Thirty-four horses trampled through the fresh, pristine snow lying atop the official road. The horseback riders, all armed with sabers, were orderly and ferocious. It was apparent at first glance that they belonged to some noble’s private army. The government soldiers patrolling the road wouldn’t even bother stopping a troop like this. They didn’t have any goods or women, so why offend them for nothing?
They continued for more than an hour before the leading horseman yelled, “We’ll rest here for fifteen minutes!”
“Doctor Jiang, are you okay?” he asked as he dismounted his horse and walked to the center of the group.
Jiang Da was sharing a steed with another soldier. He coughed as the man behind him helped him inch his way down, “I’ll manage. Don’t mind me, Captain Zhang.”
Zhang He didn’t take his false bravado at face value; he supported him till he sat down by the side of the road and handed him a waterskin, “Drink something first and warm up.”
The waterskins were filled with hot water that they’d boiled on the go. Even after all this time, the heat still lingered. Jiang Da was immensely grateful for the thoughtful consideration. He opened the waterskin, gulped some warm water, dug some pills out of the folds of his robes, stuffed them in his mouth, and let out a long breath. Ever since leaving Luoyang, he’d had dry rations to eat and a warm cloak to wrap himself in; his mood had greatly elevated. Even his persistent illness vanished almost immediately. Once he got home and took a few doses of medicine, he’d be good as new.
Their flight from Luoyang was nothing like what Jiang Da had imagined. They’d not only gotten him over the Court of Attendant’s walls with ease, but they’d even smoothly slipped through the gates of the imperial city. Because of how large their party was, they’d been stopped for inspection twice, but once the captain flashed the Jinyang Wang Clan’s missive, no one dared detain them.
Liang Feng had made all those meticulous preparations for him. Just to save him. Squeezing the warm waterskin in his hands, Jiang Da felt like his whole body was burning. Even living and dying for his sake wouldn’t suffice to repay this immense debt of kindness!
He was interrupted from his musings by the sound of crying coming from afar, “Shi-er! Shi-er, wake up! What’s happening? Can anyone save him?!”
Jiang Da had heard pained, heart-wrenching screams like these countless times in Luoyang. They rang in his ears, even in his nightmares. He jumped to his feet and asked, “Who, who’s over there?”
Zhang He stood up and took a gander, “It’s a group of refugees. There’s a sobbing woman clutching a child in her arms. Must’ve died not long ago.”
“Can I go and check?” Going by the cries, it didn’t seem as if the child had died of cold or starvation, but rather, something more abrupt. As a doctor, and as someone who’d seen enough of life’s cruelties, Jiang Da was unable to turn away.
Zhang He paused for a moment, then nodded, “Alright, let’s take a look then.”
Hearing this, Jiang Da scrambled in their direction. Zhang He, bringing several soldiers, followed closely behind him. They arrived before the refugees, who scattered like startled birds at the sight of the sabers at their waists. Only the woman on her knees remained, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tried to wake her child.
Jiang Da took one look at the child and said, “What did you feed him just now?”
The woman lurched, but before she could respond, Jiang Da had already squatted down, lifted the child, placed him over his knee, and forcefully patted his back. The child choked, spat up a piece of bread, and shook violently. Jiang Da extricated his needle kit from his robes and stabbed several acupuncture points on the child’s shoulder. The child whimpered and started bawling.
The woman finally came back to her senses, snatched her child back, felt him over with both hands, then weepily turned and kowtowed to Jiang Da, mumbling indistinct words of thanks.
The other refugees cautiously returned upon seeing the miraculous feat of resurrection that Jiang Da had performed, some of them falling to their knees as well, venerating him as a divine doctor.
Jiang Da couldn’t believe it; he tried to rush to them and pull them to their feet, but Zhang stopped him and asked the refugees, “Did you all escape from Luoyang?”
“That’s right. It’s impossible to stay anymore, with all the looting soldiers there,” said one of the braver refugees.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
The months of hard battle had taken a heavy toll on the towns and counties surrounding Luoyang. The commoners and small-time farmers were especially hard hit. Everyone had thought that they could live in peace beneath the emperor’s feet. But, as it turned out, no one was safe when the armies came. After the city gates were opened, the commoners inside had it worst of all. Anyone who had yet the strength to breathe did everything they could to flee the city.
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“Tjc Ugbnlcmf….”
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“Bing Province? Isn’t there lotsa barbarians there?”
“I heard last year they had a drought…”
“I’m afraid that wouldn’t work….”
Zhang He chuckled, “We’re all heading to Bing Province ourselves. Gaodu’s right there once you go through Taihang Pass. If anyone wants to, they can travel with us.”
Many were tempted by his words. The woman whose child Jiang Da had saved suddenly asked, “Are you going to Gaodu, savior?”
