Chapter 121
Yu Ying prepared two types of medicine, one for a foot soak and the other a medicinal paste for hot compresses.
The herbs for the compress were mixed with an appropriate amount of salt and yellow wine, fried into a paste, and then placed in a cloth bag.
After instructing her apprentice to make it, Yu Ying saw other patients waiting, spending nearly half an hour on consultations and prescriptions.
Once done, she went upstairs to the private room, lit some mild incense, and then massaged Mrs. Li's legs and feet.
While Mrs. Li soaked her feet, Yu Ying also massaged her shoulders and neck.
Surprisingly, it was painful yet soothing at the same time.
After soaking her feet for half an hour, Mrs. Li lay on a small bed. The hot medicinal bag was applied to her ankle joints, and Yu Ying also gave her a facial treatment, saving a lot of time by doing both simultaneously.
The facial and foot treatments were done together, easing her pain. Coupled with her restless sleep over the past half month, Mrs. Li soon fell asleep.
Yu Ying tiptoed out from behind the screen, speaking softly to Miss Li, "Let Mrs. Li rest for about an hour and a half. If anything happens, call the medicine maid outside. I'll send someone later to remove the medicinal bag and cleanse her face."
Hearing this, Miss Li's eyes widened, and she whispered, "Aren't you going to do it?"
Yu Ying helplessly said, "It's just removing the medicinal bag and cleansing, the medicine maid can handle it."
"No, you must do it!"
Miss Li's brows furrowed deeply, insisting that Yu Ying perform the task.
Yu Ying smiled and asked leisurely, "What if I don't do it?"
"Then we won't seek treatment at your clinic..."
"You're free not to seek treatment here, aren't you?" Yu Ying said with a smile, then walked out of the room without further attention.
She was quite straightforward.
"You!" Miss Li wanted to say something, but seeing her grandmother still asleep, she had to bite her lip in silence.
Watching Yu Ying leave, Miss Li felt annoyed, thinking of persuading her grandmother to stop treatment at Yongxi Hall once she woke up.
After washing her hands downstairs, Yu Ying encountered Madam Chen, who had just arrived for her appointment.
As they went upstairs, Madam Chen whispered, "I saw the Li family's carriage outside. Has Mrs. Li really come?"
Yu Ying nodded, replying softly, "She's taking a short rest in the private room."
"Were you troubled?"
The Li family, known in Yu County for their wealth and arrogance, often looked down upon others, and Madam Chen had had her share of difficulties with them.
Thinking of the nearly 1,500 wen she would earn, Yu Ying smiled, unbothered, "It's just a matter of attitude, nothing serious."
Seeing that Yu Ying didn't seem distressed, Madam Chen didn't dwell on it.
After instructing her sister-in-law about the fee for the Li family's consultation, Yu Ying went to give Madam Chen a massage and facial treatment.
After an hour and a half, Yu Ying's apprentice, Mei Zi, knocked on Mrs. Li's private room.
Hearing the knock, Mrs. Li slowly woke up, and soon realized that her body felt much lighter.
The pain in her legs and feet was gone, and the overall body soreness had eased significantly, feeling entirely refreshed compared to when she first arrived at the clinic.
Soon, Mei Zi entered to remove the medicinal pack from Mrs. Li's knees and cleanse her face.
Mrs. Li, seeing the young girl, showed displeasure, "Why is it you? Where is your master?"
Mei Zi, barely in her teens and not daring to neglect, replied timidly, "Master said just cleansing the face and removing the pack would suffice. There's nothing special to attend to, so I am here to do it."
Mrs. Li felt slighted but, feeling much refreshed, her mood brightened and she didn't get angry. She then said, "Tell your master that I will come at the same time tomorrow."
Mrs. Li rose, and her maid came to help her dress.
Miss Shen originally wanted to persuade her grandmother not to come tomorrow, but seeing her rosy complexion and significantly improved appearance, she was taken aback.
