Chapter 101.
After parting with Fu Wei, Yu Ying returned to her courtyard, where a yamen runner informed her that the man brought in last night had awakened.
She pondered for a moment, then said she would return to her room briefly before going to check on him.
Back in her room, Yu Ying immediately ground ink and tore off a strip of paper, writing down important information to convey to the man.
After writing, she folded it into a small paper ball and tucked it at her waist, then headed to the adjacent courtyard.
The man being mysterious, there was likely a yamen runner guarding outside his straw hut.
Arriving at the straw hut, the yamen runner standing guard respectfully bowed to her, saying, “Madam Yu.”
Yu Ying nodded lightly and said, “Thank you for your hard work,” before lifting the straw curtain and entering.
The yamen runner followed her inside to ensure Madam Yu's protection.
Yu Ying looked at the man lying on the bed, who weakly raised his eyes to glance at her.
The man's face was still unnaturally red, but his lips were pale. Despite his weakness, the wariness and sharpness in his eyes did not escape Yu Ying's observation.
Yu Ying approached the bed and asked, “How are you feeling now?”
The man was silent for a moment, then hoarsely replied, “My head still hurts, my muscles are sore, and my throat feels like it's burning.”
“Extend your hand so I can take your pulse.”
The man hesitated for a few moments but eventually extended his hand from under the covers.
Yu Ying calmly placed her hand on his wrist, feeling his pulse.
The room was silent. The man watched the woman taking his pulse, his gaze filled with contemplation, uncertain whether she would help him.
With the yamen runner present, he dared not scrutinize her too closely.
While taking his pulse, Yu Ying turned to the yamen runner and inquired, “Has he taken any medicinal soup this morning?”
The yamen runner nodded, “Yes, he has taken it, and he had his breakfast too.”
As they spoke, the man felt something being slipped into his palm. He quickly grasped it in his slightly clenched fist to prevent it from falling.
Yu Ying diverted the yamen runner's attention while slipping the note to the man, then said to the yamen runner, “Give him half a bowl of throat-soothing medicine at midday.”
The yamen runner nodded.
Yu Ying turned back to the man and said, “Your illness is quite severe. It's a miracle you survived the night. These symptoms may take half a month to improve.”
Standing up, she added, “If you feel discomfort, inform the yamen runner.”
After speaking, she left the room with an indifferent demeanor, followed by the yamen runner.
Once they left and the curtain dropped, the man immediately took out the paper ball hidden in his palm and unfolded it.
After quickly reading through it, the uncertainty he felt was completely resolved.
After reading, he sat up in bed, threw the paper into the fire basin, and watched it burn to ashes before lying back down.
As the weather warmed, the epidemic-stricken populace gradually recovered. The number of patients in the makeshift medical center decreased day by day, signaling the epidemic was nearing its end. Thus, there was no longer a need for so many doctors on standby; two would suffice.
The decision of which doctors to retain was made by drawing lots.
Since Chief Physician Ji was the oldest and had grown weary after overworking for half a month, he was exempted from the draw, leaving five others to determine their fate by lot.
Yu Ying was fortunate to draw the lot that allowed her to leave, meaning she could return home.
The ones who stayed were Zheng Ji and Ji Shi’s eldest disciple.
As Yu Ying was packing to leave, there was a knock on her door. Opening it, she was surprised to find Dr. Liu from Zheng Ji Medical Hall.
Dr. Liu inquired, “Madam Yu, may I have a word with you?”
Yu Ying had some past grievances with Zheng Ji, Li Ji, and Luo Ji Medical Halls, but she only held the decision-makers accountable, not bearing grudges against others.
Moreover, during this critical period, everyone had set aside their past conflicts and biases to get through the crisis.
Having witnessed Yu Ying's capabilities, especially her timely detection of the epidemic, which helped them safely navigate the crisis, they had no grounds to look down on her.
Besides, Yu Ying indeed possessed more skills than they did.
Hence, over the past half-month, the doctors had come to genuinely respect Madam Yu.
