The two sisters went to the medicine shop, where Zhao Bin and the Village Head were already there, chatting with the doctor and asking about his hand injury.
The doctor repeatedly pressed on the injured area, asking questions continuously, then took his pulse again. Stroking his beard, he nodded with a pleased expression. “After all, you’re young and sturdy. I think you’re recovering well—not as severe as I initially expected. Go home and rest properly, and you’ll heal, it’ll just take some time.”
“Really? Can he still write?”
The Village Head grabbed the old doctor’s hand excitedly and asked. This was the only Xiucai in their Zhaijia Village.
“He can write, but he’ll need to wait until he’s fully healed before using force. He must not injure it again, or it’ll be truly troublesome.”
The old doctor discovered that Zhao Bin’s bones weren’t as badly damaged as originally diagnosed, and he too was delighted. It would be a terrible shame for a promising Xiucai to be ruined like that.
“Thank you, that’s wonderful.”
“Doctor, your ointment works well. Could you give me another box?”
Zhao Feng stepped forward and bowed to the old doctor in gratitude.
“Alright, don’t worry. Your brother will recover.”
“Thank you. Could you also prepare some more medicine for me? Here’s the prescription.”
Zhao Feng handed him a prescription. This prescription was for making ointment for her brother. These herbs would be hard to find in the mountains and would be dangerous to gather, so it was better to spend money to buy them.
“Certainly, please wait a moment.”
The old doctor had his apprentice prepare the medicine.
Zhao Feng took out the candies she’d bought and two portions of pastries. “Brother, take these to the Master later and thank him.”
“Alright, I’ll go right away.”
Zhao Bin nodded in agreement.
“Remember, don’t mention Father going up the mountain to get gifts. Not a single word. Just say it was an accident and had nothing to do with him. Saying the wrong thing would create enmity—your Master is a Jinshi.”
Zhao Feng reminded him once more.
“I know.”
Zhao Bin patted his sister’s head.
After getting the medicine and leaving the shop, Zhao Bin went to deliver the thank-you gifts to his Master.
They waited nearby for Fifth Grandpa and Brother Huzi.
Before long, Fifth Grandpa returned with the brewing equipment he’d bought—all used, but they still looked fairly new. They could be washed and reused. There were also wine jars of various sizes.
“Oh, are you planning to brew wine?”
“I want Second Brother to brew some wine. First, to see if his skills are ready to graduate, and second, to thank everyone for helping our family so much. If Brother can graduate, he’ll have a way to make a living in the future.”
“You’re such a thoughtful child. We’re all from the same village—we’re all family. No need to be so polite. If you have difficulties, just speak up.”
The Village Head also liked this family. They were sensible, grateful, honest, and courteous, willing to help their neighbors. All three children were well-raised. It was just a pity they had such troublesome elders and relatives.
“Thank you, Uncle.”
“Uncle, you don’t know how amazing Feng’er is! Just now we went to the embroidery shop to sell our work, and she drew a few strokes for the shopkeeper and earned ten taels of silver. Feng’er’s family will definitely make a good life for themselves. My Fourth Grandma will regret this!”
Xiu’er spoke up for her good friend.
The Village Head looked somewhat surprised but not entirely shocked. A girl who’d studied was different from the others—otherwise, where would she get the confidence to split the family? Besides, her brother was at least a Xiucai.
Zhao Bin also returned. The gloom between his brows had eased somewhat, and he was carrying two books.
“Brother, what did the Master say?”
“He encouraged me a bit and gave me assignments. He lent me two books and told me not to give up on the Imperial Examination. Once my hand heals, I need to go back to school.”
The Master’s encouragement gave Zhao Bin more reassurance and peace of mind, and the knot in his heart loosened somewhat.
“That’s good news, Brother. The Master hasn’t given up on you, so you can’t let your mind wander. Work hard—an injured hand doesn’t stop you from reading.”
Zhao Feng broke into a smile. Not everyone was so calculating and cold.
“Mm, I know. What were you all talking about just now?”
A hint of a smile appeared on Zhao Bin’s face.