She then remembered the faded dark spots on Madam Yu's face, and the vanity in her stirred.
Should she also get a massage and a facial treatment?
But she had always looked down upon the Luo family's clinic. If she went, Madam Yu would surely scoff at her.
Yet her grandmother's complexion really did seem much better. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to give it a try. What should she do?
Mrs. Li, seeing her improved complexion in the mirror, showed rare joy.
When leaving, she even rewarded the servants with silver coins.
Yu Ying came out from the private room, instructed Mei Zi to cleanse Madam Chen's face later, and then went downstairs.
Wen Xing, seeing her sister-in-law, approached eagerly and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, the Li family is quite generous. Not only did they pay double for the consultation, but they also gave two guan of silver directly."
Hearing this, Yu Ying immediately forgave Miss Li's impoliteness.
In need of money at the moment, Yu Ying naturally wouldn't turn it down.
With tax time approaching, the market was filling with grain, causing prices to drop.
Before the harvest season, most of the grain was last year's stock, but since grain can be stored for three years, having more wouldn't be a problem.
Fu Wei spent the entire day at home, sitting in his study. He intended to thoroughly study the topography of Lingnan, but found himself unable to focus.
He glanced out the window from time to time, observing the sky outside.
"Why hasn't it reached the hour of You yet?"
"Knowing how dull it would be to stay cooped up in this room, I should have gone to my duties."
Having been married just yesterday, finally united as husband and wife, Fu Wei couldn't stop thinking about his wife, whom he hadn't seen for most of the day after their night of conjugal bliss.
Little Fu Ning, carrying pastries, entered the room and saw her uncle gazing outside the window, as if she understood something.
Fu Wei, hearing the sound, turned to look at the young girl.
After a brief exchange of glances, he took the pastries from her hand and placed them on the desk, then lifted her onto a high stool beside him.
Since Fu Wei sometimes taught his younger siblings to read, there was a long bench in the room.
He pinched off a piece of pastry and handed it to the little girl.
Holding the pastry, Fu Ning asked, "Uncle, are you missing Auntie?"
Fu Wei smiled and nodded honestly, "Yes, I miss her."
"Then why doesn’t Uncle go find Auntie?"
Fu Wei gently patted her head and said softly, "Auntie is busy with important matters, Uncle shouldn't disturb her."
Fu Ning, now six years old and often lectured on reason by Yu Ying and her siblings, quickly grasped the meaning of her uncle's words.
Understanding but still curious, she asked, "Can't you just watch her, without speaking?"
Fu Wei shook his head, patiently explaining to his niece, "Lasting love is not dependent on constant presence. Your aunt and I, as well as your parents, have our own responsibilities. We cannot neglect everything just because we miss each other, as that would only cause trouble."
After speaking, he glanced at his niece, pondered a moment, and added, "If someone troubles you, you must not be too yielding. It's important to know how to refuse."
These concepts were somewhat profound for Fu Ning, who nodded in half-understanding.
She quickly finished her piece of pastry, and Fu Wei handed her a second one, pouring her a small cup of tea.
The pastries sent in by the Luo family were often consumed by the siblings and Yu Ying.
Watching his niece enjoy her food, Fu Wei smiled.
If he and Yu Ying had children, they would probably be as sensible as An'an and Ning'ning.
The thought had just formed when his smile faded.
Although he longed for children with Yu Ying, it wasn't the right time; at least not for the next two or three years.
Lost in thought, he heard his mother's coughing from the next room.
Fu Wei recalled that around this time last year, the entire family had suffered from severe coughs, likely due to weakened constitutions.
Although his mother had recuperated for a year, her health was still considerably depleted.
Fu Wei closed his book and led Fu Ning out of the study.
Mrs. Luo was preparing dinner, but having stayed up late with many thoughts the night before, she felt sluggish upon rising today.
