Chapter 35: Exchange

  Chen Jing and his sister-in-law had a frank conversation once, seeking a seemingly reasonable explanation for the origin of his medical skills. He thought it was the most suitable lie.

  What was going through Eldest Sister-in-law's mind, Chen Yun couldn't tell.

  Their lives have not changed much.

  Only his elder sister-in-law watched him more closely, and every day at breakfast she would remind him to study hard.

  Chen Qi came to find Chen Xuan several times, but was rejected at the door; apart from fetching water, Chen Xuan did not go out and stayed at home reading books every day. Reading books is very dull, but calming down, it's not unbearable either.

  No news from He's family for now, and He Zhen is still resting.

  But Chen Jing's medical skills were only known to a few people in the He and Chen families. It seemed that everyone felt that Chen Jing was a scholar, and publicizing his superb medical skills would be disrespectful to him, so those who knew about it kept their mouths shut.

  Liu Lingsheng's side won't say a word either.

  However, the news of He family's second young master recovering from his illness spread like wildfire.

  He's family had spent a lot of money on his medical treatment, and after He Zhen recovered, the news spread within the He family. Because He Zhen's illness was relatively special, ordinary people also heard about it. So, after he got better, many unrelated people paid attention to him.

  Slowly, someone spoke up.

  "It's said that Doctor Chen cured Second Master He..." Such words were circulating in the streets.

  "Who is Mr. Chen?" someone asked.

  As for who Chen Dafu is, there are different opinions.

  Only knowing that the doctor's surname is Chen, it's unclear which Doctor Chen they're referring to. Because the Chen family is a large one, there are many people with the surname Chen in Wang County, and several of them are doctors.

  There were also several others with good reputations.

  It would never occur to anyone to suspect Chen Jing.

  Some people also heard the news and said: "It's Chen Gongzi of Qiwan Lane."

  "Don't talk nonsense, that's the Chen family. The second son of their family is a scholar." Someone immediately retorted, "Not only is he a scholar, but also just a child."

  As soon as this was said, the topic of conversation in the city immediately shifted away from Chen Jing.

  After all, he is just a kid.

  Can children learn medical skills?

  Whoever says this will make people laugh their teeth off.

  Everyone discussed for several days and still couldn't confirm which doctor was the divine physician. The attention shifted, and they stopped talking about the doctor, only mentioning He Zhen's affairs.

  Those old accounts at He's house were dug up and talked about again.

  He Zhen's mother's conjecture, the rumors of Zhong Xie, were being discussed again on the streets. Wangxian is a small place, and even a small matter can be talked about for several years. He Zhen's fear of cold due to illness was considered a rare occurrence, making it even more worthy of discussion.

  Among the rumors and gossip of the crowd, there are also outsiders who can grasp the key points.

  Only a few days later, Xu Yi came to visit Chen Jing.

  Xu Yi, the owner of Xu's pharmacy, was a doctor who had once treated Chen Jing's third uncle. Xu Yi examined patients with composure and gave them strength and confidence, which Chen Jing appreciated.

  Xu Yiniang was older and considered an elder, so Li couldn't bring himself to turn him away at the door. He politely invited him in to sit down.

  "... Is Mr. He's illness also cured by you?" Xu Yi said a few more words of small talk before turning the conversation to the main topic, stating the purpose of his visit today.

  "Yes." Chen Jing said.

  Xu Yimiao was taken aback, not expecting Chen Jing to be so blunt.

  "To be honest, I've also examined the illness of He family's second official. Xu Yi coughed lightly, "I also felt that the pulse was a bit strange at the time. Please enlighten me, sir and young master, how did you diagnose it?"

  Chen Jiong unreservedly told Xu Yi about his own experience of treating his illness.

  The development of medicine requires such exchanges.

  Those who come to ask for advice sincerely, Chen Jiong will not hide or conceal anything.

  He thought, perhaps his contribution to medicine could only start from this small aspect for now?

  "...to cure this disease, it's a matter of timing, geography and human harmony. If it weren't for this particular season, the icy water at the bottom of the lake wouldn't be enough to cool down the heat; if it were a different season, either the water would be too cold and really freeze one's head, adding other illnesses, or it would be too warm and not have any significant effect."

