Chapter 113
Leaving the teahouse, Yuming reflected on Rong Shu’s mannerisms, speaking softly, “Miss Rong seems like a good person.”
Fu Wei, unaffected by Rong Shu’s sudden appearance, said meaningfully, “But her father may not be a good man.”
He lowered his eyes and continued quietly, “I have known her father since childhood; he’s a man of duplicity.”
Yuming paused, then realized that since the Huo and Rong families had arranged a marriage, their relationship must be deep.
She wondered, did the Rong family play a part in the misfortune that befell the Fu family?
If she could suspect this, surely Fu Wei must have as well.
With these thoughts, she glanced back at the teahouse, then at Fu Wei, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Fu Wei slightly turned his head, glanced at her hand on his shoulder, and smiled faintly, “Let’s head back.”
Yuming gave a soft “Hmm” and pushed Fu Wei back to the government office. After parting ways with him, she went to find the magistrate’s wife.
Seeing her arrival, Lady Zhou greeted her with a smile, “Madam Yu, please come and sit.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Yuming noticed Lady Zhou speaking with a stiff neck and asked, “Madam, did you sleep in an awkward position?”
Lady Zhou moved her neck, a pained expression on her face, “Not only that, but recently my shoulders and neck have been terribly sore and swollen. The servants gave me a simple massage, which only relieved the pain temporarily. It’s been unbearable, so I thought of asking Madam Yu to have a look.”
Yuming stood up and approached Lady Zhou, “May I press on your shoulders and neck?”
Lady Zhou shifted slightly, “Of course.”
Yuming began to knead gently, noticing some stiffness in Lady Zhou’s shoulders and neck, and asked, “Have you been bending over for long periods recently?”
Lady Zhou replied, “I’ve been busy making clothes and shoes lately, sometimes for an entire morning.”
"My husband and the officers were tirelessly working during the epidemic, frequently wearing out their clothes and shoes. The servants and I had to help with mending, and I couldn't just stand by idly."
Yuming pondered for a moment and said, "Madam’s condition seems to be due to overexertion leading to blocked meridians and poor circulation of qi and blood. Acupuncture and massage would be suitable treatments."
Lady Zhou trusted Yuming’s medical skills and didn’t doubt her suggestion, merely asking, “Which one works faster?”
"Acupuncture is more effective than massage, and doing both at different times can yield even better results."
Lady Zhou had been in pain for several days. Originally, it was just soreness in the shoulders and neck, but today, even her neck hurt, becoming unbearable. She had planned to send someone to invite Yuming, but knowing she would come to the government office at noon to deliver food, decided to wait until then.
The morning had been difficult, and she had lost her appetite, eating only a few bites. Now, she naturally wanted the faster remedy, though somewhat apprehensive.
"Does acupuncture hurt?"
Yuming smiled and said, “Acupuncture can be slightly painful, as can massage, but the pain is accompanied by relief. Madam’s condition is not severe, and one session of acupuncture should bring relief. After that, we can do it every other day.”
Hearing this, Lady Zhou hesitated for a moment before deciding, “Then let’s go with acupuncture.”
Yuming said, “I’ll need to go back and get my acupuncture needles.”
Before leaving the medical hall, Ji Guanzhang had given her a set of needles.
The round trip would take about half an hour, so Lady Zhou arranged for a carriage to take Yuming back, and she returned about a quarter of an hour later, bringing Ji Xiaoguniang to assist.
Lady Zhou was surprised to see Ji Xiaoguniang.
As Ji Xiaoguniang boiled the silver needles in the outer room, Lady Zhou asked Yuming curiously, “You brought Ji Xiaoguniang with you, aren’t you afraid she’ll learn your skills and inform her father and brothers?”
Yuming smiled, “Skills should be passed on, and having one more person skilled in them means more people can be helped. Moreover, Ji Guanzhang and Doctor Ji are kind people; knowing the skills will enable them to help more.”
Yuming wouldn’t teach just anyone carelessly, fearing that some might use their partial knowledge to deceive and cause harm. She believed in thorough teaching, which is why she brought Ji Xiaoguniang for on-site training.
Lady Zhou, hearing this, laughed and said, “It seems I was too narrow-minded.”
“Madam Yu truly is a person worth befriending.”
After laughing, she removed her outer garment, remaining in her underclothes, and lay down on the couch.
After boiling the silver needles, Ji Xiaoguniang brought them in, and Yuming began the acupuncture treatment on Lady Zhou.
About half an hour later, the needles were removed, and Lady Zhou moved about, expressing her astonishment, “Though there's still a sense of soreness, it indeed feels more comfortable now.”
Yuming smiled and then advised, “Before going to bed tonight, Madam should apply a warm sheepskin water bag to the shoulder and neck area. Do not use a damp cloth. The effect will be more noticeable tomorrow morning.”
Lady Zhou asked in surprise, “No need for herbal medicine? Or plaster patches?”
Yuming shook her head, “This condition doesn’t require herbal medicine. Acupuncture has already taken the place of plasters, and it's more effective.”
Realizing this, Lady Zhou nodded and then instructed a servant to bring the consultation fee for Madam Yu.
Yuming quickly responded, “There’s no need for such formality, Madam.”
Lady Zhou insisted with a smile, “It’s necessary. I can’t let Madam Yu work for free. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be hesitant to seek your treatment in the future.”
Moments later, the servant brought a string of coins, looking to be about a hundred wen. Yuming repeatedly refused, “Twenty wen would be sufficient, Madam.”