Just as she was about to chop vegetables after a sip of warm water, her second son suddenly approached and rolled up his sleeves, saying, "Let me do it."
Mrs. Luo hurriedly protested, "No, no, you're so busy, I can't let you help."
Unable to concentrate on his reading in the study, Fu Wei said, "I'm not busy."
As he spoke, he had already picked up the kitchen knife. Glancing at the pork on the chopping board and recalling the usual size they ate, he began slicing. The pieces were evenly cut, betraying no sign of inexperience.
Mrs. Luo wanted to dissuade him further, but at that moment, there was a sound at the courtyard door. Fu Wei paused and said, "It must be Liuniang returning. Mother, please go open the door."
Mrs. Luo had no choice but to go to the door.
Upon opening it, she found Yu Ying.
Mrs. Luo asked, "It doesn’t seem like the end of the workday yet, why have you come back?"
"There were many patients today, and I got tired, so I came back early."
Although it was only twice yesterday, the clinic was busy today, and she was indeed tired.
Last night's first time with Fu Wei was brief, but considering it was Fu Wei's first time, it was understandable. Being a doctor herself, she showed empathy.
Perhaps her understanding made Fu Wei feel upset, as the second time was starkly different from his earlier gentle demeanor, as if he was a completely different person.
Hearing her daughter-in-law mention tiredness, Mrs. Luo seemed to recall something, looked at her somewhat embarrassingly, and hesitated to speak.
Yu Ying seemed to understand the implication behind being called "mother-in-law" and, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly changed the subject: "Right, where is Erlang since he's not on duty?"
"He's in the kitchen," Mrs. Luo replied, followed by a few coughs.
Hearing Mrs. Luo's cough, Yu Ying then said, "After dinner, I'll come and check on you, Mother."
Mrs. Luo nodded in agreement, not refusing the offer.
Fu Ning came over and called out, "Little Auntie."
Yu Ying patted her head and then went to wash her hands before heading to the kitchen to find Fu Wei.
Fu Ning wanted to follow, but Mrs. Luo, intending to give the young couple some privacy, took her granddaughter aside, saying, "My head feels heavy, I'll take Fu Ning to the room to rest for a while."
Yu Ying nodded, then headed towards the kitchen, where the sound of chopping was coming from, wondering when Fu Wei had learned to cook.
In Ling Shui Village, where he had mobility issues, he never cooked. Even after moving to Yu County, it was usually her sister-in-law and mother-in-law who cooked. This was her first time seeing Fu Wei cook.
Curious, Yu Ying entered the kitchen and saw Fu Wei standing upright at the stove, sleeves rolled up, revealing his smooth, well-muscled forearms.
A stir of emotion flickered in Yu Ying's heart.
It was quite a sight.
Even the usually subdued Yu Ying couldn't help but be captivated.
Fu Wei turned his head towards her and smiled, "Back already?"
After speaking, he returned his focus to cutting the meat with dedication.
His serious demeanor was like that of a player calmly strategizing in a game of chess, not merely cutting pork.
Yu Ying glanced outside the courtyard, seeing no one around, she approached Fu Wei. Emulating the intimate gestures of male and female protagonists from the movies and dramas she remembered, she slipped through his sturdy waist and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his back.
Fu Wei's movements halted completely, his ears slightly reddening, his voice husky, "Ah Ying, we are outside the house."
Being a gentleman, he felt somewhat uneasy about intimate gestures in public.
In short, he was somewhat old-fashioned.
Yu Ying laughed, "There's no one outside. We're newly married; can't I hug you?"
Though Fu Wei was a bit tense, worried about being seen by his niece and mother, he couldn't help but smile, "Of course you can. Hug me however you want."
Yu Ying remained silent, simply holding him quietly for a while, then asked, "Do you also know how to cook?"
Fu Wei replied, "I've never done it before, just wanted to try. How about you teach me?"
Yu Ying, with her modern mindset, released him and then began to instruct him in cooking.
