Chapter 27 The Handsome Man on the North Mountain
The Zhang family plans to open a medicine store in Songjiang City in the spring of next year. In order to save money to rent the store, they don't plan to build a house in the next one or two years.
Zhang Shinan said that it would not be too late to return to the village and build a few houses after he earns some money from practicing medicine.
The Luo family is different. In order to save money to build a house, the Luo family has worked hard for many years. Now that the work in the fields is done, it is time to think of other ways to make money.
The men of the Luo family went to Songjiang City to find work, while the women stayed home to collect food. But there was no need to worry about food at home. The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family came to the Gu family to inquire about whether they wanted to hire someone to rub corn cobs.
Without machines, we have to rub it by hand, which is hard work. The Gu family is small and cannot handle it, so we must hire someone.
It is better to do business with someone you are familiar with, so the three daughters-in-law of the Luo family brought their small stools to the Gu family every day to rub corn cobs.
Gu Youan was still wet, and her mother didn't allow her to go out and get cold. In addition, Guo Su went back to Ping'an Escort Agency yesterday, so Gu Youan had nothing to do at home, so she joined in rubbing corn.
Gu Youan rubbed a few strands, and her palms turned red. Mrs. Du felt very distressed and urged her to go back to her room to rest, read a book or sleep, it was up to her.
Gu Youan got up and went out. He came back a quarter of an hour later with a few wooden boards. Each board had three rows of nails nailed on it. The nails were hammered into the boards, with only the nail heads sticking out crookedly.
"Mom, try this."
"What is this?"
"The iron nails used to rub corn are hard, and the kernels fall off when you rub them. Isn't that better than using your hands?"
Mr. Du took out the nail board to try it out, and lo and behold, it was true.
Luo Da's wife hurriedly praised him, "You scholars are really smart."
Mrs. Du smiled and said, "She is just a little clever, so please don't praise her."
Mrs. Du turned to her daughter and said, "You're not feeling well. Don't sit here. Go back to your room and rest. Didn't you say you'd go to the herbal farmers with your Uncle Zhang in a few days? Take a few days to recuperate."
Gu Youan didn't argue with her mother. He nodded to the wives of the Luo family and left.
The third daughter-in-law of the Luo family said enviously, "Aunt Du really loves her daughter."
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family took over and said, "Aunt Du, I heard that the Zhang family member is going to practice medicine? Did you know?"
"It seems that he has such a plan." Madam Du said, "Let me tell you, Zhang Shinan is such a good doctor, he should be treating the sick and the needy. Farming in the village is a complete waste of his time."
"We only knew that Doctor Zhang knew some pharmacology, but we had no idea he had such abilities. We've never heard of him before."
The people in the neighboring mountain villages were roughly half refugees from the interior and half exiled. The families lived far apart and didn't interact often, so not many knew about the Zhang family's affairs.
Zhang Shinan was now willing to pick up his medicine box and practice medicine. He had put aside his past affairs. To promote Zhang Shinan's reputation, Mrs. Du was also willing to speak up for the Zhang family, so she asked, "I heard from your mother-in-law that your Luo family is from Shandong?"
Luo Da's wife said, "That's right, our family is from Qingzhou Prefecture, Shandong."
"Doctor Zhang's family is originally from Laizhou Prefecture in Shandong Province. Qingzhou Prefecture is not far from Laizhou Prefecture. Perhaps you have heard of a genius doctor named Zhang who was born in Laizhou Prefecture a few decades ago. He served as the imperial physician at the Luoyang Imperial Hospital and was renowned throughout the world."
The three daughters-in-law of the Luo family were all shocked. Doctor Zhang was actually the descendant of the miraculous doctor Zhang?
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family said excitedly: "I heard from the people in the village that he is the reincarnation of a god. He can tell a person's past and present lives just by feeling their pulse."
Mrs. Du smiled and said, "I don't know if he's the reincarnation of a god, but everyone in Luoyang knows that Old Divine Doctor Zhang was very good at treating children and the elderly. After his passing, the elderly nobles in Luoyang missed him very much."
"Does Doctor Zhang also specialize in pediatric and geriatric diseases?"
"Old Doctor Zhang is Doctor Zhang's grandfather. A grandfather who teaches his grandson is certainly very generous, so Doctor Zhang is undoubtedly an expert. However, from what I've heard, Doctor Zhang is also very skilled in treating women's illnesses. If you're feeling unwell, feel free to ask Doctor Zhang to take a look. It's winter, so you don't have to work in the fields, so it's a good time to recuperate."