Lady Zhou laughed, “I have a rough idea of the cost of hiring an acupuncturist. This might be less than usual, but I gave a moderate amount, fearing you might feel awkward accepting it. Please take it, and if you really open your own medical hall in the future, you can’t break this rule with me.”
Having said this, Yuming respectfully accepted the money and then took her leave.
The next day, around midday, Yuming was teaching her young apprentices at home when someone knocked on the door. Luo Shi went to answer, and Yuming didn’t pay much attention.
Shortly after, Yuming heard Luo Shi loudly calling “They’re back!” and she quickly set aside her bamboo stick to go outside.
Upon reaching the courtyard, Luo Shi was closing the door, holding a package.
Yuming asked curiously, “Who was here just now?”
Luo Shi turned and replied, “As soon as I opened the door, a young man about fifteen or sixteen years old thrust this package into my hands, saying it was from Miss Rong. After giving it to me, he ran off, and I couldn’t call him back.”
Hearing the name “Rong,” Yuming’s eyelids twitched slightly, then she looked at the package in Luo Shi’s arms.
Luo Shi, also puzzled, looked at the package and then raised her head to Yuming, “Liuniang, do you know any Miss Rong?”
Yuming feigned ignorance and shook her head, "I don't know either. Give me the package, and when Erlang returns tonight, I'll ask him to take it to the government office for investigation."
Luo Shi, having no doubts, handed her the package.
Yuming took the package back to her room and placed it carefully, then resumed teaching as if nothing had happened.
Teaching involved spending several days using a half-burned twig to draw simplified diagrams of human acupuncture points and meridians on three wooden boards, based on her memory.
In the evening, when Fu Wei finished his duties, Yuming placed the package on the table, "This was left for you by Miss Rong."
Fu Wei's brows furrowed slightly.
Yuming speculated, "She probably feared you would refuse, so she had it delivered after her departure."
After saying this, she asked, "How should we deal with it?"
Fu Wei glanced at the package and asked, "Do you know what's inside?"
Yuming shook her head, "I haven’t looked, but I smelled some medicinal herbs. It seems to be valuable medicine. What do you plan to do with it?"
It was likely sent for treating Fu Wei's legs.
Hearing 'valuable medicine', Fu Wei looked at Yuming, "What do you think we should do?"
Yuming pondered for a moment and asked, "Can we send it back to Miss Rong?"
Sending someone to return it would require knowing which route they took. If it's sent back to the Rong family in Lingnan, it would only become a thorn in the eye of the Rong family head.
Fu Wei pondered for a moment and said, “The court has issued a decree to all county seats, and the governor has sent someone to summon the magistrate to a meeting in the county seat. It's unclear how long it will take, so I've arranged to handle all county affairs within three days before departure. I will accompany him. It's convenient to send the package to Shen Mingcong when I go to the county seat, and he can return it.”
Yuming nodded, “Then let's do as you say and take it with us when you go to the county seat.”
After speaking, she placed the package in the wardrobe.
Not to mention Fu Wei doesn’t need it, accepting rewards without merit also feels uncomfortable.
As she placed the package in the wardrobe, Fu Wei, who had approached her silently, suddenly embraced her from behind, burying his face in the nape of her neck.
Though Fu Wei didn’t usually engage in overly intimate actions, he couldn’t resist hugging and kissing her at times, doing so at least once every day.
Like the big Golden Retriever her family used to own, always very clingy.
“A-Ying, do you really not mind?” Fu Wei’s voice was low.
His warm breath on her neck was intensely hot.
Not just the heat of his breath, but his embrace was also exceptionally warm.
Yuming had thought about it—if Fu Wei really desired it, she would agree, but he was extremely restrained.
Sometimes she wondered whether it was Fu Wei's remarkable self-control or her own lack of allure.
However, after doubting herself, she knew it was the former.
The more Fu Wei behaved this way, the softer Yuming's heart grew, and the more she wanted to treat him even better.
"The past is gone, the future holds promise. Why dwell on what's behind us?"
Her voice was soft and gentle, soothing to hear.
Fu Wei murmured lowly, "If it were me, I might say I don't mind, but in my heart, I definitely would."
After a pause, he added, "I hope, A-Ying, that your heart is filled only with thoughts of me."
Fu Wei was conflicted.
He feared she might misunderstand, yet also feared her indifference to his past fiancée meant she didn’t care about him.
Throughout the afternoon, he was tormented by these fears and uncertainties.
Thinking this, he held her even tighter.
Yuming's neck felt ticklish as she shrank back a little. She seemed to understand something and spoke honestly, “If you had accepted Miss Rong's package, I might have minded. But since you didn’t, I know you’ve let go of the past, which is why I didn't mind.”
Hearing this, Fu Wei felt a tinge of regret, saying in a deep voice, “Had I known, I wouldn’t have been so quick to decide to send it back.”
Yuming's smile was faint, and she remained silent.
While Fu Wei accompanied the magistrate to the county seat, Yuming visited the government office every other day to perform acupuncture for Lady Zhou.
After two sessions, Lady Zhou's condition improved significantly, with only a slight lingering soreness.
On the third visit, after the acupuncture treatment, Yuming returned the next day to administer moxibustion for Lady Zhou.
The moxa sticks were self-made by Yu Ying, and the process was quite simple.
She would rub the dried mugwort leaves into a fluffy state, then stuff them into paper tubes made of Xuan paper, and compact them with a wooden stick.
