https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-25-The-Virtue-of-the-Old-Physician/13688160/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-27-Simple-Folkways-and-Bedtime-Stories/13688162/
Chapter 26: Trial, Joy (Tuesday's request for continued reading)
“What?” Lu Qing stared at the old doctor, barely believing his ears. Had he just misunderstood?
“Chen Ye Ye,” he stammered, “did you just say… you want me to learn medicine from you?”
“Is that a problem?” the old doctor asked, raising an eyebrow.
“No, no! It’s just… you said before that I’d only be shadowing you, learning a bit about herbs, right?”
“I’ve changed my mind. Wang Lao Zhang’s words reminded me—our village really does need a proper doctor in the future.”
“You’re the only one in the village who can read. I think you deserve this chance.”
Wang Lao Zhang—the elderly man who had patted Lu Qing’s shoulder earlier, urging him to take the opportunity to study under Chen Laodaifu.
Lu Qing was stunned.
He’d expected it would take much longer before he’d even be considered for formal training. Yet now, it was happening—right here, right now.
A wide smile spread across his face as he prepared to bow in gratitude.
But Chen Laodaifu added, “Still, don’t get too excited. Becoming a doctor isn’t just about willingness—it requires real talent. Without the right aptitude, even if I want to teach you, you might not succeed.”
“What counts as having talent?” Lu Qing asked.
“One month,” the old doctor said firmly. “If you can memorize every herb’s name and properties from the Hundred Herbs Scripture within thirty days, I’ll officially accept you as my apprentice.”
“If you fail… then you’ll just stick to gathering herbs, earning a living as a forager.”
“Chen Ye Ye, I’ll make sure I memorize the entire Hundred Herbs Scripture!” Lu Qing declared, his voice brimming with excitement.
Just memorize a book? He could do it right now. But he knew better than to prove it instantly.
If he recited the whole thing in front of Chen Laodaifu, the old man wouldn’t be surprised—he’d be terrified. After all, he’d just told him he only knew a few characters, not a scholar.
So he had to play it slow. Let the old man adjust to the idea, gradually.
After all, pretending to be ignorant was exhausting.
He took the Hundred Herbs Scripture and began asking Chen Laodaifu about difficult characters and the pronunciation of obscure herb names.
Though his Abilities had already stored every word in the book perfectly in his mind, he wanted to understand deeper meanings—checking whether his own knowledge matched the old doctor’s teachings.
Chen Laodaifu, ever patient, answered every question with care.
And as he spoke, the old doctor grew increasingly impressed.
Lu Qing remembered words after hearing them just once or twice—no need for repetition. His memory was astonishing.
“Lu Qing,” Chen Laodaifu said, warmth in his voice, “you truly are a gifted child.”
He hadn’t expected such a quick learner. If this pace continued, the boy might actually memorize the entire scripture within a month.
“Chen Ye Ye, it’s your teaching that’s made all the difference,” Lu Qing replied humbly.
Phew, he thought inwardly. Pretending to be clueless is tiring.
He’d never realized how much acting it took to hide his true knowledge—asking the same questions again and again, carefully masking the fact that he already knew everything.
It was a real test of his self-control.
“Alright, that’s enough for today,” Chen Laodaifu said. “Learning characters shouldn’t be rushed—too many at once will only cause confusion. Take this book home, study it well tonight. I’ll test you tomorrow.”
“Chen Ye Ye,” Lu Qing blurted, surprised, “do I really have to wait until my next acupuncture session?”
“Now that you’re learning the Hundred Herbs Scripture, why wait? If you don’t review it tonight, you’ll forget everything by tomorrow!” the old doctor teased with a chuckle.
“Then we’ll come back tomorrow to greet you, Chen Ye Ye!” Lu Qing beamed.
“And Chen Ye Ye,” Xiao Yan chimed in, eyes sparkling, “can I come back too?”
“Of course!” Chen Laodaifu lifted the little girl into his arms. “Tomorrow, I’ll make you some new pastries—something special.”
Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up. “New pastries… are they as good as the Dioscorea Cake?”
“Better than Dioscorea Cake,” he promised.
The little girl nearly drooled.
As Lu Qing and Xiao Yan left the mountain-side cottage, joy still bubbled inside him.
Today had been a turning point.
He’d meant to give Chen Laodaifu the Red Moon Carp as a gift—but it turned out to be a rare, priceless treasure.
Once the old doctor sold it, after deducting the medicine debt, there would still be some silver left over.
Perfect timing—he was broke, and now he had money to spare.
But even more valuable was the discovery: the Red Moon Carp loved Blood Apricot.
If one could be found in the river outside the village, others might be too.
With patience, he might catch another. That would be another fortune.
But the greatest reward? The chance to learn medicine.
Now all he had to do was study the Hundred Herbs Scripture thoroughly, earn Chen Laodaifu’s trust, and prove himself worthy.
Lu Qing had no doubt—given his Abilities, and his determination, he could master medical skills.
And today’s revelation—this new capability—told him something even more important.
His Abilities were far stronger than he’d imagined. So many hidden powers still waited to be discovered.
With his heart full of hope, the siblings walked home.
Meanwhile, news of what had happened at Chen Laodaifu’s house had already spread through the entire village.
Especially the fact that Lu Qing was now learning medicine—this sparked excitement and curiosity in nearly every household.
At the base of the old tree in the village square, a group of villagers gathered, murmuring.
“Do you really think Lu Qing’s studying medicine under Chen Laodaifu?” one asked, wide-eyed.
“Of course it’s true! Everyone saw him reading a medical book and reciting it!” another replied.
“Exactly! And when we asked him, Chen Laodaifu didn’t deny it. So it must be real!”
“So… is our village going to have a doctor now?” an elder asked, voice trembling with emotion.
“Not yet,” someone cautioned. “He’s only a student. Whether he’ll ever become a doctor is still uncertain.”
“But still,” another said, “it’s a hope. If we had no doctor again… we’d be back to the old days—enduring pain, suffering, even dying without help.”
A heavy silence fell.
Yes, before Chen Laodaifu came, even minor illnesses were deadly. People would just wait it out—hoping it passed.
But sometimes, it didn’t.
Too many had died that way.
Then Chen Laodaifu arrived. Since then, life had improved.
No matter the illness, he could treat it—relieve pain, ease suffering. And if someone couldn’t pay, he’d still help, allowing them to pay later.
Such a kind, generous doctor—where else could you find one?
That was why the villagers respected him deeply.
But they also knew—he was getting older.
And so, inevitably, thoughts crept in: What if he’s gone one day?
No one wanted to go back to the days when sickness meant certain death.
Now, hearing Lu Qing was learning medicine… they weren’t just curious.
They were truly, genuinely happy.
Just as they were talking, someone suddenly shouted from behind:
“Lu Qing’s back!”
(End of Chapter)
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