Mrs. Du's words touched the hearts of the three daughters-in-law of the Luo family. Over the years, the men had worked so hard to save up the family fortune, and the daughters-in-law had also worked like cows. Over the years, they had not had any serious illnesses, but had suffered from many minor ones.
After the spring plowing next year, their family will build a house. Their biggest wish has been fulfilled, and they can have children. They need to take care of their health.
Mrs. Du said, "Go as soon as possible. Doctor Zhang will go to Songjiang City next year, and it will not be so convenient for you to find him."
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family made up her mind: "We'll go tell my mother-in-law when we get home this afternoon."
Mrs. Du smiled and said, "Your mother-in-law is a good mother-in-law. She will definitely agree with you about seeing a doctor. Don't worry."
The three daughters-in-law of the Luo family all laughed. Their parents-in-law were indeed very good to them, otherwise they would not be so willing to endure hardships.
The four members of the Luo family, father and son, were working in Songjiang City, leaving only the mother-in-law and daughters-in-law at home. The three daughters-in-law went home to report to their mother-in-law, Mrs. Lu. Mrs. Lu did not hesitate, but immediately went back to the house to open the box to get the money, and took the three daughters-in-law to Zhang's house for medical treatment.
The three daughters-in-law of the Luo family are young, so it is not difficult for them to take care of themselves. However, the medicinal materials of the Zhang family are not so complete. When it was dark, Zhang Yinshan took the list of medicinal materials written by his father and ran to the Gu family, asking if they had these medicinal materials.
Gu Youan glanced at the list of herbs. Cuscuta, Dioscorea, and Myrtle were all herbs that replenished Qi and blood. She had all of them. She nodded immediately and asked, "How much do you want?"
"How many do you have?"
"These on the list weigh several kilograms at most, and as little as four or five ounces. Some were dug from the mountains, and some were bought in the market."
Zhang Yinshan thought for a moment and said, "If you're not in a hurry to use it, then give it all to me. The Luo family, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law all need medicine. What I have at home, plus yours, is enough to handle it."
"Then wait, I'll get it for you."
Zhang Yinshan waited a moment while Gu Youan went inside to get the medicine. He handed him a list and said, "I've written down the amount of each ingredient. When you have enough, just return it to me according to the amount listed above."
Zhang Yinshan took the herbs and said with a smile, "Just now I wanted to discuss the price with you."
"I don't make much profit from selling the herbs to your family. It's not worth my effort. Just return the herbs to me when the time comes." Gu Youan waved his hand and sent him away.
"Okay, I'll listen to you then."
Before leaving, Zhang Yinshan went to the kitchen to thank Mrs. Du: "If you hadn't asked, the Luo family mother-in-law and daughter-in-law wouldn't have known about my family's situation and wouldn't have gone to see my father for treatment."
In the past, although the villagers would ask his father what kind of medicine to cook for the hot summer when he had a fever, no one had ever given him a serious prescription or medical treatment.
Mrs. Du laughed and said, "As long as your father doesn't mind me talking too much, there's no need to thank me."
"That's not true, auntie. When I came here just now, my father specifically told me to thank you."
"Let's not talk about this between our two families. Go back now and don't keep us waiting for too long."
"Ah." After Zhang Yinshan left, Mrs. Du said to her daughter, "The Zhang family is about to rise."
Gu Youan smiled and said, "This is great. If the relatives and friends around us are getting better and better, our family will be better and better."
That's exactly the case.
Dinner was ready, and the mother, daughter and I sat together to eat. Axuan sighed as she looked at the food on the table.
"You are just a small family, why are you sighing?"
"Mom, I miss my dad, my brother, Master Guo, and Sister Guo."
Mrs. Du snorted softly, "I don't know whether you miss your father or not, but you miss your brother, Master Guo, and your sister Guo. You must be missing the pheasants and rabbits they brought back from hunting."
Ah Xuan grinned: "I want to eat meat."
"If you want to eat meat, wait a few days. You'll have meat when your father comes back."
Master Guo took Tian Erlang and Gu Wenqing to the Ping'an Escort Agency to borrow horses to practice riding and shooting. Gu Wen went out to do some business and would probably not be back for two or three days.