As the treatment required exposing the shoulders and neck, only she and an elderly maid were present in the room.
Thin smoke curled up in the room, seemingly non-irritating.
Madam Zhou, completely relaxed, praised lazily, "Madam Yu, your skill is truly remarkable. I mentioned it to others at the tea party yesterday, and some expressed interest in trying it out. Would you be willing to consider this as a business?"
She added, "They are ladies from noble families, so naturally, they won't skimp on payment."
Yu Ying had previously treated women from the inner courtyards and had agreed to do so.
"I'll send someone to talk to her, to choose a convenient time. After you decide on a price, let me know."
After a moment of thought, she advised, "Don't set the price too low. Noble ladies won't appreciate your service more just because it's cheap. A low price will only make them doubt your skills."
This principle was crystal clear to Yu Ying.
People often believe that more expensive means better quality.
Of course, this is mostly true, but if two products with the same effect are priced at twenty and two hundred, respectively, the disparity is too great, and people tend to trust the more expensive option.
Yu Ying agreed, "I'll think it over carefully when I return."
Madam Zhou hummed softly, feeling so relaxed that she was almost falling asleep, not wanting to talk anymore.
The next day, Madam Zhou sent someone to invite Yu Ying to the Chen residence.
Yu Ying brought her medicine box to the estate, and as she passed through the side door, she saw servants holding baskets of crabs and heard the steward leading her saying, "Steward Li, the green crabs sent urgently by Song Shou County have arrived."
Steward Li instructed, “Take it directly to the kitchen.”
After giving the order, he turned to Yuming, “Doctor Yu, please follow me this way.”
Yuming nodded and followed him.
The one who had invited Yuming this time was the lady of the Chen household, around thirty years old, sitting with a soft pillow at her back and holding a hand warmer.
Yuming glanced at the hand warmer, somewhat surprised.
In mid-March, the weather was already warm. To still use a hand warmer at this time, she must be extremely sensitive to the cold.
Yuming's gaze swept over the soft pillow behind the lady, and recalling the green crabs mentioned earlier, she had a good idea of the lady’s condition.
Yuming discreetly withdrew her gaze.
The lady of the Chen household spoke coolly, “You’re Madam Yu, right? Please, have a seat.”
Yuming nodded politely and sat down.
After the tea was served, the lady of the Chen household leisurely sipped her hot tea. Setting it down, she said, “I heard from the magistrate’s wife that she had a sore neck and shoulders which improved thanks to your methods. I would like to try it as well.”
Looking at Yuming, she smiled slightly, “I hope you won’t disappoint me, Madam Yu.”
Her attitude was neither warm nor cold, even somewhat haughty.
But this was typical behavior from those of wealth and power when dealing with those beneath them.
Unperturbed, Yuming inquired, “Does Madam Chen suffer from back discomfort?”
The previously indifferent Madam Chen showed surprise in her eyes, “How did you know that, Madam Yu?”
Yuming replied calmly, “Madam Chen is leaning against a soft pillow, which suggests back discomfort. Moreover, it’s mid-March and you’re still using a hand warmer, indicating cold hands and feet. When I entered the residence, someone was delivering green crabs, which are cold in nature and seem to be to Madam Chen’s liking, right?”
Hearing this, Madam Chen realized that the woman doctor before her truly had skills, and she couldn't afford to underestimate her anymore, nodding hurriedly, “Indeed, recently my back and waist have been sore and painful, affecting my sleep at night.”
Yuming took out a pulse pillow from her medical box, asking Madam Chen to rest her hand on it, and then began to take her pulse.
After several examinations, Yuming said, “Madam’s body is naturally cold, and consuming cold foods has led to the invasion of cold, causing stagnation of qi and blood stasis.”
“How can it be treated?” Madam Chen was most concerned about the treatment.
Yuming put away the pulse pillow and advised, “You must avoid eating green crabs for now.”
Hearing this, Madam Chen was startled, and her maid commented, “Madam loves eating crabs. How can she bear not eating them anymore?”
Madam Chen also frowned and nodded in agreement.
Yuming explained, “If Madam truly wishes to cure her back pain, you must refrain from certain foods. Start with a period of dietary restrictions, and later, you can eat them in small quantities. When cooking, it's best to add yellow wine and ginger, which can dispel some coldness.”
Relieved to hear she could still eat them in the future, Madam Chen sighed, “I thought I could never touch them again.”
Transporting green crabs from afar indicated a strong preference for crabs, making it difficult to adhere to medical advice.
Yuming sternly warned, “If Madam doesn’t follow dietary restrictions during treatment, the back pain will become a chronic issue. Every time the weather changes, especially when it’s windy or rainy, you’ll experience severe pain, unable to straighten your back without assistance.”
Madam Chen was taken aback, somewhat skeptical, “Is it really that serious?”
Asking this indicated she was hoping for a lucky escape.
Yuming countered, “On recent rainy days, didn’t Madam experience the most severe soreness in your back, making it impossible to sleep at night?”
As Madam Chen recalled, her maid reminded her, “Madam had trouble sleeping then. Even if she fell asleep, she would be restless and in so much discomfort that she cried out.”
Remembering those days, Madam Chen’s face turned pale.
The maid continued, “Madam saw doctors and took herbal medicine. Although the medicine helped initially, the pain recurred soon after. Now, Madam feels nauseated at the sight of herbal medicine, so when we heard the magistrate’s wife was cured without taking any, we wanted to try it.”
