Several older children were chasing fluttering butterflies in the grass, their cheerful laughter faintly drifting through the window.

In the shadow of the eaves not far away, Xiaoxue squatted alone, her small figure bathed in the cool shade.

She tilted her little face up, staring intently at the butterfly shadows fluttering in the grass, while clumsily stretching out her slender white hand, her ten fingers gathered and overlapping, trying to cast a butterfly-shaped shadow on the ground in front of her.

As the light and shadow shifted, she was immersed in her own little world, finding joy in it all. Her focused and serene profile was so captivating that it warmed the heart.

"Has Xiaoxue been unable to speak?" Meng Yutong's gaze fell on Xiaoxue, her voice very soft.

Ji Yun followed her gaze, his eyes calm: "She was abandoned at the entrance of Ji'an Hall when she was about one year old, and she has never spoken a word since then."

“When I took her pulse today, I noticed that her tongue could move freely, she could swallow without any problems, and she was quite sensitive to the sounds around her. Based on this, she should not be born mute.”

She paused, then added, "It's just that this child is too timid. When we first met, his eyes darted away like a frightened fawn, and he would stiffen at the slightest touch. Only when we were alone did he show some ease and relaxation."

She observed Xiaoxue's silent imitation and focused attention as she watched the butterfly's shadow, which was clearly proof of her inner desire to express herself. This silence seemed more like a self-imposed isolation caused by something, a high wall built around her heart, rather than a disease of the tongue.

She did not voice these speculations, but with Ji Yun's abilities, how could he not know them?

“It’s a mental illness,” Ji Yun said in a low, insightful and thoughtful voice. “After she came to Ji’an Hall, I prescribed many remedies for her symptoms, but none of them were very effective.”

The sunlight streaming in through the window fell directly on his high brow bone, casting shadows over his eyes, revealing a deep and unfathomable emotion within them. "He likely suffered a drastic upheaval in his childhood, which wounded his soul, causing him to close his heart and refuse to communicate with the outside world. This condition cannot be cured by medicine or medicine; only by waiting for his heart to open itself can there be a chance for a turnaround."

"She's still young, so it might not be that easy. But Physician Ji is a bit different from what I thought. Even with such a hopeless and incurable illness, Physician Ji hasn't given up?"

Meng Yutong recalled that the year her mother passed away, she seemed to be just like her, wanting only to find a small corner to wrap herself up and not let anyone get close.

But when no one really cares about her, she feels conflicted, wondering why no one comes to see her.

Is she really all alone? Has she really been abandoned?

"Dr. Meng is joking. If it were you, I believe you would do even better. Doctors should have the heart of parents and prioritize saving lives. They should not abandon patients out of fear of trouble or disaster."

"However, a doctor can heal the body but not the mind; everyone has their own tribulations in life." Ji Yun's voice remained cold, carrying an almost cruel calm. "This tribulation is a path she must go through. If she can overcome it, the road ahead will be smooth; if not..."

He paused slightly, his gaze fixed on the distant void. "It is also her destiny. Even if she remains silent for the rest of her life, there will always be a corner in this Ji'an Hall where she can find peace and a place to settle down. Peace and joy, simple meals and plain tea—such a life may not be a bad thing."

While this reasoning was not wrong, Meng Yutong found it too calm, even bordering on indifferent and cold.

She fell silent and stopped speaking. The two remained speechless, with only the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks echoing in the quiet dining room.

After the meal, Meng Yutong went to write prescriptions for Xiaohui and Xing'er. Ji Yun, who had to teach at the Imperial Medical Bureau in the afternoon, took his leave first.

Meng Yutong carefully wrote down the prescription, along with instructions on the cooking time, contraindications, and other details, giving Qiu Niang detailed instructions. Since Ji Yun wasn't there, Qiu Niang chatted with her for a few more minutes.

"I'm so grateful to Doctor Meng for writing this prescription and delivering the medicine," Qiu Niang said thankfully.

