Chapter 12: Dioscorea Cake, Thread
When Lu Qing finally stirred awake, the first thing he heard was Xiao Yan’s cheerful laughter.
He glanced down at himself—his silver needles were gone, replaced by a thin blanket draped over his body.
He had no idea how long he’d been asleep.
Lu Qing quietly thought to himself, lifted the blanket, pulled on his shirt, and stepped out.
The courtyard greeted him with a peaceful scene: Chen Laodaifu sat beside Xiao Yan at a stone table, both of them laughing heartily over something.
Xiao Yan held a small, white pastry in her hands, her face glowing with delight.
“Brother! You’re awake!”
She giggled, then suddenly jumped off the stone bench and rushed toward him, holding out the cake.
“Look! Chen Ye Ye made this Dioscorea Cake—it’s so delicious! Want to try a piece?”
Lu Qing didn’t take the cake. Instead, he turned to Chen Laodaifu.
“Chen Ye Ye, did Xiao Yan trouble you?”
Chen Laodaifu waved a hand dismissively.
“No trouble at all. Xiao Yan’s innocence is refreshing. Her company brings me joy. How do you feel, just waking up?”
“Great,” Lu Qing replied, stretching his limbs. “My body feels full of strength. Am I… completely recovered?”
“Not so fast,” the old physician chuckled. “Your constitution is severely depleted, your foundation weak. Recovery takes time. My Gu Ben Pei Yuan Needle only temporarily awakened your vital energy—giving you the illusion of sudden strength.”
“From now on, you’ll need nourishing herbal meals to rebuild your body. Only then can you truly heal.”
He pushed the small porcelain dish of snow-white Dioscorea Cake toward Lu Qing.
“This isn’t just for Xiao Yan. It’s for you too. Eat a few pieces.”
“Dioscorea has excellent restorative properties—tonifying the spleen and lungs, strengthening the kidneys, and nourishing essence. Perfect for your condition.”
Lu Qing studied the cake, hesitation in his eyes.
“Chen Ye Ye… this Dioscorea Cake must be rare, right?”
“Rare? Not really. It’s uncommon in towns, but grows wild in the mountains. Plenty to be found. I still have some stored—go ahead and eat.”
Chen Laodaifu smiled gently, as if reading his mind.
Though his tone was light, Lu Qing knew better.
The dangers of the wild were well known. That the old man had managed to gather these roots was a testament to his skill.
To treat such a valuable resource as common was naive.
But he also understood—refusing now would be rude, even childish.
So he bowed deeply.
“Then thank you, Chen Ye Ye.”
He sat beside the table and picked up a piece of the cake.
It melted in his mouth—soft, fragrant, and rich.
Even after tasting countless modern pastries in his past life, Lu Qing found this utterly delicious.
His gaze fell on the dish, and instantly, a faint white light flared. A note appeared.
【Dioscorea Cake: A pastry made primarily from Dioscorea root.】
【Benefits: Tonifies the spleen and lungs, strengthens the kidneys, nourishes essence. Excellent for physical restoration.】
The abilities’ assessment matched exactly what Chen Laodaifu had said.
“Brother, isn’t it amazing?” Xiao Yan asked proudly.
“Mm, it’s really good,” Lu Qing admitted, nodding.
Chen Laodaifu watched him closely.
When Lu Qing took only a few bites and stopped—despite clearly being hungry—he gave a silent nod of approval.
Though tempted by the treat, he maintained restraint.
Discipline. Self-control.
The old man was pleased.
He hadn’t noticed before, but this boy from the village was unlike any other.
Still, it was too early to judge. He’d need to observe him further.
Recalling the thought that had struck him during Lu Qing’s unconsciousness, Chen Laodaifu paused, then said:
“Lu Qing… you mentioned an interest in medicinal herbs. Are you thinking of becoming a healer?”
“Not so bold as to claim that,” Lu Qing quickly replied. “I’ve simply been amazed by the power of herbs. I can’t help but be drawn to them.”
“Chen Ye Ye knows… my family suffered tragedy. Both parents are gone. We’re left with nothing but two meager acres of farmland. It’s barely enough to survive.”
“So I thought—if I could learn even a little about identifying and gathering herbs, perhaps I could use that skill to support my sister and me.”
“Gathering herbs is indeed a viable path,” Chen Laodaifu nodded. “But it’s not easy. The mountains hold many dangers. Becoming a skilled herbalist takes time, effort, and courage.”
“Still, one must try. After all, no trade in this world is truly easy.”
“True,” Chen Laodaifu agreed. “It’s rare to see such wisdom in a young man. That’s admirable.”
“Then, starting next time, after your acupuncture session, stay behind and help me dry the herbs. How much you learn depends on your insight.”
“Thank you, Chen Ye Ye.”
Though he’d already been told, hearing it again brought a spark of joy to Lu Qing’s heart.
“Chen Ye Ye,” Xiao Yan piped up, “why can’t Brother learn today?”
She’d been listening quietly all along—and had caught on.
“Today? Impossible,” Chen Laodaifu chuckled. “I’m heading into town. Don’t have the time.”
Into town?
Lu Qing’s mind stirred, but he held his tongue.
His behavior had already been unusually active. Pressing further would be unwise.
Besides, knowing about the city now wouldn’t help him much.
But Xiao Yan had no such reservations. Her eyes widened with curiosity.
“Chen Ye Ye… what’s the city like?”
“Ah,” the old man smiled. “That’s not something you can explain in a moment. When you’re older, go yourself—you’ll see. The city is far better than anything out here.”
Xiao Yan’s face lit up with longing.
Even Lu Qing felt a flicker of surprise.
So the city wasn’t just a place—it held secrets.
They chatted a little longer, then Chen Laodaifu stood.
“Alright, you two go back now. I need to prepare for my trip. Lu Qing, come back in three days for your next session.”
As the old man turned to leave, Lu Qing hesitated, then spoke:
“Chen Ye Ye… I have one question.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“I was wondering… are there any Threads that are especially strong and resistant to breaking?”
“Threads? What do you need them for?”
Lu Qing chose his words carefully.
“Yesterday, I went fishing by the river. I realized I might have some talent for it—but our fishing line, made from hemp, snaps too easily under pressure. I can’t catch anything big.”
“So I was wondering… is there a type of Thread that’s stronger? One that could make a better fishing rod?”
“Stronger Thread…”
Chen Laodaifu paused, eyes narrowing in thought.
Then, as if struck by an idea, he turned and walked back into the house.
“Wait here a moment.”
(End of Chapter)
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