Having seen some effect from the herbal medicine, but with recurring episodes, it was clear that dietary indiscretion and consuming foods with cold properties greatly increased the likelihood of recurrence.
Yuming stated, “It’s possible to avoid herbal medicine. Physical therapy and medicinal diet can effectively cure the condition.”
Hearing this, Madam Chen's eyes brightened, “Really, no need to take those bitter and foul-smelling herbal concoctions?”
Yuming nodded, then seriously added, “If Madam cannot refrain from certain foods, even if cured this time, there's a high likelihood of recurrence. If Madam wishes me to treat her, you must commit to dietary restrictions, or I cannot guarantee the treatment.”
Madam Chen, having been tormented by back pain for a long time and eager to avoid the unpleasant herbal medicine, frowned in thought for a moment before nodding, “I’ll refrain from those foods, I promise!”
Yuming explained, “Since some foods are of a cold nature and I can’t list them all, I will write down those you can eat. Moreover, the flavor of the medicinal diet is mild, not bitter, and it will enhance the taste of your meals, so please be reassured.”
“And how about the physical therapy?”
Yuming replied, “Using the cupping method, we’ll chop a dozen bamboo cups, boil them in medicine for two to three hours, ignite them with fire until they burn for three breaths, then place them on the back and waist for half a minute, repeating the process every three to four days.”
“Cupping, that’s quite unusual. Are there any side effects?”
“It will leave shallow purple or dark bruises that will fade within half a month.”
As vanity is common, Madam Chen hesitated on hearing this, “Can’t we use the method you applied on the magistrate’s wife?”
Yuming nodded, “That's possible, but Madam Chen's condition differs from the magistrate’s wife. Cupping shows faster results, whereas acupuncture and moxibustion take longer.”
“Let’s go with the latter then. If my back is covered in ugly marks, it’s not worth it.”
Since the patient expressed such preferences, Yuming naturally did not insist.
After discussing the approximate duration of the treatment, Madam Chen’s maid asked, “How much will the treatment cost?”
Yuming had thought about it the day before; quoting too high would seem like extortion, too low might raise doubts about her skills. So, she decided to base it on modern currency conversion rates.
She said, “Charges will be per session, 138 wen each time, to be collected after the acupuncture.”
The maid further inquired, “How many sessions will be needed?”
Hoping it wasn’t a scheme to charge for months of daily treatment, she thought, “That would just be extorting money.”
“With so many needles, won’t that leave holes all over?”
Yuming replied, “Madam’s condition is quite severe. To fully cure it, three stages of treatment are necessary. Each stage consists of eight sessions, totaling twenty-four sessions. After the initial eight daily acupuncture sessions, the following two stages will be adjusted according to recovery progress.”
The cost of over three taels of silver was somewhat expensive but still acceptable. The only concern was the lengthy treatment duration.
But considering that each round of herbal medicine required half a month’s commitment, one and a half months for the entire treatment was bearable. If there were no effects after a few sessions, she would simply discontinue Yuming’s services.
After pondering, she nodded, “Alright, when can we start?”
Yuming smiled, “We can begin today.”
During the seven to eight days that Fu Wei was at the county seat, Yuming did not serve as the resident doctor at the medical hall, yet she earned around 1,400 to 1,500 wen.
Madam Xu’s acupuncture and moxibustion treatment over several days showed significant improvement.
After completing one stage, Yuming planned to continue acupuncture every other day.
Today, having a day off at home, someone came to visit.
Yuming, who happened to be in the courtyard, went to open the door.
Upon opening the door, she saw a girl around thirteen or fourteen years old, who examined the young woman who had answered.
The girl asked, “Are you Madam Yu, who used to be a female doctor at the Ji Medical Hall?”
Yuming nodded, “Yes, that's me. May I ask why you are looking for me?”
A young girl said, "I am a servant from the Li family in the east of the city. Our old mistress heard that Madam Yu can treat shoulder, neck, and back pain. She has leg pain and has specially requested Madam Yu to come and treat her."
Yu Ying was a bit puzzled. The previous referral to the Chen family had come from the wife of the county magistrate, which was considered reliable.
However, Yu Ying was unsure about which Li family it was and what kind of household they were. Visiting a stranger's home could be dangerous.
Although wary, Yu Ying didn't want to refuse directly and tactfully said, "This is rather sudden. Allow me to consider it. I will send word tomorrow whether I will go or not."
The young girl frowned slightly but still responded, "Alright then."
After sending the girl away, Yu Ying closed the courtyard door, lost in thought.
There were no female doctors in Yu County, and women of the inner courtyards often had reservations about seeking medical help. Many had come to her for consultations when she worked at the Ji Family Medical Hall.
She had already planned to open a clinic. In light of this, why not actually start a clinic specializing in women's health?
Such physical therapy treatments were the quickest way to make money.
She could set up a few luxurious private rooms with quality refreshments and courteous service, catering to the upper-class, and charge them more.
Simpler partitions would be for treating women from ordinary families, with more affordable fees.
This approach would give the nobility a sense of superiority and allow for reasonable pricing for the common people.
Plus, she could continue her original profession without solely relying on making face and lip creams.
With a plan in mind, Yu Ying immediately went back to her room to carefully assess the feasibility of this idea.
To attract noble clientele, she would need to rent a good two-story building and ensure the private rooms were elegantly furnished, making the high prices feel worthwhile.
Such a property wouldn't be cheap to rent, but she had enough money. The only uncertainty was whether the clinic would be profitable.
