Seeing the Doctor
After bidding farewell to the uncles and brothers, Yang Lan supported the still-shaken Lin Qiao as they made their way home.
Lin Qiao lay on the bed, his face pale, yet he forced a smile. “Husband, I’m fine now. You should go to Uncle Wang’s house and bring Father back. Doctor Xu will be here soon.”
Yang Lan looked at him, feeling a tug at his heartstrings. He was reminded of the stray cats he occasionally fed in his neighborhood back in the city, evoking the same tenderness.
“Don’t worry, the house is safe. I’ll bring Father back and then stay with you.” He spoke softly, instinctively reaching out to stroke Lin Qiao’s hair.
Lin Qiao’s eyes widened slightly, and after a moment, he cautiously nuzzled against Yang Lan’s hand.
Yang Lan chuckled, thinking Lin Qiao resembled a stray cat even more.
In Willow Leaf Village, the original Yang Lan didn’t have a good reputation or many friends. The villagers had responded quickly and risked going up the mountain to find him, thanks to Uncle Wang’s connections.
Moreover, Zhang Shi was still lying in their house. It wouldn’t be right to go empty-handed.
However, there wasn’t much at home to offer, which troubled Yang Lan.
His gaze fell on the basket in the corner, and his eyes lit up.
Of course, he had found some good things on the mountain today.
Most of it was common herbs like patchouli, wild chrysanthemum, and wormwood, but he was lucky enough to find a small cluster of Dendrobium, a valuable herb that could be life-saving.
As for what to give Uncle Wang, Yang Lan found a small pile of chicken mushrooms wrapped in large leaves.
As the saying goes, mountain delicacies are plentiful, and these mushrooms were among them. He had gathered about two pounds, which could sell for 50 coins in the Great Li Dynasty’s market.
Yang Lan smiled, selecting the larger ones to make up a pound.
Such a gift was presentable and not too extravagant, so Uncle Wang’s family would surely accept it.
Meanwhile, the Wang family was discussing Yang Lan.
“Do you think Lan Xiaozi has really changed?” Wang Fu Lang asked curiously.
Uncle Wang, puffing on his pipe, hesitated before nodding. “Well, he seemed more agreeable today, greeted us, and even bowed. That was unheard of before.”
“I saw him this morning, too,” Wang Changwu, the father of Wang Daniu, chimed in. “He was out in the midday sun, carrying a basket to deliver food to his father and husband.”
His wife, Xu Shi, was skeptical. “Was it really him? You must have been mistaken.”
“It was him. It was such a rare sight that many people saw it and talked about it after he left,” Wang Changwu confirmed.
Wang Fu Lang put down his embroidery and sighed. “I hope he’s truly changed. Otherwise, life won’t be easy for those two Ge’ers at home.”
Before anyone could say more, Uncle Wang tapped his pipe, stopping them. “Let’s not gossip behind people’s backs. Besides, his father is still lying in our house. It would be awkward if he woke up and heard us.”
At that, the conversation shifted to the harvest in the fields.
Yang Lan, carrying an oil lamp, walked for two quarters of an hour before reaching the Wang household.
Seeing the lights still on inside, he quickly went up and knocked on the door.
Uncle Wang opened the door, not surprised to see him, as if expecting his visit.
“Since you said you’ve already called Doctor Xu, I didn’t get another doctor. Quickly, carry your father back and let the doctor take a look,” Uncle Wang said as he led Yang Lan inside. “Your father has worked hard for you all his life. Don’t be reckless anymore.”
Originally, he hadn’t intended to lecture Yang Lan, but after hearing his husband and son’s words, he hoped Yang Lan would straighten up soon and couldn’t help but give some advice.
After speaking, he glanced at Yang Lan, who showed no sign of anger but rather appeared humble and teachable.
Uncle Wang was puzzled. Could it be that Lan Xiaozi really intended to change?
The original Yang Lan was merely lazy and ambitious, never helping with household chores, and had no serious vices. He had even passed the child scholar exam at a young age, which in an ordinary family would be considered neither good nor bad.