Chapter 121
Yu Ying prepared two types of medicine, one for a foot soak and the other a medicinal paste for hot compresses.
The herbs for the compress were mixed with an appropriate amount of salt and yellow wine, fried into a paste, and then placed in a cloth bag.
After instructing her apprentice to make it, Yu Ying saw other patients waiting, spending nearly half an hour on consultations and prescriptions.
Once done, she went upstairs to the private room, lit some mild incense, and then massaged Mrs. Li's legs and feet.
While Mrs. Li soaked her feet, Yu Ying also massaged her shoulders and neck.
Surprisingly, it was painful yet soothing at the same time.
After soaking her feet for half an hour, Mrs. Li lay on a small bed. The hot medicinal bag was applied to her ankle joints, and Yu Ying also gave her a facial treatment, saving a lot of time by doing both simultaneously.
The facial and foot treatments were done together, easing her pain. Coupled with her restless sleep over the past half month, Mrs. Li soon fell asleep.
Yu Ying tiptoed out from behind the screen, speaking softly to Miss Li, "Let Mrs. Li rest for about an hour and a half. If anything happens, call the medicine maid outside. I'll send someone later to remove the medicinal bag and cleanse her face."
Hearing this, Miss Li's eyes widened, and she whispered, "Aren't you going to do it?"
Yu Ying helplessly said, "It's just removing the medicinal bag and cleansing, the medicine maid can handle it."
"No, you must do it!"
Miss Li's brows furrowed deeply, insisting that Yu Ying perform the task.
Yu Ying smiled and asked leisurely, "What if I don't do it?"
"Then we won't seek treatment at your clinic..."
"You're free not to seek treatment here, aren't you?" Yu Ying said with a smile, then walked out of the room without further attention.
She was quite straightforward.
"You!" Miss Li wanted to say something, but seeing her grandmother still asleep, she had to bite her lip in silence.
Watching Yu Ying leave, Miss Li felt annoyed, thinking of persuading her grandmother to stop treatment at Yongxi Hall once she woke up.
After washing her hands downstairs, Yu Ying encountered Madam Chen, who had just arrived for her appointment.
As they went upstairs, Madam Chen whispered, "I saw the Li family's carriage outside. Has Mrs. Li really come?"
Yu Ying nodded, replying softly, "She's taking a short rest in the private room."
"Were you troubled?"
The Li family, known in Yu County for their wealth and arrogance, often looked down upon others, and Madam Chen had had her share of difficulties with them.
Thinking of the nearly 1,500 wen she would earn, Yu Ying smiled, unbothered, "It's just a matter of attitude, nothing serious."
Seeing that Yu Ying didn't seem distressed, Madam Chen didn't dwell on it.
After instructing her sister-in-law about the fee for the Li family's consultation, Yu Ying went to give Madam Chen a massage and facial treatment.
After an hour and a half, Yu Ying's apprentice, Mei Zi, knocked on Mrs. Li's private room.
Hearing the knock, Mrs. Li slowly woke up, and soon realized that her body felt much lighter.
The pain in her legs and feet was gone, and the overall body soreness had eased significantly, feeling entirely refreshed compared to when she first arrived at the clinic.
Soon, Mei Zi entered to remove the medicinal pack from Mrs. Li's knees and cleanse her face.
Mrs. Li, seeing the young girl, showed displeasure, "Why is it you? Where is your master?"
Mei Zi, barely in her teens and not daring to neglect, replied timidly, "Master said just cleansing the face and removing the pack would suffice. There's nothing special to attend to, so I am here to do it."
Mrs. Li felt slighted but, feeling much refreshed, her mood brightened and she didn't get angry. She then said, "Tell your master that I will come at the same time tomorrow."
Mrs. Li rose, and her maid came to help her dress.
Miss Shen originally wanted to persuade her grandmother not to come tomorrow, but seeing her rosy complexion and significantly improved appearance, she was taken aback.