Chapter 113
Leaving the teahouse, Yuming reflected on Rong Shu’s mannerisms, speaking softly, “Miss Rong seems like a good person.”
Fu Wei, unaffected by Rong Shu’s sudden appearance, said meaningfully, “But her father may not be a good man.”
He lowered his eyes and continued quietly, “I have known her father since childhood; he’s a man of duplicity.”
Yuming paused, then realized that since the Huo and Rong families had arranged a marriage, their relationship must be deep.
She wondered, did the Rong family play a part in the misfortune that befell the Fu family?
If she could suspect this, surely Fu Wei must have as well.
With these thoughts, she glanced back at the teahouse, then at Fu Wei, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Fu Wei slightly turned his head, glanced at her hand on his shoulder, and smiled faintly, “Let’s head back.”
Yuming gave a soft “Hmm” and pushed Fu Wei back to the government office. After parting ways with him, she went to find the magistrate’s wife.
Seeing her arrival, Lady Zhou greeted her with a smile, “Madam Yu, please come and sit.”
After exchanging pleasantries, Yuming noticed Lady Zhou speaking with a stiff neck and asked, “Madam, did you sleep in an awkward position?”
Lady Zhou moved her neck, a pained expression on her face, “Not only that, but recently my shoulders and neck have been terribly sore and swollen. The servants gave me a simple massage, which only relieved the pain temporarily. It’s been unbearable, so I thought of asking Madam Yu to have a look.”
Yuming stood up and approached Lady Zhou, “May I press on your shoulders and neck?”
Lady Zhou shifted slightly, “Of course.”
Yuming began to knead gently, noticing some stiffness in Lady Zhou’s shoulders and neck, and asked, “Have you been bending over for long periods recently?”
Lady Zhou replied, “I’ve been busy making clothes and shoes lately, sometimes for an entire morning.”
"My husband and the officers were tirelessly working during the epidemic, frequently wearing out their clothes and shoes. The servants and I had to help with mending, and I couldn't just stand by idly."
Yuming pondered for a moment and said, "Madam’s condition seems to be due to overexertion leading to blocked meridians and poor circulation of qi and blood. Acupuncture and massage would be suitable treatments."
Lady Zhou trusted Yuming’s medical skills and didn’t doubt her suggestion, merely asking, “Which one works faster?”
"Acupuncture is more effective than massage, and doing both at different times can yield even better results."
Lady Zhou had been in pain for several days. Originally, it was just soreness in the shoulders and neck, but today, even her neck hurt, becoming unbearable. She had planned to send someone to invite Yuming, but knowing she would come to the government office at noon to deliver food, decided to wait until then.
The morning had been difficult, and she had lost her appetite, eating only a few bites. Now, she naturally wanted the faster remedy, though somewhat apprehensive.
"Does acupuncture hurt?"
Yuming smiled and said, “Acupuncture can be slightly painful, as can massage, but the pain is accompanied by relief. Madam’s condition is not severe, and one session of acupuncture should bring relief. After that, we can do it every other day.”
Hearing this, Lady Zhou hesitated for a moment before deciding, “Then let’s go with acupuncture.”
Yuming said, “I’ll need to go back and get my acupuncture needles.”
Before leaving the medical hall, Ji Guanzhang had given her a set of needles.
The round trip would take about half an hour, so Lady Zhou arranged for a carriage to take Yuming back, and she returned about a quarter of an hour later, bringing Ji Xiaoguniang to assist.
Lady Zhou was surprised to see Ji Xiaoguniang.
As Ji Xiaoguniang boiled the silver needles in the outer room, Lady Zhou asked Yuming curiously, “You brought Ji Xiaoguniang with you, aren’t you afraid she’ll learn your skills and inform her father and brothers?”
Yuming smiled, “Skills should be passed on, and having one more person skilled in them means more people can be helped. Moreover, Ji Guanzhang and Doctor Ji are kind people; knowing the skills will enable them to help more.”
Yuming wouldn’t teach just anyone carelessly, fearing that some might use their partial knowledge to deceive and cause harm. She believed in thorough teaching, which is why she brought Ji Xiaoguniang for on-site training.
Lady Zhou, hearing this, laughed and said, “It seems I was too narrow-minded.”
“Madam Yu truly is a person worth befriending.”
After laughing, she removed her outer garment, remaining in her underclothes, and lay down on the couch.
After boiling the silver needles, Ji Xiaoguniang brought them in, and Yuming began the acupuncture treatment on Lady Zhou.
About half an hour later, the needles were removed, and Lady Zhou moved about, expressing her astonishment, “Though there's still a sense of soreness, it indeed feels more comfortable now.”
Yuming smiled and then advised, “Before going to bed tonight, Madam should apply a warm sheepskin water bag to the shoulder and neck area. Do not use a damp cloth. The effect will be more noticeable tomorrow morning.”
Lady Zhou asked in surprise, “No need for herbal medicine? Or plaster patches?”
Yuming shook her head, “This condition doesn’t require herbal medicine. Acupuncture has already taken the place of plasters, and it's more effective.”
Realizing this, Lady Zhou nodded and then instructed a servant to bring the consultation fee for Madam Yu.
Yuming quickly responded, “There’s no need for such formality, Madam.”
Lady Zhou insisted with a smile, “It’s necessary. I can’t let Madam Yu work for free. If you don’t accept it, I’ll be hesitant to seek your treatment in the future.”
Moments later, the servant brought a string of coins, looking to be about a hundred wen. Yuming repeatedly refused, “Twenty wen would be sufficient, Madam.”