Before going to bed at night, Gu Youan went to the kitchen to get hot water to wash up, opened the cabinet, and put three pieces of bacon, a few pounds of kelp, and some frozen sea fish and dried fish into the cabinet.
Mrs. Du came in and saw this: "You're almost finished with what you've got."
"We still have a few pieces of bacon, and quite a bit of kelp, frozen sea fish, and dried fish."
Last year, I didn't buy a lot of seafood at Shanhaiguan. I didn't go out much last winter, so I didn't take much out to hide it. Then, with the warmer weather in spring, it became even harder to bring out all the seafood, so I had to store it.
"Mom, we have all the oranges and grapes we saved from last year, as well as the fruits from this year's harvest. How about we take them out together?"
Mrs. Du refused: "We haven't left the house yet, and those fruits will be too conspicuous."
"Then I'll get some oranges out for you to eat when Dad comes back, but I won't take any peaches or grapes."
Even if the caravan sent some fresh fruits to Songjiang City, peaches and grapes, which were out of season and difficult to transport, certainly could not be taken out, and it was hard to explain.
"That's fine. Just take less. When your father comes back, we can have a taste of it ourselves. I won't give it to your brother."
Gu Youan smiled and nodded. If she wanted to give it to her brother, she would definitely give it to Master Guo. Master Guo was knowledgeable and experienced, and he might reveal his true intentions, which would be difficult to deal with.
The weather was cold and it was troublesome to heat the kang. Dad was not at home, so Gu Youan took his bedding and went to sleep in his parents' room.
The three of them slept on the kang (a bed) together. Mrs. Du sat on the kang, combing her hair, and chatted, "Your Aunt Bai heard from someone that there's a Taoist temple on the north mountain that's very effective. When your father comes back tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, ask him to stay at home while we go to the temple to burn incense and pray for blessings."
"Last year, when you woke up, you should have gone to the Taoist temple to burn incense and fulfill your vow. But something happened at home last year, so you didn't have time to go. This year, there are also many things to do at home, so you've been delayed until now."
Mrs. Du sighed, "People, sometimes we should just trust that God has His own plans. If they go wrong, we should scold Him and He will listen. If they go right, we should burn incense and express our gratitude."
Gu Youan hugged the quilt and smiled: "Okay, I'll listen to you. Let's go to the Taoist temple to burn incense later."
Another day passed, and Gu Youan was clean. Madam Du finally allowed her to wash up. When Gu Youan came out of the space after washing up, Ah Xuan jumped into her arms like a little puppy and sniffed, "Sister, you smell so good!"
The unscented toiletries had been used up long ago, and Gu Youan only used a small amount of the scented ones occasionally. Unlike this girl, she couldn't smell anything when she threw herself into her arms.
Gu Youan picked her up and went outside: "Dad should be back today. Guess what delicious food he will bring us?"
Ah Xuan fluttered her arms and legs, shouting excitedly, "Eat meat! Ah Xuan wants to eat meat! Braised pork!"
The three daughters-in-law of the Luo family came to do some work. As they were entering the house, the eldest daughter-in-law said, "If you're craving for fish, go to the river and catch some fish and make some soup. It would be nice. You happen to have a fishing net at home."
"Sister, eat fish."
"Okay."
The weather is warm today and she is clean. She is not afraid of her mother's scolding if she gets wet with cold water. Gu Youan takes his sister to the river to fish.
Carrying the wooden bucket and fishing net to the riverside, they saw the two sisters coming. A familiar boy ran over and said, "Sister Gu, we can help you cast the net and then take the fish and fishing net back home. Could you lend us your fishing net?"
"Okay, I'll be done with it soon, you guys can take it."
"Hahaha, Sister Gu, don't worry, we'll help you fish it out, you just watch from the side."
Three or five boys came over, some holding fishing rods, some holding wet bamboo baskets, all trying to find ways to catch fish, but unfortunately their tools were too crude and difficult to use.
It would be useful if you had a fishing net. Just cast the net and nothing would go unnoticed. At the very least you could catch a fish as big as your arm.
After the fish was caught, several people were shouting with joy. A Xuan wanted to run over to join in the fun, but was stopped by Gu Youan.
"Don't go over there. The ground is wet where they're standing. If one of them doesn't step firmly, they could slip into the river."
"Oh." A Xuan responded reluctantly.
Looking at the river quietly for a long time, I couldn't help but sigh that time flies.
"Sister Gu, we'll take you back."
"good."