“We were saying your sister is quite capable. She went to the embroidery shop, drew a picture, and earned ten taels of silver. So don’t worry anymore.”
The Village Head also breathed a sigh of relief. It was a good thing the children were capable—otherwise, they’d all feel they’d failed Zhao Laoda.
“You’ve worked hard. Don’t overdo it. Once my hand heals, I can draw and copy books to earn some money too.”
Zhao Bin was eager for his hand to recover quickly—otherwise, he couldn’t do anything.
“No rush. Let’s head back.”
“Alright.”
“Uncle, you must be hungry. I bought some steamed buns—have some to tide you over.”
Zhao Feng bought several meat buns and handed them out.
“Child, even if you have money, you can’t spend it like this. They’re too expensive. Don’t do this again—I’m still your uncle.”
The Village Head put on a stern face to scold her, but it was clear he understood—the child wanted to show her gratitude. Money wasn’t easy to earn, and he couldn’t take advantage of a child.
“Got it. Eat up—if you don’t, they’ll go bad.”
She and Zhao Bin couldn’t eat them. They had to eat vegetarian to observe mourning.
“Eat. It’s the child’s kind gesture. They’re orphans and a widow—life isn’t easy for them. We should help them out more in the future. Don’t let that old woman keep bullying them—hitting and cursing. That’s no way for an elder to behave.”
Fifth Grandpa also spoke with a stern face.
“Now that they’ve split the family, things should be better.”
“Not necessarily. When we get back, don’t mention Feng’er earning money. The children need money for schooling, the Imperial Examination, and settling down. That old woman is ruthless.”
The Village Head shook his head.
Fifth Grandpa’s expression was filled with struggle and contemplation.
“Fifth Uncle, my Eighth Uncle said the other day that we should sort this matter out while you’re still here. Otherwise, it’ll ruin Binzi’s future—he’s the only Xiucai in our village.”
The village head clutched the steamed bun, feeling a pang of discomfort in his chest.
“Let me think it over a bit more. This isn’t a simple matter.”
Fifth Grandpa and the village head spoke in riddles that no one else could understand. Zhao Feng wasn’t anxious either—she’d find out sooner or later. There was still time.
Back at home, after unloading the supplies, Xiu’er immediately dragged her mother off to count the money, while Zhao Feng put the silver away safely.
“Mother, I earned ten taels of silver. I bought medicine for my brother, gave a gift to the teacher, and bought some candies. In a bit, I’ll divide them up and have my eldest brother deliver them to each household to express our gratitude.”
“Alright, that’s only proper.”
Mrs. Xu nodded, then asked, “What did you do to earn so much?”
“The embroidery shop liked the patterns I drew. If I draw a few designs for Xiu’er’s handkerchiefs, they’ll sell for more.”
“We’ve caused no small amount of trouble for these people since we moved here. We only have a few sacks of grain, yet they haven’t complained once and have treated us with courtesy in every way. Feng’er, if you have a profitable business, bring Fifth Grandpa’s family in on it too. We can’t forget kindness in this life.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t forget. Once I perfect the scented cream, Xiu’er can learn it too. When I’ve arranged everything, I’ll hand the business over to her and move on to something else. Mother, do you know why Grandmother hates our family so much? I always feel there’s something strange about it.”
Mrs. Xu’s expression changed at this, her eyes darting away as she shook her head. “I don’t know.”
“Oh. What if Grandmother changes her mind later and makes my brother support them again?”
“That can’t be. The family’s already been divided.”
Mrs. Xu spoke hesitantly.
“Given Second Uncle’s and Grandmother’s natures, do you really think it can’t happen? If Grandmother goes to the yamen and accuses my eldest brother of unfilial conduct, his entire future will be ruined. Our whole family would be forced to work as laborers for Second Uncle for the rest of our lives.
I haven’t figured it out yet. Let me think of another way. Rest easy—your daughter is capable. Even if it costs me my life, I’ll protect my eldest brother’s future.”
Zhao Feng looked at her mother seriously. Mother had lied—she wasn’t good at lying. It seemed she truly knew something about the matter.
Mrs. Xu pursed her lips, sinking into thought, her expression torn and hesitant.