Lady Zhou laughed, “I have a rough idea of the cost of hiring an acupuncturist. This might be less than usual, but I gave a moderate amount, fearing you might feel awkward accepting it. Please take it, and if you really open your own medical hall in the future, you can’t break this rule with me.”
Having said this, Yuming respectfully accepted the money and then took her leave.
The next day, around midday, Yuming was teaching her young apprentices at home when someone knocked on the door. Luo Shi went to answer, and Yuming didn’t pay much attention.
Shortly after, Yuming heard Luo Shi loudly calling “They’re back!” and she quickly set aside her bamboo stick to go outside.
Upon reaching the courtyard, Luo Shi was closing the door, holding a package.
Yuming asked curiously, “Who was here just now?”
Luo Shi turned and replied, “As soon as I opened the door, a young man about fifteen or sixteen years old thrust this package into my hands, saying it was from Miss Rong. After giving it to me, he ran off, and I couldn’t call him back.”
Hearing the name “Rong,” Yuming’s eyelids twitched slightly, then she looked at the package in Luo Shi’s arms.
Luo Shi, also puzzled, looked at the package and then raised her head to Yuming, “Liuniang, do you know any Miss Rong?”
Yuming feigned ignorance and shook her head, "I don't know either. Give me the package, and when Erlang returns tonight, I'll ask him to take it to the government office for investigation."
Luo Shi, having no doubts, handed her the package.
Yuming took the package back to her room and placed it carefully, then resumed teaching as if nothing had happened.
Teaching involved spending several days using a half-burned twig to draw simplified diagrams of human acupuncture points and meridians on three wooden boards, based on her memory.
In the evening, when Fu Wei finished his duties, Yuming placed the package on the table, "This was left for you by Miss Rong."
Fu Wei's brows furrowed slightly.
Yuming speculated, "She probably feared you would refuse, so she had it delivered after her departure."
After saying this, she asked, "How should we deal with it?"
Fu Wei glanced at the package and asked, "Do you know what's inside?"
Yuming shook her head, "I haven’t looked, but I smelled some medicinal herbs. It seems to be valuable medicine. What do you plan to do with it?"
It was likely sent for treating Fu Wei's legs.
Hearing 'valuable medicine', Fu Wei looked at Yuming, "What do you think we should do?"
Yuming pondered for a moment and asked, "Can we send it back to Miss Rong?"
Sending someone to return it would require knowing which route they took. If it's sent back to the Rong family in Lingnan, it would only become a thorn in the eye of the Rong family head.
Fu Wei pondered for a moment and said, “The court has issued a decree to all county seats, and the governor has sent someone to summon the magistrate to a meeting in the county seat. It's unclear how long it will take, so I've arranged to handle all county affairs within three days before departure. I will accompany him. It's convenient to send the package to Shen Mingcong when I go to the county seat, and he can return it.”
Yuming nodded, “Then let's do as you say and take it with us when you go to the county seat.”
After speaking, she placed the package in the wardrobe.
Not to mention Fu Wei doesn’t need it, accepting rewards without merit also feels uncomfortable.
As she placed the package in the wardrobe, Fu Wei, who had approached her silently, suddenly embraced her from behind, burying his face in the nape of her neck.
Though Fu Wei didn’t usually engage in overly intimate actions, he couldn’t resist hugging and kissing her at times, doing so at least once every day.
Like the big Golden Retriever her family used to own, always very clingy.
“A-Ying, do you really not mind?” Fu Wei’s voice was low.
His warm breath on her neck was intensely hot.
Not just the heat of his breath, but his embrace was also exceptionally warm.
Yuming had thought about it—if Fu Wei really desired it, she would agree, but he was extremely restrained.
Sometimes she wondered whether it was Fu Wei's remarkable self-control or her own lack of allure.
However, after doubting herself, she knew it was the former.
The more Fu Wei behaved this way, the softer Yuming's heart grew, and the more she wanted to treat him even better.
"The past is gone, the future holds promise. Why dwell on what's behind us?"
Her voice was soft and gentle, soothing to hear.
Fu Wei murmured lowly, "If it were me, I might say I don't mind, but in my heart, I definitely would."
After a pause, he added, "I hope, A-Ying, that your heart is filled only with thoughts of me."
Fu Wei was conflicted.
He feared she might misunderstand, yet also feared her indifference to his past fiancée meant she didn’t care about him.
Throughout the afternoon, he was tormented by these fears and uncertainties.
Thinking this, he held her even tighter.
Yuming's neck felt ticklish as she shrank back a little. She seemed to understand something and spoke honestly, “If you had accepted Miss Rong's package, I might have minded. But since you didn’t, I know you’ve let go of the past, which is why I didn't mind.”
Hearing this, Fu Wei felt a tinge of regret, saying in a deep voice, “Had I known, I wouldn’t have been so quick to decide to send it back.”
Yuming's smile was faint, and she remained silent.
While Fu Wei accompanied the magistrate to the county seat, Yuming visited the government office every other day to perform acupuncture for Lady Zhou.
After two sessions, Lady Zhou's condition improved significantly, with only a slight lingering soreness.
On the third visit, after the acupuncture treatment, Yuming returned the next day to administer moxibustion for Lady Zhou.
The moxa sticks were self-made by Yu Ying, and the process was quite simple.
She would rub the dried mugwort leaves into a fluffy state, then stuff them into paper tubes made of Xuan paper, and compact them with a wooden stick.
