The next day, they continued with the mugwort rolling, which left Miaozhen yawning incessantly.
After the morning mugwort session, Tan Yunxian had her study the “Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders,” explaining it in conjunction with acupuncture. Every time Miaozhen heard something profound, she couldn’t help but feel how shallow her own knowledge still was.
“The Qimen point is usually needled obliquely or horizontally, and must not be inserted too deeply—about half an inch is sufficient. Most physicians are very cautious with this point; only Zhang Zhongjing frequently needled it. And the Fengfu point requires even greater caution—the slightest carelessness could prove fatal,” Tan Yunxian reminded her.
Miaozhen nodded repeatedly, taking notes all the while, wishing she could record every single word. By evening, she was utterly exhausted. To her surprise, both her parents were waiting for her. Her mother had specially saved dinner for her: half a steamed perch, a small dish of pickled cucumbers, and a small plate of scrambled eggs. Ravenous, she devoured the food like a whirlwind, eating voraciously.
Even after finishing, she still felt unsatisfied. Xu Erpeng brought out the snacks he usually kept in his study: “Here, have some.”
Miaozhen accepted them while listening to Mei Shi ask, “Are you very tired?”
“Tired, yes, but the opportunity is rare.” She recalled reading “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” where Mu Nianci’s martial arts improved dramatically after Hong Qigong taught her the “Carefree Fist” over three days, allowing her to remain undefeated through seven rounds of a martial arts contest to choose a husband. Since she herself had half a month to learn, she was certain she would also gain greatly.
Seeing his daughter like this, Xu Erpeng fetched a bag of walnut kernels from somewhere: “Walnuts nourish the brain—eat more.”
Miaozhen took them, crunching them one by noisily.
Beside her, Xu Erpeng used a hammer to crack open a few more walnuts, blew away the shells, and placed them before his daughter. “You’re at the age when your memory and energy are at their peak. It’s easier to learn now, but you must persevere.”
“I know, Father,” Miaozhen replied, nodding eagerly.
After the meal, she first returned to organize her notes, then took out the acupuncture bronze figure to practice again before finally climbing into bed. Two days later, it was the eldest young master of the Tao family’s wedding, and she had to go prepare the Braised Abalone with Bone.
She went alone with two maids to churn the milk residue into cream. Xiao Xi whispered in complaint, “Why must you do so much?””
“Don’t meddle,” Miaozhen chided. Having received so much, a little manual labor was nothing. Some knowledge was closely guarded by others, but at least Ru Shi would tell her, not to mention the guidance from a master.
Scolded by Miaozhen, Xiao Xi didn’t dare say more. After they finished making them one by one, Miaozhen hurried to report to Ru Shi. Known for her excellent medical skills and strong personality, Ru Shi appeared very capable. Hearing that Miaozhen had completed the task, she quickly took her hand and said, “Good child, you’ve worked hard.”
“I only wish I could do more to help you,” Miaozhen hurriedly replied, insisting it was no trouble.
Ru Xiniang watched Miaozhen from the side, her attitude somewhat ambiguous. Having failed to enter the palace as hoped, she had neglected gynecology and only half-learned ulcer treatment. Thanks to her aunt’s backing, she was able to attend such occasions where many nobles gathered. Her aunt intended to show outsiders that she was the true heir to the Ru family’s medical legacy.
Ru Shi then invited her to join the banquet, but Miaozhen quickly declined: “I have matters at home today. Please go ahead with your busy schedule. My father also wants me back early.”
The Tao family hadn’t sent an invitation to her family, and her parents hadn’t sent congratulatory gifts. She didn’t even know where to sit, so it was better to just return home.
In truth, these matters didn’t weigh on her mind. Since she had no kinship with Ru Shi, it was already generous of the woman to impart knowledge to her. Thus when the lessons ended, she returned home without comment, simply grateful for the chance to rest properly.
Xu Erpeng naturally heard about these developments. He instructed Mei Shi not to pry further, remarking, “Don’t ask too many questions. I’ve heard of apprentices being beaten while learning a trade – our Miaozhen is actually quite fortunate to gain solid knowledge. Those who endure hardships in youth often find smoother paths ahead, whereas an overly comfortable early life doesn’t always bode well for the future.” Now in his thirties, he spoke with the insight of lived experience.
Miaozhen cherished this rare break, sleeping like the dead until she woke refreshed. Unable to fall back asleep, she sat with two maidservants doing needlework by oil lamp, planning to make a pair of knee pads for Tan Yunxian.
The next day, she brought winter jujubes to the Tao residence – purchased with her private savings. Since Tan Yunxian felt unwell after the wedding banquet due to her advanced age, Miaozhen quietly read in her room without disturbing her, waiting patiently for occasional pointers when the older woman felt inclined to teach.
The bride married to the Tao family’s eldest son was exceptionally beautiful. Some jested privately that her surname You suited her well as a “rare beauty”. Though cherished by her husband, Ru Shi seemed displeased with her – complaints Miaozhen had overheard even before the wedding.