But the Yang family was poor, with no relatives to support them. The money for the original Yang Lan’s studies and leisure came from Zhang Shi’s frail body. It was no wonder the villagers looked down on him.
Yang Lan knew Uncle Wang meant well, unlike those who were envious or mocked him, so he earnestly replied, “I understand. I’ll take good care of Father from now on and won’t let him suffer.”
Seeing his humility, Uncle Wang couldn’t help but give him a sidelong glance. “That’s good to know.”
As they spoke, they reached the main room.
Wang Fu Lang came out with a bowl of water. “Have some water. You haven’t eaten yet, have you? You’ll need your strength to carry your father back, so don’t drop him.”
Feeling a warmth in his heart, Yang Lan took the bowl and tasted the sweetness.
The sugar-making technology in the Great Li Dynasty was underdeveloped, and white sugar was exorbitantly expensive. Villagers only used it to entertain important guests.
He drank it all in one go and thanked Wang Fu Lang. “Thank you, Uncle.”
Wang Fu Lang nodded, saying nothing more.
He had overheard the conversation between Yang Lan and his husband. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have offered sugar water. The old Yang Lan wasn’t worth such hospitality.
“Uncle, I picked these chicken mushrooms on the mountain this afternoon. Please use them to make soup tomorrow. It’s not much, so I hope you don’t mind.” He presented the mushrooms he had brought.
Wang Fu Lang was surprised, opening the leaves to reveal large mushroom caps, and smiled broadly. “Oh! They look so good. I won’t be polite then. Daniu has been clamoring for chicken soup. With these mushrooms, it will taste even better!”
“I’m glad you like them, Uncle.”
Entering the room, Yang Lan felt a pang seeing Zhang Shi unconscious on the bed.
Zhang Shi was not yet forty, an age considered youthful in his previous world, but his father looked old and frail, like an elderly man.
Uncle Wang noticed Yang Lan’s troubled expression and held back the rest of his words.
Wang Fu Lang helped Yang Lan carry Zhang Shi onto his back and handed him the oil lamp, cautioning, “The road is dark and difficult. Shouldn’t Changwu accompany you?”
Yang Lan declined. “No need. I’ll be back soon. You’ve already helped us so much today. You should rest early.”
Seeing his determination, Wang Fu Lang didn’t insist, watching him for a moment before closing the door and going back inside.
Uncle Wang sat in the courtyard smoking, chuckling. “You usually don’t think much of Lan Xiaozi. What’s changed today?”
Wang Fu Lang sat beside him. “I feel for Yun Ge’er.”
Yun Ge’er was Zhang Shi’s name.
Uncle Wang sighed, patting his shoulder. “Let’s get some sleep. We have to work the fields tomorrow.”
…
Yang Lan quickened his pace, finally seeing the gate of his home in the distance, and felt a weight lift from his heart.
Wang Fu Lang was right. His body was weak, and without dinner, he feared he might faint halfway home.
But it proved that human potential is limitless.
As he got closer, he saw Xu Xiangdong standing at the door.
“Doctor Xu, thank you for coming. My father is at Uncle Wang’s house. Sorry to keep you waiting,” he greeted quickly.
To reassure Lin Qiao, he had locked the door when he left.
Fortunately, Xu Xiangdong didn’t mind, smiling. “I figured as much. Don’t worry, I haven’t waited long.”
Yang Lan thanked him, found his keys, and opened the door to let him in.
Walking through the courtyard, he called out, “Lin Qiao, don’t be afraid. I’m back, and Doctor Xu is here too.”
With that, he hurried to Zhang Shi’s room.
“Doctor Xu, please take a look at my father.”
Xu Xiangdong nodded. “Of course.”
As soon as they laid Zhang Shi on the bed, Lin Qiao came in, carrying a teapot.
Yang Lan quickly took the teapot and cup from him, mindful of the others in the room, and simply held Lin Qiao’s hand.