Yu Ying asked, “What would you like to discuss, Dr. Liu?”
Hesitating for a moment, Dr. Liu said, “Madam Yu, with your talents, it would be a pity not to practice medicine. Chief Physician Zheng instructed me to invite you to join Zheng Ji Medical Hall as a resident doctor, offering preferential treatment in terms of salary – one tael of silver per month.”
Considering Madam Yu’s expertise in acupuncture and her potential to mentor one or two apprentices, a salary of one tael of silver was well deserved.
Given that Fu Wei’s monthly salary was only seven hundred wen, a salary of one tael of silver indeed constituted preferential treatment.
However, if Yu Ying were to become a resident doctor, she would only consider Ji's Medical Hall. It wasn't about the salary, but rather due to differences in philosophy.
She had interacted with the heads of all four medical halls.
Among these, the chiefs of three halls prioritized profit, and she knew that prolonged stay there would inevitably lead to conflicts due to differing viewpoints.
Direct refusal might offend Chief Physician Zheng, so Yu Ying could only respond with a smile, “Chief Physician Ji has also discussed this with me, and I haven’t committed yet. Regarding what Dr. Liu proposed, I will give it serious thought and respond to Chief Physician Zheng once I’ve made a decision.”
Hearing that Chief Physician Ji had already approached her, Dr. Liu regretted his late arrival but didn’t show it, earnestly saying, “I hope Madam Yu will consider Zheng Ji Medical Hall carefully. The salary is still negotiable.”
Yu Ying nodded and reassured him that she would consider it carefully.
After seeing off Dr. Liu, Yu Ying was only halfway through packing when a doctor from Li Ji Medical Hall arrived with a similar proposal, wanting her as a resident doctor at their hall.
At first, Yu Ying hadn’t thought much about Dr. Liu’s visit, but now, reflecting on it, she understood their motives.
Besides her skills, there was another factor.
She had discovered the epidemic, and now in Yuxian, she had garnered a respectable reputation. With the epidemic just stabilizing, there were still many patients seeking consultations.
Utilizing her newfound fame to attract patients was essentially leveraging the ‘celebrity effect’.
Having realized this, Yu Ying didn’t outright refuse but gave the same response as she had to Dr. Liu – not committing, just saying she would consider it.
Finally ready, Yu Ying changed into a new outfit before leaving.
Exiting through the back door, a carriage was already waiting for her.
The yamen runner driving the carriage said, “Today, the magistrate specially arranged for a carriage to pick up the doctors. He particularly instructed that Madam Yu be taken home.”
Yu Ying responded, “Thank you for the trouble.”
She got into the carriage, and after settling in, lifted the curtain to look outside.
Gazing at the dwelling where she had spent nearly half a month, Yu Ying felt a myriad of emotions.
Now, at last, she could return.
Yu Ying let down the curtain and leaned against the carriage for rest.
As the carriage made its way through the streets, the sound of vendors stirred Yu Ying from her light sleep; she lifted the curtain again to look outside.
The street was already bustling with vendors setting up their stalls and pedestrians passing by.
Yu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for her fortune.
The carriage moved at a steady pace, and after half an hour, finally returned to the entrance of the West Alley.
Yu Ying alighted at the alley entrance, thanking the coachman before shouldering her pack and entering the alley.
As she entered the alley, she coincidentally encountered neighbors from the entrance of West Alley.
Upon seeing her, their eyes widened in surprise.
Just when Yu Ying thought she would be scorned, a neighbor suddenly shouted, "Madame Yu is back!"
Hastened footsteps echoed from other courtyards as the neighbors rushed out to see, all calling out "Madame Yu" towards Yu Ying.
Smiles adorned their faces.
The feeling of being welcomed and anticipated always made one reflect on the worthiness of their efforts.
A faint smile appeared on Yu Ying's face.
Hearing the noise from outside the alley, the Luo family and Wen Xing, along with Fu An and Fu Ning, all rushed out.