  You can also use ice water, but it won't have the same shocking effect. Without that shock, He's second official wouldn't accidentally mobilize his vital energy to fight off the disease and break out in a sweat like that." said Chen Jing.

  Chen Jie is very modest in his words.

  Xu Yi knew that being able to grasp the timing of heaven and earth as well as human factors so clearly was due to the crucial role of medical skills.

  With confidence and composure, one can utilize all available resources to treat illness.

  Xu Yi was shocked again.

  The last time he treated Old Master Chen's illness, Xu Yi still suspected that Chen Jing was pretending; but this time, he no longer dared to have such a foolish view. Chen Jing's medical skills were exquisite and unparalleled.

  Xu Yi looked at this tender face, a pair of eyes like dark jade gemstones shining brightly. When talking about medical skills, those tender eyes were calm and introspective, yet confident and soaring.

  Unbelievable!

  If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Xu Yi would never have believed that such a small child could possess such exceptional medical skills.

  "Both gentlemen are exceptionally talented, truly a great blessing for the two Zhejiang provinces." Xu Yi said finally.

  "You're overpraising me." said Chen Jiong.

  Xu Yi stood up and bid farewell with a polite phrase, inviting Chen Jing to visit his mansion another day.

  Chen Jiong responded, not keeping him. The yard on Qiwan Lane was too cramped and not suitable for male guests to have meals. He sent Xu Yi off to the entrance of Qiwan Lane before turning back.

  Two days later, it was May 1st.

  He Zhenna's illness has lasted for over a dozen days and is almost fully recovered.

  On the morning of May 1st, the dawn was faintly lit, and a thin layer of fog rose. The light fog, like a veil, covered the surface of the Jade Garden River, making it seem as if the river was half-hidden by a beautiful woman. The dense green willows along the shore were also immersed in the mist, swaying gently.

  Chen Jie still went to Yu Yuan River to fetch water.

  When he made his second trip, the dawn had spread across the horizon, the red sun revealed its lovely face, and daylight broke.

  The grey sparrow flitted through the willow thicket and skimmed over the river, rustling the tender branches of the weeping willows, creating ripples on the water's surface, breaking the tranquility of the Jade Courtyard River.

  Chen Jiong went out ten times before returning home for breakfast.

  After breakfast, he returned to his room to read a book, while his elder sister-in-law and Qingyun were doing needlework.

  There was no tailor's shop in Qi Wan Lane, so Chen Jing and her nephew's seasonal clothes were all made by Jin Wen Ge; while the clothes of Da Sao, Qing Yun and her niece were all made by Da Sao and Qing Yun themselves.

  After Dragon Boat Festival, it's time to change into summer clothes. So, Da Jie and Qing Yun have been busy with needlework these days.

  Chen Jing didn't want to disturb them either.

  The morning weather is fine, with warm sunshine. The golden sun shines through the treetops, casting tree shadows on the window frames, making the room bright and warm, perfect for reading.

  Chen Jie also felt like she had entered a state of trance and time was passing very quickly.

  Suddenly, he heard the knock on the door.

  Qingyun has gotten up to open the door.

  A group of men and women in fine clothes surged into the small courtyard, making it suddenly seem crowded.

  Li put down the needle and thread in her hand and stood up to welcome him.

  The leading woman, wearing a large red gold-embroidered leaf-patterned jacket, was fair and tall, exactly the third aunt who married into the He family. She had a low bun, with two branches of Jingtai blue inlaid with rubies as ornaments on her temples, shining brightly, luxurious and majestic.

  She was accompanied by San Gu Zhang, He Ti, He Ti's wife Wu Shi, and He Zhen.

  Li stepped forward in a hurry, bowing and addressing them as Third Aunt and Third Uncle.

  Third Aunt helped Li up and smiled: "No need for more courtesy. We came to thank you, not to disturb you."

  "My humble husband and I are unworthy of your esteemed presence, we are but a humble family, how could we possibly trouble you?" Madam Li said with a smile, leading the crowd to the central hall.

  Qingyun helped to boil water and make tea.

  Chen Jiong also came out of the small room.

  He thought He's family came to give him a red envelope.

  It's just that I don't know how much to give.