“No need for such formalities, Qiu Niang,” Meng Yutong said gently. “The consultation fees and medicine costs for this house call will be settled by the Medical Academy. The Medical Academy is able to understand the situation and has specially devised this policy, assigning medical officers to connect with charitable institutions in the city to alleviate the difficulty of medical treatment for the poor and weak. Such a pragmatic and people-oriented approach is truly admirable.”

Upon hearing this, Qiu Niang's eyes immediately revealed sincere agreement and respect: "I dare not speak presumptuously about the other officials in the Medical Academy. But Physician Ji is truly an excellent physician. Not only are his medical skills superb, but what's even more commendable is that he cares deeply about the people and is dedicated to doing practical things!"

Her words were full of praise: "Do you know who advocated this good idea of ​​assigning medical officers to provide free medical consultations at the charity hall? It was Physician Ji! Since he took over the affairs of Ji'an Hall, I have finally been able to put my mind at ease."

"The children in the ward are young and frail, and they get sick all the time. Before this rule was in place, if a child was sick, we had to swallow our pride and go to the clinic to ask for a doctor. Alas, that was really difficult!"

"Other clinics find it troublesome and charge low fees, so nine times out of ten they can't get a doctor to come. I remember one time, I went to several clinics but couldn't get a doctor to come. I was so anxious that I cried on the street when I happened to meet Physician Ji carrying his medicine box."

"After hearing about my difficulties, he came to Ji'an Hall with me without saying a word. From then on, he often took time out of his schedule to come and treat the children without charging a penny. I felt really bad about it and always thought of giving him some consultation fee."

"Who knew that not long after, he wrote to the Imperial Medical Academy and established a system for connecting the charity with medical officers! From then on, the children in the charity finally had someone to rely on, and my heart was finally at ease!"

A hint of surprise flashed across Meng Yutong's face. She hadn't expected that this was also Ji Yun's idea. This concern for the lonely and vulnerable, and his willingness to put it into practice, was quite different from the cold and rigid Ji Yun she remembered.

Seeing that she looked down in thought, Qiu Niang suddenly changed the subject: "Doctor Meng is so young, yet she has opened such a large clinic, and she is so beautiful and kind-hearted. It's truly rare! I wonder... if she is engaged? I have a nephew who is about your age, and his character..."

Meng Yutong hadn't expected the topic to suddenly turn like this. She blushed slightly and hurriedly waved her hands, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Qiu Niang. I'll go back to the clinic to get the medicine right away. The two children's conditions can't be delayed."

She hurriedly picked up her medical kit and left quickly, not giving Qiu Niang a chance to continue her matchmaking efforts.

Qiu Niang chased after her to the door, watching her quick departure, and shook her head with a helpless yet amused expression: "Sigh, these girls nowadays are too thin-skinned..." She thought to herself, well, she'll find another opportunity to bring it up next time.

It's just a pity that he doesn't have a son of suitable age, and such a good girl with both beauty and good character is hard to find even with a lantern.

When Meng Yutong returned to Zhaoyutang, the sun was already slightly setting in the west, around the beginning of Shenshi (3-5 PM).

The early summer afternoon breeze carries a warm and gentle breeze, brushing past the herbs hanging under the eaves and bringing a slightly bitter and sweet fragrance that also makes people feel a little lazy and drowsy.

The hall was quiet and deserted, with no patients present. Wu Ming propped his head up with one hand, leaning against the counter, slowly pulling his head down.

Bai Zhi sat gracefully by the window, her eyes lowered, her fingers flying as she embroidered a sachet.

Upon seeing Meng Yutong return, Wu Ming snapped out of his daze, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and hurriedly came out from behind the counter to greet her: "The boss is back!"

Bai Zhi also put down her needlework, stood up and took the medical kit from her hands.

Without pausing, Meng Yutong went straight to the medicine cabinet.