The siblings were momentarily stunned upon seeing their aunt, then burst into joy and excitement, rushing towards Yu Ying.
Fu Ning reached her first, wrapping his arms tightly around Yu Ying's waist, while Fu An gazed at her eagerly, his eyes filled with longing.
"Auntie, let me carry your luggage for you!"
Yu Ying, seeing his eagerness, handed over the package to him and, holding Fu Ning's hand, responded to the warm greetings of the neighbors, making her way home.
As they reached the courtyard gate, the sister-in-law suddenly embraced Yu Ying, her voice choked with emotion: "Sister-in-law, you've finally come back. I was so worried."
Yu Ying was taken aback.
This was the first time she had embraced someone in this era, other than Fu Wei and Fu Ning.
Amid her surprise, a warmth slowly spread through her heart.
Here, she was not alone; there were many people waiting for her return.
Unknowingly, in this era, she had gradually found a home.
"Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Sister, I have many people who care about me in this era. Don't worry too much about me, I will take good care of myself, and you should do the same."
Yu Ying hugged her sister-in-law back, a smile appearing on her face.
After a while, everyone entered the courtyard, with Madame Luo and the sister-in-law busily bustling about.
They lit a brazier for her to step over, a ritual to ward off bad luck and bring smooth sailing and a trouble-free future.
They then boiled water for her bath and prepared a meal.
After Yu Ying returned from her bath, everyone gathered around her at mealtime, staring as if trying to make up for all the days they hadn't seen her.
Yu Ying smiled helplessly and asked, "Are Erlang and Elder Brother still at the yamen?"
Fu An replied, "Father came by a few days ago to deliver food outside the door but didn’t enter. On New Year's Day, Father and Uncle returned briefly, gave me and my sister red envelopes, and then left in a hurry."
Hearing this, Yu Ying thought to herself that Fu Wei and Elder Brother must have been busy too.
She was busy with tasks at the back, while they were occupied with matters at the front.
Fu An continued, "We weren't allowed to go out before, but now we can. Do you want me to go to the yamen and tell Uncle and Father that you're back?"
Yu Ying shook her head, "Your uncle at the yamen will surely receive the news; he might even return tonight."
No sooner had she spoken than the neighbors' voices calling out "Mr. Fu" were heard from outside.
Fu Wei had returned.
The two children, hearing this, exclaimed excitedly, "It must be Uncle and Father who have come back!"
The siblings immediately stood up from their chairs and excitedly ran towards the courtyard entrance.
Yu Ying also put down her utensils and stood up to walk outside.
As Fu An opened the courtyard gate, Fu Zhen and Fu Wei happened to arrive at the entrance.
Yu Ying had just reached the eaves outside the main hall when she met Fu Wei's gaze.
Since their last parting, it had been six or seven days since they had seen each other.
Having safely weathered the epidemic, the two exchanged looks of relief and understanding, both breaking into smiles.
The brothers entered the courtyard, and Fu An quickly closed the door behind them.
As soon as the door closed, Fu Wei stood up, his gaze intense as he looked at Yu Ying and slowly walked towards her.
Under the eaves, his eyes were filled solely with the figure of Yu Ying.
As their gazes met, Yu Ying bashfully lowered her head.
The atmosphere between the two was subtly sensed by Madame Luo and Wen Xing.
Knowing that both had been through a hard half-month, without delving deeper, Madame Luo hurriedly said, "Eldest and Second sons, please sit. I'll go make some more food."
Wen Xing, also putting aside the joy of family reunion, quickly added, "I'll help too. I'll boil some hot water for you to wash away the fatigue."
With both of them gone, Fu Zhen glanced at his younger brother and sister-in-law, smiling faintly.
He called his children, asking them to accompany him to buy vegetables for the night's meal, thus leaving the young couple to their reunion.
With everyone gone, Fu Wei immediately took Yu Ying's hand and led her into the house.
The moment the door closed, before Yu Ying could react, Fu Wei pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.
Fu Wei whispered his longing into her ear.
"Ah Ying, I missed you so much."
