He Fengmian, with Shulan by his side, soon arrived at the place where Hu Zi and the others were staying.
“They named this place Xinwang Village, which means new hope,” He Fengmian’s deep voice sounded above her head.
"This name is quite good." Because she had a medical kit in her hand, as well as roast chicken and some other convenient snacks that she had packed from the food shop after lunch.
Since it was inconvenient for her to carry her things, she naturally sat down in front of the bearded man again.
Practice makes perfect, and now Shulan feels perfectly at ease even when riding a horse with him.
After all, they were business partners, and she felt that the bearded man had a calm and upright personality, and was a true gentleman.
It seems that he doesn't shy away from public attention because she is his wife in name only. Even if they explain to others that there's nothing wrong, no one will believe them.
It's better to treat each other like friends; that would be more comfortable.
Shulan figured the bearded man must think the same way, so she felt at ease.
Anyway, she'll fake her death and leave this place in the future, and everything here will just be a memory.
She's his wife in name only. Even if he tells others that there's nothing between them, who would believe him?
When the two arrived at Xinwang Village, many people greeted her warmly, saying, "Dr. Xiao Shu."
However, when she looked at He Fengmian beside her, she hesitated, clearly not recognizing him as the bearded general.
Shulan knew his personality, so she didn't introduce him. She just chatted with him and explained her purpose before being led to the place where Hu Zi and his son lived.
It was a small thatched hut that couldn't even keep out the rain.
Tiger's father sat inside, next to a simple earthen stove made of mud, on which sat a clay pot with a large hole in it, cooking something.
Tiger, who was not yet three years old, was carefully tending a fire. The branches were not dry, and the thick smoke made the child's face dirty.
The succulents we managed to raise in the camp are all gone, which shows how difficult it has been for them lately.
Shulan felt a pang of sadness watching this scene and softly called out, "Tiger."
Upon hearing her voice, Hu Zi immediately turned around, grinning, "Dr. Shu."
Tiger's father, who had been looking down and seemingly lost in thought, quickly turned around upon hearing the voice, his face beaming with joy yet also a little flustered, and said, "Dr. Shu, Dr. Shu."
Shulan looked at the wild vegetables in the earthenware pot, picked up the little one, and said with a smile, "Look, I brought you something delicious."
He Fengmian handed her the oil paper package, which she then placed in Hu Zi's arms.
Looking at the reserved Tiger's father, they explained their purpose: "We heard you were injured and wanted to come and see you and Tiger."
After putting the child down, she began to treat Tiger's father. Fortunately, his injuries were not serious. She learned that there was an old man here who knew a little about herbal medicine and, seeing his pitiful state, he prepared some herbs for him.
"That's good. Keep applying these medications; they'll be good for your legs."
She took out three packets of medicine from her medical kit: "This medicine should be boiled and drunk; it will help you recover faster. However, it takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone, so you need to rest and recuperate during this time."
"Thank you." Tiger's father's eyes were red, and he choked up, feeling ashamed.
Seeing his appearance, Shulan patted his shoulder and said, "It's okay, everyone has difficult times, it will pass."
Perhaps their arrival gave Tiger's father hope, and his mood improved considerably.
Shulan also explained another purpose of her visit today: "I came here today for another matter, what are your thoughts on Hu Zi studying medicine?"
This child has a talent for medicine. Despite his young age, he can sit there and identify herbs without getting distracted. She also likes his personality very much and doesn't want to waste such a promising talent.
But she wouldn't force Tiger's father if he disagreed.
"I—" Tiger's father's face turned bright red. He naturally wanted his son to learn a skill, but the family couldn't even afford to give him anything.
Seeing his awkward manner, the neighbors next to him became anxious: "Tiger's dad, Dr. Shu has already come over, why are you still standing there refusing to speak to me?"
"That's right, it's a blessing that the child has accumulated over three lifetimes to have Hu Zi with Dr. Shu."
The neighbors felt sorry for the father and son, and thought that if the child went to town, at least he wouldn't have to go hungry with his father.
Tiger's father looked at his son standing there, then at the revered Doctor Shu, and mustered his courage: "Doctor Shu, I want Tiger to learn medicine from you. Please, please take him as your apprentice. Later, when I earn enough money, I will definitely make up for the lack of an apprenticeship ceremony for him."
My son will only suffer if he stays with me; only by following Dr. Shu can he have a bright future.
Before Shulan could speak, the neighbors said, "Tiger, quickly kowtow to your master."
They worry about him even more than he, the father, does.
Tiger knelt there, his childish voice saying, "Tiger kowtows to Master."
After saying that, he honestly kowtowed three times on the ground, his forehead covered in dirt. Shulan did not stop him and accepted the gesture.
He smiled and said, "Alright, now that you've become my disciple, you can choose a new name like the other senior brothers."
She thought for a moment and said, "Let's call it Patchouli from now on."
Upon hearing this, everyone exclaimed, "This is a good name; it sounds like a learned person."
Tiger's father was also very excited. Although the little guy was confused, he just nodded obediently and said, "Okay."
Having accepted the apprentice, Shulan naturally had to take the little guy back with her.
Tiger, also known as Patchouli, looked at his father with reluctance.
He Fengmian looked at the man lying there, whose eyes held no gloom or confusion about the future, only a fighting spirit for life, and asked, "What's your name?"
Tiger's father was taken aback, but still answered honestly, "Sir, my name is Zhao San."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