As the treatment required exposing the shoulders and neck, only she and an elderly maid were present in the room.
Thin smoke curled up in the room, seemingly non-irritating.
Madam Zhou, completely relaxed, praised lazily, "Madam Yu, your skill is truly remarkable. I mentioned it to others at the tea party yesterday, and some expressed interest in trying it out. Would you be willing to consider this as a business?"
She added, "They are ladies from noble families, so naturally, they won't skimp on payment."
Yu Ying had previously treated women from the inner courtyards and had agreed to do so.
"I'll send someone to talk to her, to choose a convenient time. After you decide on a price, let me know."
After a moment of thought, she advised, "Don't set the price too low. Noble ladies won't appreciate your service more just because it's cheap. A low price will only make them doubt your skills."
This principle was crystal clear to Yu Ying.
People often believe that more expensive means better quality.
Of course, this is mostly true, but if two products with the same effect are priced at twenty and two hundred, respectively, the disparity is too great, and people tend to trust the more expensive option.
Yu Ying agreed, "I'll think it over carefully when I return."
Madam Zhou hummed softly, feeling so relaxed that she was almost falling asleep, not wanting to talk anymore.
The next day, Madam Zhou sent someone to invite Yu Ying to the Chen residence.
Yu Ying brought her medicine box to the estate, and as she passed through the side door, she saw servants holding baskets of crabs and heard the steward leading her saying, "Steward Li, the green crabs sent urgently by Song Shou County have arrived."
Steward Li instructed, “Take it directly to the kitchen.”
After giving the order, he turned to Yuming, “Doctor Yu, please follow me this way.”
Yuming nodded and followed him.
The one who had invited Yuming this time was the lady of the Chen household, around thirty years old, sitting with a soft pillow at her back and holding a hand warmer.
Yuming glanced at the hand warmer, somewhat surprised.
In mid-March, the weather was already warm. To still use a hand warmer at this time, she must be extremely sensitive to the cold.
Yuming's gaze swept over the soft pillow behind the lady, and recalling the green crabs mentioned earlier, she had a good idea of the lady’s condition.
Yuming discreetly withdrew her gaze.
The lady of the Chen household spoke coolly, “You’re Madam Yu, right? Please, have a seat.”
Yuming nodded politely and sat down.
After the tea was served, the lady of the Chen household leisurely sipped her hot tea. Setting it down, she said, “I heard from the magistrate’s wife that she had a sore neck and shoulders which improved thanks to your methods. I would like to try it as well.”
Looking at Yuming, she smiled slightly, “I hope you won’t disappoint me, Madam Yu.”
Her attitude was neither warm nor cold, even somewhat haughty.
But this was typical behavior from those of wealth and power when dealing with those beneath them.
Unperturbed, Yuming inquired, “Does Madam Chen suffer from back discomfort?”
The previously indifferent Madam Chen showed surprise in her eyes, “How did you know that, Madam Yu?”
Yuming replied calmly, “Madam Chen is leaning against a soft pillow, which suggests back discomfort. Moreover, it’s mid-March and you’re still using a hand warmer, indicating cold hands and feet. When I entered the residence, someone was delivering green crabs, which are cold in nature and seem to be to Madam Chen’s liking, right?”
Hearing this, Madam Chen realized that the woman doctor before her truly had skills, and she couldn't afford to underestimate her anymore, nodding hurriedly, “Indeed, recently my back and waist have been sore and painful, affecting my sleep at night.”
Yuming took out a pulse pillow from her medical box, asking Madam Chen to rest her hand on it, and then began to take her pulse.
After several examinations, Yuming said, “Madam’s body is naturally cold, and consuming cold foods has led to the invasion of cold, causing stagnation of qi and blood stasis.”
“How can it be treated?” Madam Chen was most concerned about the treatment.
Yuming put away the pulse pillow and advised, “You must avoid eating green crabs for now.”
Hearing this, Madam Chen was startled, and her maid commented, “Madam loves eating crabs. How can she bear not eating them anymore?”
Madam Chen also frowned and nodded in agreement.
Yuming explained, “If Madam truly wishes to cure her back pain, you must refrain from certain foods. Start with a period of dietary restrictions, and later, you can eat them in small quantities. When cooking, it's best to add yellow wine and ginger, which can dispel some coldness.”
Relieved to hear she could still eat them in the future, Madam Chen sighed, “I thought I could never touch them again.”
Transporting green crabs from afar indicated a strong preference for crabs, making it difficult to adhere to medical advice.
Yuming sternly warned, “If Madam doesn’t follow dietary restrictions during treatment, the back pain will become a chronic issue. Every time the weather changes, especially when it’s windy or rainy, you’ll experience severe pain, unable to straighten your back without assistance.”
Madam Chen was taken aback, somewhat skeptical, “Is it really that serious?”
Asking this indicated she was hoping for a lucky escape.
Yuming countered, “On recent rainy days, didn’t Madam experience the most severe soreness in your back, making it impossible to sleep at night?”
As Madam Chen recalled, her maid reminded her, “Madam had trouble sleeping then. Even if she fell asleep, she would be restless and in so much discomfort that she cried out.”
Remembering those days, Madam Chen’s face turned pale.
The maid continued, “Madam saw doctors and took herbal medicine. Although the medicine helped initially, the pain recurred soon after. Now, Madam feels nauseated at the sight of herbal medicine, so when we heard the magistrate’s wife was cured without taking any, we wanted to try it.”