As Jiang Da wasn’t stupid, he’d already cottoned on to Zhang He’s aim, and immediately stated, “I’m not from Gaodu myself, but it’s not far from my lord’s estate. He’s surnamed Liang and is very famous in Bing Province. He once received a dream from Buddha and dispelled a plague infesting the entire city of Jinyang.”
After witnessing Jiang Da’s skill in saving lives, his praise of his “lord” brought a spark to the refugees’ eyes. However, instead of affirming his words, Zhang He addressed Jiang Da, “Right, Doctor Jiang, it’s time for us to get moving now.”
If he kept speaking on the Liang Estate’s behalf, he might arouse their suspicions. On the contrary, the announcement of their imminent departure agitated the refugees, some of whom asked urgently, “Sir soldier, will that Lord Liang take us in?”
Zhang He frowned, “Only those with special skills can enter the Liang Estate. You’re all better off going to Gaodu.”
Though his words seemed cold, his honesty actually gave hope to the people who’d only just been wallowing in the depths of despair. Someone else asked, “Gaodu’s only one county. Even if they can shelter us for a while, they can’t save us forever!”
“Gaodu’s not giving out charity. The refugees who go there have to plow out new farmlands and loan seeds for the spring harvest. The magistrate of Gaodu is capable in his own right – he protected his city against hundreds of Xiongnu rebels,” Zhang He replied. “Alright, we’re hitting the road. Anyone who wants to go to Gaodu can follow behind us.”
Then, ignoring the refugees, he tugged Jiang Da back to the group.
As they mounted their horses, the refugees began to stir. Their homes lost, their families scattered, where they fled to now would determine their survival. Could they afford to miss this chance?
While they hesitated, the mother of the child Jiang Da had saved stood up and walked to the horsemen.
“Ah-Ling, don’t you want to go back to Hedong?” someone behind her shouted.
“They saved my son’s life. I want to go to Gaodu and see,” the woman said, as she left the small path without looking back.
That’s right – she had a point; just how great was this Lord Liang, that he commanded the loyalty of such a virtuous healer and such valiant soldiers? Besides, Gaodu didn’t sound too bad. Even if it didn’t compare to the Liang Estate, it’d still provide them with a means of survival.
Several more left the band of refugees, following in the woman’s footsteps. Then, there were even more…
Listening to the patter of footsteps behind him, Jiang Da asked concernedly, “That’s forty or fifty people already. Can the estate take them all?”
Zhang He grinned, “The refugees will all be settled in Gaodu first. The estate only accepts capable people. Don’t worry, Doctor Jiang, the Liang Estate of today far surpasses what it was before!”
Longing welled within Jiang Da’s heart. They didn’t gallop at full speed after mounting their horses, but rather trotted steadily towards Taihang Pass, refugees trailing behind them.
※
“Sister Zhaoyu….”
Zhaoyu looked back upon hearing her name and saw Lüzhu standing awkwardly outside the door. Zhaoyu left a few words for the seamstresses before leaving the room and asking gently, “Why’ve you come to find me at this time? Where’s the master?”
“Master’s in the study,” Lüzhu answered glumly. “He has Cang Lan and Cai Wei to take care of him.”
“What nonsense!” Zhaoyu frowned and scolded, “Their task is only to assist the master in managing his work; they’re not real maidservants. It wouldn’t do if the master didn’t have anyone to see to his needs.”
“But they’re already grinding ink for him and refilling the censers. And they know how to draw letter paper and mix fragrances… they’re better than me at everything…..” Lüzhu was brimming with so much frustration that she was about to cry. Though the new maids her master had taken in were only average-looking, cold, and untalkative, they were unbelievably smart. It seemed like there was nothing they didn’t understand. Lüzhu felt like she was an utter imbecile compared to them. She was so ashamed that she could hardly bear to show her face in the study anymore.
Zhaoyu couldn’t stop the sigh that escaped her lips, “Lüzhu, do you still want to stay by the master’s side?”
Lüzhu bit her lips and nodded slowly.
“Do you know that the master will have you marry out eventually?” Zhaoyu continued asking.
“I… I don’t want to marry! I want to stay with the master forever!” Lüzhu said lowly.
Lüzhu knew, of course, that her master wasn’t attracted to her. Before his sickness, he was indifferent. Afterward, perhaps because of how faithfully she’d attended to him, he was somewhat kind. Lüzhu had never dared to wish for more, but marrying someone? Leaving her master? No way!
Zhaoyu had talked with her before, but honestly, what unmarried girl wouldn’t be charmed by a man like their master? So she wouldn’t even try convincing Lüzhu to abandon her feelings. But she couldn’t allow her to forget what her duties were as a personal maidservant.
“That’s even more reason to serve the master well, then.” Zhaoyu sighed, “If the master really intended for Cang Lan and Cai Wei to replace you, why are they only responsible for aiding him in his study?”
Lüzhu was silent for a moment before nodding and saying, “I want to learn math and poetry from you as well. I, I don’t want to lose to them…”
Zhaoyu chuckled, “That couldn’t be better.”