A few half-grown children caught half a basket of fish. Gu Youan only took three, and they divided the rest among themselves.
After being sent to the doorstep by a few of them, Gu Youan saw her father coming back.
"Dad, bring back something delicious for Xuan!"
A Xuan let go of her sister's hand and trotted towards her father happily.
Gu Wen smiled and picked up his little daughter, then asked, "Where did Xuan go to play?"
"Let's go fishing by the river."
Gu Youan saw her father in the house, but instead of going over, she went to the kitchen with the fish.
There was a backpack next to the kitchen cabinet, and it was obvious that her father had carried it back.
Gu Youan hurriedly put a few pounds of oranges into the backpack. Gu Wen carried Axuan over. Axuan was very excited when she saw the oranges.
"I want to eat, and I want to eat now."
Gu Wen was stunned at first, then he smiled and said, "Okay, I'll give it to Xuan later."
The Luo family's daughter-in-law was in the room over there. Gu Wen took a few oranges and asked A Xuan to deliver them to them. Gu Youan heard them say at the door that these oranges looked small but were quite sweet, and he wondered where they bought them.
Her mother made up a few words, saying that she didn't know where the caravan brought it from.
The daughter-in-law of the Luo family came to work at their house, and it was agreed that she would be provided with a lunch at noon. She made two dishes with three fish, and used the tofu her father bought to make fish head tofu soup, and sliced the rest to make pickled fish. She made two pots of the two dishes and ate them to her heart's content.
The eldest daughter-in-law of the Luo family enjoyed the pickled fish and asked how it was made. After listening to Gu Youan's explanation, she said, "If you want to make this fish delicious and not smell fishy, you still have to use a lot of oil, salt and seasoning. Who in ordinary families would be willing to use so much oil to cook fish?"
The Luo family couldn’t bear to let it go.
Mrs. Du: "Your family will soon be able to make it through. When the house is built next year, what can you eat if you want to?"
The three daughters-in-law of the Luo family laughed heartily, and they couldn't help but feel happy when they thought about the future.
Gu Wen returned home. Mrs. Du was thinking about going to the Taoist temple to burn incense, so she went to the Tian family in the afternoon to ask Mrs. Bai if she was free the next day.
Bai said, "If we have time, let's go tomorrow. We can take advantage of the good weather these days. I'm afraid it will snow heavily in the next few days."
"Okay, let's go tomorrow."
Beishan is located in the north of Songjiang City. If you want to talk about the shortest way to Beishan, it is definitely faster to go through Beihuang Village. Du and Bai did not want to meet those people from the Li family and did not want to go through Beihuang Village, so they went out early the next morning and took a detour from Songjiang City to Beishan.
They had to walk a long way today, and it wouldn't be convenient to bring Axuan with them, so Mrs. Du and Gu Youan, mother and daughter, quietly went out and met up with Mrs. Bai at the village entrance.
Mrs. Bai: "We have to hurry. I see thick clouds in the sky. It might snow in the afternoon. We have to hurry back."
"Then let's hurry up."
After a year of farming, Mrs. Du and Mrs. Bai had become much more endurance-rich and could walk very fast. Even Gu Youan, who had practiced martial arts, had to walk faster to keep up with them.
They went to the incense shop in Songjiang City to buy some incense, candles and paper money, and asked how to get to the Taoist temple on the North Mountain. After getting the directions, the three of them went up the North Mountain again.
Perhaps because more people went to the North Mountain to burn incense, the road up the mountain was paved with stone steps. Climbing up step by step saved a lot of effort.
As soon as we climbed to the Taoist temple, it started snowing.
An old Taoist priest with white hair and youthful face in the Taoist temple was sitting on a lounge chair under the eaves admiring the snow.
The old Taoist priest saw the three of them and beckoned them over to shelter from the snow, saying calmly, "Are you here to burn incense? Don't worry, sit down and rest for a while."
Mrs. Du and Mrs. Bai thanked the old Taoist priest and sat on the bench under the eaves to rest.
This mountain is quieter than the foot of the mountain, and you can hear every sound clearly.
After sitting for a while, Gu Youan heard a noise on the right and turned his head curiously.
I saw a handsome man in a dark purple robe, a jade crown on his head, and a black cloak, walking towards me from the path in the woods to the right of the Taoist temple in the wind and snow.
The falling snow makes the person's lips and teeth look red and white. If it weren't for his pair of cold eyes that are too intimidating... he would be so beautiful!
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