She then remembered the faded dark spots on Madam Yu's face, and the vanity in her stirred.
Should she also get a massage and a facial treatment?
But she had always looked down upon the Luo family's clinic. If she went, Madam Yu would surely scoff at her.
Yet her grandmother's complexion really did seem much better. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to give it a try. What should she do?
Mrs. Li, seeing her improved complexion in the mirror, showed rare joy.
When leaving, she even rewarded the servants with silver coins.
Yu Ying came out from the private room, instructed Mei Zi to cleanse Madam Chen's face later, and then went downstairs.
Wen Xing, seeing her sister-in-law, approached eagerly and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, the Li family is quite generous. Not only did they pay double for the consultation, but they also gave two guan of silver directly."
Hearing this, Yu Ying immediately forgave Miss Li's impoliteness.
In need of money at the moment, Yu Ying naturally wouldn't turn it down.
With tax time approaching, the market was filling with grain, causing prices to drop.
Before the harvest season, most of the grain was last year's stock, but since grain can be stored for three years, having more wouldn't be a problem.
Fu Wei spent the entire day at home, sitting in his study. He intended to thoroughly study the topography of Lingnan, but found himself unable to focus.
He glanced out the window from time to time, observing the sky outside.
"Why hasn't it reached the hour of You yet?"
"Knowing how dull it would be to stay cooped up in this room, I should have gone to my duties."
Having been married just yesterday, finally united as husband and wife, Fu Wei couldn't stop thinking about his wife, whom he hadn't seen for most of the day after their night of conjugal bliss.
Little Fu Ning, carrying pastries, entered the room and saw her uncle gazing outside the window, as if she understood something.
Fu Wei, hearing the sound, turned to look at the young girl.
After a brief exchange of glances, he took the pastries from her hand and placed them on the desk, then lifted her onto a high stool beside him.
Since Fu Wei sometimes taught his younger siblings to read, there was a long bench in the room.
He pinched off a piece of pastry and handed it to the little girl.
Holding the pastry, Fu Ning asked, "Uncle, are you missing Auntie?"
Fu Wei smiled and nodded honestly, "Yes, I miss her."
"Then why doesn’t Uncle go find Auntie?"
Fu Wei gently patted her head and said softly, "Auntie is busy with important matters, Uncle shouldn't disturb her."
Fu Ning, now six years old and often lectured on reason by Yu Ying and her siblings, quickly grasped the meaning of her uncle's words.
Understanding but still curious, she asked, "Can't you just watch her, without speaking?"
Fu Wei shook his head, patiently explaining to his niece, "Lasting love is not dependent on constant presence. Your aunt and I, as well as your parents, have our own responsibilities. We cannot neglect everything just because we miss each other, as that would only cause trouble."
After speaking, he glanced at his niece, pondered a moment, and added, "If someone troubles you, you must not be too yielding. It's important to know how to refuse."
These concepts were somewhat profound for Fu Ning, who nodded in half-understanding.
She quickly finished her piece of pastry, and Fu Wei handed her a second one, pouring her a small cup of tea.
The pastries sent in by the Luo family were often consumed by the siblings and Yu Ying.
Watching his niece enjoy her food, Fu Wei smiled.
If he and Yu Ying had children, they would probably be as sensible as An'an and Ning'ning.
The thought had just formed when his smile faded.
Although he longed for children with Yu Ying, it wasn't the right time; at least not for the next two or three years.
Lost in thought, he heard his mother's coughing from the next room.
Fu Wei recalled that around this time last year, the entire family had suffered from severe coughs, likely due to weakened constitutions.
Although his mother had recuperated for a year, her health was still considerably depleted.
Fu Wei closed his book and led Fu Ning out of the study.
Mrs. Luo was preparing dinner, but having stayed up late with many thoughts the night before, she felt sluggish upon rising today.
Just as she was about to chop vegetables after a sip of warm water, her second son suddenly approached and rolled up his sleeves, saying, "Let me do it."