His face was still too pale, and his hands were cold, clearly not yet recovered.
Despite feeling unwell, Lin Qiao had insisted on getting up to boil hot water.
Yang Lan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. At eighteen, the age for high school, how could he be so mature?
Doctor Xu finished checking Zhang Shi, opened his eyelids, and said, “It’s nothing serious, just some weakness and stress. He fainted because his energy couldn’t keep up.”
Yang Lan breathed a sigh of relief. “Does he need medicine?”
“No need for medicine. Better to use that money to buy some meat and sugar to nourish him when he wakes,” Xu Xiangdong suggested, glancing at Yang Lan, as if hesitating to say more.
Yang Lan immediately said, “Doctor Xu, please speak freely.”
Xu Xiangdong lowered his gaze. “If possible, don’t let Zhang Shi take on winter laundry work anymore. Over time, it could shorten his life.”
Yang Lan’s heart sank, and he agreed. “I understand.”
After a brief pause, he noticed Xu Xiangdong packing up his medical kit and quickly said, “Doctor Xu, please wait. Could you also check Lin Qiao?”
“What’s wrong with Lin Qiao?” Xu Xiangdong asked, looking over.
Lin Qiao shrank back, tugging on Yang Lan’s sleeve, whispering, “No need, Husband. I’m fine.”
A consultation cost twenty coins, and he didn’t want to waste money.
However, Yang Lan ignored him. “Lin Qiao went up the mountain to find me, fell, and was frightened by wild animals.”
Lin Qiao was taken aback, realizing Yang Lan was protecting his reputation, and felt a warmth in his heart.
“Then he should be checked,” Xu Xiangdong agreed, motioning for Lin Qiao to sit down.
Lin Qiao glanced at Yang Lan, and seeing the determination in his eyes, he sat in the chair opposite Xu Xiangdong.
Xu Xiangdong placed his fingers on Lin Qiao’s wrist and checked his tongue, frowning slightly.
Yang Lan’s heart skipped a beat. Xu Xiangdong hadn’t shown such an expression when examining Zhang Shi.
“Lin Qiao has done too much hard work over the years without proper nutrition. His body is severely depleted, and his pulse is weaker than Zhang Shi’s,” Xu Xiangdong said, glancing at Yang Lan. “Regarding the matter of children, it might take some time.”
Ge’ers were already not easy to conceive, and in this state, it would be even more difficult. Xu Xiangdong hadn’t wanted to mention it, but as a doctor, he had a duty not to deceive his patients.
Upon hearing this, Lin Qiao’s already pale face turned even whiter, like paper.
Yang Lan, however, wasn’t concerned about that. He hadn’t even come to terms with the idea of men having children, and Lin Qiao was still young. Even if they were to have children, it wasn’t the time yet.
“I understand. Does Lin Qiao need medication?” Yang Lan asked.
Xu Xiangdong looked at him. “He does need some medicine to replenish his body, but it’s not cheap.”
“No matter, just write the prescription,” Yang Lan replied.
Besides the unsold herbs, he still had some money, which Zhang Shi had given him as pocket money. If he hadn’t come here, the original Yang Lan would have squandered it on indulgences in town.
“Alright.” Xu Xiangdong took out paper and pen, quickly writing the prescription, and handed it to him. “Come to my house tomorrow to get the medicine. Boil three bowls of water down to one, twice a day, for five days. Including the consultation fee, it will be 300 coins.”
Yang Lan took out his money pouch and counted out three pieces of silver.
Seeing only one piece of silver left in the pouch, he thought: Luckily, the Xu family charges low fees, or else he wouldn’t be able to afford the medicine.
Lin Qiao was still lost in his thoughts, not hearing their conversation. Otherwise, he would have objected to Yang Lan spending so much money on his medicine.
After seeing Xu Xiangdong out to the courtyard, Yang Lan glanced at the basket of herbs.
His eyes darted as he asked, “Doctor Xu, does your family buy herbs?”