Chapter 14: Doctor ZhaoDoctor Zhao skillfully massaged Lin Qingbai's abdomen for a while, greatly relieving his pain. Soon, the expression on his face eased, his spirit relaxed, and he gradually fell asleep.Afterward, Doctor Zhao wrote a prescription and also examined Lin Qingmiao's sprain.Once everything was handled, Lin Qinghe, well-versed in etiquette, brought clean water for him to wash his hands.While washing his hands, Doctor Zhao looked at Lin Qinghe and said, "Tell me, who hit you? I saw Qingmiao, that girl, crying so hard her eyes were swollen."The Lin family and Doctor Zhao were quite familiar. Lin Dazhuang had been a hunter, often venturing into the mountains and forests, sustaining injuries big and small throughout the year. Doctor Zhao could be said to be a frequent visitor to their home.Moreover, Doctor Zhao often needed various medicinal herbs. As an elderly man, going into the mountains was not easy. When his legs were still nimble, he usually followed Lin Dazhuang into the mountains. Later, when he could no longer walk as well, he would ask Lin Dazhuang to help gather the herbs he needed. He never let others work for free and paid according to market prices."Wang Erlang from Butcher Wang's family saw a rabbit caught in a trap. He pushed Qingmiao aside, grabbed the rabbit, and tried to claim it as his own. If I hadn't returned quickly, the three of them would likely have suffered even more," Lin Qinghe said coldly."The Wang family has always been arrogant, but now they’ve become even more brazen.""It’s just because they see our family has no adults and think we’re easy to bully," Lin Qinghe said, a cold glint flashing in her eyes.Doctor Zhao nodded. "When your father was alive, you still seemed like a child. I never thought you’d grow into such a capable adult. Since you understand the situation clearly, have you thought about how to handle it?""We can’t just let them get away with hitting us. If we do, won’t anyone feel free to step on our family? My father may be gone, but I’m still here. No one can bully us and walk away unscathed." Even if she had to bite, she would take a piece of flesh from them."That’s the principle, but your mother married into the Wang family. If you act too harshly, her life there might become difficult."As he spoke, he couldn’t help but sigh. When it came down to it, the Wang and Lin families were even somewhat related. How could Wang Erlang just attack them like that? Ultimately, it was because the Wang family looked down on the Lin family.After Lin Dazhuang passed away and Mrs. Su remarried, only these four children remained in the Lin family. Many in the village probably thought the Lin family was doomed to collapse. Even he had once thought so, but seeing Lin Qinghe’s determined demeanor now, he had abandoned that earlier notion."Whether her life is good or bad, it was her own choice. No one forced her." Adults must bear the consequences of their choices, good or bad.Doctor Zhao nodded. He had only mentioned it in passing. As a man, he didn’t concern himself with Mrs. Su’s affairs.After a moment of thought, he said, "When your father was alive, he and I had some friendship. If you ever need help, don’t hesitate to ask."This was Zhao Village, and he was a Zhao. As a doctor, he had helped many villagers and held some prestige in the village. No matter how unreasonable Butcher Wang was, he would have to show some restraint.Lin Qinghe felt a warmth in her heart and did not refuse this kindness. "Thank you, Grandpa Zhao. If I ever need help, I won’t hesitate to ask."Doctor Zhao said nothing more, turned and called for Lin Qingsong, then followed him to fetch the medicine before stepping out the door.Watching him walk away, she turned back inside.Lin Qingmiao’s eyes were red and swollen, her face clouded with worry. She walked over and gently patted her head. "What’s wrong? Does it still hurt a lot?""Do I have to take medicine? Doctor Zhao’s medicine is so bitter." When she lifted her head, her face was scrunched up."Good medicine tastes bitter. Only by taking it will your injury heal faster. If it stays hurt, you won’t even be able to walk. If you don’t want bitter medicine, try to get sick or hurt less in the future."There was nothing she could do about the bitterness of the medicine; she could only offer comfort."I didn’t want to get hurt either. If Wang Erlang hadn’t pushed me… he’s really the most annoying person in the world," Lin Qingmiao said indignantly."It was his fault for pushing you, but falling over from just one push means you’re too weak." Lin Qinghe’s words cut straight to the point.Hearing this, Lin Qingmiao was stunned for a moment. Though she was small and slender, she was actually quite sturdy among her peers and taller than most children her age. Being pushed over by Wang Erlang couldn’t be blamed on her—after all, how much bigger was Wang Erlang?"I’m still young!" she argued."Your second brother isn’t much older either. Wang Erlang even tried to hit him, but he didn’t suffer a single scratch."Lin Qingmiao was left speechless, unable to argue. Facts spoke louder than words—her second brother truly hadn’t been hurt at all. She looked up at Lin Qinghe with wide eyes.Lin Qinghe met her gaze and blinked slightly."Elder sister, I understand what you mean. Once my foot heals, I’ll practice martial arts with you and second brother every day. With skills to protect myself, even if Wang Erlang is strong, he won’t be able to hurt me."Lin Qinghe reached out and patted her head. "It’s not just Wang Erlang. There are many bad people in this world. I’m not saying we should punish evildoers, but we must have the ability to protect ourselves. Especially because we are girls—naturally weaker than men—we should learn some skills so we aren’t helpless when bullied."This was an era where men were revered and women looked down upon. Women already lived difficult lives; without any skills, they could only endure mistreatment. She hoped her younger sister could be stronger to live more freely."If you have skills, no one can bully you?" Lin Qingmiao’s eyes sparkled as she looked up. "If I’m good at martial arts, even Wang Qiuhe won’t be able to bully me anymore?"Hearing her childish words, Lin Qinghe sighed helplessly. "Why do you always talk about the Wang family?""Because they’re the only ones who bully me. The other kids in the village are all friendly." Lin Qingmiao pouted, clearly holding a deep grudge against the Wang family, and clenched her fists secretly.Hearing this, Lin Qinghe paused for a moment before saying, "If anyone bullies you again in the future, tell me. I won’t let you be bullied for nothing."Lin Qingmiao listened, her eyes fixed on her elder sister. She lifted her small face and said, "Elder sister, you’re busy every day. My troubles are just small matters. Once my injury heals, I’ll practice martial arts with you and second brother. Even if they can bully me now, one day I’ll make them taste my fists."Just like how her elder sister had taught Wang Erlang a lesson, she too would one day make him turn and run, never daring to bully anyone again.After receiving her repeated assurances and seeing her so determined, Lin Qinghe felt somewhat relieved. Although both she and Lin Qingsong would protect her, relying on others was never as strong as having one's own abilities. Besides, there would always be times when she and her brother couldn't watch over her, and then she would have to rely on herself!Having such determination was already very good.

Eldest Sister of a Farming Family: Managing the Household, Farming and Opening Shops