The marriage coincided with Mid-Autumn Festival preparations. Ru Shi, recognizing her as the formal mistress, had entrusted her to manage affairs with the head housekeeper. Yet everything descended into chaos, with festival gifts still undelivered when the occasion arrived.
Ru Shi complained to the head housekeeper: “She failed to send gifts to any of my regular medicinal suppliers.”
The housekeeper responded, “Old Madam Yang will return home in two days. The travel provisions are ready – would you like to review them?”
“Who has the leisure?” Ru Shi sighed. “Actually, I meant to reciprocate Miss Xu’s kindness for making those butter whirl cakes, but busyness made me forget.” It wasn’t that she lacked managerial skills – rather, multiple matters had tangled together.
The housekeeper chuckled, “Miss Xu helped willingly – she expects no repayment.”
“Still, we shouldn’t accept favors freely,” Ru Shi insisted.
Fingering silver coins in her hand, the housekeeper smiled meaningfully: “Why not have her formally apprenticed to Old Madam Yang? It would honor her while solving another matter – I heard Madam Zhang wants her two daughters to study under you. You couldn’t possibly teach so many.”
The Zhangs were medicinal merchants. With Madam Zhang having no sons and planning to take in a son-in-law, they couldn’t let the husband control the business – their daughters needed medical knowledge. This wasn’t the housekeeper’s fabrication.
Ru Shi conceded, “I’ve essentially taught all I can. Very well, this would be a gracious gesture.”
Privately, the housekeeper suspected Ru Shi simply valued the Zhang sisters’ wealth – they could afford seven-eight years of study. Miss Xu, though brilliant enough to master acupuncture instantly and memorize gynecology formulas flawlessly, came from the modest Xu Family whose limited tuition couldn’t compare with the Zhangs’ pharmaceutical fortune.
“Madam, you needn’t play the villain in this matter. Let me speak properly with Miss Xu—I guarantee I can persuade her. As for Old Madame Yang Ruren, however, this servant lacks the influence to sway her. She isn’t one to be easily convinced,” the head matron said deliberately.
Ru Shi shook her head. “That’s not necessarily true. My cousin’s mother is most compassionate toward the poor and vulnerable. Very well, since she became my disciple, I’ve never particularly honored her. This time, I shall elevate her once.”
The head matron promptly agreed.
After leaving, she first summoned Miaozhen. “This matter is eighty percent settled. When you’re with Madame Yang, don’t reveal even a hint of it.”
Miaozhen was greatly surprised. She hadn’t expected this to actually succeed, having originally held little hope.
“Are you truly serious? I hardly dare believe it,” Miaozhen said, thinking that at minimum she’d only study for half a month. This was indeed an unexpected delight.
The head matron laughed. “Why would I deceive you about this?”
“Alright then, I’ll wait until this matter is fully settled. Thank you so much.”
Though already aware that Ru Shi would recommend her to Tan Yunxian, she still brought the knee pads she had made: “Since you’ll soon return to Wuxi, and autumn has begun, I made a pair of knee pads for you.”
Tan Yunxian picked up the knee pads, then put on her spectacles from nearby, examining the stitching carefully. She couldn’t help remarking, “Your needlework is truly excellent.”
“I’m glad you don’t find them unworthy,” Miaozhen smiled.
Though their ages differed greatly, they could still converse meaningfully when discussing medicine. Miaozhen learned much from her—particularly the importance of listening attentively to patients and carefully unraveling the root cause of illnesses. Otherwise, being misled by surface symptoms could easily lead to misdiagnosis.
Returning from the Tao residence, Miaozhen shared the good news with her parents: “The head matron’s words seem somewhat credible. Though I don’t know if it will ultimately succeed, I can finally set my heart at ease.”
But Xu Erpeng objected, “If you become her disciple, wouldn’t you have to go to Wuxi? How can that be proper?”
In his view, a daughter was safest with her parents. Who would take responsibility if something happened while she was away?
“Madame Yang is advanced in years and may not be willing to accept me. The head matron says this because I gave her all my savings, but whether others will agree remains uncertain,” Miaozhen understood these realities well.
Xu Erpeng fell silent.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xu Laotai suffered an accident while moving bags from the top cabinet. She fell from a stool, injuring her spine and becoming temporarily immobilized, requiring bed rest.
Thus, Xu Laotai’s chores of cooking and laundry fell to Xu Siniang. Previously, when her mother was capable, Xu Siniang had always shirked work. Now, with no escape possible, she was forced to begin washing clothes and cooking.
When Xu Erpeng returned from the old residence, he remarked, “Surprisingly, Siniang’s cooking is better than my mother’s.”
Even lazy people can push themselves to grow under certain circumstances.
Soon, Miaozhen received a response: Tan Yunxian was willing to teach her medicine, but required her to accompany her to Wuxi for two years. Though Xu Erpeng and Mei Shi were reluctant to let their daughter go so far, they respected her decision.
“Zhenzhen, think it through carefully.”
Unlike modern times, people in ancient days rarely left their hometowns unless absolutely necessary. With poor communication, any mishap would cause delays in sending and receiving messages.
And she would be gone for two whole years…
But after working so hard for so long, should I just give up because of this?
Miaozhen’s mind was truly in turmoil.