Seeing that everyone in the Li family looked a bit stunned, Doctor Zheng added:
“Of course, I won’t let you work for nothing. I’ll share some of the copper coins I earn from practicing medicine with you, so you can help support your household.”
Only then did Li Liuye burst out laughing in delight.
If her two daughters could learn medical skills from Doctor Zheng, they would have a way to stand on their own in the future. No matter what situation they faced, they would be able to support themselves.
Moreover, if there were a doctor in the family, it would be incredibly convenient—something everyone understood.
Naturally, the Li family was happy about this, but they didn’t say much. The decision had to be made by the two girls themselves. Otherwise, if the girls misunderstood and thought the Li family was trying to get rid of them, that would be bad.
When Shen Qingli and Shen Qingping heard this, their faces lit up with joy. They glanced at each other and spoke in unison:
“We are willing. Master, please accept our bow.”
After speaking, they both knelt down before Doctor Zheng.
Although Shen Qingli felt somewhat uncomfortable, the formal apprenticeship ceremony still had to be carried out.
With Doctor Zheng as a cover, she could later use some of the medicines from her system shop more openly.
Moreover, Doctor Zheng had a good character. She was willing to take someone like him as her master. She had always believed that for a doctor, medical ethics were even more important than medical skill.
Thus, amid the expectations of the Li family, the two sisters became Doctor Zheng’s apprentices.
Starting the next day, the sisters began helping at Doctor Zheng’s home—drying herbs, organizing the medicine cabinets, and recording medicinal inventories.
Looking at the vast array of herbs, even Shen Qingli couldn’t help but marvel:
“Master, did you personally gather all these herbs from the mountains?”
“Haha, that’s right. I’ve spent a lifetime collecting and preparing these medicinal materials.
Do you know why I chose to settle in Li Family Village?
First, because the people here are simple and honest—I like this village. But the most important reason is that it lies at the foot of the Qing Mountains. The mountains are full of rare medicinal herbs. Guarding them is like guarding a huge treasure trove.
For those of us who study medicine, it’s an irresistible temptation.
In a couple of days, when the weather is good, I’ll take you two up the mountain to have a look. Now that it’s warmer, the herbs are becoming more abundant.”
“That sounds great! I’ve never gathered herbs before!”
Shen Qingping immediately beamed with excitement, her eyes sparkling.
She felt that this kind of life was truly fulfilling—not only could she learn valuable skills, but she could also help support the family.
It couldn’t be better. She quite enjoyed learning medicine with her master—it was very interesting.
And when she thought about being able to treat patients in the future, she felt like she would become a person of real value.
She wanted to become like her master.
Everyone in Li Family Village respected him deeply.
However, as the three of them continued chatting, Zheng Qiuwen’s mood suddenly dimmed. He seemed to be speaking to himself, yet also to his two apprentices:
“Ah, it’s a pity. After what happened the other day, I’ve gained a new understanding of human nature. It’s quite disappointing.
That old woman from the Li family who passed away still hasn’t paid me for her medicine.
She said her family was poor and asked to put it on credit.
Now that she’s gone, I’m afraid that debt will never be repaid.”
Thinking of the deceased old woman, Doctor Zheng felt quite troubled.
Hearing this, Shen Qingli couldn’t help but say:
“Master, I don’t think letting people run up debts is a good idea. The first time, they may feel embarrassed.
But once they get used to it, they won’t take it seriously anymore. As the saying goes, ‘When there are too many lice, one no longer feels itchy.’
Especially people from other villages—you rarely see them again. If you have to go out of your way to collect debts, it would be such a hassle.”
After hearing her words, Doctor Zheng sighed and explained:
“I know it’s not ideal. But when poor families come begging for help, how can I refuse to treat them just because they don’t have money?
As a doctor, I truly cannot stand by and watch patients suffer just because of money.”
Seeing that he was troubled, Shen Qingli thought for a moment and suggested:
“Why not use this opportunity to set a new rule?
If poor families really have no money, they can pay with goods instead—grain, vegetables, eggs, anything. After all, we need these daily necessities anyway.
This way, people can still receive treatment, and you won’t have to worry about unpaid debts all the time.”
After hearing this, Shen Qingping also thought it was a great idea and added:
“That’s right! It’s a great idea. Master, since you live alone, why not eat with us from now on?
That way, you won’t have to cook for yourself—it’s such a hassle.
Patients can bring food as payment, and you can take it directly to our grandfather’s house as your contribution for meals. What do you think?”
She remembered seeing her master cooking alone the last time she visited—it was such a bother, especially for just one person.
Now that he was their master, and he was close with their grandparents, it would be perfect if they could eat together.
Her grandmother had mentioned before that she had invited him to join them—it was just an extra pair of chopsticks—but he had refused, not wanting to trouble others.
But if he brought ingredients along, he might be willing to accept.
Hearing his two apprentices, Zheng Qiuwen’s eyes lit up.
“That’s a great idea!”
Even in the hardest times, people could still spare a bit of food. He wouldn’t insist on a strict amount—just something symbolic so his efforts wouldn’t go unpaid.
And Qingping was right—cooking alone took too much time, and the food didn’t even taste that good.
He was good at brewing medicine, but cooking was something he merely got by with.
Old Madam Li had previously invited him to eat with them, but he always felt like an outsider and didn’t want to impose.
But now, these two girls were his apprentices—they were practically family.
The idea now seemed entirely feasible.
Slapping his thigh, Zheng Qiuwen made up his mind:
“You’re right. If I save time on cooking, I can teach you more medical knowledge.
You two are different from those three blockheads—you’re quite talented. Study well under me, and you’ll surely achieve great things!”
Previously, he had considered taking those three boys as apprentices to strengthen ties between the families, but unfortunately, they simply weren’t suited for medicine.
Luckily, the Li family now had these two younger girls—and fortunately, they were far more promising than the boys.