Chapter 101.
After parting with Fu Wei, Yu Ying returned to her courtyard, where a yamen runner informed her that the man brought in last night had awakened.
She pondered for a moment, then said she would return to her room briefly before going to check on him.
Back in her room, Yu Ying immediately ground ink and tore off a strip of paper, writing down important information to convey to the man.
After writing, she folded it into a small paper ball and tucked it at her waist, then headed to the adjacent courtyard.
The man being mysterious, there was likely a yamen runner guarding outside his straw hut.
Arriving at the straw hut, the yamen runner standing guard respectfully bowed to her, saying, “Madam Yu.”
Yu Ying nodded lightly and said, “Thank you for your hard work,” before lifting the straw curtain and entering.
The yamen runner followed her inside to ensure Madam Yu's protection.
Yu Ying looked at the man lying on the bed, who weakly raised his eyes to glance at her.
The man's face was still unnaturally red, but his lips were pale. Despite his weakness, the wariness and sharpness in his eyes did not escape Yu Ying's observation.
Yu Ying approached the bed and asked, “How are you feeling now?”
The man was silent for a moment, then hoarsely replied, “My head still hurts, my muscles are sore, and my throat feels like it's burning.”
“Extend your hand so I can take your pulse.”
The man hesitated for a few moments but eventually extended his hand from under the covers.
Yu Ying calmly placed her hand on his wrist, feeling his pulse.
The room was silent. The man watched the woman taking his pulse, his gaze filled with contemplation, uncertain whether she would help him.
With the yamen runner present, he dared not scrutinize her too closely.
While taking his pulse, Yu Ying turned to the yamen runner and inquired, “Has he taken any medicinal soup this morning?”
The yamen runner nodded, “Yes, he has taken it, and he had his breakfast too.”
As they spoke, the man felt something being slipped into his palm. He quickly grasped it in his slightly clenched fist to prevent it from falling.
Yu Ying diverted the yamen runner's attention while slipping the note to the man, then said to the yamen runner, “Give him half a bowl of throat-soothing medicine at midday.”
The yamen runner nodded.
Yu Ying turned back to the man and said, “Your illness is quite severe. It's a miracle you survived the night. These symptoms may take half a month to improve.”
Standing up, she added, “If you feel discomfort, inform the yamen runner.”
After speaking, she left the room with an indifferent demeanor, followed by the yamen runner.
Once they left and the curtain dropped, the man immediately took out the paper ball hidden in his palm and unfolded it.
After quickly reading through it, the uncertainty he felt was completely resolved.
After reading, he sat up in bed, threw the paper into the fire basin, and watched it burn to ashes before lying back down.
As the weather warmed, the epidemic-stricken populace gradually recovered. The number of patients in the makeshift medical center decreased day by day, signaling the epidemic was nearing its end. Thus, there was no longer a need for so many doctors on standby; two would suffice.
The decision of which doctors to retain was made by drawing lots.
Since Chief Physician Ji was the oldest and had grown weary after overworking for half a month, he was exempted from the draw, leaving five others to determine their fate by lot.
Yu Ying was fortunate to draw the lot that allowed her to leave, meaning she could return home.
The ones who stayed were Zheng Ji and Ji Shi’s eldest disciple.
As Yu Ying was packing to leave, there was a knock on her door. Opening it, she was surprised to find Dr. Liu from Zheng Ji Medical Hall.
Dr. Liu inquired, “Madam Yu, may I have a word with you?”
Yu Ying had some past grievances with Zheng Ji, Li Ji, and Luo Ji Medical Halls, but she only held the decision-makers accountable, not bearing grudges against others.
Moreover, during this critical period, everyone had set aside their past conflicts and biases to get through the crisis.
Having witnessed Yu Ying's capabilities, especially her timely detection of the epidemic, which helped them safely navigate the crisis, they had no grounds to look down on her.
Besides, Yu Ying indeed possessed more skills than they did.
Hence, over the past half-month, the doctors had come to genuinely respect Madam Yu.