Having seen some effect from the herbal medicine, but with recurring episodes, it was clear that dietary indiscretion and consuming foods with cold properties greatly increased the likelihood of recurrence.
Yuming stated, “It’s possible to avoid herbal medicine. Physical therapy and medicinal diet can effectively cure the condition.”
Hearing this, Madam Chen's eyes brightened, “Really, no need to take those bitter and foul-smelling herbal concoctions?”
Yuming nodded, then seriously added, “If Madam cannot refrain from certain foods, even if cured this time, there's a high likelihood of recurrence. If Madam wishes me to treat her, you must commit to dietary restrictions, or I cannot guarantee the treatment.”
Madam Chen, having been tormented by back pain for a long time and eager to avoid the unpleasant herbal medicine, frowned in thought for a moment before nodding, “I’ll refrain from those foods, I promise!”
Yuming explained, “Since some foods are of a cold nature and I can’t list them all, I will write down those you can eat. Moreover, the flavor of the medicinal diet is mild, not bitter, and it will enhance the taste of your meals, so please be reassured.”
“And how about the physical therapy?”
Yuming replied, “Using the cupping method, we’ll chop a dozen bamboo cups, boil them in medicine for two to three hours, ignite them with fire until they burn for three breaths, then place them on the back and waist for half a minute, repeating the process every three to four days.”
“Cupping, that’s quite unusual. Are there any side effects?”
“It will leave shallow purple or dark bruises that will fade within half a month.”
As vanity is common, Madam Chen hesitated on hearing this, “Can’t we use the method you applied on the magistrate’s wife?”
Yuming nodded, “That's possible, but Madam Chen's condition differs from the magistrate’s wife. Cupping shows faster results, whereas acupuncture and moxibustion take longer.”
“Let’s go with the latter then. If my back is covered in ugly marks, it’s not worth it.”
Since the patient expressed such preferences, Yuming naturally did not insist.
After discussing the approximate duration of the treatment, Madam Chen’s maid asked, “How much will the treatment cost?”
Yuming had thought about it the day before; quoting too high would seem like extortion, too low might raise doubts about her skills. So, she decided to base it on modern currency conversion rates.
She said, “Charges will be per session, 138 wen each time, to be collected after the acupuncture.”
The maid further inquired, “How many sessions will be needed?”
Hoping it wasn’t a scheme to charge for months of daily treatment, she thought, “That would just be extorting money.”
“With so many needles, won’t that leave holes all over?”
Yuming replied, “Madam’s condition is quite severe. To fully cure it, three stages of treatment are necessary. Each stage consists of eight sessions, totaling twenty-four sessions. After the initial eight daily acupuncture sessions, the following two stages will be adjusted according to recovery progress.”
The cost of over three taels of silver was somewhat expensive but still acceptable. The only concern was the lengthy treatment duration.
But considering that each round of herbal medicine required half a month’s commitment, one and a half months for the entire treatment was bearable. If there were no effects after a few sessions, she would simply discontinue Yuming’s services.
After pondering, she nodded, “Alright, when can we start?”
Yuming smiled, “We can begin today.”
During the seven to eight days that Fu Wei was at the county seat, Yuming did not serve as the resident doctor at the medical hall, yet she earned around 1,400 to 1,500 wen.
Madam Xu’s acupuncture and moxibustion treatment over several days showed significant improvement.
After completing one stage, Yuming planned to continue acupuncture every other day.
Today, having a day off at home, someone came to visit.
Yuming, who happened to be in the courtyard, went to open the door.
Upon opening the door, she saw a girl around thirteen or fourteen years old, who examined the young woman who had answered.
The girl asked, “Are you Madam Yu, who used to be a female doctor at the Ji Medical Hall?”
Yuming nodded, “Yes, that's me. May I ask why you are looking for me?”
A young girl said, "I am a servant from the Li family in the east of the city. Our old mistress heard that Madam Yu can treat shoulder, neck, and back pain. She has leg pain and has specially requested Madam Yu to come and treat her."
Yu Ying was a bit puzzled. The previous referral to the Chen family had come from the wife of the county magistrate, which was considered reliable.
However, Yu Ying was unsure about which Li family it was and what kind of household they were. Visiting a stranger's home could be dangerous.
Although wary, Yu Ying didn't want to refuse directly and tactfully said, "This is rather sudden. Allow me to consider it. I will send word tomorrow whether I will go or not."
The young girl frowned slightly but still responded, "Alright then."
After sending the girl away, Yu Ying closed the courtyard door, lost in thought.
There were no female doctors in Yu County, and women of the inner courtyards often had reservations about seeking medical help. Many had come to her for consultations when she worked at the Ji Family Medical Hall.
She had already planned to open a clinic. In light of this, why not actually start a clinic specializing in women's health?
Such physical therapy treatments were the quickest way to make money.
She could set up a few luxurious private rooms with quality refreshments and courteous service, catering to the upper-class, and charge them more.
Simpler partitions would be for treating women from ordinary families, with more affordable fees.
This approach would give the nobility a sense of superiority and allow for reasonable pricing for the common people.
Plus, she could continue her original profession without solely relying on making face and lip creams.
With a plan in mind, Yu Ying immediately went back to her room to carefully assess the feasibility of this idea.
To attract noble clientele, she would need to rent a good two-story building and ensure the private rooms were elegantly furnished, making the high prices feel worthwhile.
Such a property wouldn't be cheap to rent, but she had enough money. The only uncertainty was whether the clinic would be profitable.