With Zhaoyu’s encouragement, Lüzhu finally set aside her fears and returned to the study. As his workload was lighter that day, Liang Feng worked for only two hours before returning to his quarters with Lüzhu.
“Bring out the Go board.” Liang Feng took off his outer coat and leaned against the rest.
Since he’d finished up rather early, he decided to nab Yiyan for a game of Go when he came over. These days, Liang Feng had been slowly teaching Yiyan how to play. At the very least, Go could strengthen one’s patience and teach one to control the battlefield. Yiyan was particularly talented in that regard. He only needed some practice to improve.
Of course, Liang Feng had to admit that pwning noobs was fun no matter the era.
Lüzhu swiftly brought out the Go board, then retrieved some refined charcoal and a pocket heater, and handed it to Liang Feng, “Master, your hands get cold in the winter; use this to warm up.”
Liang Feng smiled and received the intricate little stove, “You should drink some more hot water as well. Have the kitchen prepare some date water.”
Lüzhu lurched, then flushed red and retreated to the side. It was nearly time for her monthly problem to arrive; she hadn’t thought her master would remember something like that! But then, her eyes started tearing up. Her master really cared about her after all. For that alone, she had to look after him well!
While Lüzhu was dealing with her roiling emotions, Yiyan came in through the door. He noticed the Go board at once, “My lord! Are we playing Go?!”
“Mhmm. Let’s have a match tonight,” Liang Feng smilingly gestured at the stones.
Yiyan immediately strode up to the board, taking a seat at the opposite side, and set a white stone on the board. Liang Feng didn’t mind at all. He took up a black stone and placed it in the opposite quarter. Holding the Go piece the modern way, between his index and middle finger, the ink-black stone made his pale, slender digits seem even more like precious jade in contrast. Yiyan’s gaze unwittingly veered towards them, before he forcefully suppressed his wandering thoughts and began contemplating the board.
Lüzhu looked at the two Go players, went to the side, and poured tea. The quietness of the room, the pleasant smell of tea, and the occasional clatter of stones brought serenity to the heart. Lüzhu silently delivered the tea and returned to her little corner. Just this was already enough.
The author has something to say:
Saw there were people talking about the term “doctor.” Eh, it really was an official position in ancient times; it appeared during the Tang Dynasty.
In the Tang Dynasty, the Imperial Physicians Bureau was sort of like the modern-day Department of Health. At the top of the ladder were two Imperial Physician Prefects (lower seventh rank), followed by two Imperial Physician Deputy, four Medical Supervisor (lower eighth rank), eight Principal Practitioners (lower ninth rank), etc. Their subordinates were split into five sub-specialties which were physicians 医, acupuncture 针, massage 按摩, exorcism 咒禁, and herbal medicine 药园.
As for the workers, there were two 府, four 吏, as well as a bunch of 主药, 药童, etc. The terms 医师, 医工, and 医生 (applies to acupuncturists, masseuses, etc.) more or less reflect their medical skill, similar to how modern-day medical professionals are differentiated by experience. They have to pass exams to get their positions, and once they pass enough exams, they’ll get promoted. At the same time, the Imperial Physicians Bureau also has 医博士, 针博士, etc. instructors teaching students medicine, acupuncture, etc. and administering exams. These measures were all for the sake of advancing medical science in the Tang Dynasty.
The information above comes from Baidu. So you see, the terms、医生、医师、博士、助教、have existed since the olden days. It’s true that they didn’t exist yet in the Jin Dynasty, Liang Feng’s just used to using them. But the people of that time period wouldn’t find it too strange. On the contrary, you couldn’t call them 大夫 or 郎中, since those are still actual bureaucrat positions. Plus, they’re positions with actual power, so they can’t be used casually. It probably didn’t come into colloquial use until the Song Dynasty.
The translator has something to say:
Sorry for the missed chapters, but the translator is back from vacation now and will resume regular updates (๑˃̣̣̥⌓˂̣̣̥)
Thank you for the update!
I just hope that Lüzhu won’t do anything stupid later on when LF starts his thing with Yiyan.
Thx for the ch ٩(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )و I hope you had a nice vacation :3
Thank You for the new chapter! Hope You had a pleasant rest ^^
Hope you had a nice break. Thank you
Thanks for the chapter! Hope you were able to recharge the batteries, lol.
I still have a fondness for Lüzhu. She is a pretty cute kid and I’m glad she’s turning her head the right direction- her studies. Her only options are a traditional marriage or to gain the skills to give her more professional options. I wish her well!
Thanks for your hard work translating!
just please dont destroy Luzhu’s persona :<<
Lvzhu**
You don’t lie to me, luzhu is a hungry fujoshi inside
aww I hope Luzhu finds some she loves & whom loves her
Just had the sudden thought that Jiang Da was still unmarried. But no, I’m not too comfortable with that. Zhaoyu would probably be a better fit for him (if she wants). Hopefully a match for Lüzhu will pop up in the future.