Yu Ying asked, “What would you like to discuss, Dr. Liu?”
Hesitating for a moment, Dr. Liu said, “Madam Yu, with your talents, it would be a pity not to practice medicine. Chief Physician Zheng instructed me to invite you to join Zheng Ji Medical Hall as a resident doctor, offering preferential treatment in terms of salary – one tael of silver per month.”
Considering Madam Yu’s expertise in acupuncture and her potential to mentor one or two apprentices, a salary of one tael of silver was well deserved.
Given that Fu Wei’s monthly salary was only seven hundred wen, a salary of one tael of silver indeed constituted preferential treatment.
However, if Yu Ying were to become a resident doctor, she would only consider Ji's Medical Hall. It wasn't about the salary, but rather due to differences in philosophy.
She had interacted with the heads of all four medical halls.
Among these, the chiefs of three halls prioritized profit, and she knew that prolonged stay there would inevitably lead to conflicts due to differing viewpoints.
Direct refusal might offend Chief Physician Zheng, so Yu Ying could only respond with a smile, “Chief Physician Ji has also discussed this with me, and I haven’t committed yet. Regarding what Dr. Liu proposed, I will give it serious thought and respond to Chief Physician Zheng once I’ve made a decision.”
Hearing that Chief Physician Ji had already approached her, Dr. Liu regretted his late arrival but didn’t show it, earnestly saying, “I hope Madam Yu will consider Zheng Ji Medical Hall carefully. The salary is still negotiable.”
Yu Ying nodded and reassured him that she would consider it carefully.
After seeing off Dr. Liu, Yu Ying was only halfway through packing when a doctor from Li Ji Medical Hall arrived with a similar proposal, wanting her as a resident doctor at their hall.
At first, Yu Ying hadn’t thought much about Dr. Liu’s visit, but now, reflecting on it, she understood their motives.
Besides her skills, there was another factor.
She had discovered the epidemic, and now in Yuxian, she had garnered a respectable reputation. With the epidemic just stabilizing, there were still many patients seeking consultations.
Utilizing her newfound fame to attract patients was essentially leveraging the ‘celebrity effect’.
Having realized this, Yu Ying didn’t outright refuse but gave the same response as she had to Dr. Liu – not committing, just saying she would consider it.
Finally ready, Yu Ying changed into a new outfit before leaving.
Exiting through the back door, a carriage was already waiting for her.
The yamen runner driving the carriage said, “Today, the magistrate specially arranged for a carriage to pick up the doctors. He particularly instructed that Madam Yu be taken home.”
Yu Ying responded, “Thank you for the trouble.”
She got into the carriage, and after settling in, lifted the curtain to look outside.
Gazing at the dwelling where she had spent nearly half a month, Yu Ying felt a myriad of emotions.
Now, at last, she could return.
Yu Ying let down the curtain and leaned against the carriage for rest.
As the carriage made its way through the streets, the sound of vendors stirred Yu Ying from her light sleep; she lifted the curtain again to look outside.
The street was already bustling with vendors setting up their stalls and pedestrians passing by.
Yu Ying breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for her fortune.
The carriage moved at a steady pace, and after half an hour, finally returned to the entrance of the West Alley.
Yu Ying alighted at the alley entrance, thanking the coachman before shouldering her pack and entering the alley.
As she entered the alley, she coincidentally encountered neighbors from the entrance of West Alley.
Upon seeing her, their eyes widened in surprise.
Just when Yu Ying thought she would be scorned, a neighbor suddenly shouted, "Madame Yu is back!"
Hastened footsteps echoed from other courtyards as the neighbors rushed out to see, all calling out "Madame Yu" towards Yu Ying.
Smiles adorned their faces.
The feeling of being welcomed and anticipated always made one reflect on the worthiness of their efforts.
A faint smile appeared on Yu Ying's face.
Hearing the noise from outside the alley, the Luo family and Wen Xing, along with Fu An and Fu Ning, all rushed out.