She took out the prescription she had just received from Ji'an Hall from her medical kit, her fingertips moving quickly and precisely among the dazzling array of medicines in the drawers. She weighed, sorted, and packaged the medicines in one smooth motion.

Wu Ming followed behind her and asked curiously, "Master, how did your trip to the Imperial Medical Bureau go today? What important matters did the superiors instruct you on?"

Meng Yutong gestured for him to open the medical kit and take out the "Guidelines for the Verification of Official Medical Clinics" with an indigo cover.

She turned around and pointed to the booklet: "The new policies are numerous and detailed. Ji Yun has compiled them into a book, which details many things to pay attention to when running a clinic. In your spare time, you and Bai Zhi should study it carefully and memorize it."

"So, the person who will be in charge of our Zhaoyutang from now on is indeed that Physician Ji?" Wu Ming's eyebrows immediately lit up, all sleepiness vanished, and his tone became more animated. "Oh my! Husband, your connection with Physician Ji is truly wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Bai Zhi paused lightly on the cloth with the silver needle in her hand, and glared at him: "Who cares which physician he's in charge of? Miss told you to read the brochures more, and you have the leisure to ponder these trivial matters!"

Wu Ming awkwardly touched his nose: "I was just asking out of curiosity! Husband, don't you think so?"

He looked at Meng Yutong with a grin.

Meng Yutong had already tied the medicine packet tightly and carefully strung it with hemp rope. Her expression turned serious, and she nodded, saying, "Wu Ming, these next few days, we need to be extra careful about the water we drink in the hall. We shouldn't drink the water outside for now, and even the well water in the backyard must be boiled before we drink it."

Wu Ming's expression hardened: "Oh? Has something gone wrong?"

"The specific reasons are still unclear, so just do as instructed." Meng Yutong pondered for a moment. On Peach Blossom Street, apart from her own clinic, He Haochuan's Qingfeng Tea House and Uncle Wang's beverage shop next door were both major water users.

She looked up and instructed, "There's one more thing. Go to Qingfeng Tea House and Wang's Drink Shop later and inform them of this matter, reminding them to use well water temporarily and to make sure it's boiled."

“And give a few pointers to the other neighbors as well. Don’t forget Qinglai Restaurant across the street,” she added.

"Yes!" Wu Ming replied.

Meng Yutong then handed him the bundled medicine packets: "This is the medicine that Xiaohui and Xing'er of Ji'an Hall urgently need. Please deliver it to them immediately. On the way, please buy a packet of pastries for a little girl named Xiaoxue in the hall."

"Yes, sir!" Wu Ming took the medicine packet and readily agreed. "The hall is quiet, I'll go make the run right away!"

Before the words were even finished, the person had already rushed out the door in a flurry of activity.

Bai Zhi sat back down by the window in front of the embroidery frame, picked up her needle and thread, and muttered under her breath, "That Wu Ming talks more than a sparrow all day long, it's giving me a headache."

Meng Yutong smiled and picked up an unfinished plain sachet. She sat down next to Bai Zhi and picked up her needle and thread: "He's young and a bit impulsive, but he has a good heart. If you find him noisy, you can go to the pharmacy in the backyard for some peace and quiet."

"Oh dear, Miss!" Bai Zhi saw that she was about to start sewing and quickly put down her own work, reaching out to stop her. "With your embroidery skills, you should spare this fine fabric! You'll just ruin it!"

Meng Yutong deftly dodged Bai Zhi's hand with a flick of her wrist and laughed, "It's alright, consider it practice. If you mess it up, I won't sell it. Come on, teach me, I want to embroider a butterfly."

She touched the plain white brocade with her fingertip.

Bai Zhi had no choice but to comply. She leaned closer and pointed to the fabric, carefully instructing, "Look, the outline of the butterfly wing is here. The needle tip enters from here, passes diagonally through... and then comes out from here..."

The two sat with their heads close together, one teaching earnestly, the other learning intently. Meng Yutong clumsily sewed as she said, "Right now we only sell calming sachets, which is too limited in product range."