Mrs. Luo hurriedly protested, "No, no, you're so busy, I can't let you help."
Unable to concentrate on his reading in the study, Fu Wei said, "I'm not busy."
As he spoke, he had already picked up the kitchen knife. Glancing at the pork on the chopping board and recalling the usual size they ate, he began slicing. The pieces were evenly cut, betraying no sign of inexperience.
Mrs. Luo wanted to dissuade him further, but at that moment, there was a sound at the courtyard door. Fu Wei paused and said, "It must be Liuniang returning. Mother, please go open the door."
Mrs. Luo had no choice but to go to the door.
Upon opening it, she found Yu Ying.
Mrs. Luo asked, "It doesn’t seem like the end of the workday yet, why have you come back?"
"There were many patients today, and I got tired, so I came back early."
Although it was only twice yesterday, the clinic was busy today, and she was indeed tired.
Last night's first time with Fu Wei was brief, but considering it was Fu Wei's first time, it was understandable. Being a doctor herself, she showed empathy.
Perhaps her understanding made Fu Wei feel upset, as the second time was starkly different from his earlier gentle demeanor, as if he was a completely different person.
Hearing her daughter-in-law mention tiredness, Mrs. Luo seemed to recall something, looked at her somewhat embarrassingly, and hesitated to speak.
Yu Ying seemed to understand the implication behind being called "mother-in-law" and, feeling a bit embarrassed, quickly changed the subject: "Right, where is Erlang since he's not on duty?"
"He's in the kitchen," Mrs. Luo replied, followed by a few coughs.
Hearing Mrs. Luo's cough, Yu Ying then said, "After dinner, I'll come and check on you, Mother."
Mrs. Luo nodded in agreement, not refusing the offer.
Fu Ning came over and called out, "Little Auntie."
Yu Ying patted her head and then went to wash her hands before heading to the kitchen to find Fu Wei.
Fu Ning wanted to follow, but Mrs. Luo, intending to give the young couple some privacy, took her granddaughter aside, saying, "My head feels heavy, I'll take Fu Ning to the room to rest for a while."
Yu Ying nodded, then headed towards the kitchen, where the sound of chopping was coming from, wondering when Fu Wei had learned to cook.
In Ling Shui Village, where he had mobility issues, he never cooked. Even after moving to Yu County, it was usually her sister-in-law and mother-in-law who cooked. This was her first time seeing Fu Wei cook.
Curious, Yu Ying entered the kitchen and saw Fu Wei standing upright at the stove, sleeves rolled up, revealing his smooth, well-muscled forearms.
A stir of emotion flickered in Yu Ying's heart.
It was quite a sight.
Even the usually subdued Yu Ying couldn't help but be captivated.
Fu Wei turned his head towards her and smiled, "Back already?"
After speaking, he returned his focus to cutting the meat with dedication.
His serious demeanor was like that of a player calmly strategizing in a game of chess, not merely cutting pork.
Yu Ying glanced outside the courtyard, seeing no one around, she approached Fu Wei. Emulating the intimate gestures of male and female protagonists from the movies and dramas she remembered, she slipped through his sturdy waist and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his back.
Fu Wei's movements halted completely, his ears slightly reddening, his voice husky, "Ah Ying, we are outside the house."
Being a gentleman, he felt somewhat uneasy about intimate gestures in public.
In short, he was somewhat old-fashioned.
Yu Ying laughed, "There's no one outside. We're newly married; can't I hug you?"
Though Fu Wei was a bit tense, worried about being seen by his niece and mother, he couldn't help but smile, "Of course you can. Hug me however you want."
Yu Ying remained silent, simply holding him quietly for a while, then asked, "Do you also know how to cook?"
Fu Wei replied, "I've never done it before, just wanted to try. How about you teach me?"
Yu Ying, with her modern mindset, released him and then began to instruct him in cooking.