The siblings were momentarily stunned upon seeing their aunt, then burst into joy and excitement, rushing towards Yu Ying.
Fu Ning reached her first, wrapping his arms tightly around Yu Ying's waist, while Fu An gazed at her eagerly, his eyes filled with longing.
"Auntie, let me carry your luggage for you!"
Yu Ying, seeing his eagerness, handed over the package to him and, holding Fu Ning's hand, responded to the warm greetings of the neighbors, making her way home.
As they reached the courtyard gate, the sister-in-law suddenly embraced Yu Ying, her voice choked with emotion: "Sister-in-law, you've finally come back. I was so worried."
Yu Ying was taken aback.
This was the first time she had embraced someone in this era, other than Fu Wei and Fu Ning.
Amid her surprise, a warmth slowly spread through her heart.
Here, she was not alone; there were many people waiting for her return.
Unknowingly, in this era, she had gradually found a home.
"Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Sister, I have many people who care about me in this era. Don't worry too much about me, I will take good care of myself, and you should do the same."
Yu Ying hugged her sister-in-law back, a smile appearing on her face.
After a while, everyone entered the courtyard, with Madame Luo and the sister-in-law busily bustling about.
They lit a brazier for her to step over, a ritual to ward off bad luck and bring smooth sailing and a trouble-free future.
They then boiled water for her bath and prepared a meal.
After Yu Ying returned from her bath, everyone gathered around her at mealtime, staring as if trying to make up for all the days they hadn't seen her.
Yu Ying smiled helplessly and asked, "Are Erlang and Elder Brother still at the yamen?"
Fu An replied, "Father came by a few days ago to deliver food outside the door but didn’t enter. On New Year's Day, Father and Uncle returned briefly, gave me and my sister red envelopes, and then left in a hurry."
Hearing this, Yu Ying thought to herself that Fu Wei and Elder Brother must have been busy too.
She was busy with tasks at the back, while they were occupied with matters at the front.
Fu An continued, "We weren't allowed to go out before, but now we can. Do you want me to go to the yamen and tell Uncle and Father that you're back?"
Yu Ying shook her head, "Your uncle at the yamen will surely receive the news; he might even return tonight."
No sooner had she spoken than the neighbors' voices calling out "Mr. Fu" were heard from outside.
Fu Wei had returned.
The two children, hearing this, exclaimed excitedly, "It must be Uncle and Father who have come back!"
The siblings immediately stood up from their chairs and excitedly ran towards the courtyard entrance.
Yu Ying also put down her utensils and stood up to walk outside.
As Fu An opened the courtyard gate, Fu Zhen and Fu Wei happened to arrive at the entrance.
Yu Ying had just reached the eaves outside the main hall when she met Fu Wei's gaze.
Since their last parting, it had been six or seven days since they had seen each other.
Having safely weathered the epidemic, the two exchanged looks of relief and understanding, both breaking into smiles.
The brothers entered the courtyard, and Fu An quickly closed the door behind them.
As soon as the door closed, Fu Wei stood up, his gaze intense as he looked at Yu Ying and slowly walked towards her.
Under the eaves, his eyes were filled solely with the figure of Yu Ying.
As their gazes met, Yu Ying bashfully lowered her head.
The atmosphere between the two was subtly sensed by Madame Luo and Wen Xing.
Knowing that both had been through a hard half-month, without delving deeper, Madame Luo hurriedly said, "Eldest and Second sons, please sit. I'll go make some more food."
Wen Xing, also putting aside the joy of family reunion, quickly added, "I'll help too. I'll boil some hot water for you to wash away the fatigue."
With both of them gone, Fu Zhen glanced at his younger brother and sister-in-law, smiling faintly.
He called his children, asking them to accompany him to buy vegetables for the night's meal, thus leaving the young couple to their reunion.
With everyone gone, Fu Wei immediately took Yu Ying's hand and led her into the house.
The moment the door closed, before Yu Ying could react, Fu Wei pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly.
Fu Wei whispered his longing into her ear.
"Ah Ying, I missed you so much."