"Later I will devise a few more prescriptions, such as those with different effects like calming the mind and soothing the nerves, nourishing the skin and moisturizing, and repelling mosquitoes and warding off evil spirits. When you are embroidering them, you may want to make slight distinctions by the background color or the pattern to make them easier to identify."

“Yes, Miss, you’ve thought this through.” Bai Zhi replied, then pinched Meng Yutong’s wrist to adjust the stitches, “Here, the pressure should be light and even…”

"By the way," Meng Yutong asked casually, her hands still busy, "what have Brother Liu and the others been up to lately? It seems like it's been a while since I've seen them."

Bai Zhi thought for a moment and replied, "I heard Brother Cui mention it briefly. He said they've been looking at tea at their estate outside the city these past few days, hoping to collect a batch of top-quality spring tea to transport back to Qinzhou. Is there something you need from them, Miss?"

“Yes,” Meng Yutong nodded, “I plan to go to Phoenix Mountain to collect herbs tomorrow. I thought that Brother Liu and the others are always traveling and are familiar with the mountain roads, so I would like to ask them to come along so that we can look after each other.”

Before Bai Zhi could reply, a clear voice and footsteps burst in from outside the door: "Sister Yu Tong, why bother the brothers from Qin Zhou? I'll go with you!"

The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw He Haochuan and Wu Ming, who had returned with the medicine, enter the hall one after the other.

He Haochuan, dressed in a bamboo-green shirt, walked briskly to Meng Yutong's side and familiarly found a small stool to sit down.

Wu Ming shrugged and explained, "I just went to Qingfeng Teahouse to deliver a message, and this kid insisted on coming along for a visit. But, boss,"

He turned to Meng Yutong and said seriously, "Phoenix Mountain is high and densely forested, and the road is not easy to travel! It's really worrying to see a young lady like you going up the mountain alone! What rare medicinal herb is it? Why don't you tell me, and I'll go and get it for you!"

Meng Yutong shook her head, her tone gentle yet firm: "Don't worry, I've been there. It's just that the herbs grow in dangerous places, making them difficult to harvest and requiring special preservation methods. I have to go there myself."

Upon hearing this, He Haochuan's eyes lit up, and he hurriedly said, "Sister Yutong, my family's tea garden is on that slope halfway up Phoenix Mountain. I often go up the mountain with my father to pick tea, and I can walk back and forth along those mountain paths and ditches with my eyes closed."

"I'll ask my dad for leave tomorrow and go with you! I guarantee I know the way better than those Qin Zhou big shots!"

He patted his chest, his youthful spirit soaring.

Bai Zhi immediately added, "Miss, I'll go with you!"

Wu Ming quickly stepped forward: "Then...then count me in too!"

In an instant, three pairs of eyes turned to Meng Yutong, sparkling with excitement, making the arduous task of gathering herbs seem like an enviable and desirable job.

Meng Yutong's gaze swept over the three faces for a moment, and finally, her clear eyes quietly enveloped Wu Ming, a faint smile curving her lips.

Seeing this, Bai Zhi and He Haochuan also tacitly followed her, silently turning their gazes toward Wu Ming.

Wu Ming felt extremely uncomfortable under their gaze, his face instantly fell, and he wailed, "Okay, okay! I understand! The place can't be left unattended, I'll stay and watch the place! I'll stay! Next time... next time there's something like this to do when I have to go out, please remember to take me with you! I also want to get some fresh air!"

“We’re not going to play around,” Bai Zhi corrected him seriously. “Miss said we’re going to gather herbs, it’s serious business!”

"Sigh, it's all the same, it's all the same..." Wu Ming dragged out his words, glanced resentfully at the three of them, swayed back behind the counter, and lay down again, leaving only a sullen back of his head facing everyone.

The group looked at each other and couldn't help but chuckle.

Meng Yutong and He Haochuan agreed on a time to depart the next day. He Haochuan chatted with the two of them for a few more minutes before taking his leave.